EVENTS · CANBERRA / ACT
What's On in Canberra – October 2026
Published · Cenlocal summary
NightFest, the Writers Festival, Art Biennial, Short Film Festival, Nara Candle Festival, Wallaroos rugby and more across the ACT this October.
October is packed with events across Canberra and the ACT. Here is a round-up of events listed on the official Events Canberra calendar.
Early October
- NightFest — 1 to 4 October, Commonwealth Park. Evening festival with live music, illuminated blooms and food. Ticketed.
- Floriade — until 11 October, Commonwealth Park. Free spring flower festival.
- Canberra Art Biennial — until 31 October, various sites. Free contemporary public art across the city.
Mid October
- Canberra Short Film Festival — 10 to 17 October, Dendy Cinemas Canberra and other venues. A long-running short film competition festival.
- Canberra Colour Frenzy — Sunday 11 October, Weston Park, Yarralumla. An untimed 5 km colour fun run for all ages; tickets listed from $10.
- Canberra Writers Festival — 15 to 18 October. Talks and events for readers of all ages. See our separate preview.
Late October
- WXV Global Series: Wallaroos v Scotland — Friday 23 October, GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce. Tickets listed from $10.
- Canberra Nara Candle Festival — Saturday 24 October, Canberra Nara Peace Park, Capital Hill. Free.
- Oktoberfest Canberra — 30 to 31 October, Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah.
- Canberra Brick Show — 31 October to 1 November, Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Lyneham. LEGO fan exhibition; tickets listed at $18.
Support local
Many of these events bring visitors into Canberra City, Braddon, Kingston and nearby suburbs — a good time to try local cafés, restaurants and shops listed on Cenlocal.
Event dates, times and availability may change. Please check the official event or organiser website before attending.
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Sources & Further Reading
This is an original Cenlocal summary. Cenlocal is not the original reporter; facts are attributed to the sources below.
