Learn more about study options at UC and start your international study journey.
E international@canberra.edu.au
P +61 2 6201 5342
03/03/2022 | Events
Canberra festivals in 2022 you won't want to miss
In 2022, Canberra looks forward to hosting unique events from many of Australia’s biggest creative industries. A thrilling calendar of festivals is lined up for the year ahead, including pop music, folk bands, graffiti art, classical concerts and blooming flowers.
Check out our list for some of the biggest festivals for every budget hitting Canberra this year.
Night Noodle Markets
Canberra’s most iconic foodie event celebrates the best of Asian street food. Selling everything from bao stuffed with crackling pork and fresh coconut juice, to Hong Kong-style French toast and Korean fried chicken, grab some hungry friends and explore the stalls at the Night Noodle Market.
When: 25 February – 6 March 2022
Where: Parkes Place West Lawns
Cost for students: Entry is free, but you will need to register your attendance. The food on offer will vary in price, so it’s up to your budget how much you’d like to spend.
Enlighten Festival
Now in its 12th year, the Enlighten Festival is an unmissable event, ranging in locations across the city and hosting a variety of sensational experiences. See the sky come to life with hot air balloons (check out the next event below for more on this!), relax in front of a symphony orchestra, or watch some of the nation’s most iconic buildings light up with colour, sound, and music.
When: 4–14 March 2022
Where: The festival takes place across multiple locations in the city, such as Commonwealth Park, National Triangle and Old Parliament House.
Cost for students: Many of the events at Enlighten Festival are free and registration is not required. Take a closer look at the Enlighten Festival program for more information on ticketed events.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Held over nine days, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular is one of the most famous parts of the Enlighten Festival. Spectators watch as 25 balloons from around Australia and overseas travel along the Canberra skyline. Sit down with a hot breakfast and enjoy the view from the Arboretum.
When: 12 - 20 March 2022. The balloons are scheduled for inflation from 6.15am with launch at 7am (weather permitting).
Where: The balloons launch from Patrick White Lawns.
Cost for students: This event is free for spectators. If you want to experience flying in a hot air balloon, check out Balloon Aloft - prices start from $345 per person.
Surface Urban Art Festival
The Surface Urban Art Festival celebrates the talents of urban artists. The festival showcases graffiti, stencils, Indigenous art, geometric and abstract pieces. Urban art is a part of the city’s history, marking the development of cultural movements and stories of human expression.
Witness art in action at a mural painting session, walk along a guided street art tour, or attend a hands-on interactive workshop; there is so much to explore!
When: 4–6 March 2022
Where: The festival is held at roaming locations across Canberra’s central business district and the suburb of Braddon.
Cost for students: Many of the festival’s exhibits and events are free, such as the opening night and the Urban Art Exhibition. You can find the cost of all ticketed events in the 2022 program (PDF, 4.2MB).
Groovin the Moo Canberra
Groovin the Moo, or ‘GTM’, is the classic Australian regional touring music festival. The festival will be back in Canberra in 2022, showcasing some of Australia’s biggest pop artists. Plus, there will be heaps of local community art, food and beverages to enjoy. Walk between several live music stages for a massive day of music and dance.
When: 30 April 2022
Where: Exhibition Park, Canberra
Cost for students: Ticket prices for 2022 have yet to be released. Check out the full guide to ticketing information online.
National Folk Festival
This vibrant five-day festival is packed with performances from talented folk musicians, along with dances, circus performances and poetry. The National Folk Festival aims to create an immersive village of art and culture. Guests can choose to either camp or drop in for the day.
When: 14–18 April 2022
Where: Exhibition Park, Canberra
Cost for students: Thursday to Monday inclusive costs $380, or $300 with a valid student card
The ticket price for a single drop-in day varies:
- Thursday 14 April is $40, or $30 for students.
- Friday 15–Sunday 17 April is $135, or $105 for students.
- Monday 18 April is $90, or $70 for students.
Camping at the festival costs extra. Four nights are $150 or $125 for students.
Wintervention
Each July, Canberra Civic Centre turns into a winter playground with an open-air ice rink, live music performances, and market stalls at the annual Wintervention. After a skate on the ice, you can grab some food and drink from local vendors serving hot coffee, iced beer or chilled wine. The Wintervention is an unmissable part of Canberra’s cooler months.
When: July school holidays 2022
Where: Canberra Civic Centre, 180 London Circuit
Cost for students: Ticket prices have not yet been released for the 2022 event.
Floriade
The Floriade Festival is a fiesta dedicated to the wonder of spring and blooming flowers. It features the beautiful sights of flowering bulbs, alongside cultural events in ‘Australia’s celebration of spring’. Each garden bed is carefully designed to reflect an idea and represent a theme, leading to an explosion of colour.
When: 17 September–16 October 2022
Where: Commonwealth Park, Canberra
Cost for students: Ticket prices have not yet been released for the 2022 event.
