Enlighten Festival: February – March 2027** (dates to be confirmed)
Now in its 17th year, 2027 will see the Enlighten Festival take over the city with a program packed with diverse and exciting events including City Illuminations, Lights! Canberra! Action!, and Fresh Out Fair Day. Brighten your morning and see the sky taken over by colourful hot air balloons at Canberra Balloon Spectacular, before you watch the sunset to the perfect soundtrack at Symphony in the Park.
National Folk Festival: 25 – 29 March 2027**
The National Folk Festival is a celebration of all things folk, featuring music, dance, circus and spoken word. From high-end entertainment to grassroots activities, from traditional and contemporary grooves to the quirky and unusual, the festival program is designed to inspire, enliven and entertain.
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (Canberra): Sunday 16 May 2027 (date to be confirmed)
Candlelight Memorial events are held globally to honour the memory of all people who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS and to reignite community activism in the response to HIV.
SpringOUT Fundraiser 2026: Saturday 25 July 2026
Join SpringOUT at ChiChiz for a glittering, absolutely camp night out as we raise funds for the2026 season. MC Wayne Herbert will be hosting a drag marathon featuring Venus Mantrap, Guy Alias, Faux Nee Phish, Estella Queen B, Fieldsy, Myth Meltdown, Ty Zahn, Mother Scott Milk and with more kings & queens yet to be announced! Plus a very special performance by the Illustrious House of Iris and DJ Raydar spinning beats until late in the night. There will also be a raffle and a live auction of amazing items that you don’t want to miss!
Floriade: 12 September – 11 October 2026
As spring arrives in Canberra, over one million blooms bring Commonwealth Park to life with colour and the simple joy of being outside in spring. Wander through open, generous gardens and enjoy everything the season has to offer.
SpringOUT Festival: 31 October – 30 November 2026
The SpringOUT Festival is Canberra’s queer cultural festival which affirms the pride, joy, dignity and identity of Canberra’s LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer) communities through events of celebration.
Fair Day Canberra: Saturday 31 October 2026
SpringOUT Pride Festival’s free, all-ages, outdoor event at Glebe Park Canberra City will kick off the 2026 program. Enjoy non-stop entertainment on the main stage featuring local and visiting performing artists, or enter your pooch in The Famous Pet Parade. Interact with the community and local business stalls plus indulge in something delicious from one (or more) of the food vendors on site.
Canberra Bushdance: November 2026 (date to be confirmed)
Celebrating more than 40 years of Canberra Bushdance – a fun night of dancing with people of all flavours. Dust off your hat, polish your boots and get ready to kick up some dust, as the live band leads you through those dances you may remember from primary school – like Strip the Willow, The Waves of Bondi, as well as some crazy polkas and some more genteel promenades.
World AIDS Day: 1 December 2026
World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It raises awareness across the world and in the community about HIV and AIDS. It is a day for the community to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died of AIDS related conditions or other conditions associated with HIV.
If your festival or event is not listed above, and you would like to submit for consideration, please send an email to: reception@australianpridenetwork.com.au Your festival or event must be not-for-profit and primarily coordinated by those who identify as LGBTIQ. (Events organised by individuals or commercial entities will not be considered)
Image: Parliament House, Canberra – photo by Richard Tuffin (courtesy of Visit Canberra)
Note: ** festival contains significant LGBTIQ content