Get ready for a busy weekend in Canberra! This weekend (Feb 28 - Mar 01, 2026) is packed with markets, family fun days, and some unique cultural events. Don't miss the Mint Family Fun Day on Saturday or the great Sunday markets.
See our top picks
Mint Family Fun Day
Royal Australian Mint
Free activities, face painting, and coin pressing for the 60th anniversary on Saturday.
Discovery Centre (NMA)
National Museum of Australia
An immersive, indoor play space perfect for kids aged 6 and under.
Discovery Centre (NMA)
National Museum of Australia
Designed specifically for ages birth to 6 with hands-on fun.
· February 28
6FREE : The Royal Australian Mint is hosting a free family day to celebrate its 60th anniversary! You can catch live music, get faces painted, and kids aged 5-12 can trade ordinary coins for special Mint pieces.It's a completely free, dedicated family event with unique coin-pressing opportunities.
: Head down to Yarralumla for a beautiful evening celebration featuring classical music, traditional dances, and dragon and lion dances. Bring your own lantern or buy one there.It's a wonderful, atmospheric evening event that closes out February.
: Sign up for a two-hour collaborative drawing workshop led by artist Sarah Murray. It sounds like a great way for budding artists to get hands-on experience creating a piece together.A dedicated, hands-on creative session on Saturday morning.
: Catch the Brumbies' first home game of the 2026 season against the Blues! There will be entertainment before the match and at half-time, making it a full night out.The first home game of the season is always a big event for families who love rugby.
: The iconic festival lights up buildings across the city this weekend, including the Parliamentary Triangle. It's a magical way to see Canberra's landmarks after dark.It’s running across the whole weekend, offering spectacular nightly visual displays.
: If your kids love getting messy, this Slime Workshop at Ruckus HQ on Saturday morning is probably for them! Check the link for the exact cost.A great hands-on, messy activity happening Saturday morning.
· March 1
3FREE : Catch the final day of Shakespeare by the Lake’s latest season, retelling The Taming of the Shrew. Some performances are free outdoor shows—perfect for a casual Sunday outing.This is the last chance to see the season, running until Sunday, March 1st.
INTRO TO CAPOEIRA: 5-WEEK COURSE : This is the final session of a 5-week Capoeira course—an Afro-Brazilian martial art mixing movement, music, and play. It sounds like an amazing way to get active.It runs right through the weekend, and the focus on movement and music is great for kids' energy levels.
THE MEASURE OF THINGS : Visit this exhibition in Queanbeyan over the weekend to see Dee Hopkins' first solo show, featuring abstracts and portraits. It's open late afternoon on Sunday.It runs every weekend until Sunday, March 1st, making it a perfect 'last chance' weekend activity.
Also On· anytime this weekend
9FREE : Grab breakfast and browse handmade crafts by the water this Saturday morning. They offer free arts and crafts activities specifically provided for children.It’s a great Saturday morning outing with free crafts built in for the kids.
FREE : This huge Saturday market is perfect for stocking up on fresh produce, but you can also chat with growers and support the Rotary Club projects.A fantastic Saturday morning habit that supports local producers.
: Held on the first Sunday of the month, this market offers everything from fresh produce and baked goods to clothing and toys. It specifically includes children's activities.It’s a classic, monthly Sunday market that always has something for younger kids.
: The famous Sunday markets are back, featuring hundreds of local creatives selling hand-crafted goods, food, and more. It is consistently family-friendly.A reliable Sunday staple showcasing Canberra's best makers.
FREE : Get your Sunday started early at Phillip. You can grab fresh veggies or treat the family to an egg and bacon roll while browsing local goods.It’s the earliest market running on Sunday for those who want to beat the crowds.
: A beautiful Sunday morning market in Braddon featuring live music, great food, and crucially, family-friendly activities.It's a great way to explore Braddon's vibe while keeping the kids entertained with dedicated activities.
: The final day of this cinema series is Saturday, showing films outdoors among the gardens. Bring a picnic or buy food there.It’s the absolute last night of the season, making it a special Saturday event.
: This usually runs on the third Sunday, but the evening activities are held on the preceding Saturday. Check bookings for nature-based fun led by park rangers for older kids.It is scheduled to run on Saturday, Feb 28th (evening session) for kids 7-15 who love nature.
: This is an immersive play and learn space at the NMA, specifically designed for younger kids up to age 6. It’s a perfect indoor option for Saturday.Great dedicated indoor space for younger kids (under 6) if the weather turns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Canberra this weekend?
The best free option this weekend is the Mint Family Fun Day on Saturday (Feb 28) for coin trading and activities. Additionally, the Little Burley Market (Sat) and Capital Region Farmers Market (Sat) offer free entry and usually have free kids' crafts or entertainment.
What can we do outdoors on Saturday?
For high energy, check out the ACT Brumbies vs Blues rugby match at GIO Stadium Saturday night. For something more cultural, the Chinese Lantern Festival runs Saturday evening in Yarralumla.
Are there any markets running on Sunday, March 1st?
Yes! You can visit the Hartley Hall Markets in Hall, the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston, or the Southside Farmers Markets in Phillip, all running on Sunday morning.
