A Star Wars-themed Carillon concert, a market day and five other reasons to explore the 2025 Heritage Festival ACT

Posted on 17 April, 2025

The Heritage Festival ACT is back for 2025, and who wouldn’t want to go to a Star Wars-themed concert at the Carillon?

Celebrating the rich history, culture and stories of Canberra and the surrounding region, this year the National Capital Authority has designed a program of events for the festival that brings history and community together.

But where should you start and what should you put in your diary? From heritage tours to First Nations presentations, a market day and Carillon concerts, here are seven events from the National Capital Authority that will entertain all ages and interests!

Digging for Treasures

Looking for something the kids will enjoy? Take them along to the National Capital Exhibition on Lake Burley Griffin, where they can dig for treasure!

They’ll get messy at Little Griffins as they dig deep for lost treasures hidden beneath the sand, make a fun fossil to take home, and more. Think: moulding kinetic sand or singing songs and colouring. Have we mentioned it’s free? Just make sure to pre-book your spot!

Wednesday 16 and 23 April, 10 am – 11 am | National Capital Exhibition, Barrine Drive Parkes | Book here.

The Carillon Revival  

Ever wondered what it is like inside the Carillon? Or what even is the Carillon? This is a unique chance to look inside the historical instrument and hear the bells being played.

Holding a concert and various tours across the day, you’ll enjoy bells chiming all while appreciating one of the best views in Canberra. The tours will take place from 9.30am and are ticketed, while the 11 am concert is free – but either way, you’ll need to book a spot!

Saturday 19 April, from 9.30 am | National Carillon, Queen Elizabeth II Island, Parkes | Book here.

Heritage Tours 

The National Triangle is home to some amazing historical heritage sites, so it only makes sense to book a tour and explore them during the 2025 Heritage Festival.

Lying within a landscape appreciated for its rich history and historical associations, unique design, aesthetic characteristics and social value, you’ll join National Capital Authority heritage experts as they tour the many places that are valued for their significance.

Offering a chance to explore a side to Canberra you might not know about, it’s a great way to learn about and celebrate our history.

Wednesday 30 April and Wednesday 7 May, 2 pm – 3 pm | National Triangle, Parkes | Book here.

Bush Tucker Unearthed

Have you ever wondered about the history of bush foods in the Canberra region? Tyronne Bell, a Ngunnawal custodian, will unearth everything you’ve ever wanted to know.

Join Tyronne as he showcases native plants (like chocolate lily and bush tomatoes), and talks about the benefits of traditional teas, spices, bush foods and healing plants from the Ngunnawal region.

You will need a ticket for this event, but at under $10, why wouldn’t you book a spot?

Friday 2 May, 5 pm – 6 pm | | National Capital Exhibition, Barrine Drive Parkes | Book here.

Episode V: Carillon Strikes Back

In a galaxy far, far away… the National Carillon (a heritage asset in the National Triangle) will pay tribute to a pop culture phenomenon in an unforgettable concert. That’s right – the Carillon is bringing Star Wars to Canberra for Star Wars Day.

At this special event, you’ll enjoy the Star Wars soundtrack presented by the National Capital Authority’s team of Carillonists, and you bet we’ll be humming along to the theme song.

Pack a picnic, BYO lightsabre and enjoy this free ticketed concert. All we can say is ’May the fourth be with you…’

Sunday 4 May, 12 pm – 1 pm | National Carillon, Queen Elizabeth II Island, Parkes | Book here.

Lost and Found  

Join conservator Gillian Mitchell and educator Kate Collins for an intriguing evening uncovering some somewhat lost sculptures. Okay, rewind. Let us explain.

Barbara Hepworth’s Two Figures once sat within Commonwealth Park, but now sits of display at Regatta Point. Why? And how many layers of the past were erased to reveal a glorious sculpture? You’ll find out in this talk.

And if that’s not enough to boggle your brain, what motivated artist Bert Flugelman to bury his artwork, Earthworks, in Commonwealth Park 50 years ago? Its location is still unknown, but this talk will explore Flugelman’s process and motivations.

Who knew that Canberra has its very own buried treasure?

Thursday 8 May, 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm | National Capital Exhibition, Barrine Drive Parkes | Book here.

Canberra Treasures Market Day  

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: Canberrans love a market. Now throw in a touch of history, live music and children’s activities and you have a truly fun day out.

Inviting people to step back in time at Blundells Cottage, the Canberra Treasures Market Day is a free event where you can browse and buy some amazing works of craftmanship made by artisans from around the region.

From exploring stalls including Kev’s Knife Forge, Beth’s Garden Delights and Dedas Smokehouse to watching performances from Paverty Bush Band and Strange Weather Choir and watching demonstrations from the Canberra Spinners and Weavers and the Canberra Lace Makers (and more), there’s plenty happening on the day.

From uncovering the stories behind families who called the cottage home over its 100 years of use to buying some locally made treasures, there will be something for all ages.

Sunday 18 May, 10 am – 2 pm | Blundells Cottage, Wendouree Drive, Parkes | Book here.

 Images supplied.