Whether you love it or hate it, Summernats will be one of the first major events to take place in Canberra in 2022. Photo: File.
Raise your hands if you’re ready for a better 2022!
The organisers of the city’s biggest events certainly are following almost two years of cancellations and dashed hopes because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the ACT’s most popular events bouncing back, here’s a look at all the major ones set to grace the national capital next year.
Summernats
The first cab off the rank is Summernats.
It will take place from 6-9 January and will feature a 500-car cruise down Northbourne Avenue as well as a new fringe festival in Braddon with live music and entertainment.
Australia Day 2022 is about reflection and respect. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Australia Day
Australia Day celebrations will begin in Canberra from 23 January, 2022, with the theme of “Reflect, Respect and Celebrate”.
On 25 January, there will be a series of campfires, sand circles and small stages at Reconciliation Place, in Parkes, while on Australia Day, 26 January, new citizens will be welcomed with a Welcome to Country and flag-raising.
Canberra Fair will showcase local businesses, innovation, weddings and events in February. Photo: File.
Canberra Fair
Canberra Fair will take place on 6 February, 2022, to showcase local businesses, innovation, weddings and events – from bridal gowns and suits, to cakes and venues.
The Royal Canberra Show has something for everyone, including the popular woodchopping. Photo: Supplied.
Royal Canberra Show
Another staple on the Canberra events calendar, the Royal Canberra Show, will take place from 25-27 February, 2022.
The event was was severely affected by bushfire smoke in 2020, and was cancelled in 2021, so it’s good to have it back.
SummerSalt
SummerSalt will take place on 26 February, 2022, at Commonwealth Park, with its music line-up including Missy Higgins, Birds of Tokyo, The Waifs and Pete Murray.
The event will also feature local market stalls, food trucks and a wide variety of beverages.
Surface
During the weekend of 4-6 March, 2022, Civic and Braddon will be transformed for ACT urban art festival Surface.
Fifteen artists will use graffiti, murals, light sculptures and more to bring the city to life.
Canberrans traditionally turn out in large numbers to see the illuminations of the Enlighten Festival. Photo: Ben Appleton.
Enlighten Festival
The Enlighten Festival will take place from 4-20 March, 2022. Illuminations and events will be happening all across Canberra, and there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Raise your glasses for the return of the Wine Machine festival. Photo: Supplied.
Wine Machine
The Wine Machine festival will take place on 19 March, 2022, at Commonwealth Park, with plenty of fine drops plus performances by PNAU, Benee, The Presents and Thundamentals.
Following three cancellations due to COVID-19, the Handmade Markets are more than ready to welcome Canberrans back at EPIC. Photo: Handmade Markets.
Handmade Markets
After three false starts due to COVID-19, the Handmade Markets have set a date for the weekend of 29 April to 1 May, 2022, to return at EPIC.
Founder Julie Nichols says all fingers and toes are crossed the event can return to its pre-pandemic size and glory.
Canberrans can experience the magic of Christmas in July in 2022. Photo: Christmas in July.
Christmas in July
Originally intended to come to Canberra in July 2021, the Christmas in July markets and outdoor cinema will now take place from 1-3 July, 2022.
It will be a celebration of all things Christmas and French food, including cheese (lots of it).
The colours of Floriade will return in 2022. Photo: File.
Floriade
At this stage, there isn’t a lot of information known about what Floriade will look like in 2022. Although we know it’s scheduled to go ahead from 17 September to 16 October, 2022.
