Capital's Calendar of Events

ENLIGHTEN

From spectacular architectural projections and hot air balloon celebrations to a million bulbs blooming on cue and gourmet food and wine festivals, Canberra's diverse events calendar offers something for everyone.

THE TRUFFLE FESTIVAL CANBERRA REGION, JUNE–AUGUST

Indulge in a 'taste of mid-winter magic' at this festival showcasing local black truffles. During the Truffle Festival Canberra Region visitors can taste the culinary delicacy and take part in truffle dinners, wine tastings and matchings, farmers markets, truffle hunts and more. trufflefestival.com.au

FIRESIDE FESTIVAL, AUGUST

Sip on exquisite cool climate wines, taste regional delicacies, meet local artists or just relax by an open fire during the Fireside Festival. Distinctive venues create a warming and memorable experience during this winter festival where Canberra district wines are matched with seasonally inspired gourmet food, music and entertainment. thepoachersway.com.au/fireside-festival

FLORIADE, SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER

Floriade, Australia's celebration of spring, transforms Commonwealth Park into a tapestry of colour. More than a million colourful bulbs and annuals bloom on cue, creating a vibrant display unrivalled by any other event of its kind. Enjoy lively entertainment, children's activities, food, craft and much more during this 30 day event. floriadeaustralia.com

FLORIADE NIGHTFEST, SEPTEMBER

Experience Floriade in a whole new way as it magically comes to life at night with spectacular lighting, live entertainment, bustling night markets and illuminated flower beds for five nights only in late September. See breathtaking views from the giant ferris wheel. Enjoy a drink at the Moonlight Lounge or grab a bite to eat. floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest

SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER EXHIBITIONS

Summer is the season for blockbuster exhibitions at Canberra's national attractions, like the National Library of Australia's Celestial Empire: Life in China 1644 – 1911 exhibition of Chinese treasures showing this summer in partnership with the National Library of China. nla.gov.au

NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL, FEBRUARY

The National Multicultural Festival transforms the city centre into a kaleidoscope of colours, sights, sounds and flavours. Experience the world at this popular festival as Canberra's multicultural communities showcase their cultures through food, music and performances. multiculturalfestival.com.au

ENLIGHTEN: SEE CANBERRA IN A WHOLE NEW LIGH, FEBRUARY–MARCH

Canberra's rich cultural attractions come alive during Enlighten with spectacular architectural projections, late night openings and a treasure trove of live events. Discover a buzz of activity, live music, surprising performances, unexpected happenings and delicious food markets at Enlighten. enlightencanberra.com.au

CANBERRA BALLOON SPECTACULAR, MARCH

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Be amazed by a stunning array of hot air balloons inflating at dawn and slowly drifting over Canberra's iconic national attractions during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, a nine day event. Book a spot on one of the balloons or catch the action from the ground. Canberra is one of the few capital cities in the world which will allow balloon flights over their house of Parliament. balloonspectacular.com.au

Go to visitcanberra.com.au for more information.