Canberra balloon spectacular

Each Autumn the skies above Canberra are filled with hot air balloons in the most glorious shapes, sizes and colours. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular (previously known as the Canberra Balloon Festival) has been delighting spectators since 1988. Planned as a one-off event to celebrate Canberra's 75th anniversary, it continued due to popular demand. It is now held in conjunction with the Enlighten Festival.

Many of the balloons are brought to Australia by international teams from as far as Poland, Russia, India, the USA and other countries. They launch from the lawns in front of Old Parliament House. It is the only such event in the world, held in the centre of a major city, where balloons are able to fly so close to government buildings. The event is weather dependent but if high winds prevent launch on a particular day there are catering facilities offering food and refreshments, and usually a few balloons are inflated for crowds to enjoy a close up view. Balloon rides are also available.

There are many vantage points around the city to enjoy the balloons in flight, but if you have a boat, Lake Burley Griffin is hard to beat.

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is on from 7-15 March 2020. Balloons inflate from 6.15am, weather permitting. Want to go in a balloon? Just click on the Balloon Aloft ad and make a booking.

Please Note: Bookings can only be made for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular by calling Balloon Aloft direct on 02 6249 8660, the current online system takes regular bookings only.

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skyfire

Skyfire is an annual fireworks and aerobatics display sponsored by local radio station Hit104.7 and others. Its been running since 1989 and can attract in excess of 100,000 spectators. The fireworks are synchronized to music broadcast via the radio station, and provide a spectacular display over Lake Burley Griffin's central basin.

Over recent years there has been the introduction of aerobatic displays by the Royal Australian Navy (helicopters) and F/A-18 jet fighters and precision flying team "The Roulettes", from the Royal Australian Air Force before the fireworks.

Live music, food stalls and entertainment with plenty of vantage points on both sides of the lake make it a great event for the whole family. Due to Covid-19  Skyfire 2020 was postponed from March 2020. A new date is yet to be announced.