CANBERRA
National Citizenship & Flag Raising Ceremony
26 January 2026 | 8.45am-10.30am | Lake Burley Griffin
Each year the Prime Minister, Governor-General, diplomatic corps and Australian of the Year Awards recipients and alumni attend the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
This annual ceremony is delivered in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the National Australia Day Council, Australian Defence Force and the ABC.
It welcomes some of our newest citizens, shares their stories and includes a helicopter fly past, a bomber fly over, the Band of the Royal Military College and 21 gun salute. The ceremony also reflects on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' continuous connection to country.
Don't forget your hats and water bottles. Can't make it? Watch it live on ABC TV and ABC iView.
Australia Day at Regatta Point
26 January 2026 | 10.30am-2.30pm | Commonwealth Park
Following the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony, Australia Day at Regatta Point invites Canberrans to come together and promote unity in the community.
This free public event includes a BBQ, live music, roving entertainment, family-friendly lawn games and face painting for the kids.
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow & Night Markets Returns!
24 - 26 January 2026 | 5:00pm - 10:30pm | Lake Burley Griffin
Bigger, brighter and bolder - FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets will return to Canberra on the Australia Day weekend for a series of shows to reflect, respect and celebrate the ever-evolving story of our nation.
The 2026 FLIGHT SkyShow will soar back into Canberra to deliver a truly immersive experience that engages audiences. Canberra’s sky will once again be transformed into a canvas of lights as more than 600 drones tell spellbinding stories across two shows, with each show going for 15 minutes.
Each show will include cutting-edge drone choreography with synchronised lighting, immersive music and layered lighting design around the lake to create a seamless, multi-sensory spectacle that can be enjoyed from various viewing points around Lake Burley Griffin.
Join us at one of two event hubs at Commonwealth Place and Kings Park. Entertainment starts from 5pm, with live music from 7pm, and the drone shows commencing at 9pm and 10pm.
FLIGHT is a celebration of community, culture, and connection. Whether you're a first-time viewer or returning for more, prepare to be amazed as we take FLIGHT to new heights.
Join us for three unforgettable nights, 24-26 January 2026 for an unforgettable evening of light, music, and magic under the stars of Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin, 5pm-10.30pm