October is one of those months where Canberra’s calendar suddenly fills up.
From Floriade and candlelit gardens to dachshund races, Japanese cars and a writers festival, there’s plenty worth making room for.
Here are 10 things to do around Canberra this October.
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Floriade Night Fest
See a different side of Floriade when Commonwealth Park lights up for four nights of illuminated gardens, live music, fire shows, street performers and plenty more after-dark entertainment.
When: Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Where: Commonwealth Park
Info/Tickets: floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest
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The Killing of Canberra
A grassroots showcase of Canberra’s graffiti scene, with almost 200 square metres of original works, prints, merchandise and books from more than 80 top graffiti artists, many of whom worked on the Woden stormwater drain mural, the longest legal graffiti site in the Southern Hemisphere.
When: Saturday 3 October, from 6pm
Where: 131 City Walk, City
Info: https://marilyntuna.art/the-killing-of-canberra-exhibition-2026/
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Weinerpalooza at Dionysus Winer
Weinerpalooza returns to Dionysus Winery with dachshund races, dress-up and best trick competitions, a sausage sizzle and plenty of four-legged fun.
Proceeds from tickets will support ACT Rescue and Foster.
When: Sunday 25 October, 11am–2pm
Where: Dionysus Winery, Murrumbateman
Info/Tickets: https://visitcanberra.com.au/events/6a8ce6cca427efb54a35dec4/weinerpalooza
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Canberra Writers Festival
Canberra Writers Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary with more than 110 events and 200 artists across four days.
The line-up spans novelists, journalists, comedians and children’s authors, with names including Judith Lucy, Michael Robotham and Garth Nix.
When: Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October
Where: Various venues across Canberra
Info/Tickets: canberrawritersfestival.com.au
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Canberra Japanese Motor Festival
Canberra’s Japanese car community is getting a festival of its own for the first time.
The inaugural event will bring everything from rare Japanese cars and classic motorcycles to race, rally and off-road builds together at Thoroughbred Park, alongside market stalls and food vendors.
Spectator entry is by donation, with funds supporting Camp Quality.
When: Sunday 18 October, 10am–3pm
Where: Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham
Info/Tickets: eventbrite.com.au
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Canberra Fashion Market
The Fitters’ Workshop will be filled with new and quality pre-loved fashion, including designer and vintage clothing, accessories and plenty to rummage through.
Entry and parking are free.
When: Sunday 18 October, 10am–3pm
Where: Fitter’s Workshop, Kingston
Info: canberramarkets.net.au
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Nightshift 12-Hour Lakeside Relay
Starting and finishing at Walt & Burley, runners will take on a 6.4km loop every hour across a 12-hour relay, with options ranging from a single lap to the full 77km challenge.
The event is raising funds for Barnardos Australia, supporting vulnerable children and families.
When: Friday 23 October, 8am–8pm
Where: Walt & Burley, Kingston Foreshore
Info/Tickets: nightshiftrun.com.au
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Canberra Nara Candle Festival
Celebrating Canberra’s sister-city relationship with Nara, Japan, the festival will light the park with 2,000 candles alongside Japanese food, performances, cultural activities and a cosplay competition.
When: Saturday 24 October
Where: Canberra Nara Peace Park, Yarralumla
Info: nara.events.canberra.com.au
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Oktoberfest Canberra
Break out the lederhosen. Oktoberfest is returning to the Harmonie German Club for two days of German beer, food, music and dancing. There’ll also be a wurst-eating competition, Fingerhakeln, mechanical axe throwing, medieval combat and plenty more across the weekend.
When: Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October
Where: Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Info/Tickets: events.humanitix.com/oktoberfest-canberra-2026
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Telopea Park School’s La Grande Fête
Telopea Park School’s biggest annual fundraiser returns with rides, food, market stalls, live entertainment, games and family-friendly Halloween activities, with funds raised supporting the school community.
