10+ Canberra fundraising events to add to your calendar
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If you’ve been meaning to “do more for the community” but weren’t quite sure where to start, Canberra has you covered.
The city’s upcoming fundraising calendar is full of events that pair feel-good causes with things we already love – markets, trivia, walks by the lake and the occasional lawn bowl.
From casual afternoons to all-day challenges, whether you’re keen to support a cause close to your heart or simply want to connect with the community (with snacks involved), these events make it easy to give back while having a genuinely good time.
Consider this your guide to doing good in Canberra.
South Canberra Community Markets
Held on a rural farm along Kambah Pool Road, the South Canberra Community Markets bring together locally made products, fresh produce, delicious food and live music in a peaceful outdoor setting – perfect for a relaxed day out. The markets raise funds to support vulnerable youth programs run by Galilee School and Lions Youth Haven, making it an easy way to shop local while supporting a meaningful cause.
Saturday, 7 February, 10 am–2 pm | 244 Kambah Pool Road, Kambah | commsatwork.org
Let’s Bowl Over Cancer – Valentine’s Day Edition
This Valentine’s Day, fall head over heels for an afternoon of lawn bowls, games and good vibes in support of Tour de Cure. With Valentine’s-inspired games (nothing too cheesy), raffles, and plenty of bar snacks, canapés and share plates to keep you fuelled, it’s an easygoing event for couples, singles, friends and families alike.
Saturday 14 February, 2 pm – 5 pm | 54 McCaughey Street, Turner | Book your tickets here.
Sidewalk Market for Dementia
Supporting and improving the lives of people living with dementia and their families, the Goodwin Village Crace residents have organised the Sidewalk Market for Dementia so you can shop for a good cause. Browse the cakes, books, art and craft, and grab some raffle tickets and know that the proceeds raised are going towards demetia research, care and support. Just make sure to take some cash!
Saturday 14 Febraury, 10 am – 12.30 pm | Abema Avenue, outside Goodwin Seniors Club
Girls Night In hosted by Simply Cheecky x The Wednesday Night Club
One of our favourite Canberra creators Simply Cheecky has partnered with The Wednesday Night Club for a Girls Night In with a serious purpose. Raising funds for the Cancer Council, the evening supports vital cancer research, prevention and support services – all while keeping things fun and social. Your $25 ticket includes a welcome margarita, trivia and a donation to the Cancer Council, with raffle prizes up for grabs on the night.
Wednesday 18 February, 6 pm – sunset | 31 Mort Street, Braddon | Book your tickets here.
RSPCA ACT Trivia Night
Want to join a paw-some night of brain-teasing fun and nostalgia? RSPCA ACT’s Trivia Night will take you through the decades as you battle it out over eight action-packed rounds. Pick your era, dress your team, decorate your table, and jump across the decades with questions covering music, movies, food, RSPCA and more. Bonus points and prizes await the best-dressed teams and most creative tables!
Wednesday 18 February, 6 pm – 10 pm | 1 Matilda Street, Phillip | Book your ticket here.
Trivia on the Lake
Who can resist a trivia cruise on Lake Burley Griffin? On Sunday 22 February, Love Boats Canberra is partnering with Palliative Care ACT for a relaxed afternoon of trivia, finger food and prizes – all while raising funds for a vital local cause. Proceeds go directly to supporting people in the ACT and surrounding region living with life-limiting illness, and the families who care for them.
Sunday 22 February, 2 pm – 5 pm | Love Boats Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin, Kingston | Book your tickets here.
Against the Odds for Kids- Taylor Swift Trivia & Day Time Disco
This is a charity event for kids, by kids! Hosted by 11-year-old Izzy, this event includes Taylor Swift-themed trivia and a daytime disco, with funds raised going towards the Starlight Foundation. Aiming to raise $2,500 to brighten the lives of 64 children in the hospital, all ages can attend (children under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Make sure to wear your sequins, sparkles, and anything Swiftie!
Saturday 28 February, 1 pm – 4 pm | Burrito Bar Tuggeranong, Anketell and G15b South Point Shopping Centre, Reed Street North, Greenway | Register here.
Breakthrough T1D’s One Walk
The world’s largest fundraising event for families living with type 1 diabetes, One Walk brings communities together to help fund a future without the chronic illness. Expect a family-friendly morning filled with food, entertainment and connection, as families, friends and supporters walk side by side for a powerful cause.
Sunday 1 March, 9 am | Rond Terrace, Parkes Way, Acton | Register here.
Melanoma March
Take steps to help save lives this March at Melanoma March. This family-friendly 4 km walk raises awareness and vital funds for Melanoma Institute Australia as they work towards their mission of zero deaths from melanoma. It’s an opportunity for the community to honour lives lost, support those impacted, and walk together for change.
Sunday 1 March, 9 am | Black Mountain Peninsula Park, Acton | Register here.
Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run
This run isn’t just about breaking a sweat; it’s about making a difference in the local community. Calling for people to lace up their running shoes and embark on a run/walk around Lake Burley Griffin, the Canberra Day Appeal has once again partnered with the Stromlo Running Festival to raise much-needed funds for local charities and organisations. With donations going towards essential services, local charities, and empowering community projects, it will make a tangible impact where it matters most.
Monday 10 March, 7.30 am | Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Parkes | Register here.
Make-A-Wish Trivia Night
Get ready for a night of laughs, friendly competition and fundraising in support of Make-A-Wish Canberra. From 6.30 pm, teams will put their trivia knowledge to the test to help make life-changing wishes come true for local children. Pizza is included with your ticket, drinks will be available for purchase, and prizes – including a silent auction – will be up for grabs throughout the night.
Saturday 14 March, 6.30 pm – 10 pm | 8 Macpherson Street, O’Connor | Book your tickets here.
Black Dog Ride
Starting important conversations around depression and suicide prevention, the Black Dog Ride ‘One Dayer’ brings together riders, volunteers and supporters across Australia. The Canberra ride will depart from the National Museum of Australia, with the full route to be announced closer to the day. Funds raised go directly back into regional communities, supporting connection, compassion and mental health awareness.
Sunday 15 March, 7.30 am – 12 pm | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Register here.
Relay for Life
Part festival, part fundraiser, Relay for Life is an overnight event filled with music, activities and community spirit. Over 24 hours, participants walk, run or dance laps in a continuous relay – a powerful symbol that the fight against cancer never stops. The event brings people together to celebrate survivors, honour loved ones lost and raise funds to help save lives.
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March | AIS Athletics Track and Field Centre, Masterman Street, Bruce | Register here.
Ride for Lily
Ride for Lily is an epic seven-day ride from Canberra to Melbourne, raising funds for childhood cancer in memory of Lily Hester, who lost her battle with liver cancer in 2014. A team of 31 cyclists will cover 1,000 km, each fundraising a minimum of $5,000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. While the ride is fully registered, donations are still welcome as the team aims to raise more than $300,000 in 2026.
Saturday 11 until Friday 17 April | Donate here.
Canberra Paws Walk
Formerly known as the Million Paws Walk, the reimagined Canberra Paws Walk runs across two dedicated days, combining accessible pet health support with the iconic walk around Lake Burley Griffin. On Saturday 23 May, Healthy Pet Day will offerfree and heavily discounted services (including veterinary checks, preventative care, microchipping, desexing support advice and more) while the walk will follow on Sunday 24 May. Including a community market, local stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities, the funds raised will directly support the RSPCA ACT’s shelter and the work they do.
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May | Find out more here.
