Spring has well and truly arrived, and Canberra has plenty going on this weekend to make the most of it.
From kites over the Arboretum to medieval battles across the border, here are seven things worth getting out of the house for.
Jousting and giant turkey legs in Queanbeyan
Cross the border this weekend and things get considerably more medieval.
The Queanbeyan Medieval Festival is taking over the Showgrounds with jousting, a full-contact BUHURT tournament, living history displays, swordplay, an artisan village and cannon fire at midday. There’ll also be food and market stalls, and dressing up is very much encouraged.
Send a kite over the Arboretum
The winds at the top of the National Arboretum are being put to good use this weekend, with Kite Fest returning across Saturday and Sunday.
Bring your own kite, pick one up while you’re there or book into a kite-making workshop before putting it to the test on the hill. There’ll also be live music, food stalls, face painting and plenty happening around the grounds throughout the day. Entry is free, although workshops are ticketed.
See Canberra’s best Duck Cakes
One of Australia’s most recognisable birthday cakes is getting its own day at Floriade this Sunday.
Duck Cake Day will see bakers putting their spin on the famous Australian Women’s Weekly creation, with prizes for resemblance to the original and the best Floriade interpretation. Competition spots are already filled, but you can still head along to see the finalists and cast a vote in the People’s Choice award.
Go behind the scenes at RSPCA ACT
RSPCA ACT is opening the doors to its Weston shelter this Saturday as part of its 71st birthday celebrations.
You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter and veterinary clinic, meet some of the animals currently in care and learn more about fostering and volunteering. RSPCA ACT is also collecting pet food for its Community Pet Pantry, so bring along a bag or tin if you’d like to contribute.
Giant inflatables by the lake
Tuff Nutterz returns to Commonwealth Place from Saturday, bringing a 300-metre inflatable obstacle course to the lakefront for the school holidays.
There are tunnels, climbs and obstacles to work through, plus a six-metre inflatable slide for anyone wanting to go bigger. Spectators can watch for free, while tickets are required to take part.
Watch Australia’s best take on Stromlo
Some of Australia’s best mountain bikers are descending on UC Stromlo Forest Park this Sunday, with the Shimano 100 hosting the AusCycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships in 2026.
Racing kicks off from 9am, with riders taking on Stromlo’s brutal 28.9-kilometre “monster circuit”, including technical singletrack, steep climbs and fast descents. The championship contenders will complete up to three laps, so grab a spot trackside and watch some seriously impressive riding unfold.
Spend Sunday in the Olims Beer Garden
For something considerably more relaxed, Olims Bar & Bistro is welcoming spring with an afternoon in its refreshed beer garden this Sunday.
Local musician Bill Olson will be playing from 1pm to 4pm, with the kitchen open from midday and a new menu to work your way through. Kids also eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult main meal, making this a great option for the whole family.
BONUS: Old Bus Depot Markets At the Lake
With the busy days on the lake upon us, crowds are exploring floriade, enjoying the outdoors and experiencing the Canberra spring. The Old Bus Depot Markets are alive and thriving this Sunday.
