Japanese Street Food, Irish Dance, and Holi Colors: Your Canberra Sunday Guide

A Spectacular Sunday in the Capital

Happy Sunday, Canberra! Today, 29 March 2026, the capital is alive with an extraordinary array of cultural festivals, world-class performances, and vibrant community markets. As the autumn air turns crisp, the city has transformed into a hub of activity. From the shores of Lake Burley Griffin to the heart of our national institutions, here is your guide to making the most of this spectacular day.

Flavours of the East at the Japan StrEAT Party

If you are looking for a delicious lunch or a sunset snack, head to the Patrick White Lawns for the final day of the Japan StrEAT Party. This free festival is open from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm today, offering an authentic taste of Japanese street food. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of vendors serving sizzling karaage chicken, takoyaki, and other regional delicacies. Set against the scenic lakefront, the event also features unique market stalls and a lively cultural energy, making it a perfect autumn highlight for families and food lovers alike.

A Riot of Colour at the Holi Festival

For those ready to celebrate diversity and joy, the Holi Festival Canberra continues today at Lennox Gardens in Yarralumla. This vibrant two-day celebration invites guests of all ages to play with eco-friendly colour powders while enjoying multicultural music and global food stalls. It is a high-energy community event where you can dance and explore different cultural expressions. As evening falls, the festival shifts into a unique glow-in-the-dark experience, providing a magical end to the weekend festivities.

Theatrical Magic and Orchestral Grandeur

Culture seekers have several highlights to choose from this afternoon. At the Canberra Theatre Centre, the production Ireland: The Voyage takes the stage at 2:00 pm. This epic celebration of Irish heritage features world-class dance, soulful vocals, and live traditional music. Meanwhile, at Snow Concert Hall, the National Capital Orchestra launches its 2026 season with Ignite. This gala performance features Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Saint-Saëns' monumental Organ Symphony, promising a powerful musical experience in a world-class acoustic setting. Additionally, families can catch a performance of Matilda The Musical JR. at the Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, with sessions throughout the day.

Treasures and Traditions at the Markets

Sunday is never complete without a trip to the local markets. Today is the final Sunday of the month, which means it is "Collectable Sunday" at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston. From 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, you can hunt for rare books, vintage records, and antique jewelry alongside the usual high-quality artisanal crafts. Alternatively, the Haig Park Village Markets in Braddon offer fresh local produce, artisan bread, and a leafy community vibe from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. Whether you are after a gourmet breakfast or a unique vintage find, Canberra’s market scene has you covered today.