National Multicultural Festival and Lifeline Bookfair Headline Today's Events

A Celebration of Culture and Community

Canberra comes alive today, Friday, 6 February 2026, as the city kicks off its biggest summer weekend. From the aromatic street food of the city center to the quiet rows of books at Exhibition Park, there is a diverse range of activities for everyone to enjoy as the working week concludes.

National Multicultural Festival: Day One

The 28th National Multicultural Festival begins today, transforming Canberra’s CBD and Glebe Park into a global street party. Over 170 different cultures are represented this year, offering an incredible array of food, dance, and music. Visitors can spend their Friday lunch or evening wandering through hundreds of stalls featuring international delicacies like Persian charcoal skewers, Greek souvlakia, Mongolian hot-stone Khorkhog, and Japanese taiyaki ice cream. The festival is free and family-friendly, providing a perfect opportunity to experience the city's diverse heritage in the heart of the capital.

Lifeline Canberra Bookfair at EPIC

For those who prefer a literary escape, the Lifeline Canberra Bookfair opens its doors at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) today from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. As the largest gathering of book-lovers in the region, the fair offers a massive selection of fiction, non-fiction, rare collectibles, children's books, and foreign language titles. Beyond books, attendees can find magazines, records, CDs, and puzzles. Entry is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting local crisis support and suicide prevention services. It is a must-visit for anyone looking to find a hidden gem while supporting a vital community cause.

Live Performance: John Williamson

Music legend John Williamson takes the stage at the Canberra Theatre Centre tonight for a special performance. Celebrating over five decades in the industry, his "55 Years – My Travellin' Days are Done!" tour promises an evening of iconic Australian storytelling through song. Fans of folk and country music can catch this legendary performer as he reflects on a storied career that has shaped the Australian musical landscape.

Galleries and Museums

The city's cultural institutions have several major exhibitions open today. The National Library of Australia is hosting its nostalgic "1975: Living in the Seventies" exhibition, exploring the cultural and political shifts of the decade. The National Museum of Australia continues its popular "Hallyu! The Korean Wave" exhibition, showcasing the global impact of South Korean culture. Additionally, the Belconnen Arts Centre is launching several new exhibitions today, including "Lines of Landscape" and "Meanwhile in Canberra," which are free for the public to explore.

Social Meetups and Nightlife

Younger locals looking for a social evening can head to Highball for a dedicated under-30s singles event starting at 7:00 pm. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra is hosting "Twilight in the Gardens" from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, offering a refined way to wind down the week with drinks and snacks in the historic Yarralumla gardens.