10 ways to spend a rainy summers day in Canberra
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It looks like rain is on the way, and that means it’s time we all find a new way to have fun when it’s bucketing outside.
If the dreary weather has you feeling exhausted at the thought of finding something to do, we’ve compiled a list of 10 things to do when it seems like the rain will never stop.
Watch an old movie, at the movies!
Ever wished you’d seen Some Like It Hot on the big screen? Or wished you could rewatch Dirty Dancing at the movies? Now’s the perfect opportunity with the National Film and Sound Archive hosting their Hot Summer Nights program.
Buy your movie ticket, then head along early to enjoy a cold drink in the heritage courtyard and live music from Australian DJs and musicians hand-picked to complement the soundtracks and themes of each night’s film screening.
Varied dates | $16 adults, $12 concession | National Film and Sound Archive, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | Tickets booked here.
Anyone for some sport?
Get behind Canberra’s basketball team, and head along to watch the UC Capitals take on the Adelaide Lightning. This isn’t any ordinary match either; it’s the Retro Round celebrating its 40th anniversary!
The UC Capitals will be debuting their first-ever retro jersey inspired by the 1999/2000 bodysuit uniforms worn in their first-ever championship.
Saturday 11 January, 3.30 pm – 5 pm | $30-$40| AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | Tickets can be booked here.
Try one of Canberra’s newest places to eat
Canberra is home to many new restaurants, so it’s hard to pick just one. But our recommendation is Cartel Taqueria in Belconnen! With the same menu as the ever-popular restaurant in Queanbeyan, this is a fast favourite. Make sure to book in advance though, they fill up very quickly! Don’t feel like Mexican food? Check out all the places that opened in Canberra in 2024 for inspiration!
Open four days a week, Friday and Saturday: 12 pm – 10 pm, Thursday and Sunday: 12 pm – 9 pm | Unit 5/114 Emu Bank, Belconnen | carteltacos.au
Get crafty
Perfume-making, candle-crafting, fluid bear creation, jewellery-making, and more. And it’s all in one place! Instala DIY Studio has you covered to release that inner artist on a rainy day. Make sure you book in advance, with each session only available to 25 people so everyone can have a hands-on experience. Leave feeling proud of your creation (and with an umbrella in case your work is still drying).
Open five days a week, Wednesday to Thursday: 11 am – 6 pm, Friday: 11 am – 7:30 pm, Saturday: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm, Sunday, 9:30 am – 6 pm | Varying prices | 63/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | instalastudio.com
Learn about Australia’s photographic history
Looking to learn more about a key influential figure in Australia’s photographic history? The National Portrait Gallery’s latest exhibit Carol Jerrems: Portraits has you sorted. Explore more than 140 of her photos drawn from the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library of Australia, and the National Portrait Gallery. Expect to see portraits of cultural figures like tennis legend Evonne Goolagong, and author Bobbi Sykes.
Until Sunday 2 March | Varying prices | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Get into the history of politics
Celebrate the 12 women who campaigned for a more inclusive Australian democracy, with Parliament House’s showing of I AM A NEW WOMAN. The series of screen prints by Parliament House artist-in-residence Alison Alder combines contemporary photographs, quotations, and organisational affiliations.
Until July 2025 | Free | Parliament House, Parliament Drive Canberra | More information here.
Journey back in time to Pompeii
While the rain pours down, explore over 90 artifacts from the ancient city of Pompeii at the National Museum of Australia. Let yourself be taken into the old city by an engaging atmosphere featuring large-scale digital projections, captivating soundscapes and a recreation of the Mount Vesuvius eruption.
Until Sunday 4 May 2025 | $12.50 – $62.50 | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | More information here.
See a new flick on the big screen
Settle in for one of the best cinema experiences you can have, all thanks to IMAX® officially opening in Canberra!
The new theatre at Dendy Canberra Centre features a next-generation laser projection and multi-channel sound system exclusive to IMAX theatres. Forget the rain and become immersed in a completely new world.
Varying prices | Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda Street | Check the website for timing and options
Hit the arcade
Challenge yourself to beat every high score at Canberra’s only stand-alone Timezone! It may take you all day, with more than 85 cutting-edge arcade games filling the space, including new virtual reality games and retro classics.
But it’s not just arcade games… Get the blood pumping in the 230m2 of laser tag, and battle through a post-apocalyptic landscape of frozen wastelands, jungle terrains, and decommissioned armoured trucks – all while dodging laser drones and soldier zombies.
Open seven days a week, Sunday to Thursday: 9 am – 10 pm, Friday to Saturday: 9 am – 11 pm | Varying prices | Westfield Woden, Keltie Street, Phillip | timezonegames.com
Get lost in the stars
Celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Mount Stromlo Observatory by visiting the Outer Space: Stromlo to the Stars exhibition at the Canberra Museum + Gallery. Immersive digital interactives, unique objects, interactive games, and oral histories will share the journey of the observatory’s modest beginnings to international prominence.
Until 16 November 2025 | Free | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit | More information here.
Feature image: Timezone. Supplied.
