Canberra will be buzzing this October as the Australian Masters Games (AMG) roll into town, bringing more than 8,000 athletes, supporters, and visitors to the nation’s capital. While competition across 45 sports will take centre stage, the midweek entertainment program promises to showcase the very best of Canberra’s social and cultural scene, from unique sport to racing glamour and a full-blown street party in the heart of the city.
To kick the week off and as part of the festivities for participants to enjoy, the iconic Mooseheads will open its doors on Monday night for one of their famous over-30s discos to enjoy and celebrate their time in Canberra.
As the sun sets on Wednesday night, celebrations will spill into the streets. Lonsdale Street in Braddon will transform into a buzzing hub of food, music, and entertainment for the AMG Midweek Party.
Bars, cafés, and restaurants along the strip are coming together to create one epic night out, with special offers, themed menus, drink deals, and live entertainment lighting up the precinct. Whether you’re a Masters participant unwinding after competition, a local keen to join the fun, or a visitor soaking up the atmosphere, this is the place to be.
Expect the full Canberra flavour, from iconic pubs and cocktail lounges to street eats, DJs, and pop-ups. With venues spilling onto the pavement and energy flowing from one end of Braddon to the other, it’s the perfect midweek celebration.
“The Masters Games are as much about connection and community as they are about competition,” said Adam Drinkwell, Australian Masters Games General Manager. “The Lonsdale Street Party will capture that perfectly and create a chance for everyone to come together, celebrate, and enjoy the vibrant spirit of Canberra.”
New in 2025 is a sports exhibition. On Thursday 23 October, the AMG will put on a special celebration and introduction to the sport of Kho Kho. Kho Kho is a fast-paced traditional Indian team sport that’s part chase, part strategy, and all action. Two teams of nine face off, with one side trying to tag the other in a display of speed, reflexes, and teamwork. The twist? Players can only run in one direction, making quick thinking and coordination essential.
Following the success of the Kho Kho World Cup last year, the sport is gaining international attention, and Kho Kho Australia will bring it to Canberra with three fun demonstrations, including a match played by official rules, a masters-modified game, and an audience participation round where locals can jump in and give it a go.
It’s fast, energetic and a great chance to try something new, or simply cheer on from the sidelines.
The next day, Friday 24 October, the spotlight moves to Thoroughbred Park, where the AMG Canberra Race Day will deliver a spring racing experience with a Masters Games twist. Expect a full afternoon of racing, fashion, and socialising as participants, supporters, and locals gather to celebrate the AMG in style.
From trackside excitement to track-top elegance, it’s a chance to swap the sneakers for something more sophisticated and enjoy one of Canberra’s premier sporting venues in full bloom.
We’re inviting you all to join the fun!
From the cultural flair of Kho Kho to the colour of Race Day and the energy of the Braddon Street Party, the Australian Masters Games midweek lineup brings sport and celebration together in true Canberra style.
So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and join the fun, because this October, Canberra will be the place to play, connect, and celebrate.
The Australian Masters Games are on in Canberra from 18 to 25 October. To learn more, visit australianmastersgames.com
