Kites, Cakes, and Culture: Sky-High Fun and Birthday Markets Today

High-Flying Fun and Birthday Festivities This Sunday

Canberra is set for a vibrant Sunday this 15 February 2026. Whether you are looking to extend the Valentine’s weekend romance or simply enjoy the summer weather with the family, the city is packed with community markets, major exhibitions, and unique public festivals. From the lake's edge to the leafy suburbs of Braddon, here is your guide to the best of Canberra today.

Kites Over the Capital

The skyline over the Parliamentary Triangle will transform into a kaleidoscope of color today for the annual Kite Flying Festival. Held at the Patrick White Lawns from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, this free community event invites everyone to bring their own kite or simply enjoy the spectacle of professional displays. It is a fantastic opportunity for families to spread out a picnic rug and watch massive, themed kites dance against the backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin.

A Double Market Celebration

Local market enthusiasts have two major highlights today. In Braddon, the Haig Park Village Markets are celebrating their fifth birthday in style. The usual leafy charm of the park will be enhanced with free birthday cake for visitors and a special guest appearance by the Canberra Snake Rescue, allowing for up-close reptile encounters. Expect live music, fresh local produce, and a festive atmosphere from 8:30 am until 2:00 pm.

Meanwhile, the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston are hosting a themed "Designer Sunday." Perfect for those looking for late Valentine’s gifts or unique local crafts, the market will showcase regional designers and artisans. From handcrafted jewelry to bespoke home goods, it remains the capital's premier destination for one-of-a-kind finds, open from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Classical Music and Fine Arts

For those seeking a more refined afternoon, the Canberra Bach Ensemble will perform at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Forrest. Starting at 2:00 pm, the "Christe, du Lamm Gottes" concert features a selection of Bach’s cantatas specifically chosen to utilize the cathedral’s majestic acoustics. It is a rare chance to hear professional musicians pay tribute to Baroque masterpieces in such a historic setting.

Exhibition Highlights and Last Chances

If you have not yet visited the Australian Honours System Exhibition at the Royal Australian Mint, today is your final opportunity as the exhibition officially closes this afternoon. For contemporary art lovers, major ongoing blockbusters continue to draw crowds, including the vibrant Hallyu! The Korean Wave at the National Museum of Australia and the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain at the National Gallery of Australia.

Evening Entertainment

As the sun begins to set, the Sunset Cinema at the Australian National Botanic Gardens offers the perfect outdoor movie experience. With the summer air still warm, it is an ideal way to cap off a busy Sunday in the capital, enjoying a film surrounded by native flora and the calls of local birdlife.