Nine Canberra fundraising events to put on your calendar
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Looking for a meaningful way to give back to the local community? Read on for your feel-good guide.
Ranging from gala dinners to charity walks, trust us when we say that these fundraising events will leave you feeling good while you do good.
Walk4BrainCancer Canberra
Gather your loved ones and step out for a meaningful cause at this year’s Walk4BrainCancer Canberra event. Starting at Upper Commonwealth Place, this family-friendly community walk winds along the scenic shores of Lake Burley Griffin to raise vital research funds and honour those affected by brain cancer.
Following the morning stroll, participants can stick around to enjoy a relaxed community barbecue, live musical entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Sunday 11 October, 8.30 am check-in for 9.30 am walk | Upper Commonwealth Place, Parkes | walk4braincancer.com.au
Honouring the Hidden Service Gala Dinner
Hosted beneath the F-111 aircraft in the newly opened ANZAC Atrium at the Australian War Memorial, this formal Black Tie and Mess Dress gala honours the service of Defence and veteran families. The celebratory evening features fine dining, entertainment, guest speakers, and awards recognising key contributors who support the veteran community behind the scenes.
Friday 16 October, 7 pm | Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, Campbell | eventbrite.com
Two Feet & A Heartbeat
Join HeartKids at Bowen Park for Two Feet & A Heartbeat, an annual charity walk raising funds and awareness for children, adults, and families affected by childhood-onset heart disease.
Participants can take part in a community walk along Lake Burley Griffin to commemorate loved ones and celebrate milestones. Registration includes an event bandana, an online fundraising portal, and access to the community gathering.
Sunday 18 October, 9 am–12 pm | Bowen Park, 6 Bowen Drive, Barton | heartkids.org.au
The Nightshift 12-Hour Relay
This is your sign to run, walk or race around Lake Burley Griffin for Nightshift’s first 12-hour community relay in support of Barnardos Australia.
Presented by Eighty8, the event will take place Friday 23 October, starting and finishing at Walt & Burley on the Kingston Foreshore. A 6.4-kilometre loop will depart every hour from 8 am with the option to join for one lap or take on the full 12-hour challenge.
The event covers around 77 kilometres, and every $5,500 raised can support one young person through Barnardos for 12 months.
Friday 23 October, 8 am | Walt & Burley, Kingston Foreshore | nightshiftrun.com.au
Bosom Buddies 2026 Annual Dinner and Fundraiser
Gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a deeply meaningful evening supporting local individuals and families navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. For over 30 years, Bosom Buddies ACT has provided compassionate peer support, care packages, and vital connection across our region.
Staged at the Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden, this warm fundraising gala features a delicious three-course dinner, live entertainment, lucky door prizes, and exciting live and silent auctions. Every ticket purchased directly helps ensure these essential community support services continue thriving. Put on your favorite cocktail attire and join in making a lasting difference together.
Saturday 24 October, 6.30 pm doors | Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden | 2026-annual-fundraising-dinner.raiselysite.com
Canberra’s SCADaddle for Research
Have you heard of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)? This uncommon emergency heart condition is responsible for 35 per cent of heart attacks in women under 50.
On Sunday 25 October, the Canberra community will gather at the National Library to raise much-needed funds for local SCAD survivors and their families by walking or running 5km.
Every dollar will make a difference.
Sunday 25 October, 10 am | National Library of Australia, Parkes | scadaddle.raiselysite.com
ACT Rescue and Foster Trivia Night
ACT Rescue and Foster (ARF) celebrates its 25th anniversary and over 3,800 dog rescues with its annual HOWL-oween trivia night hosted by Larry Appley.
Enter as an individual, as part of a small group or in a team of 10 for a night of trivia, games, a silent auction, and a raffle, alongside a physical donation drive for dog toys, leads, and treats. Costumes are strongly encouraged.
Saturday 31 October, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Labor Club, 51 Chandler Street, Belconnen | eventbrite.com.au
Rotary Club of Canberra Pacific Charity Gala Dinner
Celebrate the rich cultures of the Pacific through food, music and cultural performances, all while raising funds for Rotary projects that support communities in Canberra and across the Pacific region.
Along with listening to the Alopi Latukefu Jazz Quartet and the Canberra City Big Band, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner and watch a performance from the Feauini Kenipeli, Tongan Cultural & Language School.
Friday 6 November, 6.30 pm | Hellenic Club Woden, 1 Matilda Street, Woden | trybooking.com
The Longest Day
The Longest Day is Cancer Council ACT’s annual golf fundraising challenge, encouraging local golfers to play 36, 54 or 72 holes all in the name of cancer research.
Raising money to support the Cancer Council, golfers of any skill level can take part at one of the ACT’s participating clubs. While the official date is for The Longest Day is Monday 9 November, participants can take on the challenge on any day throughout November and December.
Simply pick the challenge that will test your skill, strength and stamina and book in your tee-off time!
Monday 9 November | Various locations | longestday.org.au
Feature image: The Longest Day. Via Facebook.
