In brief:

• The ACT Government has declared over 40 special events over the next year.
• A declared special event means that eligible businesses can stay open later.
• The list of special events includes major cultural and sporting events.

Canberra’s nightlife is set to get even better.

The ACT Government has declared over 40 special events over the next year. More events can be added to the list for special celebrations.

A declared special event means that eligible businesses – including some restaurants, bars and clubs – can stay open later. This gives Canberrans more options to be social and celebrate some of our most iconic events.

The first special event will be on Friday 5 September when the Australian men’s soccer team face New Zealand at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.

The list includes major cultural and sporting events such as:

• AFL and NRL Grand Finals
• Floriade NightFest
• SpringOUT Pride Festival
• Australian Open Tennis Finals
• Enlighten Festival

This is just one way the ACT Government is reducing red tape and streamlining processes to make it easier for businesses. Venues will have greater flexibility to celebrate these key moments with their patrons.

Eligible businesses will also be able to:

• stay open later
• use free extended floor plans
• get reduced annual fees for supporting live music and the arts.

Businesses can access free support through Access Canberra

The Event Coordination and Business Assist Team can help businesses and make the most of these special opportunities.

Find out more about the Team.

For the full list of declared special events, visit the ACT Legislation Register.

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