Multicultural Festival Parade and Lakeside Markets Headline Canberra Today

A City Alive with Culture and Community

Today, Saturday, 7 February 2026, Canberra is bustling with a vibrant array of cultural celebrations, bustling markets, and captivating exhibitions. From the heart of the CBD to the scenic lakeside, there is a diverse range of activities to explore for residents and visitors alike.

The National Multicultural Festival

The centerpiece of the weekend is the National Multicultural Festival, which has transformed the Canberra CBD and Glebe Park into a global street party. This massive community celebration features representatives from over 170 cultures sharing their heritage through food, music, and art. Today’s schedule is packed with highlights:

• ACT Maori Performing Arts: Catch this powerful performance from 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm.
• Dance Showcases: Various stages across the festival grounds will host non-stop performances from 10:45 am until 7:00 pm.
• The Festival Parade: The highly anticipated parade will wind through the city streets from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, featuring a kaleidoscope of traditional costumes and music.

Between performances, visitors can browse over 250 stalls offering international street food, artisan crafts, and cultural workshops.

Morning Markets and Community Bookfair

For those who enjoy an early start, Canberra’s local markets provide the perfect atmosphere for a Saturday morning. The Capital Region Farmers Market at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) is open from 7:00 am to 11:30 am, offering the freshest regional produce and gourmet treats. Nearby at EPIC, the Lifeline Canberra Bookfair is also in full swing from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This is one of the city's largest community events, featuring thousands of fiction and non-fiction books, rare collectibles, and vinyl records, with proceeds supporting vital crisis support services.

Lakeside, The Little Burley Market operates on Queen Elizabeth Terrace in Parkes from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This curated artisan market features gourmet food, handmade jewelry, and children’s apparel, all set against the backdrop of live local musicians and views of Lake Burley Griffin.

Evening Entertainment and Cinema Under the Stars

As the sun sets, the city offers several ways to unwind:

• Sunset Cinema: Enjoy a movie in the beautiful surrounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. This outdoor cinema experience is a summer staple for locals.
• Queen - The Show: For fans of classic rock, a high-energy tribute performance is taking place at The Zeppelin Room in Narrabundah, starting at 7:00 pm.
• A Night in New Orleans: Molly, located in the city, is hosting a special jazz session from 10:00 pm to 12:30 am, featuring themed cocktails and a candle-lit atmosphere inspired by the spirit of the South.

Exhibitions and Public Displays

If you are looking for a more reflective afternoon, the National Library of Australia’s Treasures Gallery is open today, showcasing significant artifacts from the nation’s history. Additionally, the Canberra Museum and Gallery is running the "Taglietti: Life in Design" exhibition, celebrating the architectural legacy of Enrico Taglietti and his influence on the capital's unique aesthetic.