The University of Canberra is turning its 2026 Open Day into a full campus festival. 

Taking over the Bruce campus on Saturday 12 September, UC Open Day Fest brings together course information, live music, food stalls, family activities and a few things you probably don’t expect to see at a university open day, including pro wrestling and woodchopping. 

Whether you’re thinking about studying, helping someone else plan their next move or just keen for a free day out, there’s plenty happening across campus. 

 

Start With Free Donuts 

Start where any sensible person would start…. the free food. 

UC is giving away more than 5,000 free blue donuts throughout the day, and that alone should be enough to get a few people through the gates. 

Once you’ve sorted your sugar hit, head to the food and drink zone, where vendors including Big Box Barbecue, The Dumpling Diplomat, BanMe, Pure Gelato and Tornado Potato will be serving throughout the day. There will also be a Capital Brewing Beer Garden for anyone keen to settle in with a drink. 

 

Brochures, Bands and Body Slams 

Usually, university open days include lots of presentations and polite nodding. UC are doing things a little differently.  

UC has essentially scheduled a free festival set in the middle of your Saturday. Holly Hebe kicks things off at 11am, followed by The Rubens at 12.30pm and Drax Project at 2pm.  

Between sets, you can catch SLAM! Pro Wrestling, watch a woodchopping exhibition from Capital Country Woodchopping, stop by the photobooth or wander through the community stalls.  

So, get ready for more than just collecting a brochure and pretending you know what degree you want to do. 

 

Ask The Big Questions 

Of course, the open day part is still the main point. 

Across campus, you’ll find more than 40 academic zones and over 20 student support teams, with faculty hubs, admissions information, course advice and campus tours all available throughout the day. It’s a chance to ask real questions about courses, pathways, scholarships and student life, and get a proper feel for what studying at UC could look like. 

It’s useful if you’re a school leaver, adult learner, career changer or parent trying to get a clearer picture of what UC offers. 

 

Bring the Family 

The event is built for more than future students. 

There will be a Kids Zone with jumping castles, face painting, balloons and activities, plus a family passenger train running around the event. 

So if you’re heading along with younger siblings, kids or the whole family, there’s enough happening to keep everyone happy. 

 

EVENT INFORMATION:  

Location: University of Canberra, Bruce Campus  

Dates/Times: Saturday 12 September 2026, 10am to 3pm  

Ticketing/Booking: Free entry, but registration is required online 

Find out more HERE