They toted Australian flags, small children and eskies full of beer as they rolled out the picnic rugs in the front yard of Parliament House.
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A crowd of thousands filled Federation Mall and celebrated the annual Australia Day Live concert in quintessentially Australian fashion.
As well as the announcement of the Australian of the Year awards, this year's concert featured a music line-up that included Paul Kelly, Jessica Mauboy and Canberra band Drawing North.
Sarah Madden brought her three young children to the concert for the first time and said it was a good way to make the most of living in the capital.
"For me I'm just grateful for what we have and how lucky we are."
Anne Sutherland, of Tharwa, said she enjoyed being able to mark the occasion somewhere as iconic as Parliament House.
"And I think it's indicative of the freedoms we have in Australia. You can have a cider, or a bourbon, on the lawns.
"These things, as little as they are, say a lot about the freedoms we enjoy here."
Her friend Olivia Stefek, of Bonython, admitted the opportunity to see Paul Kelly perform live was the major drawcard.
But she said it was exciting to celebrate the national day surrounded by thousands of people.
"I think everyone's so excited to be Australian."
"It's a great achievement for anyone that has been nominated for Australian of the Year and to be here to see them get their awards is quite special."
Marian Calix and Josue Murillo, who came to live in Canberra from Honduras a year ago, were excited to see many concert-goers had draped themselves in flags and donned green and gold attire for the celebration.
"The reason we came to the Australia Day concert is everyone told us that Australian citizens have a very festive spirit on this day," Mr Murillo said.
"I feel in Australia people come here more for love of their country and what it represents.
"We wanted to get that sensation of the Australian culture and I think, as foreigners, we have enjoyed it very much."
For Crookwell sisters Kathleen and Emily Campbell, both 19, Sunday's concert was the first they'd been to since they were children.
"We haven't been for years, but we used to come when we were younger so we thought we'd come along this year," Kathleen said.
Their hats and temporary tattoos on their cheeks depicted the Australian flag and they came with their friend Chloe Treacy, 19, who said the atmosphere was "just incredible".
