Festivals, markets and so much more: 35+ things to do this weekend in Canberra
Posted on
There really is something for everyone.
From National Science Week activities to markets, workshops, tours and more, here are 35+ events the whole family will enjoy.
Fired Up Winter Festival
This is Canberra Potters’ annual winter festival celebrating Canberra’s ceramics community. It promises an enchanting evening under the winter night sky, where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant world of ceramics and connect through clay in the heart of Canberra.
You can discover your creativity through a variety of pre-booked clay experiences, resident artists will open their studios doors, and professional potters will give demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Food and drinks will also be available to purchase from selected vendors, and visitors are invited to buy handmade bowls and have them filled with delicious homemade soup for free!
Saturday 10, 3 pm – 8 pm | Canberra Potters, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson Arts Centre, Watson | More information here.
National Science Week At Questacon
This is for scientists big and small! From daily activities like Spectacular Science Shows in the Japan Theatre to special events, there’s something for everyone.
Make sure to visit the Questacon website for the full schedule of events.
Saturday 10 until Sunday 18 August, 9 am – 5 pm | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Science In The Centres
Who doesn’t love science while you shop? Head along to Westfield Belconnen, Westfield Woden, South Point Tuggeranong, Cooleman Court, Gungahlin Marketplace or the Canberra Centre to discover the exciting science behind dinosaurs, parasites, geology, space, robotics, engineering, the environment and much more!
There will be a ariety of hands-on science activities on display across the different locations during the weekends of National Science Week, so make sure you check out the schedule on the ACT National Science Week socials to see what’s happening.
Saturday 10 until Sunday 18 August, 10 am – 4 pm | Westfield Belconnen, Westfield Woden, South.Point, Cooleman Court, Gungahlin and Canberra Centre, Canberra | More information here.
Science and Exploration at ACT Libraries
Libraries ACT is joining in on the National Science Week celebrations by offering a diverse range of engaging programs that aim to promote scientific knowledge and exploration.
Learn the story of DNA with the Twisty Science show, master the conviction of science fiction with writing workshops or join in with the chameleon collective dancers with the respect the reef production. There’s plenty to see and do!
Saturday 10 until Sunday 18 August, 10 am – 5 pm | Libraries ACT, Antill Street, Dickson | More information here.
Kambah Turns 50: Winter Lantern Walk
Part of the Kambah Turns 50 celebrations, bring the family, make a pretty paper lantern and go for a dusk walk around the Village Creek end of Lake Tuggeranong. Hot chocolate will be served afterwards in the Sea Scouts hall. All materials are provided. Cost: Free.
Saturday 10 August |Lake Tuggeranong Sea Scouts, Mortimer Lewis Drive, Greenway. Lantern making from 4-5.30 pm, walk from 5.30pm (about 30 minutes) | kambahturns50.wordpress.com/2024/07/22/lantern-walk or on Facebook
Markets
Winter Antiques and Collectable Fair
Get treasure hunting at this year’s Winter Antiques and Collectable Fair.
With up to 22 local and interstate dealers presenting a blend of antiques, old-world nostalgia, books, art, jewellery, pottery, silver, bronzes, furniture, linen, glassware, gift ideas and much more, there’s sure to be something that will catch your eye.
Friday 9 until Sunday 11 August, 10 am – 5 pm | Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | More information here.
Portobello Road – Old Bus Depot Markets
This is the last Portobello Road event for the year, so it’s time to get treasure hunting!
From antique jewellery, to glass art, silver, linens, restored pieces, cutlery and crockery, lamps, clocks, and even typewriters, the question is what can’t you find? Make the most of it and spend h a day out browsing through an eclectic mix of quirky and interesting treasures.
Sunday 11 August, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | Book here.
Capital Region Farmers Market
Fresh produce, flowers and the ready-to-eat food and coffee. What more could you need? The Capital Region Farmers Market has everything you need.
7 am – 11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Old Well Station Road, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Little Burley Markets
Offering a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisanal bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats, and much more, you’ll be able to find plenty of goodies at this bespoke lakeside market
8 am – 1 pm Saturday | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.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 and pet treats.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
Haig Park Markets
Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.
8.30 am – 2 pm Sundays | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Food and Wine
Truffle Infused Weekends at Mount Majura Vineyard
It’s finally truffle season and that means it’s time to book your favourite truffle and wine experience.
Enjoy truffle infused triple-cream brie-style cheese with a flight of three 80ml glasses that have been perfectly matched for $40 per person. With sessions available all day Saturday and Sunday, online bookings close the day prior.
Every weekend until Sunday 1 September, 10 am – 5 pm | Mount Majura Vineyard, 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | Book here.
Stage and Screen
The Comedians
Mick Molloy, Lawrence Mooney, Sam Pang and Marty Sheargold are teaming up for a night of good old fashioned stand-up comedy that you won’t forget.
From radio, to television, film, and podcasts, they’ve done it all and now, they bring all the laughs back to the stage for a once in a lifetime comedy experience.
Saturday 10 August, 8 pm – 9:30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Lord Of The Flies
Faithful to the famous novel and a fable for our times, this adaption of William Golding’s classic novel is not to be missed.
A plane crashes. Eleven young boys stranded on an uninhabited island govern themselves to devastating ends. Capturing the spirit and brutality of Golding’s original through bold and powerful theatricality, Lord Of The Flies is an eye-opening modern myth looking at humanity’s capacity for self-destruction.
Until Saturday 10 August | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | Book here.
Future Science Talks: Science Comedy Show at Questacon
Seven local scientists from Canberra have partnered with comedians to infuse humour and laughs into scientific talks.
You’ll be hearing from Canberra’s best and brightest science professionals who will be combining science and comedy. Talking about everything from designing next-gen drugs to examining how gases create stars, you’ll laugh and learn at the same time!
Saturday 10 August, 6 pm – 7:30 pm | The Japan Theatre, Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Trophy Boys
A queer black comedy and drag extravaganza about power, privilege, and high school debating, this indie theatre piece is performed by a female and non-binary cast in drag as it looks at (and interrogates) insecure adolescent masculinity, entitlement and the ego of Australia’s next generation of politicians and powerbrokers.
An amazing debut play from Emmanuelle Mattana, watch as the all-boys team from the elite St Imperium college gets ready to annihilate their sister school rivals at the Grand Finale of the Year 12 Inter-school Debating Tournament. That is until the boys are locked in a classroom for their one-hour prep window and forced to argue that “feminism has failed women”. What’s that saying about ‘boys will be boys’…?
Until Saturday 10 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
A Salute to 50s and 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll
It’s one of the great eras in music history. So why not go back in time to the 50s and 60s this winter to dance the night away at a special international tribute concert celebrating all of the hot hits of these decades?
Paying tribute to some of the biggest music legends of all time – from Elvis to The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly to The Beatles – Twist & Shout stars the multi-award winning The Williams Brothers. Recapturing the magic of the hit songs, snap your fingers, sway your hips, and make the most of a fun afternoon.
Sunday 11 August | 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Variety Is Back, Baby
Wild Voices Music Theatre is a voice and piano studio based in Dickson, where students aged from eight years to their 70s are studying music.
Every year Wild Voices Music Theatre present a showcase of their work, and every year aim to build a concert that will surprise, delight, entertain and move audiences. Expect singing, dancing, acting, playing the piano – solos, duets, ensembles – in a genre-busting program.
Sunday 11 August, 5 pm – 7 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.
He Died With A Felafel In His Hand
Through its keen observation of drug use, sexuality and stark economic realities, He Died with a Felafel in his Hand embodies many of the characteristics of Australian grunge literature, its wry humour offering an almost satirical take on an otherwise deeply realist genre.
Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival, this is the first of three Australian Grunge Lit screenings throughout the month of August. A discounted pass is available for all three.
Sunday 11 August, 1 pm – 2:50 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Andrew Hamilton – Comedy At The Baso
In 2021, Andrew spent four months in two of Sydney’s maximum security prisons for the supply of psychedelic drugs. He had a great time.
That’s all you need to know about his new show: Jokes About The Time I Went to Prison.
Sunday 11 August, 7 pm | The Baso, 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen | Book here.
Some Like It Marilyn
This isn’t a biographic, but a film-o-graphic. Looking at the life of Marylin Monroe was through her work, this cabaret show is perfect for anyone that loves Marylin.
Filled with songs from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, River of No Return, Let’s Make Love and scenes from Bus Stop and Some Like It Hot, it will be an evening to entertain and thrill.
Until Saturday 24 August | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Music
Telenova – Time Is A Flower International Tour
This is Telenova’s biggest tour yet! With influences ranging from Portishead and Massive Attack to Lana Del Rey and Mitski, The Time Is A Flower Tour marks Telenova’s first headline shows since their regional tour of Australia in the heart of 2023’s winter.
Taking their distinct brand of cinematic alt-pop, you’ll dance the night away.
Saturday 10 August, 7 pm – 11:30 pm | UC Hub, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | Book here.
UCFM’s 30th Birthday Bash
Grab your friends and family and get ready to party as UCFM turns 30!
You’ll enjoy a live cross from UCFM team as they count down the top 30 songs from the past 30 years. Plus, there will be live music from Jett Blyton, Sophie Edwards, and all day breakfast food, drink specials, trivia, giveaways, lawn games, cupcakes and more.
Saturday 10 August, 12 pm – 6 pm | UC Bar, Telita Street, Bruce | Book here.
Classical Diamond – Trilogy In Symphony
Embark on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s legendary and timeless albums brought to life by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and International artist, Peter Byrne.
Experience the Hot August Night album, as the Symphony Orchestra recreates the enchanting melodies of hits such as Crunchy Granola Suite, Cherry Cherry, Sweet Caroline and I am I Said, and more.
Saturday 10 August, 8 pm – 11 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club, 92 Corinna Street, Phillip | Book here.
Exhibitions
Sisters Interwoven
From Wiradjuri artist Rechelle Turner and Ngunnawal Wiradjuri artist Megan Daley comes Sisters Interwoven, a new exhbition exploring their culture and connection to Country.
Created using a variety of media, these works were produced during Megan Rechelle’s residency at Megalo Print Studios
Until Saturday 10 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | More information here.
All Guns Blazing
All Guns Blazing is a body of work of artist Jamie-Lea Trindall, a Wiradjuri woman who explores the ancient traditions of carving and string making.
Described as “a voyage of discovery”, the exhbition uncovers the depths of intrinsic connections, where generations of brave trailblazers have carved winding paths through the outback country and how deeply connected her own bold life experiences are to the stories.
Until Saturday 10 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | More information here.
Breaking Ground
In Breaking Ground, Michele England and Heidi Smith have responded to significant Tuggeranong Valley sites by creating experimental mixed media artworks highlighting changes to urban and natural spaces.
Place, material, and contemplative conversations transform the mundane into the unexpected in this collaboration by incorporating found objects, creating pigments, using drawing apparatus and repurposing discarded items to create Breaking Ground: Chaos Theory and the Valley.
Until Saturday 10 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | More information here.
Testamur 6
This is a group exhibition by Canberra Art Workshop showcasing artworks inspired by CAW events, including workshops, courses, and art groups.
Featuring diverse mediums like life drawing, painting, and sculpture, it highlights creations that push boundaries and reflect the educational journey of its participants.
Until Sunday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Fairy Land
This solo exhibition by David Helmers explores the dynamic relationship between materials and queer identity, inviting viewers to rediscover joy through playful experimentation.
It challenges societal norms, inviting reflection on joy, resilience, and the agency of materials in shaping cultural dialogue. Don’t miss this!
Until Sunday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
The Cave. A River. An Island.
Ross Andrews’s latest solo exhibition explores the intersection of modern media disinformation and ancient allegory through expressive landscapes.
Inspired by the deceptions of Plato’s Cave, the artworks reflect on personal and environmental journeys of discovery.
Until Sunday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Fuse Glass Prize
Presented by JamFactory, the FUSE Glass Prize is a non-acquisitive biennial prize for Australian and New Zealand glass artists.
You’ll see the work of 18 finalists (12 established and six emerging artists) at the Australian National University School of Art & Design Gallery.
Until Friday 6 September | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Building 105, Corner Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton | More information here.
Cobi Cockburn Solo Exhibition
Cobi Cockburn is a celebrated contemporary Australian artist, who sis known for her large wall panels and installations that use shifting tonal linework, that connect and respond to the gallery’s architecture.
Curated by Aimee Frodsham, this exhibition uses neon to further her exploration of line and light. Focusing on the warm glow and rich line quality rather than the intensity expected from neon, it is an exploration into the beauty of energy and the intertwined relationships of art, memory and spirituality.
Until Sunday 22 September | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Sport
Raiders v Sea Eagles
The Canberra Raiders are taking on the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, with a huge day of footy at GIO Stadium.
There will be four games throughout the day – get there early to cheer on the Raiders NRLW team in their match against the Sharks as well as the Raiders Jersey Flegg match. Then, stay after the NRL fixture to watch the Raiders NSW Cup team play too!
Saturday 10 August, 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
National Science Week: Unconformity Geology Tour
Journey underneath Parliament House with an expert geologist to learn about the geological phenomenon called ‘Unconformity’.
This is a rare opportunity to see a geological formation where two rock masses, made millions of years apart, fused together. If you’ve been to Parliament House but never ventured underneath it, this tour is for you!
Saturday 10 August, 5 pm – 6 pm | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, City | Book here.
Bud and Bloom with Gina Chapman
Join Gina Chapman and explore the magic of flowering plants.
You’ll examine the shapes, colours, textures and habits of a wide variety of angiosperms through observational drawing, a time- honoured method used in botanical study. Develop your eye, art skills and botanical knowledge in this journey of discovery.
Saturday 10 August until Saturday 14 September | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Circle The National Triangle Cultural Trail – Canberra By Bike
How well do you know Canberra’s National Triangle? Starting at the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies on the Acton peninsular, and making its way along the north side of the central basin, before finishing with a loop around Australia’s Parliament House, this is a fun new tour.
You’ll learn about the stories behind many national collecting and cultural institutions, and other important buildings and structures along the route, as well as the gardens, sculptures, and more.
Saturday 10 August, 1 pm – 3:30 pm | AIATSIS, 51 Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Film and TV Show Locations – Canberra By Bike
From political dramas to horror and sci-fi films and a Bollywood love scene set beside Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra has for decades been a prime location for many creative people working in the film and TV industries. This is your chance to trace some of those locations by bike.
Starting on the edge of the ANU campus (where parts of The Code and Joe Cinque’s Consolation were filmed), you’ll finish at the one place which features on Australian TV news pretty much every night – the Australian Parliament House.
Sunday 11 August, 1 pm – 3:30 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.
Astronomy Night
This is a remarkable opportunity to gaze through a telescope at the night skies of the Molonglo Valley.
Head along to enjoy as expert astronomers from the Canberra Astronomical Society show you the wonders of the stars and moon.
Sunday 11 August, 6 pm – 7:30 pm | Suburban Land Agency Display Village, 3 Klaus Moje Street, Whitlam | More information here.
