75+ ways to fill your last week of November
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The final week of November packs some serious punch with festivals, markets, music, and major sporting moments.
The highlights? Think Dolly Parton’s Here You Come Again musical, Spirits at the Foreshore with 40+ distillers, the Handmade Market, Prime Minister’s XI v England, and Rock for Reconciliation!
Don’t miss…
Friends with Her x HerCanberra November Event
Friends with Her is on a mission to ignite genuine connection and community in Canberra, bringing together like-minded women to share passions, stories and unforgettable experiences. The events are designed to transform isolation into inspiration—because no one should feel alone in a city full of potential friends. This collaborative event with HerCanberra provides opportunities for women to meet, connect and build meaningful relationships in a relaxed social setting. The 90-minute gathering creates space for authentic conversations and new friendships. Whether new to Canberra or simply looking to expand your social circle, this event welcomes all women seeking community and connection.
Thursday 27 November, 6 pm | Highball, 77 London Circuit, City| eventbrite.com.au
EA Series Finale: Partners in Public Sector Leadership
In celebration of the leaders behind the leaders, this special IPAA ACT event brings together Her Excellency the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, and her Senior Executive Assistant, Laura Florance, for an intimate fireside chat. Together they’ll share personal, behind-the-scenes insights into trust, anticipation and the emotional intelligence that sustain one of the nation’s highest offices. A rare chance to hear about leadership, partnership and the invisible work that keeps public institutions functioning with clarity and purpose.
Thursday 27 November, 6:15 pm–8 pm | Rex Hotel, Canberra | act.ipaa.org.au
Sex and the City Trivia Night
The Durham Castle Arms hosts a Sex and the City Trivia Night for fans of the iconic series. Test your knowledge of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda over an evening of themed fun, cocktail specials and plenty of prizes. Whether you’re team Mr Big or team Aidan, gather your crew and channel your inner New Yorker for this nostalgic tribute to friendship, fashion and cosmopolitans.
Tickets are $10 per person, making it an affordable night out with friends. The trivia covers all things SATC from memorable quotes to iconic fashion moments. Perfect for devoted fans and casual viewers alike wanting a fun Thursday night activity.
Thursday, 27 November, 7.30 pm | The Durham Castle Arms, Kingston| durhamcastlearms.com.au
Handmade Market Canberra
The Handmade Market showcases over 260 Australian designers and producers at Exhibition Park in Canberra. This award-winning indoor quarterly event is certified as a Retail Supporter of the Australian Made Campaign. Discover fashion, ceramics, handcrafted furniture, children’s items, original artworks, jewellery and accessories, plus an indoor gourmet food and wine pavilion. The market features a Low Sensory Hour from 9 am-10 am on Sunday morning. Exhibition Park offers accessibility-friendly facilities, including accessible toilets and parking, ample free parking, and a light-rail stop at the entrance. Entry is free, with optional charity donations supporting those in need across the ACT region.
Friday 28 until Sunday 30 November | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Budawang, Coorong and Parkes Pavilions, Lyneham | handmadecanberra.com.au
Familiar Fragments book launch and exhibition
Nancy Sever Gallery presents the launch of Familiar Fragments, a hardcover book featuring paintings by Annie Franklin and poems by Anita Patel. The third collaboration between the artists offers everyday objects, moments and experiences making up ordinary lives–from custard jugs, recipes and picnics to watching aged parents decline.
The creators have explored rivers, gardens, teacups, kitchens, childhoods and friendship. Unlike earlier books Heart Stitched and Grief and Beauty where poems responded to paintings, Franklin has produced images responding to Patel’s words. Paintings and poems weave together offering fragments from the common round of life.
Franklin and Patel will sign books at the launch, with paintings featured in the book available for purchase. An exhibition of Franklin’s paintings accompanies the event.
Saturday, 29 November, 2 pm–5 pm | Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon | Contact annie.franklin@bigpond.com
Run 4 Palestine Canberra 2025
Take part in a relaxed family-oriented community fun run showing solidarity and raising support for vital medical aid for Palestinian families. Whether you run, jog or stroll, participation helps deliver essential care and relief through PANZMA (Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association). Every step helps families rebuild lives and ensures access to medical care. The 5km course runs from Lennox Gardens along the south side of Lake Burley Griffin via Kings Avenue Bridge to the north side and back via Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The 10km course completes two laps. Registration and bag drop opens 9.30 am. Two-lap run/walk starts 10 am, one-lap starts 10.10 am. Sausage sizzle at 11.45 am.
Saturday, 29 November, 9.30 am-4 pm | Nara Park, Lennox Gardens, Barton | maps.app.goo.gl
Spring Film Series at the NFSA
Arc Cinema at the NFSA presents a rich and adventurous film season celebrating cinema’s brightest, darkest, and most unforgettable moments. From lovable heroes and iconic villains to glamorous stars and heartwarming stories, this program offers big-screen moments for everyone with striking cinematography and compelling narratives.
Until Sunday 30 November | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
French Sounds of Summer #2
French Sounds of Summer celebrates the arrival of summer with live music in the gardens of the Embassy of France in Canberra.
The program features local artists — including the AFP pipes and drums, choral pieces and diverse musical styles.
Visitors can enjoy French food, drinks and artisan products, including a special collaboration with Le Marché – Sydney’s French Market. Avène x Molemap will also offer free skin checks.
With family activities, a raffle, a jumping castle and more, and over 1,000 visitors last year, the event showcases French culture and the strong ties between France and Australia.
Register here.
Sunday 30 November, 10 am–4 pm | Embassy of France, 6 Perth Avenue, Yarralumla | frenchsoundsofsummer.fr
DTD EOY Showcase 2025: Cheetah in City
Dance Til Dawn presents its 2025 end-of-year showcase celebrating passion, power and performance. Dancers take the stage showcasing months of hard work, creativity and courage across styles including K-pop, Jazz Funk, HipHop and Contemporary.
The afternoon tells a story of growth, confidence and community as performers transform the stage into a playground of rhythm and expression. The wild energy of the city comes alive as Canberra’s next generation of dancers shine.
From long-time DTD fans to newcomers, audiences witness talent and dedication in action. Doors open at 3.30 pm for the afternoon performance.
Sunday, 30 November, 4 pm–6.30 pm | Kambri Drama Theatre, ANU | trybooking.com
NFSA Summer Film Series
Arc Cinema presents A Summer of Love, a bold cinematic journey through peace, love and revolution from the 1960s to 2025. The program features films exploring love in chaotic, charming and complicated forms, from documentary Whoopee Blues: The Life and Times of the Conway Brothers to holiday favourite Love Actually.
Highlights include Tennessee Williams spotlight featuring A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cyberpunk series with Blade Runner and The Matrix, European Avant-Garde program, and school holiday matinees featuring animal adventures.
December 2025 to February 2026 | NFSA Arc Cinema, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Special Events and Festivals
Powerful Women’s Breakfast
Join Country to Canberra at Hotel Kurrajong Canberra for a morning of inspiration, empowerment, and connection. This event is a celebration of young women and non-binary people who are making a difference in their regional, rural and remote communities and beyond.
You’ll have the chance to meet this year’s Country to Canberra Power Trip winners, hear from a powerhouse panel as well as our keynote speaker, AgriFutures Australia Chair Cathy McGowan AO, network with like-minded individuals, and enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Monday, 24 November, 7:30–9:30 am | Hotel Kurrajong, Barton | events.humanitix.com
Spirits at the Foreshore
This first-time Canberra tasting event offers unlimited samples of whisky, gin, coffee liqueur, limoncello, negroni, Australian rum and vodka paired with caviar. Tickets include a tasting cup, Long Rays mixers and a tote bag, plus opportunities to chat with Australian and international craft distillers and sample their creations. Attendees can purchase favourite bottles to take home. Food trucks complement the tasting experience, with Long Rays mixers as proud event sponsors. The festival brings together a curated selection of spirits from craft distillers, providing an immersive experience for spirit enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November | Old Transport Depot, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | ginevents.com.au
Rock for Reconciliation
Rock for Reconciliation is the concept of Senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan, a special First Nations–led event bringing community together for a day of music, traditional dance, cultural showcases, art and great food. More than that, it’s a chance to share stories, connect and continue the journey toward healing, unity and reconciliation. Aunty Violet Sheridan says “Rock for Reconciliation is about uniting hearts, celebrating culture, and creating a better future—together.” The free event features performances, cultural activities and food vendors throughout the day, celebrating Indigenous culture and fostering community connection in Commonwealth Park.
Saturday, 29 November, 11 am-7 pm | Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Canberra | visabel.com.au
ANU Quantum Science Open Day
Did you know 2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology? Join ANU’s flagship Quantum Science Open Day at the Research School of Physics—a day packed with discovery, innovation and fun for all ages. Experience inspiring quantum-themed talks by world-leading researchers, tours of cutting-edge research labs, interactive displays and hands-on experiments, quantum games and quantum food. The open day celebrates the International Year of Quantum, demystifying what all the buzz about quantum really means through accessible, engaging activities. Register today for your chance to win memorable prizes from partners—winners selected by a quantum random generator. Perfect for families, students and anyone curious about quantum science.
Saturday, 29 November, 10 am – 3 pm | Research School of Physics, 160 Mills Road, Acton | anu.edu.au
VISIBLE: an art show for migraine research
Canberra artist Zoee Mylordis hosts an exhibition at Gorman Arts Centre raising funds for migraine research. The event addresses a health issue affecting one in three Australian women, yet remains misunderstood with limited research and data. Over 30 original artworks by Mylordis and featured artists will be displayed, alongside artist-designed cards and gifts. The evening includes an auction of signature art and hampers, live vinyl DJ sets, and Mediterranean-style catering by local chef Nathan Latham.
Migraine costs Australia’s economy $35 billion annually, yet treatment and support remain inadequate. All proceeds fund a dedicated migraine research grant via Migraine & Headache Australia and The Brain Foundation, bringing visibility to this invisible illness affecting millions of Australians.
Saturday, 29 November, 6 pm–9 pm | Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon | events.humanitix.com
Brymore Productions: Artiste at Play Day
International theatre makers Brymore Productions present their heartfelt and hilariously clownish ode to creativity with Artiste. Following a hit UK tour with performances Off-West End, at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Wales Millennium Centre, the show makes its ACT debut at Play Day. This high-energy, paint-splattered comedy for the young and young at heart combines Mr Bean with the Mona Lisa. Play Day offers a free family-friendly afternoon at Dairy Road’s LESS gardens where families enjoy the precinct’s businesses while children play with building props and water features. Spare clothes recommended.
Sunday, 30 November, 12 pm-4 pm | Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | dairyroad.com.au
Sunset Cinema
Your favourite outdoor cinema is back for the summer with its signature mix of new releases, all-time classics, and family favourites in the stunning Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Grab yourself a bean bag, and some snacks, and enjoy!
Until Saturday 28 February 2026, 6.30 pm – 11.30 pm | The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Book here.
Food and Wine
Jazz on the Rocks
Every Tuesday, Molly becomes the heartbeat of Canberra’s jazz scene with live performances featuring the city’s most talented local musicians. These intimate evenings pair smooth, custom-made sounds with favourite tipples, creating the perfect atmosphere for jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated mid-week escape or simply love the authentic atmosphere that live jazz creates, these Tuesday night sessions offer exactly the kind of genuine musical experience that reflects Canberra’s thriving arts culture. The intimate setting ensures every performance feels personal and immediate.
Tuesdays until 29 December 2026 | Molly, Odgers Lane, City | molly.bar
Havana Nights
Highball transforms Wednesday nights into a sultry Latin celebration that proves the weekend doesn’t have to wait until Friday. Live Latin beats fill the air while luxe cocktail specials flow freely, creating the kind of midweek energy that turns an ordinary evening into something special.
The lineup changes weekly, ensuring each visit offers fresh musical discoveries, while the free entry removes any barriers to joining the fun. Whether you’re dancing the night away or lounging with friends over expertly crafted cocktails, these Havana-inspired evenings offer Canberrans a taste of sultry sophistication in the middle of the work week. The sparkling atmosphere and guaranteed good times make every Wednesday feel like a celebration.
Wednesdays, until 24 December | Highball, 77 London Circuit, Canberra | highball.bar
Twilight in the Gardens
Twilight in the Gardens returns to Hyatt Hotel Canberra’s historic Rose Courtyard gardens. Settle into the weekend with Friday afternoon cocktails by St-Germaine, a live grill, acoustic music and garden games in the beautiful heritage setting. The weekly event provides a relaxed atmosphere for after-work drinks and socialising as the week winds down. The Rose Courtyard’s historic gardens create an elegant backdrop for Friday evening gatherings, combining quality cocktails with live acoustic entertainment. Garden games add playful element to the sophisticated setting. The three-hour session allows flexible arrival and departure times, making it ideal for quick drinks or extended Friday evening socialising in one of Canberra’s most beautiful hotel settings.
Every Friday, 5 pm – 8 pm | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 20 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
Bottomless is back at Leyla
Leyla Bar is going bottomless this November and December.
From 3.30 pm, you can enjoy two hours of free-flowing Aperol Spritz, their signature Leyla Spritz, zesty Limoncello Spritz, Rosé and Prosecco – paired with delicious food to share. What better place to spend a Saturday than at a rooftop bar!?
Every Saturday afternoon in November and December | Leyla Bar, Burbury Close, Barton | leylabar.com.au
Markets
Good Goodies Flea Market
Good Goodies is one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets — a community-style flea market at Gang Gang Café where local creatives can share their work at no cost. It’s a true hidden gem that gives small makers, hobbyists, and side hustlers a platform to shine.
Expect an eclectic mix of stalls including plants, handmade pottery, knitted and crocheted pieces, preloved and vintage clothes, jewellery, 3D prints, cat posts, bird feeders, records, tarot readings, and tasty cake treats. With something new every month, it’s the perfect place to discover unique finds, support local talent, and enjoy a relaxed, creative community vibe!
Saturday 29 November, 3 pm–6 pm | Bicentennial Square, Downer Village, 38 Melba St, Downer | facebook.com/ganggangcafe
Capital Region Farmers Market
Sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra. Speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
Saturdays, 7 am-11:30 am | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta, pet treats and more.
Sunday 7 am -11.30 am | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com/SouthsideFarmersMarketCanberra
Haig Park Village Markets
Browse delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
Sundays, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Stage
GOD by Ferdinand von Schirach
Following the sell-out success of Terror in 2024, The Mill brings Ferdinand von Schirach’s GOD to audiences as the ACT introduces voluntary assisted dying. Rachel Gärtner requests pentobarbital to peacefully end her life. Legal courts rule she has the right to choose, but the ethical question remains: should a doctor assist? Set inside Germany’s Ethics Council, the audience becomes the decision-maker. Blending courtroom drama with razor-sharp philosophy, GOD examines freedom, law and medicine’s role in personal choices. Like Terror, the audience votes on the outcome at each performance’s end. Provocative, gripping and unflinchingly human.
Wednesday 26 November until Thursday 20 December | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Building 3.3, Fyshwick | milltheatreatdairyroad.com
Pritish Narula Live
Electrifying live stand-up show Udta Punjabi features comedian Pritish Narula, known for sharp wit, bold storytelling and uniquely Punjabi comedic flair. Pritish brings a night of laughter, cultural commentary and high-energy entertainment celebrating Punjabi identity and humour in a way that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. The show combines contemporary stand-up comedy with cultural perspectives, delivered through Pritish’s dynamic performance style. This one-of-a-kind event showcases Punjabi culture through comedy, offering audiences an unforgettable experience of live entertainment. Note: This show is performed in Punjabi and Hindi.
Thursday, 27 November, 7.30 pm-9 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra | thestreet.org.au
The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans
Experience the soul of New Orleans without leaving Canberra. The Jazz Room is an immersive show that brings the electrifying world of jazz to life at Albert Hall. The performance transports audiences to the vibrant heart of New Orleans jazz culture through music, atmosphere and storytelling. Multiple sessions available across November and December allow flexible attendance options. The show captures the energy, spirit and musical traditions that made New Orleans the birthplace of jazz. Whether a jazz enthusiast or newcomer to the genre, The Jazz Room offers an engaging introduction to this quintessentially American art form through immersive theatrical presentation combining live performance with atmospheric staging.
Thursday 27 November | Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | feverup.com
Here You Come Again
The smash-hit Dolly Parton musical comes to Canberra. Here You Come Again is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud musical comedy packed with Dolly’s biggest hits including 9 to 5, Jolene, I Will Always Love You, Islands in the Stream, Here You Come Again and more. This sparkling celebration of resilience and rhinestones follows a devoted fan whose imaginary Dolly helps him face life’s biggest curveballs with warmth, wit and wisdom. Starring co-creator Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly and Dash Kruck with knockout live band and ensemble cast. Co-written by Emmy-winner Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio. An absolute must-see, ridiculously joyful night at the theatre.
Thursday 27 until Sunday 30 November | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Jury Experience: Death by AI: Who Pays the Price?
A gripping new live theatrical show places the audience at the centre of a dramatic trial, transforming them into jurors who explore moral complications in a meaningful and interactive format. The production examines contemporary questions around artificial intelligence, responsibility and consequences through participatory theatre. Audiences become active participants rather than passive observers, making decisions that shape the narrative outcome. The show tackles timely ethical questions about AI technology and accountability in accessible, engaging format. Multiple sessions across November and December provide opportunities to experience this thought-provoking interactive theatre. The format encourages discussion and reflection on complex technological and moral issues facing contemporary society.
Friday 28 November | Manning Clark Hall, ANU, Canberra | feverup.com
Jimmy Rees: In Reel Life
Frontier Touring welcomes entertainer Jimmy Rees back to the stage for his nine-date In Reel Life tour, performing nationally in Australia and for the first time in New Zealand. Having performed to over 100,000 audience members across his ‘Meanwhile In Australia’ (2022), ‘Not That Kinda Viral’ (2023) and ‘Let’s Get Regional’ (2024) tours, ‘In Reel Life’ (2025) brings comedy and chaos in true Jimmy Rees style. The always humorous, hilarious and entertaining performer visits cities for one night only, delivering his signature blend of observational comedy and character work that has made him one of Australia’s favourite entertainers.
Saturday 29 November, 7 pm-9.30 pm | Royal Theatre, 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra | nccc.com.au
Low Pay? Don’t Pay!
Directed by Cate Clelland, this Dario Fo farce translated by Joseph Farrell follows Antonia and Margherita navigating their own cost-of-living crisis. The Stage called it “Farce at its finest…simply glorious.” The Financial Times noted “The problems are desperately familiar…Fo-faced farce wears a broad smile and proceeds at breathtaking speed.” Desperate times call for desperate measures as characters confront desperately familiar problems through high-speed comedy. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with ORIGIN Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French Inc, a Concord Theatricals Company. The production brings Dario Fo’s social commentary to contemporary audiences.
Until Saturday 6 December | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Canberra | canberrarep.org.au
Screen
GOD
The Mill Theatre presents Ferdinand von Schirach’s participatory drama as the ACT implements voluntary assisted dying legislation. Following the sold-out success of Terror in 2024, audiences step inside Germany’s Ethics Council to face a confronting question: should a perfectly healthy woman be granted the means to end her own life?
The play extends beyond the ACT’s new law, which allows eligible Canberrans with terminal conditions to access assisted dying, imagining when someone perfectly healthy makes that request. Blending courtroom drama with philosophical debate, the production asks audiences to vote for or against at each performance.
Director Lexi Sekuless emphasises presenting both sides equally so the decision remains in audience hands. The accomplished ensemble brings moral and philosophical questions to life with nuance and emotional clarity.
Wednesday, 26 November until Thursday, 18 December | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick | milltheatreatdairyroad.com
The Kid Stakes: with Live Accompaniment by CJ Shaw
Step into 1920s Sydney with Fatty Finn, a charming silent film featuring six-year-old Robin ‘Pop’ Ordell as spirited Fatty. With loyal pet goat Hector, Fatty takes on rival Bruiser in a thrilling billy-cart race through working-class streets. Shot in 1927, this was Australia’s first major children’s feature film, now preserved by the National Film and Sound Archive. The screening features live accompaniment from CJ Shaw and the All Sorts, bringing fresh energy with original music. CJ Shaw is an acclaimed children’s performer and ARIA-nominated music teacher known for engaging storytelling and catchy tunes.
Friday, 29 November, 1 pm-3 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
Russell Hobbs British Film Festival
Join Palace Cinemas in celebration of British storytelling and cinematic brilliance. Experience the best of UK cinema at the Russell Hobbs British Film Festival. The festival showcases contemporary British cinema, bringing the finest British films to Australian audiences. Palace Electric Cinemas hosts this annual celebration of British filmmaking, featuring a curated selection of new releases, independent films and acclaimed productions from across the United Kingdom. The festival provides Canberra audiences with opportunities to experience British cinema on the big screen, celebrating the rich tradition and contemporary innovation of UK filmmaking.
Until Sunday 7 December | Palace Electric Cinemas, Canberra | britishfilmfestival.com.au
Music
Benedicte Maurseth in Concert: Polar Night and Midnight Sun
Norwegian Hardanger-fiddle virtuoso Benedicte Maurseth brings her ground-breaking new album Mirra to Tuggeranong Arts Centre on her debut Australian tour. Benedicte’s extraordinary evocative storytelling and deep connection to Norwegian folk traditions invites audiences into a rich and immersive landscape shaped by nature, myth and sound. Her concert Polar Night and Midnight Sun is a haunting, intense evocation of Norway’s uplands and wildlife. She appears with a Norwegian “super-group” featuring Morten Qvenild on keyboards and electronic processing, Mats Eilertsen on double bass and electronics, and Håkon Stene on vibraphone, percussion and electronics.
Tuesday, 25 November, 6 pm-7 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Kim Dracula
Following monumental success of the 2023 debut album A Gradual Decline In Morale, which has amassed over 60 million streams worldwide, Kim Dracula continues redefining modern music with unapologetic fusion of nu-metal, trap, industrial, jazz and hyperpop. Kim Dracula’s live shows are sensory overload, blending theatricality, raw energy and genre-bending chaos. From wielding chainsaws to emerging from coffins, performances have solidified reputation as must-see artist. Joining KD is Wednesday 13, returning after a sold-out 2023 Australian tour celebrating former band Murderdolls. The pairing is evil genius: fast, dirty, raw, chaotic, macabre and tongue-in-cheek horror perfection.
Wednesday, 26 November, 7 pm-11 pm | University of Canberra, 1 Kirinari Street, UC Hub, Bruce | ucx.canberra.edu.au
Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks–50 Years of Hits Tour
Due to overwhelming popular demand Ross Wilson’s 50 Years of Hits Tour extends into 2025 and to over 150 shows making it the biggest tour of his incredible multi-decade career. With 2025 marking an incredible 60 years since his first local Melbourne hit single Louie Louie by his first band The Pink Finks, Wilson and his all-star band The Peaceniks continue touring relentlessly to celebrate over 50 Years of Hits including all the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites you’d expect along with the latest offering from an almost six-decade career.
Friday 28 November, 7 pm | Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo | eventbrite.com.au
Jorge Pardo & Paco Lara
The winner of an American Grammy, Maestro Jorge Pardo, a legend of flamenco jazz, is flying in from Spain to join the great guitarist Paco Lara for an unforgettable night.
For the first time ever, the city will pulse with the soul of flamenco in a unique and unrepeatable show. Two extraordinary musicians, one shared passion: to move you with the very best of flamenco art.
Friday 28 November, 9:30–11:30 pm | Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Civic | smithsalternative.com
Back to the Mac: the Fleetwood Mac Experience
Back to the Mac—The Fleetwood Mac Experience is an authentic, soul-enchanting journey through the band’s most iconic songs, wrapped in moonlit melodies, rich harmonies and raw emotional energy that made Fleetwood Mac legends. With a reputation for selling out wherever they go and pure magic sound, Back to the Mac is more than a tribute—it’s a national phenomenon. Having cast their spell across Australia’s most iconic stages, the show features the harmonies, heartbreak and songs etched into souls. An authentic experience of soaring voices, velvet harmonies and wild heart of the ’70s.
Thursday, 27 November, 8 pm-10.30 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | tickets.oztix.com.au
Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks: 50 Years of Hits Tour
Due to overwhelming popular demand, Ross Wilson’s 50 Years of Hits Tour extends into 2025 and to over 150 shows making it the biggest tour of his incredible multi-decade career. With 2025 marking an incredible 60 years since his first local Melbourne hit single Louie Louie by his first band The Pink Finks, Wilson and his all-star band The Peaceniks continue touring relentlessly to celebrate over 50 Years of Hits. Expect all the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites along with the latest offering from an almost six-decade career celebrating one of Australian rock’s most enduring performers.
Thursday, 27 November, 7 pm | Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo | eventbrite.com.au
Tyne-James Organ Regional Tour
Following release of highly anticipated second album The Other Side in May, Tyne-James Organ hits the road for a special regional tour. Crafted over three years, The Other Side has resonated deeply with fans, featuring standout singles Worth My Time, All On Me and One Way Ticket. After a sold-out national tour earlier this year, Tyne brings his signature live energy to regional stages, delivering captivating, all-heart performances he’s known for. Expect rousing sing-alongs to fan favourites Sunday Suit, Graceful and Not Ready For Love, along with all new album highlights. Tickets are limited and will sell out.
Friday, 28 November, 7 pm-11 pm | University of Canberra, 1 Kirinari Street, UC Hub, Bruce | ucx.canberra.edu.au
Live & Local: City Sounds at PJs In The City
Celebrate Canberra’s vibrant music scene with Live & Local: City Sounds at PJs In The City, a one-night-only live music event featuring three incredible local acts in the heart of the city. This free event promises a night of diverse sounds, great atmosphere and homegrown talent at a welcoming venue known for supporting local live music. Proudly supported by the City Renewal Authority and their management partner Dionysus, the event reflects a shared commitment to celebrating local creativity and energising Canberra’s city centre through arts and culture. Come for the music, stay for the vibe.
Friday 28 until Sunday 30 November | Pjs In The City, 52 Alinga Street, Canberra | pjsinthecity.com
Daisy Chain and Coolibah Coolective double album launch
Established Canberra band Coolibah Coolective and emerging performers Daisy Chain present a double album launch at McGregor Hall. Daisy Chain, fresh from Quinty and Majors Creek Folk Festivals, delivers poetic, heartfelt original songs about identity, connection and the state of the world.
Led by singer-songwriter Jo Evans, the group blends mandolin, bass ukulele, keyboards, drums, acoustic guitar and rich vocal harmonies, described as somewhere between The Seekers and Jenny Morris. Coolibah Coolective launches their second album See the Scene, featuring jazzy folk grooves and storytelling soul. Performances are powered by razor-edged strings, crisp percussion and gutsy melodies, with atmospheric songs blending cello, acoustic guitar and electric slide ukulele as backdrop for sublime harmonies.
Saturday, 29 November, 6 pm–8.30 pm | McGregor Hall, Canberra City | smithsalternative.com
Sport and Wellness
UC Capitals v Perth Lynx
The UC Capitals are Canberra’s elite women’s basketball team competing in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). With nine championships under their belt, they are league leaders and Canberra’s most successful sporting team. Witness world-class basketball in Canberra with Australian Opals Jade Melbourne and Sara Blicavs leading the team. Experience the energy, passion and athleticism as the Caps hit the court. The WNBL delivers high-level women’s basketball showcasing elite athletes in competitive national league action. The UC Capitals consistently demonstrate excellence in Australian women’s basketball, making them must-see sporting entertainment.
Friday, 29 November, 4 pm-7 pm | AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | wnbl.basketball
Prime Minister’s XI v England
The iconic Prime Minister’s XI match returns to Canberra with confirmation that the Prime Minister’s XI will take on an England XI in a two-day, day-night fixture at Manuka Oval. This prestigious cricket match brings international cricket to the nation’s capital, featuring a specially selected Prime Minister’s XI competing against touring international opposition. The two-day format played under lights offers audiences extended cricket action across multiple sessions. Manuka Oval provides an intimate setting for cricket fans to watch top-level players in this celebrated annual fixture that has become a highlight of Canberra’s sporting calendar.
Friday 29 until Sunday 30 November | Manuka Oval, Manuka Circle, Griffith | cricket.com.au
Workshops
Neon Sign Making Experience at Canberra Glassworks
Heat and stretch an authentic neon sign in this one-of-a-kind weekend class. Neon Beginners is a two-day workshop where participants learn to stretch, heat and shape glass tubes into basic curves and forms. The experience introduces basic principles of neon production and demonstrates each process required to leave with a finished neon sign or design to take home. Teacher David Cooper is a highly experienced neon artist and sign maker with over three decades owning and operating his own neon sign business. David brings warmth, talent and extraordinary teaching abilities. For ages 16 years and over. No previous experience required.
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Talks and Programs
Out for Connections ACT
Out for Australia hosts an evening of queer achievement, storytelling and joy in a safe and friendly environment. Meet interesting new people and learn about LGBTQIA+ community groups in the ACT. Enjoy drinks and snacks at Questacon. Confirmed speakers include Suzanne Orr MLA, ACT Minister; Lisa Harvey-Smith, CEO of Out for Australia, astrophysicist and author; Marcus Cai, Senior Data Analyst at ABS; Kat Reed, CEO of Women With Disabilities ACT; and Daniel Tracey, Chief of Staff to the Secretary at DEWR. The event combines networking opportunities with inspiring talks from community leaders and advocates.
Wednesday, 27 November, 6 pm-8 pm | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | events.humanitix.com
National Triangle gems: Walking tour from National Archives to High Court
This unique opportunity explores two gems of the National Triangle precinct. The adventure begins at the National Archives in heritage-listed East Block, uncovering the origins of Australia’s highest court and the original Constitution. A stroll through Constitution Place Gardens leads to the striking and iconic High Court of Australia. Immerse in the rich history, vital role and inner workings of the High Court during a guided tour inside its impressive courtrooms. Bring a hat for sun, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. NAA Members receive a discount with member promotional code. Held in collaboration with the High Court of Australia.
Wednesday, 27 November, 10 am-12 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
The craft of historical fiction at the National Library
The Friends of the National Library present multi-talented award-winning authors Alison Goodman and Sue Williams in conversation with Professor Kate Mitchell from the Australian National University. They explore the craft of historical fiction writing, untangling the role of research, character development, crafting fictitious worlds and representing historical figures. Following the presentation, Alison and Sue will be available for book signings in the foyer. Bookings are required via the National Library website. The discussion provides insights into how historical fiction authors balance factual research with creative storytelling to bring past eras to life.
Wednesday, 27 November, 6 pm – 7.30 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Artists in Conversation: Lisa Cahill, Steven Holland, Julie Ryder and Jo Townsend
Join artists Julie Ryder, Lisa Cahill, Steven Holland and Jo Townsend to learn more about their practice and artworks in the 2025 CAPO Exhibition. There will also be the opportunity to participate in a creative workshop with Michele England. This talk provides insights into the artists’ creative processes, inspirations and techniques used in their exhibited works. The event combines artist presentations with hands-on workshop participation, offering audiences both theoretical and practical engagement with contemporary art practice. This talk is free but registrations are required through the Belconnen Arts Centre website.
Friday, 29 November, 2 pm – 3 pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Exhibitions
Illuminate ’25
Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens Photographic Group presents its 12th annual exhibition exploring both physical light and intellectual or spiritual enlightenment. The exhibition shares members’ passion for discovering, appreciating and valuing Australia’s unique flora and fauna as seen through camera lenses.
Featured works include plant portraits, close-ups of flowers, birds and insects, and intimate landscapes taken within the gardens and across the local region.
Until Sunday, 14 December | Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Gallery, Acton | visit.anbg.gov.au
In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists
Celebrate Australian innovation at National Archives’ latest exhibition in Canberra, In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists. Explore the history of Australian invention, from First Nations creativity to 150 years of patents, designs and trademark registrations.
See life-changing inventions, iconic designs and household brand names with original design drawings and trademarks from the national archival collection alongside their real-life counterparts.
Australians from all walks of life have pursued their ideas in the laboratory, at the drafting table and in the humble backyard shed. Learn about the innovators behind advances such as the baby capsule, spray-on skin and the stump-cam. Discover the origins of everyday products and national icons such as the Victa lawnmower, Hills Hoist and ‘goon bag’.
From pedestrian crossing buttons to dual flush toilets, see how the Australian Government played a vital role in supporting inventions and designs that you regularly see, hear, use – and flush. Spark your own imagination and be inspired by stories of bold dreams, determination and Australian ingenuity.
Until 17 May 2026 | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Annual Members Exhibition: Craft + Design Canberra Daily Creative Challenge Winners Exhibit
The Craft + Design Canberra Annual Members Exhibition highlights contemporary craft and design, blending time-honoured techniques with innovative approaches. Featuring work by talented makers from the ACT and surrounding region, the showcase demonstrates current trends in Australian craft and design. As the final exhibition of the year, it serves as a celebration of creativity and community, providing a festive conclusion to the calendar. Visitors enjoy an inspiring display of artistry while finding unique, handcrafted pieces perfect for early Christmas shopping. The exhibition celebrates local talent and the beauty of contemporary craft and design.
Thursday 27 November until Saturday 13 December | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Skin Deep by Gabriella Bisetto
Canberra Glassworks concludes its 2025 exhibition program with a major solo exhibition by Adelaide-based glass artist Gabriella Bisetto, winner of the 2024 Tom Malone Glass Prize. Curated by Margaret Hancock, Skin Deep invites viewers to consider how beauty resides in imperfection.
Bisetto’s sculptural forms carry quiet evidence of their making–heated, cooled, slumped, scarred and pressed into being. Like human skin, every blemish and fine cut becomes an intimate record of contact, making visible the coexistence of fragility and endurance.
Bisetto interprets mechanisms and ideologies of the human body through blown glass, hot sculpting and collaborative making. Her influence is visible in the next generation of celebrated glass artists including Yhonnie Scarce, Jessica Murtagh and Liam Fleming.
Until Saturday, 25 January 2026 | Canberra Glassworks, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
A Saturated Life
A Saturated Life is an exhibition of artwork that brings together Rozalie Sherwood, Steve Tomlin and Pinal Maniar, three artists exploring memory, material and the emotional resonance of place. Through stitch, colour and fibre, the works are rich, layered and deeply felt.
Each artist works with saturation in a different sense: saturation of colour, saturation of fibre and form, saturation of experience held in the body.
A preview evening from will be held at 6 pm on Friday 14 November. A relaxed walkaround/artist talk will be held at 1.30 pm on Saturday 22 November.
Until Saturday 29 November | Tyger Gallery, 84 Comur Street, Yass | tygergallery.com.au
Between Worlds: Abstraction as Language
Between Worlds brings together seven Australian artists whose different works explore the way abstraction allows artists to move between worlds, from the internal to the external. Using shape, colour and form as their vocabulary, the exhibition is a chorus of distinct voices. Each artist employs abstract language to bridge interior emotional landscapes with external reality, creating visual conversations that transcend literal representation. The collective exhibition demonstrates how abstraction serves as a universal language capable of expressing complex ideas and emotions. The diverse approaches showcase contemporary Australian abstract practice through varied techniques, materials and conceptual frameworks united by shared exploration of abstraction’s communicative power.
Until Sunday 30 November | Building 3.3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Native Lifeforms: Peter Syndicas
Native Lifeforms presents a retrospective of Adelaide sculptor Peter Syndicas, tracing the evolution of his practice from 1997, when his journey with figurative twig forms first began, to the present. The exhibition follows nearly three decades of sculptural development, documenting how Syndicas has refined and expanded his distinctive approach to working with natural materials. The retrospective reveals the artist’s sustained engagement with organic forms and his exploration of the relationship between nature and sculpture. Through figurative twig constructions, Syndicas has developed a unique visual language that bridges natural and artistic creation. The career-spanning exhibition offers insight into an artist’s long-term commitment to material exploration.
Until Sunday 30 November | Building 3.3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Sights and Sounds: Walks in Jerrabomberra Wetlands by Rowena Evans
Rowena Evans’s body of work is inspired by walking, observing and drawing from scattered viewpoints in the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, translating observations from August and September. The sounds of birds, human activity, weather and the artist’s visual impressions of Jerrabomberra come together in a series of intaglio prints based on collaged texture and marks. Evans combines auditory and visual experiences of the wetlands into printed works that capture the multisensory experience of this local environment. The exhibition demonstrates how printmaking can convey both seen and heard aspects of landscape, creating layered representations of place through mark-making and texture that evoke the wetlands’ distinctive character.
Until Sunday 30 November | Building 3.3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Kaleidoscope IV
This open exhibition allows LGBTQIA+ artists across Canberra and Australia to express their experiences of queerness, sexuality, gender and unique individuality through art. The exhibition celebrates the community’s diversity beyond six colours, showcasing unique perspectives on what it means to be part of the rainbow community. Diversity and inclusion form the exhibition’s essence, connecting viewers and provoking dialogue through artistic expression. All selected works are eligible for the $500 People’s Choice Award. The exhibition celebrates uniqueness, diverse perspectives, lived experiences and shared ambitions within the LGBTQIA+ community while fostering positive dialogue and embracing the richness this community brings to broader society through creative expression and authentic storytelling.
Until Sunday 30 November | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Behind the View
This exhibition brings together Cassandra’s personal landscape experiences in Canberra and surrounding NSW with her inner world as an artist. The paintings reconstruct natural landscapes, inviting audiences to consider how they view their surrounding world. Rather than pursuing particular aesthetics, the artist allows inspiration sources and personal expression to dictate direction. She describes this body of work as evolutionary within her creative practice and an exciting breakthrough into abstract expressionism. Large-scale paintings make colour the hero, immersing senses and sparking dialogue about natural world wonder. The paintings feature interesting gestural marks and bold textures designed to draw viewers closer for detailed examination of the artist’s expressive techniques.
Until Sunday 30 November | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Millinery – A Fine Art
This exhibition establishes millinery as fine art through a visual feast of wearable pieces that also function as room adornments. The display showcases the craftsmanship, creativity and artistic vision required to create exceptional millinery pieces. Visitors discover how traditional hat-making techniques transform into contemporary artistic expression. The exhibition challenges conventional boundaries between fashion, craft and fine art by presenting millinery as legitimate artistic medium. Each piece demonstrates the maker’s skill while serving dual purposes as both wearable accessory and artistic statement. This celebration of millinery artistry highlights the intersection of function and beauty in handcrafted objects, elevating hat-making to its rightful place as fine art through skilled craftsmanship and creative vision.
Until Sunday 30 November | Window Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
The Poetry of Things
Suki & Hugh Gallery presents the first formal collaboration between world-renowned Australian glass artists Kirstie Rea and Annette Blair. The exhibition reflects on quiet beauty found in everyday objects, drawing inspiration from the domestic and utilitarian. Peaches, tin cans, cloths and brushes are translated into lustrous glass still lifes that are at once familiar and transformed.
The works carry subtle tension between fragility and permanence, delicacy and weight, embodying both endurance and ephemerality of use. Rea explores interplay between light, memory and landscape through kiln-formed glass, whilst Blair celebrates material’s expressive potential through colour, form and hand-making intimacy.
Their practices interweave to create an installation of quiet resonance, inviting considered observation and celebrating the enduring connection between people and objects of daily life.
Until Saturday, 13 December | Suki & Hugh Gallery, Bungendore | sukihugh.com.au
unBECOMING by Fernanda Pedroso
unBECOMING explores the quiet cost of being constantly connected — in this era of technological acceleration, we stand at the intersection of transformation and vulnerability. In our pursuit of becoming, we often overlook the importance of unbecoming — the pause, the shedding, the rediscovery of what makes us human.
Open Thursday to Sunday, 11 am–5 pm.
Until Sunday 14 December | Grainger on Geelong, 1/34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Deck the Smalls 2025
Gallery of Small Things presents its second annual Deck the Smalls exhibition celebrating new artworks from talented artists. Director Anne Masters curates a collection filling favourite spaces with artworks that are forever.
The exhibition features wood carvings by Isobel Rayson, animal and bird prints by Typoflora and Outer Island, Indigenous paintings by Amanda Westley, framed woven art by Kylie Walsh, birds by Greta Cooper, nests by Donna Longobardi, framed photo and digital designs by Jason McDonald, crochet nests by Al Munro, framed miniatures by Kylie Fogarty, and ceramics by Jacqueline Lewis, Vicki Grima and Anne Masters. Artworks roll out during the exhibition period.
Until Saturday, 21 December | Gallery of Small Things, Watson | galleryofsmallthings.com
Masked Memory by Rosalind Lemoh
Canberra Contemporary presents new works by NSW-based Sierra Leonean-born artist Rosalind Lemoh focusing on personal cultural objects from her family home. The exhibition reflects on her connection to Mende and Themne cultures from West Africa, bringing the African diaspora in Australia into focus. Lemoh threads together ideas of arrival, cultural masking, shifting senses of place and the blending of myth, fact and fiction through family storytelling.
Spanning sculpture and photography, the works continue her practice of using memorial and remembering to understand present and future identities. This thought-provoking exhibition explores fragility, power and gender through sculptural assemblage influenced by Arte Povera and Confessional Art.
Until 24 January 2026 | Canberra Contemporary | canberracontemporary.com.au
Australia’s Home Front: 1939-1945
Explore everyday Australians’ vital role during WWII on the home front, from “make do and mend” to war bonds and women’s auxiliary work. Features unique objects and stories from Canberra and beyond, including the city’s surprising Manhattan Project connection. Presents resilience, innovation, and quiet heroism of those who supported the war effort, marking 80 years since the conflict’s end.
Until 1 February 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Canberra | cmag.com.au
Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW!
Featuring a new take on some old favourites from the past three decades, this exhibition might have been designed with little scientists in mind, but trust us when we say everyone will enjoy a visit to ZAP! CLANK! POW! at Questacon.
Featuring 17 highly interactive exhibits, you’ll get hands-on as you explore the exciting world of electricity, machines, and motion. And with a comic book theme running throughout, it will keep all ages entertained.
Until Sunday 1 February 2026 | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Taglietti: Life in Design
Discover the world of The Global Architect, Enrico Taglietti (1926–2019), a visionary whose design principles shaped modern Australian architecture and left an indelible imprint on Canberra, the city he and his wife Franca chose to call home. Celebrating the centenary of Taglietti’s birth, Taglietti: Life in Design explores the life, philosophy, and legacy of one of Australia’s most original architects.
Until Sunday 22 February 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
Enjoy this trip: the art of music posters
Journey back to the Summer of Love and be transported to a time when the music was funky, the art was kaleidoscopic and psychedelia was in full swing. Drawn from the National Gallery’s expansive collection of Australian and international music posters spanning the 1960s to 1980s, Enjoy this trip: The art of music posters captures the spirit of the times as an era of experimentation.
Until Sunday 22 February 2026 | National Gallery, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Women Photographers 1853–2018
Women Photographers 1853–2018 highlights the transformative impact of women artists on the history of photography.
Since its inception, the National Gallery’s photography collection has reflected the vital place of women in the medium’s history. Some of its earliest acquisitions were major works by women.
As a result, the National Gallery is uniquely placed to consider how photography has changed the worlds in which women live, and how women have changed photography. As the great modernist photographer Lucia Moholy wrote, ‘Photography has not only changed the way we see the world but also how we see ourselves.’ For women artists, making photographs has always been an act of resistance. Photography has given women access to spaces of knowledge, artistic practices and technology from which they were previously excluded.
This exhibition features work spanning more than 160 years of women working with photography.
Until Sunday 1 March | National Gallery, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
A Total Work of Art: Sidney Nolan and the Stage
Celebrate 50 years of Nolan’s cultural legacy with the Canberra Museum and Gallery’s year-long program of exhibitions, concerts, talks, and a symposium. A Total Work of Art: Sidney Nolan and the Stage showcases Sidney Nolan’s dynamic stage designs for opera, ballet, and theatre. You’ll discover costumes, set designs, and the iconic “Lyrebird” costume from The Display, 1964.
Until Sunday 8 March 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
1975: Living in the Seventies
Step back 50 years and immerse yourself in the unforgettable year that was 1975! The National Library of Australia’s fascinating new exhibition explores what it was truly like to live in the seventies, from the dramatic political upheaval of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal to the cultural phenomena that defined the decade.
Discover iconic fashion like flared jeans and platform shoes, relive the magic of Countdown’s glam rockers Skyhooks and ABBA’s infectious pop, and explore groundbreaking Australian films like Picnic at Hanging Rock. This colourful celebration brings together objects exploring politics, conflicts, popular culture, food, fashion, and sport in iconic seventies design, revealing a complex story beyond Baby Boomer nostalgia.
Until Monday 9 March 2026 | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra | library.gov.au
50 Years on the Beat: The Legacy of Constable Kenny Koala
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Constable Kenny Koala, the AFP Museum presents a major temporary exhibition honouring the iconic community policing mascot held at the National Capital Exhibition, Regatta Point.
Known for educating children about safety since 1975, Kenny Koala is beloved by generations of Canberrans. This exhibition captures his origins, evolution, and ongoing impact on public trust and community engagement. Visitors will experience five decades of memorabilia, puppets, costumes, media, and interactive learning tools that showcase the enduring values of kindness, education, and public service.
Until Wednesday 18 March 2026 | National Capital Exhibition, Regatta Point | nca.gov.au
In Bloom
In Bloom explores the beauty and symbolism of flowers. Featuring more than 50 portraits from the National Portrait Gallery collection, new acquisitions and selected loans, you will discover how flowers have long been used in art to express emotion and convey messages of personal, cultural and religious significance.
The show is a weird and wonderful floral extravaganza that includes much-loved and lesser-known works from the collection. See socialites, chefs, musicians, actors, doctors and politicians who are all unified by their accompanying floral markers.
Until Sunday 19 April 2026 | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Bilong Papua New Guinea: 50 years of Independence
Bilong Papua New Guinea marks the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence and the birth of a new nation on September 16, 1975. The National Gallery holds the largest collection of Papua New Guinea urban art outside the country. Each of the works selected for Bilong Papua New Guinea presents a story, reflecting on cultural heritage, historical moments, the influence of ancestors, Christianity, kastom, societal changes and new technologies.
Until Sunday 19 April 2026 | National Gallery, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Trent Parke: The Christmas tree bucket
Trent Parke’s photographic series The Christmas tree bucket 2006–09 is a tender and darkly humorous portrayal of his extended family coming together to celebrate Christmas. The series showcases Parke’s distinctive and acclaimed visual style and his skilful use of light and colour, to transcendent effect.The Christmas tree bucket is a candid, unsettling and often absurd portrait of family life—centred on the chaos, rituals and contradictions of the suburban Australian Christmas. It is a fond, insider’s view—sharp but affectionate—and one that the participants, after initial bemusement, actively embraced.
Parke draws from the legacy of postwar American photography while retaining a distinctly personal visual language, using light and colour to transform the everyday. The resulting photographs are both intimate and theatrical, sometimes hilarious, sometimes poetic and haunting. The exhibition also features a small selection of work from Parke’s black-and-white series Minutes to midnight 2003‒04 and a number of his handmade concertina photobooks, which he sees as a central part of his practice.
Until Sunday 6 September 2026 | National Gallery, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Gurindji Freedom Banners
A powerful new exhibition commemorating the pivotal 1966 Wave Hill Walk-off opens at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Gurindji Freedom Banners: Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla–From the darkness into the light unites all ten hand-painted banners for the first time in years, telling the story of when Gurindji and neighbouring peoples, led by Vincent Lingiari AM, walked off Wave Hill Station on 23 August 1966.
Their demands for fair working conditions and return of traditional lands sparked landmark change, leading to the first handback of Aboriginal land in 1975 and paving the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976. The textile banners were created in 2000 by 35 Gurindji people, many walk-off participants, with one recently recreated after going missing.
Now showing until late 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Reflection: 50 Years of the Australian Honours System
Discover the remarkable story of Australia’s honours system through a fascinating exhibition at the Royal Australian Mint. “Reflection” celebrates five decades of recognizing extraordinary Australians, featuring original medal sketches by Stuart Devlin, finished medals, and commemorative coins from the National Coin Collection.
Explore the journey from design concept to final recognition, including the 2003 Volunteers Fine Silver Proof Set, Afghanistan Medal displays, and stunning wattle-themed collectibles. This free exhibition honors over 500,000 Australians who have contributed to our nation’s spirit.
Now open | Royal Australian Mint, Deakin | Free entry | ramint.gov.au
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay showcases two of Australia’s leading fashion designers: Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee, in conversation with international, multidisciplinary artist Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979).
The iconic and vibrant early designs of Kee and Jackson from the 1970s and early 1980s were directly inspired by the dynamic legacy of Delaunay, who was a member of the School of Paris and co-founder of Orphism, an art movement noted for its use of intense colours and abstract, geometric forms. As well as working in traditional mediums such as painting and printmaking, Delaunay’s practice also included textile, fashion, and theatre design.
For Jackson and Kee, who were beginning their shared journey in creating clothes as works of art, the discovery of Delaunay was revolutionary. This powerful display feature a rarely-seen collection of Kee and Jackson’s garments from their archives and are shown with the National Gallery’s collection of Delaunay’s prints, drawings, textiles and costumes.
Showing now | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
