More than 2000 aerial fireworks will explode above Lake Burley Griffin from 8.30pm alongside a soundtrack of music as Skyfire returns to the capital for another year.

Foti Fireworks creative director Fortumato Foti said more than 10 technicians were preparing for the annual display on the back of six months of planning.

"We've got 11 positions on the lake at the central basin that stretches over about 400 metres," he said.

"There's 20 tonnes of equipment [and] in excess of 2000 kilograms of explosive content."

Mr Foti said Canberra's aqua centrepiece and excellent vantage points made the capital the perfect platform for launching plumes of colour into the sky.

He hoped the display would impress onlookers.

"It's a great location for fireworks. The great thing about Canberra is you can view the fireworks basically anywhere up high around the city," he said.

"It's a great event being put on for the people of Canberra. At these events you can get up to 130,000 people watching. Any event bringing that many people together for a but of fun is a great event. I hope people go away happy."

There's plenty happening before 8.30pm's big bang with the Federation Guard Display soaring overhead just after 6pm, followed by the Navy Squirrels and Jet Handling aerial displays and a visit from the Snowy Hydro Rescue Helicopter.

Performances by Masketta Falls, Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP will keep feet tapping from about 7pm at Regatta Point Stage.

Meanwhile, Summer Bay fans can catch Home and Away's George Mason (Martin Ashford) and Isabella Giovinazzo (Phoebe Nicholson) during the evening.

Your guide to Skyfire

Where to watch: There are a number of excellent vantage points around the lake, including the action-packed Regatta Point. Other popular spots include atop Mount Ainslie and Red Hill. The key is to arrive early to snag a space. For those who'd rather catch the firework's display from the comfort of one of the capital's national institutions, the National Museum of Australia's Museum Bar will be hosting the ticketed Museum Skyfire Bar equipped with food, beverages and entertainment for those 18 and older.

Where to park: Parking is available at various car parks near the lake including off Constitution Avenue, Barrine Drive, around the National Library of Australia, Langton Crescent, Wendouree Drive, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Dorothy Tangney Place, Russell Drive, next to Civic Pool, London Circuit, and Albert Street East to Albert Street West. The National Capital Authority has warned drivers of likely delays from 5pm so, the earlier you leave the better. The NCA will also be cracking down on illegal parking on open space so, stick to designated spots. Detour signs will be in place and marshals out directing traffic.

Where to bus: If you don't have the patience to park ACTION buses is running a number of special services (with regular fares) to Skyfire from the city, Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Woden and Gungahlin about every 30 minutes, alongside the usual 900 weekend services every 15 minutes. But there will be free charted buses leaving Skyfire from 8.45pm from Commonwealth Avenue and Langton Crescent. For more information, visit www.action.act.gov.au

Where to eat: Fairy floss, donuts, baked potatoes, ice cream, bakery goods, Thai food, hot dogs and coffee are all on the menu at this year's event. Food vans will be stationed around Regatta Point including near the main stage, under the poplar trees, next to the playground, at Barrine Drive near the cherry trees and the Captain Cook Globe.

Where to listen: At Regatta Point or through your radio via 104.7.

What else you should know: Concerned about wandering children? There's a lost person's station at the Regatta Point Forecourt. Advise a police officer, security guard or SES volunteer if you've lost a loved one. ActewAGL will have recycling facilities stationed around Regatta Point.