Canberra Celebrates with Month-Long Party

Canberra has a month-long party planned for March this year, as the city celebrates its birthday for 31 days straight.

CBR 31 Days shines a light on the diverse range of activities on offer in the capital every day during March from autumn festivals, blockbuster exhibitions and live music to sporting matches, food and wine offerings and family-friendly events.

Brand Canberra Program Manager Debra Surman said visitors and locals would be spoilt for choice.

“Throughout March, there will be something for everyone,” Ms Surman said.

“The weather is traditionally lovely and mild in March, so it is a great time to get outside with friends and family and have some fun.”

One of the highlights of the month's festivities will be Enlighten – Canberra's annual celebration of culture and creativity. Illuminating Canberra for its sixth year from 4-12 March, Enlighten will transform the Parliamentary Triangle into a hive of activity with street performers, spectacular art installations, late night openings and stunning architectural projections.

For those who want to enjoy authentic Asian eats amid the festival atmosphere, the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets from 4-13 March are not to be missed. Although if a microbrew is more your thing, get down to the Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival on 19 March.

Other unmissable events include the Canberra Balloon Spectacular from 12-20 March, the Canberra Comedy Festival from 15-20 March and the National Folk Festival, which returns to Exhibition Park in Canberra for the 50th year over the Easter long weekend.

Don't miss a bumper weekend of sporting action from 4-6 March, with Aquis Brumbies and Canberra Raiders matches combined with the Mercedes-Benz Canberra Black Opal Stakes and tab.com.au Canberra Cup Race Day 2016.

There are also powerful exhibitions on at the Australian War Memorial, National Museum of Australia and Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The kids will get a kick out of Spiders at Questacon and March is the last opportunity to view the amazing Tom Roberts exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia.

“During March, we'd love to see people share with the world how truly wonderful Canberra is and how much there is to do in our city,” Ms Surman said.

“We are encouraging people to use #31Days to tell us about what they love most about living in Canberra, what CBR 31 Days events they are most looking forward to, or what they have attended and enjoyed during the month.”

Find out more about everything happening during March at canberra.com.au/31days