40+ ways to spend your weekend in Canberra
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No idea what to do in Canberra this Saturday and Sunday? Here’s everything that’s happening around town.
From an incredible weekend of art, design and community on the Acton Peninsula to Craft + Design Canberra Open Studios, free-flowing Aperol Spritz and more, there are plenty of excuses to get out of the house.
Special Events and Festivals
Peninsula Markets: Acton Together
Join AIATSIS and the National Museum for Peninsula Markets: Acton Together, an incredible weekend of art, design and community on Acton Peninsula. The Museum Market transforms the Gandel Atrium and Forecourt into a lively art and design space with fashion, jewellery, ceramics and homewares from local and regional makers and creators.
The AIATSIS lawns host the annual AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market, featuring a range of stalls with stunning First Nations art and products from around Australia. This collaborative event brings together two cultural institutions to celebrate creativity, community and Indigenous artistry across the peninsula in one spectacular location.Whether hunting for that perfect gift, supporting local makers or soaking up creative energy, this is the place to be. Free entry.
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Acton | nma.gov.au
2025 Craft + Design Canberra Open Studios + Arts Organisations Open Day Program
Step inside the studios of Canberra’s makers during the first two weekends of November and discover the creative practices of local craftspeople, designers, artists, and arts organisations. Proudly supported by home.byholly.Open Studios invites you to explore the spaces where creativity happens. Artists, designers, and arts organisations from across the Canberra region will open their studios to the public, offering a chance to find favourite pieces and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at their creative processes.
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November, 10 am -4 pm | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Scale ACT 25: Australia’s friendliest scale modelling show
The ACT Scale Modelers’ Society holds a two-day scale modelling event at Thoroughbred Park. See model displays, one of Australia’s largest model competitions, a swap and sell, modelling goods and books for sale, and expert how-to workshops presented by some of Australia’s best and renowned international modellers. The competition is open to all modellers regardless of interests or skills. Build activities for kids, onsite catering and various displays make this a fun family day out and opportunity to see talented modellers from across Australia. Tickets buy weekend access, so return if you miss anything first time around.
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November | Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham | actsms.asn.au
The Healing Garden Opening
‘The Healing Garden’ in Waramanga opens as part of Open Gardens Canberra’s spring program. This private garden focuses on plants and design elements that promote wellbeing and relaxation. Visitors can explore how gardens create therapeutic outdoor environments through thoughtful plant selection and layout. The weekend opening allows time to appreciate the garden’s calming qualities and discuss techniques with other visitors. Non-member entry is $10, while $30 annual membership provides access to all ten participating gardens. The program supports community grants and horticultural education through entry fees.
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November, 10 am–4 pm | The Healing Garden, Badimara Street, Waramanga | opengardenscanberra.org.au
Bonsai Reshaped
Discover, celebrate and be inspired at Bonsai Reshaped 2025 featuring four internationally recognised female artists: Caroline Scott, Heike van Gunst, Marcela Ferreira and Sandra Grlica. Each professional artist shares expertise, influences and enthusiasm through workshops and live demonstrations, carrying the legacy of bonsai masters while exploring the art form’s boundaries. Enjoy ‘The Art of Bonsai’ evening with engaging live demonstrations, canapes, live music and curated auctions. Get started at beginner workshops or advance skills at intermediate workshops. Browse the Bonsai Market for hand-made pots, tools, equipment and stock trees. Bookings essential for events. Made possible by the Bonsai Trust Fund.
Until Sunday 9 November | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
ACT JAM 2025
The biggest freestyle BMX event in the southern hemisphere returns for three days of epic BMX in the nation’s capital. Braddon’s Elouera Street transforms into a street-style BMX park outside BentSpoke BrewPub and Blackfire Restaurant. The city comes alive with high-air, best trick and long jump competitions featuring some of the most dialled riders in the game. This family-friendly event offers festival atmosphere perfect for spectators of all ages. Sunday shifts to Hillfire jumps at UC Canberra Stromlo Forest Park where riders hit the dirt at one of Australia’s best freestyle jump parks. Expect big lines, big sends and world-class tricks.
Until Sunday 9 November | Elouera Street, Braddon | backbonebmx.com
Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival
Canberra’s annual pride festival returns throughout November, celebrating the capital’s LGBTQIA+ community with a month-long program of events. The festivities kick off with SpringOUT Fair Day at Glebe Park on 1 November, followed by highlights including the Famous Pink Tennis Bush Dance, Pride Sports Festival featuring rugby and grid iron matches, Qwire’s annual concert, and the Pride Run with Canberra Frontrunners. The program spans theatre, dance, exhibitions, guided walks, workshops and the Big Gay Breakfast with Fuse Magazine. With free and low-cost events throughout the month, SpringOUT showcases the diversity and vibrancy of Canberra’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly community.
Until Sunday, 30 November | Various venues across Canberra | springout.com.au
Food and Wine
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
Jewel of Canberra
Jewel of Canberra is like stepping inside a giant jewellery box with exquisite works from the region’s best jewellery designers and artists. Browse many jewellery stalls finding unique handcrafted pieces not found in major stores. The market offers a good range of styles, price points and individual pieces from independent jewellery designers and craftspeople. Discover pieces made from silver, gold, pearls, recycled metal art, precious and semi-precious stones, glass, resin and ceramics. Find earrings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, pendants, cufflinks, brooches, rings and more from talented local makers and designers.
Saturday, 9 November | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
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 and Screen
Canberra Short Film Festival
Canberra’s longest-running film event celebrates 30 years of showcasing powerful short films and bold new voices. Festival director John Frohlich says this anniversary year celebrates both community and creativity. CSFF has been a launchpad for incredible filmmakers, a place where Canberra audiences connect with stories from across the globe. The program features trademark specialty screenings including First Nations storytelling, LGBTQIA+ perspectives, comedy and horror showcases, and local Canberra talent. Venues across the city include Dendy Cinemas, Smiths Alternative, PhotoAccess, Tuggeranong Arts Centre and ANU Film Group. The festival includes Gala Night and Awards presentation with Closing Party.
until Sunday 16 November | Multiple venues across Canberra | csff.com.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.
Wednesday 5 November until Sunday 7 December | Palace Electric Cinemas, Canberra | britishfilmfestival.com.au
Stanley Kubrick Spotlight at the NFSA
The NFSA’s Stanley Kubrick Spotlight presents three of the director’s most celebrated works in Arc Cinema. See A Clockwork Orange (1971) on 35mm—Malcolm McDowell’s sadistic gang leader endures state-enforced rehabilitation set to Rossini and Beethoven. Barry Lyndon (1975) screens on 35mm—a visually sumptuous 18th-century epic following a poor Irishman’s rise and fall, lauded for beauty, humour and social commentary. Experience 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) in stunning DCP—Kubrick’s groundbreaking sci-fi masterpiece with meticulous scientific vision and pioneering special effects. Films available individually or as a three-film pass.
Saturday 8 November | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
Harry Enfield
Come for a rare and entertaining evening with legendary satirical comedian and self-styled “stupid idiot” Harry Enfield. From the meteoric rise of Loadsamoney, a Thatcherite visionary, to the fury of Kevin the Teenager, Harry reflects on 40 years of arsing about in comedy and brings favourite characters vividly back to life on stage. Then it’s over to your questions: your chance to ask how it all works, what he’s most proud of, and what he says to those who ask “You wouldn’t be allowed to do your stuff today, would you?” An unforgettable evening with a brilliantly silly and strikingly insightful comedian.
Sunday, 9 November, 7.30 pm-9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
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
Music
Leigh Barker Band
Virtuoso string bassist, bandleader, composer and arranger Leigh Barker, based in France since 2016, tours premier jazz venues of east coast Australia promoting new album Cross Street. Before departing Australia, Barker sustained busy international schedule including Sydney Opera House, Jazz at Lincoln Center and global tours. In France and Europe since 2016, he has accompanied many greats of traditional and mainstream jazz. The new album reunites Leigh with regular Melbourne-based bandmates. Vocalist and violinist Heather Stewart anchors these musical comrades with moving and swinging voice, while the orchestra traverses rich palette of rhythm, melody and improvisation.
Saturday, 8 November, 7 pm | Smiths Alternative Bookshop, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra | smithsalternative.com
Brunchercize 80s Dance Party
Brunchercize, the dance you do in the brunch hour, comes to Canberra with an 80s dance party. A relaxed chance to enjoy dance-play exploring dance themes, genres or styles. Each class includes warmup and cool down, with signature moves of that dance genre incorporated into a little routine. November celebrates spring with an 80s dance party. Whitney, Madonna, New Order, Prince, Wham and more are on the cassette playlist. Prize for best 80s-inspired dress. Pop on ra-ra skirt, crimp that fringe, grab friends and party like it’s 1989. Wear comfortable clothes, bring drink bottle and towel. Lucky door prize included.
Sunday, 9 November, 12 pm – 1.20 pm | Canberra Dance Theatre, Canberra | events.humanitix.com
The Mavens
The Mavens return after their sold-out season at The Courtyard Theatre and appearance on FM106.3. Be surprised and delighted by 60 minutes of songs all made up on the spot. Inspired by your offers, you won’t believe what they can turn into music, even the suspicious shape of the Belconnen Owl. The Mavens create fully improvised musical theatre, transforming audience suggestions into complete songs with melodies, lyrics and harmonies in the moment. This unique performance demonstrates the creativity and quick thinking of improvised music-making. Each show is entirely different based on audience contributions, making every performance a one-off experience.
Sunday, 9 November, 4 pm – 5 pm | Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra | smithsalternative.com
Workshops
Celebrating A Year of Junk Journaling with Martina Calvi
Join Scrap Society’s biggest event celebrating Martina Calvi’s new book A Year of Junk Journaling. Every ticket includes a copy of Martina’s book valued at $32.99. The event features Q&A with Martina, book signing and journaling session. Scrap Society provides their biggest range of scrapbooking and collaging supplies yet, including goodies from Martina’s Tiny Store, Stash World, In Perfect Pieces by Bri, EmCaba Creates, Kayla Carr, custom postcard, paper, stickers and more. Photobooth captures memories for journals. Shop Martina’s Tiny Store pop-up. Food and drinks included. Bring your own materials or purchase journal with ticket. Personalised goodies for each ticketholder.
Sunday, 9 November, 1 pm-4 pm | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | scrapsociety.com.au
Exhibitions
2025 Canberra Contemporary Members Show
The Canberra Contemporary Members Show is a much-loved exhibition that brings together artists from across the ACT and surrounding regions. Celebrating the diversity of contemporary practice – from painting and sculpture to photography, textiles, digital media and more – the exhibition offers a vibrant snapshot of current ideas, trends, and voices in Australian art.
A joyful celebration of creativity and connection, the Members Show also plays a vital role in fostering dialogue, building relationships, and championing the artists who shape our cultural landscape.
Friday 7 to Sunday 16 November | Platform, Furneaux Street, Manuka | canberracontemporary.com.au
Inferno by Mikaela Stafford at the NFSA
Preview the immersive installation by internationally recognised Australian artist Mikaela Stafford before it opens to the public. This free audiovisual experience blends monumental 3D motion graphics, kinetic sculpture and dynamic lighting with a powerful soundscape by composer Kate Durman.
The sci-fi-infused world explores identity, memory and matter through a hyperreal journey anchored by a large-scale resin sculpture emerging from a 12-metre digital screen.
Until Sunday 16 November | NFSA Gallery & Courtyard, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.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.
Saturday, 15 November to Saturday, 13 December | Suki & Hugh Gallery, Bungendore | sukihugh.com.au
Outer Space: Stromlo to the Stars
Celebrating 100 years of Mount Stromlo Observatory, this interactive exhibition highlights groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and the vibrant community of scientists and families behind them. Features immersive installations, historical objects, and interactive activities perfect for all ages.
Until Sunday 16 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
40 x 40 Anniversary Exhibition and Auction
M16 Artspace celebrates its 40th anniversary with a fundraiser exhibition featuring 40 artworks by M16 studio artists and selected alumni. The exhibition showcases the breadth of artistic practice within the Griffith studio complex, with works available for purchase. A percentage of all sales supports M16’s artistic programs, ensuring continued support for local artists and accessible opportunities for emerging Canberra creatives. The anniversary exhibition demonstrates four decades of M16’s contribution to the local arts community while raising funds for future programs. The three-week exhibition provides time to view the diverse range of works on display.
Until Sunday, 23 November | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
Gorgeous
Hands On Studio presents Gorgeous, a fashion exhibition exploring garments as living, expressive language that is unruly, intimate and always in motion. The exhibition features upcycled couture and experimental pieces that present fashion as ongoing process rather than finished product. Each work invites consideration of how clothing communicates and transforms. The exhibition showcases creative approaches to fashion that challenge conventional ideas about wearable art. Hands On Studio’s practice emphasises fashion as a medium for artistic expression and social commentary. The three-week exhibition at M16 Artspace presents unexpected approaches to garment-making and sustainable fashion practices.
Until Sunday, 23 November | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
On the Map
StudioMAP presents a group exhibition showcasing young art students’ visual accomplishments in painting, illustration and drawing. The exhibition displays individual works as a kaleidoscope of student achievement, demonstrating the range of skills and creative approaches developed through the studioMAP program. The collection highlights emerging talent and provides young artists with exhibition experience in a professional gallery setting. The three-week showing at M16 Artspace gives students the opportunity to present their work to the wider Canberra arts community. The exhibition celebrates the development of young artists working across traditional and contemporary visual arts practices.
Until Sunday, 23 November | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.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
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
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
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
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 8 March 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
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
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
