Your ultimate cheat sheet for FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow and Night Markets this weekend
Posted on
This long weekend’s epic free drone show and night markets will be a cracker of an event (or three).
But as we all know, the beauty is in the planning when it comes to having the best night ever, so we’ve got you sorted for how to get there, what to expect, where to sit and, very importantly, what to eat while you’re there.
What is it?
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow and Night Markets will feature 600 drones working in perfect synchronisation to an epic soundtrack, with previous shows by production company AGB Creative featuring enormous floating flowers, animals and more. Each night there will be three drone shows, starting from 8.30 pm. Our advice? Get there early and plan to stay for the entire performance.
When is it happening?
From 5 pm – 11 pm this Thursday 25 January, Friday 26 January and Saturday 27 January with Drone shows at 8.30 pm, 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm. The main hub is at Commonwealth Place, Lake Burley Griffin, but the show can be seen from various locations around Central Basin
You say there are three drone shows – what’s happening when?
Glad you asked! Welcome, Yumalundi (Part 1) starts at 8.30 pm; Rejoice (Part 2) starts at 9.30 pm and One and Many (Part 3) starts at 10.30 pm.
Meanwhile, on the ground, the Night Markets will feature an array of multicultural food and drink vendors and other market stalls (Clothing! Jewellery! Art! Homewares!) as well as live entertainment, music and roving performers. And yes, there will be ice cream. More on that later, so keep scrolling!
Rendered image by AGB Creative & IIIShutter.
How much does it cost to attend?
It’s all completely free.
Will it be cancelled if the weather is bad?
The Drone SkyShow itself is highly weather-dependent and, given the rain we’ve seen recently, if the skies open it’ll be useful to get a notice direct to your inbox.
Signup for email updates via Eventbrite: bit.ly/Flight-DroneSkyShow-Event
That said, the Markets will proceed in all weather.
How to get there and back
Thanks to Transport Canberra, all public transport to the event will be FREE from 5 pm. That includes Shuttle Buses direct from Woden and City Interchanges from 7 pm, Park & Ride Services, regular city buses and light rail. Visit the Transport Canberra website for more details.
If you choose to drive, note that parking in the area is limited. Consider parking further away and factor in time to get to and from the event.
Alternatively, why not scoot?
While Commonwealth Place is a no-ride zone, Beam and Neuron will have designated e-scooter parking throughout the area. The Beam and Neuron apps are available for download from the App Store or Google Play store.
Where will I get the best view?
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow will be visible from a variety of locations around the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin, with the exception of Rond Terrace, which will be closed. You choose the experience that is right for you.
Want to experience the event from the main hub and enjoy the Night Markets, live entertainment and food vendors? Head to Commonwealth Place.
Perhaps you’re keen on a view of the event from Regatta Point? A secondary event hub will be established there with a smaller number of food vendors trading.
If you fancy an even more relaxed experience, think about joining from an alternative location like Kings Park. Plan to pack a picnic, or drop by Curios Press near Blundells Cottage!
Pro tip? If you’re watching the drone show from Regatta Point or Kings Park, BYO speaker.
While the live soundtrack will be broadcast at Commonwealth Place, anyone intending to join from an alternate location is encouraged to bring a small portable speaker or headphones. QR Codes directing you to the soundtrack will be posted at the event location.
Click to enlarge.
Accessible Parking
Questacon carpark will be closed to the general public and converted entirely to Accessible Parking. Similarly, additional accessible parking is available at Regatta Point.
What can we expect at the Night Markets?
Market lovers will be chuffed to know that Village Community Markets (the talented folks behind Haig Park Village Markets and Little Burley Markets) are in the driver’s seat for the FLIGHT Night Markets, so you can expect an epic array of local food and drink stalls as well as plenty of entertainment.
Lights on the Lake 2023. Credit: Dom Northcott.
When will the markets open?
The Night Markets will kick off from 5 pm each night and close at 10.30 pm, when the final drone show begins.
What entertainment will there be besides the drone show?
Entertainment will be a diverse lineup of wonderful local talent including roving samba performances from Rio Samba, Só Samba and Kokoloco Dance Studio from 7 pm, live music from Jett Blyton, Emilia Grace, Will and Annie Hollier-Smith and Dean Abbott, circus star Neisha Murphy and even magician Conor Leisky. There will also be face painting for little ones.
What can I buy to eat and drink?
That’s a great question (and one that’s made us very hungry to research). The great news is there will be around 80 stalls across food, drinks and craft in the Night Markets, with a huge variety of multicultural foods and local vendors ready to serve you a snack, a cool drink, dinner, dessert and everything in between.
For savoury dinner options head to Super Bao, Tikka Stand Canberra, Le Petit Breton, Amy’s Street Food, Canan Turkish Gozleme, Octoball Canberra, Papi’s Fish & Chips, The Meat Wizard, TN Street Food, Jordanian Cuisine, Barceloneta, Java Street Food Tacontento, BZ Burgers, Five Passions Artisan Bakery, Palacinke – Delicious Crepes, Short Eats, Zomsa fusion, Slinko or Sushi Sushi (phew!).
Feeling snacky?
Blondiez & Browniez, Cannoli Brothers, Mellabella Gelato, The Pretzel Baker, The Strawberry Van, Glow Fairy Floss, Future Swirl, The Burek Bakery, Stephanie’s Donuts and Hola Oblea will be serving up the goods and you’ll be able to chill out with a beverage in-hand from Colins Oranges, Hywel’s Lemonade, Citrus and Sugar, Unscripted Coffee and Stuff and Gumtea Australia.
For those over 18, snag an alcoholic beveragino in the Drinks Garden from the likes of local legends The Canberra Distilery, Ambrosia Distillery, Hold Fast Distillery, Jeir Creek Winery and Tractorless Vineyard.
Lights on the Lake 2023. Credit: Dom Northcott.
As for shopping, snap up something special and support local with candles from Miami + Co and House of Sloane, jewellery from Clay by Fox and Focus Folding, honey from Boorowa Bees, salami from Dedas Smokehouse and socks from Capital Socks.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow and Night Markets
Where: Central Basin, Lake Burley Griffin
When: Thursday 25 January, Friday 26 January and Saturday 27 January from 5 pm – 11 pm, with Drone shows at 8.30 pm, 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm.
Tickets: Entry to the event is free and tickets are not required.
More information: bit.ly/Flight-DroneSkyShow-Event
Feature image: Lights on the Lake 2023. Credit: Dom Northcott.
