Summer has arrived, and with it comes an exciting line up of events taking place in the nation's capital! From world-class exhibitions to outdoor cinema under starlit skies, Canberra is set to burst into life over the summer months, and we have all the intel on what's on:

1. National Gallery of Australia: After the Rain Exhibition (Until 26 Apr 2026) 
   – Curated by Tony Albert, After the Rain is the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial, showcasing immersive installations by First Nations artists from across Australia. Explore themes of rebirth, resilience, and legacy through multidisciplinary works that span sculpture, painting, and digital media. It's a powerful reflection on intergenerational storytelling and cultural strength.
2. National Museum of Australia: Hallyu! The Korean Wave Exhibition (12 Dec 2025 – 10 May 2026) – Canberra becomes the Southern Hemisphere's first host of Hallyu!, a blockbuster exhibition from London's V&A Museum. Dive into the meteoric rise of South Korean pop culture—from K-pop and K-dramas to Parasite, Squid Game – with over 250 objects, interactive experiences, and a full program of Korean music, dance, and food, this is more than an exhibition—it's a cultural takeover.
3. National Portrait Gallery: Super Kaylene Whiskey (Until 9 Mar 2026) – Step into the vibrant world of Kaylene Whiskey, a proud Yankunytjatjara artist whose pop-culture-meets-Country portraits celebrate strong First Nations women. Super Kaylene Whiskey is her first major solo exhibition and features icons like Dolly Parton, Cher, and Wonder Woman alongside bush tucker and desert landscapes. It's a joyful, irreverent celebration of identity, humour, and cultural pride.
4. Sunset Cinema: The Australian National Botanic Gardens (Until 28 Feb 2026) – Experience outdoor cinema like never before amidst the beautiful Australian National Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the evening atmosphere on a comfy bean bag or treat yourself to a VIP experience in the Fever Tree Lounge, with premium seating, prime viewing position, a complimentary gin & Fever Tree tonic, plus popcorn under the stars in one of Canberra's iconic locations!
5. Summer of Cricket in Canberra: Thrilling Big Bash League returns to Canberra at Corroboree Group Oval Manuka:
    - Sydney Thunder vs. Brisbane Heat – 22 Dec 2025
    - Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder – 28 Dec 2025
    - Women's T20I, Australia vs. India: Exciting women's T20I cricket not to be missed at Manuka Oval – 19 Feb 2026
6. Street Machine Summernats 38 (8-10 Jan 2026) - For car enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers, Canberra is set to thrill as Summernats 38 roars into Exhibition Park. This legendary event is a celebration of modified cars, featuring the National Burnout Master finals, high-energy competitions, trade shows, exhibitions, and live entertainment. It's loud, it's bold, and it's one of the biggest automotive festivals in the country.
7. Canberra Festival of Speed (31 Jan - 1 Feb 2026) – Experience two days of adrenaline as the Canberra Festival of Speed returns to Thoroughbred Park. Featuring an electrifying showcase of over 200 exotic cars, immersive audiovisual experiences, live music, and a European food village. The ultimate highlight? Watching automotive legends race under the lights on Saturday night, then return for a thrilling daytime showdown on Sunday.
8. National Multicultural Festival (7-9 Feb 2026) – Celebrate Multicultural Australia with three days of performances, culture, entertainment, food, and community spirit within the city centre at the National Multicultural Festival. Wander through streets alive with music and dance, sample flavours from around the globe, and marvel at the iconic parade that brings together 170 nationalities in a kaleidoscope of colour. Whether you're watching a cooking demonstration, joining a cultural workshop, or dancing the night away at one of the festival's many stages, this is Canberra at its most vibrant!

With balmy evenings, starlit skies, and a calendar packed with cultural gems and thrilling events, Canberra is the ultimate summer destination.

For media information, please contact: 

Donna Ciaccia
VisitCanberra
Tel: +61 418 691 020 
donna.ciaccia@act.gov.au