Canberra’s event calendar is busier than most people think, and on the big weekends, rooms across the city sell out. Here’s what’s on through the year, and how to make the most of your stay.
The short answer: Book early for Summernats, the Royal Canberra Show, Floriade, graduations and big games. Stay somewhere central with free parking, like Ainslie, so you’re close to Commonwealth Park, EPIC and GIO Stadium without paying for city parking.
Canberra’s big events at a glance
| Event | When (usually) | Where | From Tall Trees Ainslie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summernats | Early January | EPIC, Mitchell | Short drive |
| Royal Canberra Show | Late summer | EPIC, Mitchell | Short drive |
| Floriade | Mid-Sept to mid-Oct | Commonwealth Park | About 10 min drive |
| Graduations | Mid-year and December | ANU, UC, ADFA, RMC Duntroon | Short drive |
| Game days | Through the season | GIO Stadium, Bruce | 5–10 min drive |
Dates change every year, so always check the official event website before you book.
Summernats (summer, EPIC)
Australia’s famous street machine festival takes over Exhibition Park in Canberra every summer, bringing thousands of car lovers to town. EPIC is a short drive from Ainslie, and with free on-site parking you can leave the show car safely at the hotel.
Royal Canberra Show (late summer, EPIC)
Rides, show bags, animals and fireworks at Exhibition Park. A great family weekend, and our Medium and Large Family Rooms sleep 4 and 5.
Floriade (spring, Commonwealth Park)
Australia’s biggest celebration of spring fills Commonwealth Park with flowers, food and entertainment. It’s about 10 minutes from the hotel, so you can arrive early and beat the crowds.
Graduations (ANU, UC, ADFA and RMC Duntroon)
Proud families travel from all over Australia for graduation week. The Royal Military College Duntroon is a short drive from Ainslie, as are the ANU and Canberra City.
Game days at GIO Stadium
Rugby league, rugby union and football at GIO Stadium in Bruce, around 5 to 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel, with public buses also running on game days.
Concerts, festivals and expos
From music festivals like Spilt Milk to expos and markets at EPIC, there’s almost always something on. Check event dates before you book and grab your room early.
Coming with a group?
Teams, car clubs, school groups and wedding parties: bookings of 6 or more rooms are handled as group bookings with their own deposit and cancellation terms. Contact us for a group quote, and ask about our family rooms that sleep up to 5.
About Tall Trees Ainslie Hotel
| Address | 21 Stephen Street, Ainslie ACT 2602 |
| Phone | (02) 6247 9200 |
| To Canberra City | About 10 minutes by car |
| To Canberra Airport | About 10 minutes by car |
| Rooms | Standard Queen, Executive Queen, Small, Medium and Large Family and a Studio Apartment |
| Facilities | Free parking, free Wi-Fi, on-site gym, guest laundry, BBQ area, vending machine, keyless PIN entry, non-smoking |
| Book direct | Code BOOKDIRECT saves 12% |
Ready to book?
Lock in your room for event weekend. Book direct with us and use code BOOKDIRECT to save 12%.
Quick answers
When is Floriade in Canberra?
Floriade is held in spring, usually from mid-September to mid-October, in Commonwealth Park. Check the official Floriade website for this year’s dates.
Where is Summernats held?
Summernats is held at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) in Mitchell, usually in early January.
Where should I stay for an event at EPIC or GIO Stadium?
Tall Trees Ainslie Hotel in Ainslie is a short drive from both EPIC and GIO Stadium, with free on-site parking and family rooms sleeping up to 5.
Can I book a group of rooms for an event?
Yes. Bookings of 6 or more rooms are handled as group bookings with their own terms. Contact the hotel directly for a group quote.
How early should I book for Canberra events?
As early as you can. Floriade, Summernats, graduations and big game weekends fill quickly, and booking direct with code BOOKDIRECT saves 12%.
