This Friday 26 January is a public holiday all across Australia and there’s lots on around the ACT region this long weekend to reflect and celebrate community.

From a cutting-edge drone show over Lake Burley Griffin to a traditional smoking ceremony at the National Museum, there are plenty of family-friendly events on offer, many of them free.

FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow & Night Markets

Presented by the National Capital Authority, assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, and crafted by AGB Creative, FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow & Night Markets is on across three nights this long weekend, Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 January.

Each night from 8.30pm, a trilogy of shows light up the skies above Lake Burley Griffin central basin, telling stories of Australia’s unique, natural beauty and history.

8.30pm Part 1 – Welcome, Yumalundi

9.30pm Part 2 – Rejoice

10.30pm Part 3 – One and Many

Catch the action in FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow & Night Markets from various locations around Central Basin on 25-27 January from 5pm nightly; https://bit.ly/Flight-DroneSkyShow-Event

National Museum of Australia Community Day

The National Museum of Australia invites the public to join Community Day 2024: Australia Day on Friday 26 January 9.30am-2.30pm for a culturally diverse program, activities, music performances and weaving demonstrations.

Workshops and activities for children and families, including free entry (bookings required) to the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre.

For the full program, visit nma.gov.au/whats-on/community-day-australia-day

Queanbeyan-Palerang activities

Each year, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council holds Australia Day events in the region to celebrate the people who make it great. At each location QPRC awards Young Citizen of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year, as nominated by residents.

This Friday 26 January, find your local event at:

• The Captains Flat Memorial Hall from 10 to 11am. There will be a ceremony, morning tea and activities.

• The Braidwood Serviceman’s Club from 10am to 12pm. There will be a ceremony, entertainment, address from Australia Day Ambassador Ben Farinazzo, and morning tea.

• The Bungendore Scout Hall from 11am to 3pm. There will be a ceremony, entertainment from the Paverty bush band, address from Australia Day Ambassador Ben Farinazzo, and BBQ.

• Queanbeyan Park from 5 to 9pm. There will be a citizenship ceremony and award ceremony, entertainment, fireworks, address from Australia Day Ambassador Ben Farinazzo, and BBQ.

Australia Day around Goulburn

On Friday 26 January, Australia Day in Goulburn and Marulan will be a day to reflect, respect and celebrate. Festivities begin at 7.30am with a free BBQ breakfast at Victoria Park, as well as a junior cricket match on Seiffert Oval from 8am.

The market, food stalls, activities and entertainment will start at 9am along with a Citizenship Ceremony. An Official Ceremony will follow at 10am, which will include the presentation of Australia Day awards. On at Victoria Park, Verner Street, Goulburn. Admission by donation. The Aquatic Centre will host a pool party after 2pm.

More information: www.goulburn.nsw.gov.au/Community/Australia-Day-2024

Australia Day at Harmonie German Club

The Harmonie German Club in Narrabundah is hosting a free Australia Day event starting at 6pm on Friday 26 January. Featuring a line-up of talented artists including Indigenous performers, Stewart Barton as well as The Riverbank Band. The concert will be headlined by country star Taylor Moss. The event will also host a silent art auction raising money for Indigenous causes and the club will have a special quiet space set aside for reflection on this day.

Tickets are free but must be booked at bit.ly/australiainharmonie2024

Chinese community Australia Day Concert

Federation of Chinese Community of Canberra Inc presents an open concert in Beijing Garden, Nara Peace Park, Yarralumla on Friday 26 January 10.30am-3pm to mark Australia Day.

Sponsored by Australia Day Council, the event will feature traditional Chinese dance, music and singing, martial arts and local First Nations dance. There will also be some Chinese arts and food stores on display.

Entry to the event is free, and everyone is welcome.

For more information, email [email protected]

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Canberra

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Canberra invites the public to their annual Australia Day celebrations on Friday 26 January 7-9pm at Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club where people can come together, united in allegiance to Australia.

Members of the Community will come together to pay respect to and hoist the Australian flag followed by national anthem. Short thanksgiving speeches by community members and invited dignitaries will take place as they share their thoughts on what it means to be an Australian.

The local Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia, Imam Ahmed Nadeem said: “We, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, always pray for the progress and development of our homeland, Australia. As per our traditions we will celebrate Australia Day in all Mosques across Australia. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our nation, government and people because our religion teaches us that love of country of residence is part of faith.”

At Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls. Friday 26 January 7-9pm followed by dinner (vegetarian option available).