Floriade’s Nightfest is one of more than 40 events that have received a special event declaration over the next year. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Trading hours of Canberra’s pubs, clubs, bars, and other eligible licensed venues will automatically be extended to 2 am for dozens of special events coming to the ACT in the next 12 months.
More than 40 cultural and sporting events have been given the special event declaration, with the first on Friday, 5 September, when the Socceroos take on New Zealand at GIO Stadium for the ‘Soccer Ashes’.
Access Canberra head Josh Rynehart said each special event declaration had to meet specific criteria.
“[They] have been carefully selected based on their significance at the local, state, national, or international level, offering valuable opportunities for communities to come together and celebrate with their local venues,” he said.
“By automatically extending trading hours for eligible licensees, we are streamlining processes and giving venues greater flexibility to celebrate key moments.”
Special event declarations automatically extend trading hours for eligible licensed venues, eliminating the need for separate applications. It covers general, club, special and on licences.
For any of the listed licence types that aren’t already licensed to trade to 2 am or beyond, their trading time will be automatically increased to 2 am for these special events.
While eligible businesses do not need to apply, licensees must continue to comply with all existing licence conditions, including any additional requirements or conditions outlined in the special event declaration.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the ACT Government was announcing these special event declarations now to give businesses time to prepare.
“Canberra’s night-time economy is a vital part of our city’s identity and growth … [and] events like these bring the community together, encourage tourism and support local businesses,” he said.
“We’re proud to support that.”
The Australian Hotels Association’s ACT branch has welcomed the move, with general manager Chris Gatfield describing it as a “welcome boost” for the hospitality industry.
“Declaring these events in advance will allow venues to plan, advertise, and roster staff accordingly,” he said.
“The announcement that Raiders fans will be able to party a little later after home games during the inevitable run to the Grand Final is very exciting news.”
“[I] look forward to celebrating with Socceroos fans after the game on the first extended trading night.”
The Canberra Business Chamber was also pleased, but cautioned that this didn’t automatically mean businesses would see the benefits.
“Success will depend on Canberrans and visitors getting out and supporting hospitality businesses,” CEO Greg Harford said.
The special event declarations for 2025 (current as of 29 August) are:
- Socceroos vs New Zealand international football match, 5 September
- Canberra Moon Festival, 5 September to 7 September
- AFLW GWS Giants vs Western Bulldogs, 13 September
- AFL Grand Final, 27 September
- Floriade NightFest, 2 October to 5 October
- NRL Grand Final, 5 October
- Australian Masters Games 2025, 18 October, 22 October and 25 October
- Men’s T20I Series against India, 29 October
- SpringOUT Pride Festival opening, 1 November
- 2025 Melbourne Cup, 4 November
- Ricky Martin Live, 8 November
- Ashes first Test opening against England, 21 November
- PM’s XI international cricket, 29 November to 30 November
- Ashes second Test opening against England, 4 December
- Split Milk, 13 December
- Ashes third Test opening against England, 17 December
- Christmas Eve, 26 December
- Ashes fourth Test opening against England, 26 December
- New Year’s Eve, 31 December.
It is expected that this declaration will also apply to the Raiders’ upcoming home finals once dates are announced.
More than 20 dates will be declared special events in 2026.
Businesses can access support through Access Canberra’s event coordination and business assist team.
