As the capital of a nation, Canberra hosts numerous events throughout the year—many of which are the culmination of regional showcases and competitions that come together for one final event. This well-planned city plays a superb host with ample world-class venues that were designed to accommodate just this kind of national attention. Events hosted by the city are generally free to the public, though most privately-sponsored events levy a modest admission charge.

Summernats Car Festival: this four-day event sees a host of automobile enthusiasts gathering in Exhibition Park to proudly showcase their modified street machines. The vehicles cruise the streets and compete in high-octane burnout competitions in the world’s only facility built expressly for this type of sport. Hardcore street machine enthusiasts (known locally as ‘revheads’) come in droves from across the globe for this event.

Royal Canberra Show: an agricultural show begun in 1927, the Royal Canberra Show was originally intended as a venue for farmers to showcase their produce and livestock. Today, it has grown into a broad event that bridges rural and urban lifestyles with 450 trade shows, 5,000 animals and 1,500 competitors from multiple walks of life. Educational exhibits and numerous rides are also onsite.

Canberra Festival: a 10-day event that celebrates the founding of Australia’s capital, the Canberra Festival sees parades, concerts, citywide exhibits and theatre productions. All of the events are centred on Canberra’s history and heritage, and the 10-day event is capped by a grandiose fireworks display on the 10^th night.

Wine Harvest Festival: this is a great way to take advantage of the season’s last warm days. Visitors have access to wines from more than 30 cellars, and there is a cornucopia of cheeses and gourmet snacks to accompany the region’s harvest. Several workshops are lead by local wine connoisseursm, and peripheral activities include balloon rides, live jazz and a farmers’ market.

Canberra Balloon Fiesta: launched from the lawns of the Old Parliament Building, this event lasts several days in mid-April. This competitive event has continued for a quarter of a century and is highlighted by the ballooning Night-time Spectacular.

Canberra International Music Festival: this 12-day event caters for enthusiasts of all genres of music. Classical music, jazz, cabaret and electronica are just a few of the most popular brands of music held in multiple locations across the city. Performers include local and international artists.

CANCON: the Canberra gaming convention is held at Exhibition Park and includes role-playing tournaments, card games, board games and miniature games. There is also a miniature painting competition, trade stalls and plenty of food for sale. The annual auction is one of the event’s most publicised events.

Australian Science Festival: this event is held for a week in mid-August in several venues throughout the Australian Capital Territory. In all, there are more than 100 events that showcase science and technology in informative and entertaining ways.

Floriade: held in Commonwealth Park, this festival is a lavish exhibition of all things floral. As spring flowers begin to blossom across Canberra, a concentration of blooming flora are displayed in the park with intermittent sculptures and artistic exhibitions. A peripheral yard-gnome decorating contest is also held, and the event staff sponsor a changing annual theme.

Canberra International Film Festival: this October event has grown over the last decade, and while films associated with the festival are screened in several venues, the most acclaimed films are released at Dendy cinemas and the National Film and Sound Institute. All told, the festival spans 11 days and nearly 40 independent films are shown.

Tuggeranong Community Festival: held near Canberra city proper in Tuggeranong, this festival is a celebration of local heritage and community pride. Events span Friday through Saturday in mid-November, and numerous activities and competitions are held, with an emphasis on activities for children.

New Years Eve: Canberra rings in the new year with a lavish free-to-the-public production held in the city centre. Canberra nightlife is in full force on this occasion, and most venues begin celebrating at around 20:00 and continue well into the early-morning hours.