On Saturday 24 October, 2,000 candles will light up Canberra Nara Peace Park in Yarralumla for the return of the Canberra Nara Candle Festival.  

The free festival runs from 4pm to 9pm and celebrates the 33rd anniversary of the Canberra-Nara Sister City Relationship. Inspired by Nara’s own Tokae candle festival, the Canberra event brings together Japanese food, music, performances and hands-on cultural activities before the park glows after dark. 

There’s another milestone in the mix this year too, with 2026 marking 50 years since Australia and Japan signed the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. 

 

Lanterns, Bells and Candlelight 

The candles are the main event, with the official ceremony and lantern lighting taking place from 7.15pm to 8pm. 

You can also ring the Rotary Peace Bell throughout the evening, while a lantern-making workshop runs from 4pm to 8pm at the Art and Craft Tent if you want to make your own before the sun goes down. 

 

Cosplay Takes the Stage 

Bring your favourite character to life when the Canberra Nara Cosplay Competition takes over the Main Stage. 

Hosted by Emerald King, the family-friendly competition is open to everyone from experienced cosplayers to first timers, with prizes across several categories. It’s a chance to show off your costume, celebrate Japanese pop culture and join one of the festival’s most popular attractions. 

Registrations are open now through the festival website. 

 

Music From Nara and Canberra 

This year’s line-up brings together performers from both Canberra and Nara. 

The Nara University High School Band is travelling from Japan for the festival, joined by the ACT Senior Concert Band and soprano Misako Piper. 

Later in the evening, STEREO CHAMP will perform as part of Japan Jazz Nights: Celebrating 50 Years of Australia–Japan Friendship, before taiko drumming group Wadaiko Rindo closes the night from 8.35pm. 

There’ll also be martial arts demonstrations, Japanese arts and crafts, market stalls and plenty of food and drink to explore between performances. 

 

Getting There 

There’s plenty of public parking within walking distance of the festival, with recommended options at Langton Crescent Car Park, Treasury Car Park, the National Library Car Park and Questacon Car Park. 

 

A free wheelchair-accessible shuttle will also run continuously from 3.45pm to 9.45pm, stopping at the National Library on King Edward Terrace, Langton Crescent after Newlands Street and Lennox Gardens on Flynn Drive. The final service will leave Lennox Gardens at 9.35pm. 

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

Canberra Nara Candle Festival
Location: Canberra Nara Peace Park, Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla
Dates/Times: Saturday 24 October, 4pm–9pm.
Ticketing/Booking: Free entry.
Full program and cosplay registrations: here 

Details were correct at the time of publishing. Program times may change, so check the festival website before heading out.