Summer events not to miss in Canberra
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Think there’s nothing to do in Canberra over summer? Think again.
This January and February, things are heating up in the city with events that will impress all ages. From live music in the National Film and Sound Archive’s courtyard to watching the next generation of tennis players and sipping cocktails lakeside, pop these events in your diary and book your tickets ASAP.
Workday International
Calling all sporting fans – the world’s next great tennis champions are coming to Canberra this summer! Taking place from Sunday 4 until Saturday 10 January, the Workday Canberra International is bringing the elite ATP 125 and WTA 125 competition to the Canberra Tennis Centre, with athletes battling for a $700,000 prize pool.
With a history of launching global stars – including 2025 Male Singles Champion Joao Fonseca – this is your chance to see future household names in action before they hit the world stage.
Sunday 4 until Saturday 10 January | Canberra Tennis Centre, 3 Riggall Place, Lyneham | Find out more here.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave
An exhibition exploring Korea’s cultural journey to global influence through 250 objects from the V&A in London. The exhibition spans film, fashion, drama, beauty and music–from BTS to aespa, Squid Game to Parasite, glass skin to bibimbap. Visitors can discover the powerhouse behind Korea’s dramatic cultural transformation and the vibrant world of K-culture as it continues to sweep across the globe. The exhibition examines how creativity, collaboration and cultural ambition shaped Korea’s contemporary identity.
Until Sunday, 10 May | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Acton | nma.gov.au
Street Machine Summernats 38
You know it’s summer in Canberra when Summernats come to town. Known as Australia’s wildest horsepower party, it’s a unique four-day celebration of the modified car community, seeing spectators gather to enjoy competition driving events, an elite hall, a trade show and exhibition, concerts, and more.
This year, the event’s packed program is headlined by bands Peking Duk and The Living End, marking the biggest entertainment lineup in Summernats’ history. If that’s not enough, there will also be Hot Wheels stunts, improved spectator areas and more. Grab your tickets now!
Thursday 8 until Sunday 11 January | Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell | Find out more here.
Hot Summer Nights
Live local music and classic cinema; your summer nights have never sounded so good. Every Friday and Saturday night from Friday 9 January until Saturday 14 February, Hot Summer Nights is taking over the NFSA heritage courtyard, pairing carefully curated live music with films that range from sensual classics to gritty dramas.
Featuring live performances by talented local artists, you’ll sip on local wines and summer cocktails, all while nibbling on charcuterie from Dom’s Deli & Bar.
Then, at 8 pm, you’ll step into the cinema for a hand-picked film. This year, the NFSA’s entire summer film series is themed around peace, love and revolution, spanning decades from the rebellious ‘60s right through to visionary works created in 2025.
Promising the perfect music-and-movie combo all in one ticket, book now so you don’t miss out!
Friday 9 January until Saturday 14 February | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Find out more here.
Canberra Festival of Speed
Catch some of the world’s rarest cars on the live exhibition circuit this summer as the Festival of Speed races into Canberra for another year. Welcoming rare performance motorbikes for the first time along with an AV experience, exhibitors, music and a European food village, you’ll see everything from a Ferrari F40 to a Lamborghini Aventador. Rev-heads, start your engines.
Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February | Thoroughbred Park, Randwick Road, Lyneham | Find out more here.
Lake Side Sesh
Bottomless summer cocktails, DJs sets drifting across the lake, and more. The Boat House is the place to be this summer. On Saturday 7 February, The Boat House is bringing back their Lake Side Sesh, transforming the venue into an indoor/outdoor cocktail haven, complete with breathtaking views of Lake Burley Griffin.
Priced at $185 per person, your ticket includes a live DJ, bottomless summer cocktails, bubbles and beers, food and the historic MV Reliance by Love Boat taking guests across the lake at sunset. And if that doesn’t sound like a fun way to spend a summer’s night, we don’t know what does.
Saturday 7 February | 7 Menindee Drive, Barton | Find out more here.
Feature image of NFSA’s Hot Summer Nights by Meg Houghton.
