The Maliyan totem is an important part of the light show. Photo: Ben Appleton
10 January 2024
In brief:
- The FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets return to Canberra from 24–26 January.
- The show was popular last year and promises a great family night out.
- This story includes all you need to know about the event.
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Marketswill return this Australia Day weekend.
The Canberra sky will transform into a canvas of lights over three nights: 24–26 January 2025.
This year, the award-winning event will reach new heights. There will be:
- new 3D designs
- immersive music
- night markets and entertainment at two event hubs.
The show
FLIGHT promises to be a great night for locals and visitors alike.
Themed Through the Lens and Into the Mind, the show reflects, respects and celebrates Australia’s evolving story.
Over 15 minutes, 600 drones move in sync to bring to life the pride, ingenuity and heart of Australia.
It begins with a tribute to the land’s original custodians. The totem Maliyan (wedge-tail eagle) is once again a key feature of this acknowledgment.
The show then pays visual and musical homage to what makes Australia both familiar and extraordinary.
Show times
There will be two shows each evening:
- show 1: 9pm–9:15pm
- show 2 – 10pm–10:15pm.
Bring a chair or a blanket and come for one or both.
Event hubs and alternative viewing locations
Event hubs will be set up at:
- Commonwealth Place
- Regatta Point.
These are where you’ll find the markets and entertainment.
It doesn’t matter where you sit, though. You’ll be able to see the show from other locations around the centre of Lake Burley Griffin. Your perspective will be different, depending on where you go.
Night markets and entertainment
Canberrans love a night market, and with two to enjoy this year, FLIGHT will not disappoint.
Markets will be set up in both hubs from 5pm–10pm each night.
Bring your appetite and sample tasty dishes including:
- paella
- gozleme
- curries
- pizza and pasta, and much more.
You can also browse the makers’ stalls.
There will be plenty of entertainment to keep the family smiling as you await sunset. This will include:
- lion and dragon performers
- samba dancers
- roaming magicians.
Free entry
Entry is free and bookings are not required.
Registering via Eventbrite will ensure you receive updates closer to the event.
Getting there
Public transport: The event will be busy, so plan ahead to avoid delays.
Bus routes 6 and 2 run along King Edward Terrace, near the event.
E-scooters: Please note Commonwealth Place is a no-ride zone. There will be designated e-scooter parking on either side of the event areas.
Parking: There are plenty of carparks in the area. Check out the parking map.
Please note Questacon carpark will be open for accessible parking only.
FLIGHT Drone SkyShow + Night Markets 2025 has been made possible through the support of the National Capital Authority and the National Australia Day Council.
Find out more on the National Capital Authority website.
Night markets are always a hit with Canberrans. Photo: Ben Appleton
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