The ACT Government is proud to launch the 43rd Canberra and Region Heritage Festival, celebrating our 2026 theme of Mid Century: Innovation, Change and Optimism.
This year's festival shines a spotlight on the defining era that transformed Canberra, from bold Modernist architecture and national reforms to Cold War intrigue and the region's surprising connections to the Moon landing.
While this year's theme spotlights mid-century heritage, the festival also celebrates the region's cultural, First Nations, natural and historic places and stories.
Minister for Heritage Chris Steel said the Heritage Festival continues to play a vital role in celebrating the region's rich and varied history.
"The Heritage Festival is a great opportunity to discover the stories and designs that have shaped our city and to explore our regional heritage connections," Minister Steel said.
"This year's theme celebrates the visionary planning, creative ambition and cultural transformation of the mid‑century period. It was a time of innovation, optimism and progress that transformed our city and left a rich legacy of modernist architecture."
Running from 11 April to 10 May 2026, the festival features more than 150 events across the ACT and surrounding region, offering something for everyone. The program includes guided walks, tours of iconic buildings, exhibitions, food experiences and even dancing in the dark.
Visitors can also explore heritage beyond our city and discover the rich regional connections to Canberra's history with events in Goulburn, Yass, Gunning and Queanbeyan.
Highlights from this year's program include experiencing a night of espionage and intrigue at the Hyatt Hotel, testing your bush skills and traditional trades at the Wee Jasper Heritage Fair, and exploring Namadgi National Park and the reopened Yankee Hat Aboriginal rock art site with a Ngunnawal guide.
This year, the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival has also collaborated with Canberra Museum and Gallery to showcase events that celebrate the city's rich mid-century modern legacy, bringing together shared expertise to highlight this influential era in Canberra's design and cultural history.
"The full program of events is now online, and I encourage the community to plan activities for the school holidays and take this wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's history and culture," Minister Steel said.
"We know Canberrans really look forward to the Heritage Festival every year, so I'd like to thank the volunteers, community groups and heritage organisations whose dedication and passion bring the festival to life."
To register for the 2026 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival and view the full program, visit the Heritage Festival homepage.
