Floriade is back … ‘Nuff said! Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Canberra is coming out of winter, and there are plenty of events across the capital to help you make the most of the warmer weather.
Floriade returns this week, with a huge program of special events, entertainment, music, food, wine, family activities and more, plus the usual display of thousands and thousands of flowers.
The University of Canberra holds its open day, welcoming curious students to check out all it has to offer. Besides the educational info, there will be live music, food trucks and family activities.
The Harmonie German Club also hosts the Spring Markets, offering street food, imported beer, schnapps and a wide variety of market stalls.
All this and everything in between in this week’s event guide to Canberra.
Multiple Days
Take in spring at Parliament House this week. Photo: Parliament House Canberra, Facebook.
Spring Tours at Parliament House
When: 11 September, 10 am and 12 pm; 12 September, 10 am, 11 am and 12 pm
Where: Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra
Cost: Tour price from $36 | Book online.
Take in the beauty of spring at Parliament House with private tours of the House’s various courtyards, which have been carefully tended by Parliament’s dedicated team of landscape artists.
Visitors can see what makes each courtyard unique, with sculptures, plant selections and the use of colour making each one different from the others.
If you want to celebrate spring’s opening weeks away from the crowds of Floriade, this is a great way to enjoy flowers and blossoming trees in a quieter, more intimate setting.
Floriade is Canberra’s biggest annual event, and it’s back this week. Photo: Events Canberra.
When: 12 September to 17 September
Where: Commonwealth Park, Canberra
Cost: Free.
Spring is here, which means Floriade is too.
This year’s theme is Feast of Flowers, celebrating the connection between the garden, the table and the broader community. There will be more than one million blooming flowers, with garden beds drawing inspiration from seasonal harvests.
As always, there will be a very exciting program, featuring entertainment, music, food, wine, market stalls, interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, workshops and more.
Satellite events will also take place at the Lanyon Homestead, with local restaurants, cafes, bars, retailers, hotels and institutions participating through Floriade About Town.
Weekend expos in Canberra cover the wedding and the honeymoon! Photo: Events Canberra.
This Week at the Exhibition Centre in Canberra
When: 12 September, 10 am to 3 pm and 13 September, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra, Budawang Pavilion, Lyneham
Cost: Free.
Exhibition Park is holding two big events this week: the Canberra Wedding Expo and the Travel Expo.
On Saturday, the Travel Expo enters its third year, helping Canberra travellers discover new places, meet with leading travel brands, pick up expert tips and talk with experienced advisors to plan their ideal trip.
The expo will feature presentations, offers and opportunities to discuss all kinds of travel, from tailor-made tours to family cruises, luxury cruises, river cruises, rail holidays, motorhome holidays and more.
Then on Sunday, the Canberra Wedding Expo, the only major wedding expo in Canberra, brings all the resources that soon-to-be-wed couples need into one place. This expo gives couples a chance to meet wedding professionals, ask questions and find the right team to make their special day perfect.
Psycho’s iconic score live with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Photo: Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
Psycho Screening with Live Orchestra
When: 16 September and 17 September
Where: Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music
Cost: Ticket prices vary | More information online.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho contains one of the most chilling and memorable movie scenes ever made – the shocking shower scene. Equally frightening is Bernard Herrmann’s musical underscore, with its shrieking, stabbing violins.
Few film and music partnerships have surpassed Psycho, and in this concert you can experience this cinematic masterpiece with a live orchestra, as the CSO strings accompany every terrifying moment of the doomed story.
Saturday
Bring the whole family, share your favourite Holden memories and discover how Holden became part of Australia’s story. Photo: National Archives of Australia.
Rear vision: Show and shine day
When: 12 September, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: National Archives of Australia National Office, Kings Avenue, Parkes
Cost: Free.
The National Archives is celebrating Rear Vision: The Holden Collection with a free community day full of nostalgia, stories and family fun.
Explore the legacy of one of Australia’s most iconic brands through Holden vehicle displays from the Canberra Classic Holden Club, guided exhibition tours, themed crafts and hands-on activities for all ages.
Enjoy a slice of Jacko’s Pizza, a scoop of Mellabella Gelato or a sausage sandwich throughout the day while enjoying Australian folk music provided by Paverty Bush Band.
Entry is free, and no bookings are required! They’re excited to welcome members of the public passionate about Holden.
Interested in studying? Head to UC’s Open Day on 12 September to find out more about the courses on offer. Photo: University of Canberra.
When: 12 September, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: University of Canberra, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce
Cost: Free | Register now.
Landing on Floriade’s opening weekend, with a free shuttle bus running between the events, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore UC’s campus, discover study and career pathways, and experience the energy of one of Canberra’s biggest event weekends.
Whether you’re considering further study for yourself, supporting a child, friend or family member to plan their future, or simply looking for a great day out, UC Open Day Fest has something for everyone. You can enjoy free live music from The Rubens, SLAM! Pro Wrestling, wood chopping, local food favourites, including a Capital Brewing Beer Garden, academic and student meet-and-greets, campus and accommodation tours, family activities and more.
Take a stroll through the grounds and enjoy the bells of St John’s. Photo: Events Canberra.
Sounds of a Floriade Spring at St John’s Anglican Church
When: 12 September, 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: St John’s Anglican Church Canberra, 45 Constitution Avenue, Reid
Cost: Free.
Visitors are encouraged to explore one of Canberra’s oldest parks, where St John’s bellringers will showcase spring-themed songs, traditional peals and even a few hidden movie soundtracks for keen listeners.
The bells are some of the capital’s loudest musical instruments, and they can be heard all the way from Commonwealth Park.
Visitors are encouraged to unwind and take a relaxed walk through the Rose Garden and into the Church itself, admiring the stained glass, historical items and the organ.
The Schoolhouse Museum, the first school in the capital, will also open its doors to showcase what life was like as a child in Australia in the 1840s. All donations will go to St John’s Care, helping Canberrans in need.
It’s all about Madonna at Smith’s this week. Image: Smith’s Alternative.
Club Cornucopia – Madonna-thon at Smith’s Alternative
When: 12 September, 9 pm to 11:55 pm, doors open at 8:30 pm
Where: McGregor Hall, 76 Alinga Street, Melbourne Building, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $25 to $30 | Book online.
Get ready for Smith’s Alternative’s Madonna-thon, a night of flamboyant, colourful fun, all about the Queen of Pop. Madonna lovers will find a lot to enjoy, with local favourite drag artist Venus Mantrap hosting go-go dancing and plenty of singing along to classic hits.
There’s even a dress code, with Maripol black rubber bracelets, underwear as outerwear, crucifixes and fishnets encouraged.
Sunday
Head to Harmonie German Club for an authentic European market. Photo: Harmonie German Club.
The German Spring Markets 2026
When: 13 September, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah
Cost: Free entry.
Harmonie German Club is famous for its events, and this weekend they’re kicking off spring right with a vibrant European market, bringing the sights and sounds of Germany to Canberra.
Authentic German groceries, deli favourites, street food, imported beer, schnapps, and a wide variety of market stalls selling records, clothing, handmade goods, jams, plants, and one-of-a-kind finds will be on offer.
Families can also enjoy a free jumping castle.
Tipsy Tea is taking a Floriade spin this Spring! Image: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Floriade Tipsy Tea at the Yacht Club
When: 13 September, 3 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club, Lotus Bay, 1 Mariner Place, Yarralumla
Cost: Member tickets $95 | Non-member tickets $115 | Book online.
Extend your Floriade experience with Tipsy Tea by the lake.
Just minutes from Commonwealth Park, enjoy bottomless Prosecco, seasonal cocktails and an exclusive Floriade Cocktail created with Canberra’s own Underground Spirits, paired with delicious finger sandwiches and sweet treats.
Thursday
This year’s Great Debate asks whether Australian Politics is Alive and well. Image: National Library of Australia.
The Great Debate 2026: That Australian politics is Alive and Well
When: 17 September from 5 pm to 7 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Canberra
Cost: General tickets $20 | Concession tickets $10 | Book online.
The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia presents an evening of compelling debate, as six of Australia’s premier academics argue for and against the state of Australian politics.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking event packed with engaging discussions and opportunities for audience participation during Social Sciences Week. Proudly presented by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the National Library of Australia, the Great Debate promises an evening that will challenge your perspective and ignite your curiosity.
The question for this debate is “That Australian politics is alive and well.”
This event is also paired with the student debate.
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