Canberra’s mornings will take on a familiar magical glow when the Canberra Balloon Spectacular returns from Saturday 14 March to Sunday 22 March.
While restoration works continue around John Dunmore Lang Place, the much-loved festival will be based at Patrick White Lawns behind the National Library. As the only hot air balloon festival in the world to take flight over a national capital, the Spectacular remains one of Canberra’s most iconic annual events.
Weather permitting, up to 40 balloons will lift off at sunrise each morning, with inflation beginning from around 6am and launches typically taking place between 6:30 and 7am. Visitors can arrive early to wander among the balloons as they slowly fill with air, creating a striking and immersive experience that has become a favourite for photographers and families alike.
A standout feature for 2026 will be the Canberra debut of Finley the Turtle, a special-shaped balloon making his first appearance in Australia. Travelling from the UK, Finley recently completed his maiden flight in Qatar, and owner Chris Freeman hopes the balloon’s visit to Canberra will also help raise awareness around turtle conservation efforts across the country.
Food vendors will be on site each morning serving hot breakfasts and fresh coffee, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a slow start to the day as the balloons rise above the lake and city skyline.
Entry to the Canberra Balloon Spectacular is free, and daily flight updates will be published from 6am each morning on canberraballoonspectacular.com and via EventsACT social media channels. While all flights are dependent on suitable weather conditions, organisers note that even on non-flying mornings, balloons may still inflate and tether on the ground.
