Canberra Day 2026 in Australia

Canberra Day is a public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory, celebrated on the second Monday of March to mark the founding of Canberra in 1913. It features community events, family activities, and cultural celebrations across the city.

Canberra Day: A Public Holiday?

Canberra Day is a public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory, observed on the second Monday of March. Most schools, businesses, and government offices close for the day, allowing residents to take part in community events, festivals, and family-friendly celebrations honoring the city's founding.

Canberra Day

Canberra Day celebrates the founding of Australia's capital city, Canberra, which was officially named on 12 March 1913. The name 'Canberra' is believed to come from a local Aboriginal word meaning 'meeting place'. The location was chosen as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, the two largest cities, during the early 20th century.

Over time, the day grew into a public holiday specifically for residents of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). It was originally observed on 12 March each year but later changed to the second Monday of March to create a long weekend. Canberra Day marks the city's founding and reflects the capital's development into a modern, multicultural city. The day honors the city's history, its people, and its unique role as the political and administrative center of Australia.

Canberra Day Celebration in Australia

Canberra Day is celebrated across the Australian Capital Territory with a mix of fun, culture, and community pride. Held on the second Monday of March, the day offers locals a chance to enjoy the long weekend while reflecting on their city's identity. A major highlight is the Canberra Day Festival, which includes live music, entertainment, food stalls, and family-friendly activities in parks and public spaces. These celebrations draw large crowds and foster a strong sense of belonging and civic pride.

Schools and community groups often take part in educational activities in the lead-up to the day, helping younger generations understand the significance of Canberra's history. Some residents use the day to explore national attractions like the National Museum, Parliament House, or Lake Burley Griffin. Others simply enjoy picnics, barbecues, or a relaxed day out with family and friends. The public holiday allows everyone in the ACT to pause, reconnect, and appreciate their home city.

Canberra Day holds importance beyond just a day off work. It reminds residents of how far the city has come since its founding in 1913. The celebrations highlight Canberra's role as the heart of Australia's government and its diverse, welcoming, and innovative community. For locals, the day encourages pride in their city's achievements and strengthens the connection between people and place. Through both festive and thoughtful moments, Canberra Day continues to be a meaningful celebration for the ACT.

Canberra Day Observances