What’s On in Canberra This January & Beyond

It’s officially the beginning of a New Year, and with it, a host of new activities in our nation’s capital. From festivals to second-hand markets and plenty of outdoor adventures, the city is brimming with activities to make the most of this year ahead.

Check out what’s on in Canberra this month and plan accordingly.

This Lakeside Party is Peak Canberra Summer

If your idea of the perfect summer night involves lake views, DJ beats and bottomless drinks, this event is for you. The Boat House is hosting a Lake Side Sesh party on Saturday February 7th from 6pm, serving up serious sunset-to-stars energy. Expect free-flowing Lost Phenix vodka and gin cocktails, Capital Brewing Co. Coast Ale, Collector bubbles and rosé, alongside canapés, a charcoal station and a live paella pan. There’s even a spin on the 103-year-old Love Boat from the private jetty for a truly ‘only-in-Canberra’ moment. This feels like the perfect way to soak up some of that summer sun, so you can count us in.

Tickets are $185pp and are available here.

Canberra’s Next Big Cultural Icon Has Been Revealed

Canberra’s cultural landscape is in for a serious upgrade with the reveal of the new Canberra Lyric Theatre design. Part of a major expansion to the Canberra Theatre Centre precinct, the $28-million project promises a world-class performance hub the city has long been waiting for.

Led by COX Architecture in collaboration with Yerrabingin, Charcoal Blue and Arcadia Landscape Architecture, the design blends striking form with deep community input, including First Nations and LGBTQIA+ voices. The result is a connected, contemporary venue that puts Country, culture and inclusivity at its core.

The new theatre will feature a 2,000-seat auditorium, a large-scale stage capable of hosting blockbuster productions, an intimate secondary performance space, and upgraded hospitality and accessibility throughout. Built to Green Star standards, it’s also designed to frame views of Black Mountain and create vibrant public gathering areas.

Long story short: Canberra will soon have the kind of venue that can finally attract major national and international acts. It’s a cultural milestone years in the making!

Flight: Drone Skyshow + Night Markets

Celebrating community, culture and connection, Flight is back for another year of lakeside wonder. Set up a picnic rug and enjoy a balmy summer evening with two different 15-minute drone shows each night, telling the story of our evolving nation.

Whilst you’re welcome to set your blanket up anywhere around the lake, the best viewing opportunities (complete with the soundtrack for the shows) will be at either of the hubs — Commonwealth Place & Kings Park. These hubs will each have a variety of food trucks on hand, too, so make the most of the tasty snacks!

Saturday 24th January to Monday 26th January, 9pm and 10pm

Lake Burley Griffin

Hot Summer Nights at NFSA

Back for its second year, Hot Summer Nights is bringing you, the good people of Canberra, live tunes, local wines, summer cocktails, charcuterie and a curated program of films, every Friday and Saturday.

This is a real treat for film buffs, with plenty of cult classics, international numbers and local films, all with a dedicated slot. Catch the full program here.

From $21

Every Friday and Saturday, from 9th January to 14th February

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

Floating Sauna Canberra

Book yourself in for a moment of rest and reset at the newly opened Floating Sauna Canberra. The serene shores of Lake Burley Griffin are now home to two independent wood-fired sauna rooms with floor-to-ceiling window panes. Join for a shared sauna session (max 6) or go all out and book a private sesh for you and your favourite people.

Yarralumla Beach East, Lake Burley Griffin

Sunset Cinema

A summer ritual, the Sunset Cinema is back for another year. As per usual, you’ll find a mix of cult classics and new releases, including the highly anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash and the next instalment of the Knives Out mysteries.

If you’re feeling fancy or are looking to treat someone special, opt for the VIP experience in the Fever-Tree Lounge. Here you’ll be able to kick back on beanbag lounges and feast on bottomless popcorn, alongside a complimentary G&T.

Until February 2026

The Australian National Botanic Gardens

Super Kaylene Whisky

This dynamic, colourful and endlessly bold exploration by proud Yankunytjatjara woman Kaylene Whiskey is a must-visit for lovers of contemporary art. Whiskey combines pop culture, humour and Aṉangu culture in her works, which take viewers on a rich visual journey. The mixed media exhibit brings together public and privately owned works that range from painting to video and installation.

Tickets from $16 (mob view free)

Until Monday 9th March 2026

National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes Canberra

Need more ideas on what to do in Canberra this month? Here’s our guide to the best weekend activities in Canberra and, if you’re heading to Sydney for the weekend, here are our tops picks.