Canberra's Australia Day 2026: A Full Day of Free Celebrations and Spectacular Shows
Canberra residents and visitors looking to celebrate Australia Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, have a packed schedule of free events and activities to enjoy across the capital. From traditional ceremonies to modern drone spectacles, the day offers something for everyone.
Official Ceremonies and Morning Events
The day will commence with the national citizenship and flag-raising ceremony, taking place from 8.45am to 10.30am near Rond Terrace on the picturesque shores of Lake Burley Griffin. This significant event will feature several highlights:
- A dramatic helicopter fly past to mark the occasion
- A bomber aircraft fly over, adding to the ceremonial atmosphere
- Performances by the Band of the Royal Military College
- A traditional 21-gun salute to honour the day
Family-Friendly Activities at Regatta Point
Following the morning ceremony, the celebrations continue with Australia Day at Regatta Point from 10.30am to 2.30pm. This family-oriented event promises a relaxed atmosphere with various activities:
- A community BBQ for attendees to enjoy
- Live music performances throughout the afternoon
- Roving entertainment to engage visitors of all ages
- Traditional lawn games suitable for families
- Creative face painting for children
Cultural Celebrations at the National Museum
Simultaneously, the National Museum of Australia will host its own Australia Day festivities from 10.30am to 3pm. Visitors can expect:
- Interactive activities and cultural displays
- Various food options representing Australia's diverse cuisine
- Live music and entertainment performances
- Educational and engaging experiences for all ages
The museum has prepared a comprehensive program for the day, ensuring visitors can fully immerse themselves in Australian culture and history.
Spectacular Drone Light Shows Over Lake Burley Griffin
As part of the Australia Day long weekend celebrations, the Flight: Drone Skyshow and Night Markets will create unforgettable visual experiences over Lake Burley Griffin. This free event features:
- Two distinct drone shows each evening at 9pm and 10pm
- Saturday, Sunday, and Monday night performances throughout the long weekend
- A coordinated display of 600 drones creating intricate light formations
- Synchronised lighting effects that will illuminate the night sky
Best Viewing Locations for the Drone Spectacular
For optimal viewing of the drone shows, organisers recommend two primary locations around Lake Burley Griffin:
- Commonwealth Place on the southern shores of the lake, offering expansive views of the sky above the water
- King's Park near the carillon on the northern shores, which has been designated as an alcohol-free area for family-friendly viewing
Both locations provide excellent vantage points to witness the drones' coordinated movements and light displays against Canberra's night sky.
A Complete Celebration Experience
Canberra's Australia Day 2026 celebrations successfully blend traditional elements with contemporary entertainment. The day's schedule allows attendees to experience:
- Meaningful citizenship ceremonies that reflect Australia's diversity
- Family-oriented activities that encourage community participation
- Cultural experiences at national institutions
- Cutting-edge technological displays that showcase innovation
With all events being free to the public, Canberra has positioned itself as an accessible and engaging destination for Australia Day celebrations, offering both daytime family fun and evening spectaculars that will create lasting memories for residents and visitors alike.
