Canberra City is set to transform this April into a playground of colour with the arrival of a brandnew family festival: Wonderful World. 

Running Tuesday 7 April to Sunday 12 April 2026, the festival invites children, parents, grandparents and the young-at-heart to rediscover what feels magical to them. Across the City Centre, you’ll find playful installations, handson moments, hidden surprises and performances designed to bring all generations together. 

This isn’t a single event, it’s a festival that unfolds slowly, encouraging families to explore, return, and see what new wonders appear each day. 

Throughout the week, everyday public spaces will shift into places of play. Kids are encouraged to lead the way, following trails, stopping for popup performances, or wandering into interactive experiences that encourage connection and imagination. Parents and carers, meanwhile, get the chance to see the city through fresh eyes and guided by their children’s curiosity. 

The Wonderful World festival has been proudly shaped by a joint effort from schools, local businesses, families and community groups. 

Wonderful World is built on community contributions. The festival will celebrate what’s great about Canberra, the creativity, the spirit, the spaces we share, and the people who fill them. 

 

More details will be released soon, but for now:
Mark your calendar for 7–12 April 2026, and keep up to date at the link below. 

Stay up to date. 

 

Program Highlights

Wonder Balloons over Garema Stage 7–12 April

Garema Place becomes a colourful hub of music, cabaret, comedy and live performances that shift daily. Anchoring the space is a largescale installation, the Wonder Balloons, created with the help of Canberra’s children. Expect vibrant colour, highenergyenergy entertainment, and reasons to return again and again. 

Spin at the Disc-Go-Round 7–12 April

The iconic merrygoroundround gets a disco makeover with sequined curtains, glowing lights, and 70s-inspired flair. 

Live Shows & Musical Favourites 

  • Peter Combe & the Bellyflop in a Pizza Band | 8 April 
  • Teeny Tiny Stevies | 7 April 
  • Stories of Wonder | 7 April, 8 April + more dates to be announced 

Bee-come a Bee with Polyglot Theatre | 7–11 April

Children step into a buzzing, imaginative landscape where they can move, play and transform. 

Big Bubble Blowout | 11 April 

A joyful bubblefilled gathering that turns the city into a sparkling wonderland for one special morning. 

More events, activations and surprises are set to be revealed as April approaches.