Main Stage7:15pm – 8pm
24 October 2026
A celebration of Japanese culture
Experience an evening of Japanese culture, community and the glow of 2,000 candles illuminated at dusk.
Festival Highlights
Main Stage5:15pm – 6:15pm
Cosplay Competition
Peace BellVarious times
Ring the Rotary Peace Bell
Demonstrations Area5:30pm – 6:30pm
Martial Arts
Main Stage8:35pm – 9pm
Waidako Rindo
Art and Craft Tent4pm – 8pm
Lantern Making
Main Stage8:05pm – 8:30pm
Japan Jazz Nights: Celebrating 50 Years of Australia–Japan Friendship Stereo Champ
Food & Markets
What's OnView Full Program
Step into a world of colour and charm
From cultural demonstrations and live performances to food experiences and the candle lighting ceremony, there's something to enjoy throughout the evening.
Everything you need for a memorable visit
Find information about site access, accessible transport and facilities to help you plan a comfortable visit.
Cosplay Competition
Enter nowEntries now open
Step into character and celebrate Japanese pop culture at the Canberra Nara Candle Festival’s Cosplay Competition! Open to all ages, this much-loved event invites cosplayers of every level to showcase their creativity and passion, with great prizes up for grabs.
In Pictures
A glimpse of what awaits
See how we celebrated Canberra’s sister city relationship with Nara, Japan last year.
About the FestivalAbout the Festival
A Friendship That Lights the Way
For more than three decades, Canberra and Nara have shared a sister-city relationship built on friendship, cultural exchange and community connection. The Canberra Nara Candle Festival celebrates this enduring relationship through an evening that brings people together to learn, share and celebrate.
