When is the Multicultural Festival in Canberra?

The National Multicultural Festival runs over the second weekend in February each year, across Civic and Glebe Park. Entry is free; the program goes live in late November.

Where can I volunteer at Canberra community events?

Volunteering ACT lists current opportunities. SEE Change, the Conservation Council ACT Region, Lifeline Canberra and the Multicultural Festival all recruit volunteers seasonally and welcome one-off help.

Community

Community in Canberra

3 min read

Canberra is more than just the capital of politics. It is a city of distinct neighbourhoods where community spirit thrives in local halls and public spaces. From the leafy streets of Ainslie and O'Connor to the bustling town centres of Belconnen and Tuggeranong, there is always a local initiative or gathering taking place. You might find a weekend market in a school car park or a collaborative workshop at the Gorman Arts Centre.

Whether you are looking to meet new people in the Inner South or want to get involved with a volunteer group in Gungahlin, the local calendar is full of opportunities to connect. These events bridge the gap between suburban life and the broader city experience, offering a welcoming atmosphere for residents and newcomers alike. Browse the current community listings below to find out what is happening near you today.

Community events in Canberra

Canberra’s community calendar runs through the local libraries, neighbourhood community centres, ethnic and cultural associations, and the rotating festival and fair days hosted by ACT Government and individual suburbs. The feed below picks up confirmed events; this guide covers the year-round anchors.

Library and neighbourhood programs

Libraries ACT branches in every district run weekly story time, baby rhyme time, tech help, book clubs and free school-holiday programs. Belconnen Arts Centre, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Gorman House Arts Centre and the Ainslie+Gorman Arts Centres run community workshops, classes and gallery openings.

Festivals and fair days

The National Multicultural Festival (February) fills Civic over a weekend with food and performance from around 100 cultural communities. The Lifeline Bookfair (March and September) at EPIC raises money for the local crisis line. Reconciliation Day events fill Reconciliation Place each May. Suburb-level fairs – Lyneham, Ainslie, Garran, Aranda – appear in the feed as community groups confirm them.

Volunteering and skill-sharing

SEE Change, the Conservation Council ACT Region, Volunteering ACT, Repair Cafe Canberra and the Capital Brewing environmental nights run regular open evenings that double as community events.

What’s on this week

The feed below pulls community-tagged events for the next 14 days. See also family events, free things to do and things to do this weekend.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Multicultural Festival in Canberra?: The National Multicultural Festival runs over the second weekend in February each year, across Civic and Glebe Park. Entry is free; the program goes live in late November.
Where can I volunteer at Canberra community events?: Volunteering ACT lists current opportunities. SEE Change, the Conservation Council ACT Region, Lifeline Canberra and the Multicultural Festival all recruit volunteers seasonally and welcome one-off help.