This Spring Canberrans can look forward to fetes, fairs, and community days bringing school grounds across the city to life with food, fun, and entertainment.
From petting zoos and rides to raffles, face painting, plant markets, and even a spooky Halloween fete, these public school events are a highlight of the Canberra calendar - bringing families together while raising vital funds for local schools.
ACT Parents, the peak body for parents and carers of children in ACT public schools, says fetes are about much more than fundraising.
"School fetes are celebrations of community spirit," ACT Parents Executive Officer Veronica Elliott said. "They showcase the creativity and energy of our students, parents, carers and staff, and they're a chance for the whole neighbourhood to come together."
Ms Elliott said the events are also an important way schools build connections beyond the classroom.
"They're a reminder that schools are at the heart of our communities. A fete is about friendship, culture, and fun - as well as supporting the extra resources and opportunities that enrich every child's education," she said.
Public schools across Canberra will be hosting a range of these volunteer-driven events throughout spring, continuing a much-loved local tradition.
"And whether you come for the rides, the raffles, or just the fairy floss, you're guaranteed a good time," Ms Elliott said.
2025 ACT Public Schools Spring Fetes and Fairs List
September
14 September 2025, 12pm - 4pm (Sunday) - Fadden Primary School Fete
5 Hanlon Crescent, Fadden ACT
To celebrate 40 wonderful years of Fadden Primary. Fun for all the family: face painting, games, showbags, reptiles, mini golf, food, prizes, plants, preloved books, market stalls, BBQ, Goodberry's, raffles ($5700+ prizes) and more.
October
18 October 2025, 11am - 3pm (Saturday) - Torrens Primary School Fete
Ritchie Street, Torrens ACT 2607
A community fete with live entertainment, food stalls including Devonshire Tea and Turkish gözleme, handmade crafts, and children's art and performances. Also featuring second-hand books, toys, and face painting.
24 October 2025, 3pm - 7pm (Friday) - Campbell High School 60th Birthday Celebration Fete
15 Treloar Crescent, Campbell ACT
60th Birthday celebration with a wide range of food and entertainment.
25 October 2025, 10am - 2pm (Saturday) - Turner Primary Annual Fete
Condamine Street, Turner ACT
Stalls (toys, games, books, plants, bikes), food (sausages, curries, cakes, coffee, drinks), games, school band and djembe. Cash & electronic payments accepted.
26 October 2025, 10am - 2pm (Sunday) - Hawker Spooky Fete
Erldunda Circuit, Hawker ACT
Traditional fete with Halloween theme: book stall, tombola, BBQ, cakes, haunted house, music, and pumpkins.
November
1 November 2025, 10am - 2pm (Saturday) - Palmerston Primary 30th Anniversary Fete
Kosciuszko Avenue, Palmerston ACT
Family fun with rides, petting zoo, and stalls. Tickets available in advance or on the day. Cash & card accepted at major stalls.
1 November 2025, 12pm - 2pm (Saturday) - Bonython Kids Market
64 Hurtle Avenue, Bonython ACT
Market by kids, for kids (ages 4-12). Stalls include baked goods, honey, face painting, craft, preloved books and toys, plants, dog treats, lemonade. Each stall keeps profits, with $10 per stall donated to the P&C.
2 November 2025, 10am - 5pm (Sunday) - Telopea Park School Fete - "La Grande Fete"
New South Wales Crescent, Barton ACT
Annual school fair with stalls, games, food, and entertainment for all ages. Cash & electronic payments accepted.
2 November 2025, 10am - 2pm (Sunday) - Macgregor Primary School Fete
25 Hirschfeld Crescent, Macgregor ACT
Rides, games, plant stall, market stalls, food trucks, white elephant, children's sports displays. Cash & EFTPOS available.
14 November 2025, 4pm - 7pm - Caroline Chisholm Twilight Fete
108 Hambidge Crescent, Chisholm ACT
40-year celebration with rides, food trucks, BBQ, sporting clubs, face painting, glitter tattoos, second-hand books, plants, craft and market stalls.
15 November 2025, 11am - 3pm (Saturday) - Florey Fair
57 Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey ACT
Theme: Community, Culture, and Connection. Stalls include local services, handmade goods, and bake stall. Cash & card accepted.