A Star Wars Carillion concert, a psychedelic ‘60s Dance in The Dark and more: Your guide to the 2026 Heritage Festival

Posted on 6 April, 2026

The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival is back, and it’s shaping up as one of the best yet.

Celebrating the mid-century ideas that shaped Canberra into what it is today – along with our rich regional connections – the 2026 Heritage Festival will see over 150 events take place across the ACT. Here’s your guide to what to expect from the mammoth event.

And yes, before you ask there will be another Star Wars-themed Carillon concert – on Monday 4 May to be exact. Read on!

What is it?

For 43 years, the Heritage Festival has been showcasing and celebrating the natural, built and cultural heritage of Canberra and the surrounding region.

Coordinated by ACT Heritage as part of the ACT Government’s City and Environment Directorate, the event invites the community to come together, share stories, explore traditions and discover the cultural connections that have shaped our city.

This year, the theme is Mid Century: Innovation, Change and Optimism.

The festival shines a spotlight on the defining era that transformed Canberra – from bold Modernist architecture to Cold War intrigue and the region’s surprising connections to the Moon landing.

Wait – what does the theme mean?

Good question! Each year the Heritage Festival has a special theme, linking together the events and (as we mentioned before), this year it’s Mid Century: Innovation, Change and Optimism.

Inviting attendees to reflect on how history has shaped us, and how we in turn continue to shape history, the theme will dive into the visionary planning, creative ambition and cultural transformation of the mid‑century period.

The festival will be looking at a time of innovation, optimism and progress that saw Canberra become what it is today, bringing together shared expertise to highlight this era in the city’s design and cultural history.

Okay, so when and where is it?

This year, the Heritage Festival will be running from Saturday 11 April until Sunday 10 May – giving you 30 days to work through more than 150 events.

With things happening across Canberra, Queanbeyan, Murrumbateman, Goulburn, Yass, and other regional areas, you’ll need to plan ahead so you can make the most of what’s on offer!

What’s happening?

A lot.

From guided walks to tours of iconic buildings, exhibitions, food experiences and even dancing in the dark, highlights from this year’s program include experiencing a night of espionage and intrigue at the Hyatt Hotel, testing your bush skills and traditional trades at the Wee Jasper Heritage Fair, and more.

Looking for some kid-friendly events? Honey and History at Murrumbateman (which includes a honey-themed morning tea), Lanyon Homestead Tours and Psychedelic ‘60s – Dance in the Dark will keep them – and you – entertained.

Foodies can’t miss Boozers and Baddies of Binalong or Pints, Pubs and Tales: Historic Yass Pub Experience, while art and architecture lovers should add Taglietti and Science in Acton: Architecture Tour By Bike, Gemstone Trees and Jewellery Making and Tracing Time: From Old Canberra to Modern to their calendar.

For those looking to celebrate the region’s First Nations natural and historic places and stories, Voices Through Time, A Monumental Walk and the On Country Boat Tour with Richie Allan are worth checking out. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what’s on.

With events themed around music, dance, nature, politics, sport, film, literature and more, check out the full program here for the full low-down.

What else do I need to know?

That’s about it! With so much to look forward to, this is one festival you won’t want to miss. For more information about what’s happening, visit environment.act.gov.au.