Your cheat sheet for Skyfire 2026: what you need to know before you go
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Canberra’s biggest fireworks night is back. Here’s everything you need to know about Skyfire 2026.
On Saturday 14 March, thousands of Canberrans will gather around Lake Burley Griffin for Skyfire 2026 – the much-loved annual event presented by Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3 that lights up the capital with a spectacular fireworks show and a full afternoon of entertainment.
If you’re planning to head lakeside, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the night.
What is Skyfire?
First launched in 1989, Skyfire has become one of Canberra’s biggest free community events.
While the evening culminates in a 20-minute fireworks spectacular over Lake Burley Griffin, the afternoon is packed with entertainment around the foreshore – from aerial displays and military demonstrations to markets, rides and food trucks.
The fireworks themselves are pretty impressive. We’re talking 40,000 pyrotechnic effects, 2,500 shells and 25,000 shooting comets – all perfectly synchronised to music broadcast on Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3, so if you want the full experience, bring a radio and tune in.
When is it happening?
It’s all happening on Saturday 14 March. Fireworks start at 8.30 pm and run for approximately 20 minutes.
But if you want to make a night of it (highly recommended), the festivities begin much earlier.
What’s happening on the day?
Here’s an agenda to plan your day around:
2 pm – Southside markets, food trucks and rides open
5 pm – Entertainment begins around the lake
5:30 pm – Royal Military College Band performance
6 pm – Australia’s Federation Guard Precision Drill Team Display
6:30 pm – Matt Hall Racing – MXS-R Aerobatic Display
6:35 pm – Australia’s Federation Guard Precision Drill Team Display
7 pm – RFS Krestal Bell 412 Helicopter display
7:32 pm – RAAF F35 flyover
8.29 pm – Australia’s Federation Guard artillery volley
8:30 pm – Fireworks begin!
Big screens around the lake will ensure you don’t miss any of the action.
Where are the best places to watch?
Photography: Developing Agents for VisitCanberra
Lakeside (closest to the action)
Both sides of Lake Burley Griffin will host entertainment and markets.
North side
Regatta Point will host a stage with radio presenters and live performances.
South side
Markets, food vendors and speakers will broadcast the Skyfire soundtrack.
For the best view of the fireworks, aim for a spot between Commonwealth Bridge and Kings Avenue Bridge.
Want a quieter spot?
If you’d rather watch from a distance, Canberra’s lookouts offer great views of the display.
Try Mount Ainslie Lookout, Black Mountain or Red Hill Lookout. The National Arboretum is also hosting a viewing area on the grass terrace, with food stalls available. Free tickets are required.
Special viewing experiences
Keen to upgrade your Skyfire experience?
Hit the water with Skyfire cruises on Lake Burley Griffin, including the Love Boats ferry and Canberra Party Boat.
Food, markets and entertainment
Skyfire is as much about the festival atmosphere as it is about the fireworks. Expect food trucks, markets, rides and picnic spots around the lake.
Markets on the south side of the lake open from 2 pm, making it easy to spend the afternoon grazing before settling in for the show.
How to get there
With thousands expected to attend, plan ahead if you’re driving.
Northside parking
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Acton Park
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Barrine Drive
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ANU parking
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City Wilson parking locations
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Nishi building parking
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St John’s Reid car park
Southside parking
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Questacon
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National Library
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Parliament Circle
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National Gallery parking
Allow extra time as roads and car parks fill quickly.
Feature image: VisitCanberra
