Temporary Closures: Current advice
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets 2025
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Flight 2025
Date
24 January 2025
-
26 January 2025
Time
5:00pm - 10:30pm
Place
Commonwealth Place, Parkes and Regatta Point, Canberra
More information
Event details
Dates and times:
Friday 24 Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January 2025
Night Markets: 5:00 - 10:00pm
First Drone Show: 9:00 - 9:15pm
Second Drone Show: 10:00 - 10:15pm
Locations
Commonwealth Place, Parkes
Regatta Point, Canberra
Event overview
The National Capital Authority is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow & Night Markets to the National Capital on the Australia Day weekend for a series of shows to reflect, respect and celebrate the ever-evolving story of our nation.
FLIGHT promises an unforgettable evening for families, friends and communities, featuring new 3D designs, immersive music and themes. Whether you’re witnessing it for the first time or returning for more, prepare to be amazed as we elevate entertainment to new heights.
Across three unforgettable nights, Canberra’s sky will be transformed into a canvas of lights as 600 drones tell spellbinding stories across two shows each night.
The vibrant night markets are back and will come alive from 5:00pm each evening. Explore the bustling stalls featuring an array of local vendors, mouthwatering cuisines, unique crafts and roaming entertainment.
Join us at Commonwealth Place or Regatta Point to witness this 3D spectacle! Be part of this awe-inspiring celebration of community, art and technology.
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow will be visible from other locations around the centre of Lake Burley Griffin. Please note, your location could alter your perspective of some elements in the Drone SkyShow.
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow & Night Markets is suitable for all ages and is a chance to celebrate the start of 2025. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this event promises a unique and inclusive experience for all. So, mark your calendars and join us for a night of wonder and excitement.
Large crowds are anticipated, so planning ahead is encouraged to avoid travel delays. To ensure you stay updated with event details and transport arrangements, we encourage you to register via Eventbrite.
Flight Drone SkyShow & Night Markets 2025 has been made possible through the support of the National Capital Authority and the National Australia Day Council.
Acknowledgement
‘Ned Kelly display based on Sir Sidney Nolan’s ‘Ned Kelly, 1946’
© The Sidney Nolan Trust. All rights reserved, DACS/Copyright Agency, 2025
Click on the link below to listen soundtrack for the shows.
The soundtrack is set to automatically play when each drone show starts.
Listen here
The first show, Through the Lends – explores the evolving story of what it means to be Australian. Opening with a powerful Welcome to Country, recognising the First Nations People’s enduring connection to this land. Through vibrant scenes that pay homage to Australia’s shared love of sport, art, and community, audiences will be invited to reflect on the diversity and unity that underpin the Australian identity.
The second show, Into the Mind – shifts to showcase Australia’s spirit of ingenuity and creativity. From world-first medical advances to everyday innovations, this segment highlights how Australians have consistently redefined boundaries with humour, curiosity, and resourcefulness.
Hub 1 | Commonwealth Place
Hub 2 | Regatta Point
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow is a 3D experience. It will be visible from other locations around the centre of Lake Burley Griffin. Your location will alter your perspective of the Drone SkyShow, meaning elements in the show may appear differently from each location.
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow will be visible from other locations around the centre of Lake Burley Griffin. Your location will alter your perspective of the Drone SkyShow, meaning elements in the Drone SkyShow may appear differently than if you were at Commonwealth Place.
The Questacon Carpark and the Regatta Point Carpark will be open for patrons with accessible parking needs only. Vehicles must display a valid Australian disability parking permit.
No, entry to the event is free and no bookings are required. You are welcome to register on Eventbrite to join our email list and stay up to date with all the latest event details.
Thanks to the ACT Government, free public transport across the entire Transport Canberra network will be available for travel to FLIGHT from 5pm on 25-27 January.
Park & Ride Bus Options: Park at one of Transport Canberra’s many Park & Ride facilities across Canberra and jump on a bus or light rail.
City Shuttles: Free shuttle buses will run from Woden and City Interchange from 7:00pm onwards. Buses will drop off at Commonwealth Ave and Regatta Point.
For more details and to view all timetables across the long weekend, visit Flight: Drone SkyShow 24-26 January 2025 - Transport Canberra
Parking close to Commonwealth Place is limited. Arrive early and allow plenty of time to find a park and be prepared for potential delays when leaving.
We recommend using the event map to view all parking options and road closures.
Note that parking in the National Triangle is FREE after 5pm, and on weekends and Public Holidays.
Visit the collection galleries and enjoy free entry to the exhibition Carol Jerrerms: Portraits. Play with Augmented Reality butterflies or get crafty with the whole family in the Summer Family Space inspired by the exhibition Joan Ross: Those trees came back to me in my dreams.
You can also grab a bite to eat at the gallery café AND parking is FREE when you validate your parking at the front desk!
Time: 5pm - 9pm
Entry: FREE
You may want to bring a picnic blanket to sit on, as well as any snacks or beverages you'd like to enjoy during the event.
You might like to bring personal small speaker or headphones to listen to the event soundtrack and special music.
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow and Night Markets is an outdoor event with main viewing area in open space - please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
Yes, there will be night markets featuring food, drinks, and crafts available at the event.
The Jetty, Waters Edge and The Margot will be operating at Commonwealth Place, as well as ample food and drink options at the market.
Food vendors will also be at Barrine Drive near Regatta Point in Commonwealth Park.
Please see a full list Night Market stallholders can be found here
There will be roving entertainment throughout the night.
Keep your eyes and ears open to capture these unique performances.
You can find the entertainment schedule here.
Yes, the event is suitable for all ages and is a great opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy the beautiful setting of Lake Burley Griffin.
First aid tents will be located at Commonwealth Place and Regatta Point.
Yes, roving security will monitor crowds and alcohol consumption at both event hubs.
Drone operators advise that FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow will be unable to proceed in rain, high winds, thunderstorms, and/or lightning. They can however look for windows of clear skies through the night to make the drones fly.
The NCA will use social media and email to notify the community of any delays or cancellations. To guarantee that you receive event updates and notifications of this type, visitors should sign up to Eventbrite or follow the NCA and/or the National Triangle on social media.
In the event of cancellation or delay, the NCA will work with the Drone SkyShow supplier to attempt (where possible) to reschedule the event.
Due to the large crowds expected at FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow Trilogy & Night Markets, it is not advisable to bring a pet to this event.
Service animals are excepted.
From 5 pm to 11 pm the NCA is running a free loop bus that will pick up and drop off from various carparks around Lake Burley Griffin. The loop takes about 15 minutes and begins at the Russell Office carpark and will have two buses circulating in both directions.
- Russell Offices
- Langton Avenue (in front of the Treasury building)
- Commonwealth Avenue (opposite Regatta Point carpark)
- Civic Pool
- CIT Reid carpark
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Flight event bus loop