45+ family friendly events to fill your weekend in Canberra
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Need some ideas to keep the whole family entertained this Saturday and Sunday?
We’ve found 45+ events happening this weekend that are fun, family-friendly and suitable for all budgets. Read on for your curated guide to what’s on in Canberra!
Special Events and Festivals
The Handmade Market
Your favourite quarterly market is back with a bang. Showcasing 260+ Australian designers and producers, head along to Handmade to discover small businesses from all over Australia.
Discover fashion, ceramics, handcrafted furniture, food, wine and more and support small businesses in the process.
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September, 10 am – 4 pm | Exhibition Park, Budawang and Coorong Pavilions, Lyneham | More information here.
Stella Day Out
Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature.
Held at Harry Hartog Bookseller on the ANU campus, join Virginia Hausseger as she has an invigorating conversation with 2015 Stella Prize author Biff Ward, don’t miss Stella Prize-listed author Pitaya Chin interviewed by writer Zoya Patel and make sure to book a spot in Mirandi Riwoe’s inspiring discussion about her writing journey.
Saturday 21 September, 11 am – 3 pm | The Australian National University, 153-11 University Avenue, Acton | Book here.
Korea Day Festival
The Korean Association of Canberra is excited to invite locals to the upcoming festival where you can experience the vibrant colours and sounds of Korea!
Soak up Korean culture with live K-Pop music and dance performances, Korean traditional folk music, Taekwondo demonstration, Korean School performance, K-food tastings, and K-play on this family and community fun day.
Saturday 21 September, 11 am – 3 pm | Glebe Park, City | More information here.
Greyhound Adoption Day at Hanrob Pet Hotel
Looking for a new best friend? Hanrob Pet Hotel is hosting a day dedicated to grey hounds and you might just come home with a new fur-ever friend.
The team will match you with the perfect greyhound for your lifestyle and their unique personality. You’d be barking mad to miss it.
Saturday 21 September, 9 am – 12 pm | 88 Mugga Lane, Symonston | Register here.
Giant Charity Lego Sale
Calling all Lego lovers, you won’t want to miss this! The Giant Charity Lego Sale is back for another year. With free entry for the whole family, for one day only you can stock up on box sets, Minifigures, Duplo, technic, vintage, Mindstorm and more, all in the name of charity.
There will also be hot food, a bake sale and family fun all raising vital funds for Roundabout Canberra, who believe every child deserves a safe start in life.
Saturday 21 September, 1 pm – 5 pm | Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Cruise Through The Decades
Get ready to groove to tunes from the swinging 60s to the rocking 90s and celebrate the music of the decades.
Designed to help those over the age of 40 to make some new friends (although, if you’re not over 40 you’re still very welcome to join), the Social Fun Party Cruise is calling for you to dress up in your favourite decade attire with prizes for the best-dressed! From hippie chic to disco dazzle, embark on an evening of fun and nostalgia as you make new friends with the icebreaker bingo game, indulge your taste buds with a delectable grazing table and enjoy a fun-filled three-hour cruise around Lake Burley Griffin.
Saturday 21 September, 7 pm – 10 pm | Canberra Cruises and Parties, 8 Trevillian Quay, Jetty 4, Kingston | Book here.
Woden Public Art Trial
This is a special guided tour of public artworks around the suburbs of Woden. Lead by TAC’s Exhibitions and Public Programs Manager, Ann McMahon, you’ll discover the origins of much-loved artworks on the roadsides, in community centres and Woden Town Square.
From stories about Anne Ross’ studio production process for the whimsical Lyons shops bronze sculpture, to the roadside artwork Dinornus Maximus, it’s an insight into a side of Woden you’ve never seen before.
Saturday 21 September, 10 am – 1 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Reed Street North, Greenway | More information here.
Floriade@Fadden Spring Fair
Free face painting, free fairy floss, free skateboarding lessons, a visit from ACT Fire & Rescue, a student art show, market stalls and more. This is an amazing celebration of spring in Fadden and it’s all to support Fadden Primary.
Don’t miss seeing the beautiful rainbow shaped Floriade Community garden bed (which is made of 4000 plants), the craft and plant stall, raffles, and more.
Sunday 22 September, 1 pm – 4 pm | Hanlon Crescent, Fadden | More information here.
Kambah Sustainability Fair
Part of Kambah’s 50th birthday celebrations, the Kambah SEE-Change Sustainability Fair is an opportunity to celebrate and share knowledge about Kambah’s sustainable future!
This family friendly event will have live music, food, drink and market stalls, children’s activities, and interactive sustainability workshops and presentations, including the launch of the Kambah Electric Bike Library, an electric car exhibition, household repairs, a recycling hub and more.
Sunday 22 September, 10 am – 3 pm | Kambah Woolshed, Springbett Street, Kambah | More information here.
Your Local Wedding Guide Expo
Getting married soon? At this expo, you can create your perfect wedding day with the help of the best wedding industry suppliers in the Canberra region.
From discovering new products and ideas, to listening to live music, seeing gorgeous displays, and more, you’ll find loads of inspiration in a friendly and fun atmosphere.
Sunday 22 September, 10 am – 3 pm | National Convention Centre Canberra, 31 Constitution Avenue, City | Book here.
Chicago The Musical
Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery, treachery and All That Jazz. The multi-award-winning musical, Chicago, is coming to Canberra.
Starring Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn, Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly, Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart, Peter Rowsthorn as Amos Hart and Asabi Goodman as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, it would be a crime to miss the chance to see the longest-running musical on Broadway right here in the nations capital.
Until Sunday 29 September | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Civic Square, City | Book here.
Floriade
Your favourite seasonal celebration of spring is back in Commonwealth Park! The park will be transformed into a vibrant canvas of colour and creativity as the 2024 theme “Art in Bloom” is brought to life.
Along with beautiful flower displays, unleash your inner artist and take part in workshops and activities, enjoy live music, browse market stalls, and enjoy delicious food. The best part? Entry is free.
Until Sunday 13 October, 9.30 am – 5.30 pm | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
Pixar Putt
This one is for kids big and small: Pixar-themed mini golf course is teeing off in Canberra for a four week run.
Made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, Cars,
Monsters, Inc., Turning Red, Soul, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, Luca and Lightyear plus a new hole from Pixar’s newest release, Inside Out 2, the experience is perfect for players of all ages. But for those seeking some kid-free fun, when the sun goes down, Pixar Putt After-Dark
sessions will be available for adults 18+ from Thursday to Saturday nights from 7 pm to 10 pm, also featuring a pop-up bar. See you there?
Until Friday 18 October | Civic Centre, Canberra | Book tickets here.
Markets
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
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.
Every Sunday | 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Food and Wine
Civic Square Pop-Up Bar
An artisanal bar is popping up in the heart of the city and we’re very excited. Open every Thursday to Sunday to help you relax after a long week or celebrate the weekend in style, some of Canberra’s finest artisanal producers are coming together to tickle your tastebuds with their products – we’re talking premium wines from Ravensworth Wines, craft beers from Capital Brewing Co., and artisanal cheeses from Le Cheeserie.
Add in live music and entertainment on weekends, and we’re predicting that the Civic Pop-Up Bar might just be the coolest catch-up spot this spring.
Thursdays and Fridays, 5 pm – 11.30 pm, Saturdays 4.30 pm – 12.30 am and Sundays, 4.30 pm – 10.30 pm | Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra City | More information here.
Spring Fashion High Tea with Birdsnest
Dainty pastries, sweet treats, sparkling cocktails and a fashion runway – what else could you want?
The Hyatt is hosting a beautiful afternoon fashion and frivolities as they launch their Spring High Tea in collaboration with Birdsnest. Tickets includes a three-tiered High Tea with a welcome cocktail on arrival, asSpring fashion parade hosted by Birdsnest head stylist, Sandy Schofield and the opportunity to show the looks after the show.
Saturday 21 September, 11 am – 4 pm | The Tea Lounge at Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
African Australian Awards Dinner Dance and Live Music
Experience the rhythmic fusion of cultures at this special event!
Promising an electrifying evening of live music, pulsating beats, and celebration, get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable night of cultural diversity, unity, and endless entertainment. You’ll also indulge in delicious cuisine…need we say more?
Saturday 21 September, 4.30 pm – 11.30 pm | Hellenic Club of Canberra, 1 Matilda Street, Phillip | Book here.
Harvest Stall
Home made jam, freshly made chutney and herbs – you’ll be able to find all this and more at the Arboretum’s Harvest Stall.
Made with organic produce from the Arboretum’s very own Kitchen Garden and with fruits from the forests, you’ll be able to stock up on homemade goodies and seedlings while learning what you can grow in your own backyard.
Sunday 22 September, 10 am – 2 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | More information here.
Floriade High Tea at Chifley’s Bar & Grill
To celebrate Floriade, Chifley’s Bar & Grill is hosting a very special high tea.
Treat yourself and your closest to sumptuous petite scones, mini quiches, finger sandwiches and a selection of sweet eats accompanied by herbal teas and barista-made coffee. You’ll also get a Floriade cocktail on arrival so you can say ‘cheers’ spring in style.
Until 12 October, 12 pm – 2 pm | Chifley’s Bar & Grill, 8 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
Floriade High Tea at natural nine
Experience the vibrant beauty of Floriade at natural nine with a Floriade themed high tea.
Held every Saturday and Sunday throughout Floriade, you’ll indulge in a delightful selection of teas, pastries, and savoury treats as you celebrate the arrival of spring. Book to reserve your spot today (and remember that natural nine is located inside the Casino Canberra and is an 18+ venue).
Until Sunday 13 October, 12 pm – 3 pm | Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Hot Pot Stories
Join 10 storytellers as they bring stories of their ancestors to the stage in a curated program presented by Canberra Slam and IDioM.
It will be an afternoon of cultural storytelling and community connection as you hear personal stories about the power of the people who shape our lives and enjoy a rich smorgasbord of short stories, shared in a spirit of openness, courtesy, and respect. This event is being held alongside the exhibition Anitu: Old Gods, Beliefs, and Superstitions by the artist IDioM. Want to have your story heard? Submit your EOI today.
Saturday 21 September, 2 pm – 4 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Guy Montgomery – Over 50,000,000 Guy Fans Can’t Be Wrong
It’s all in the title. As seen on Thank God You’re Here, Have You Been Paying Attention? and YouTube, Guy Montgomery is coming to Canberra for one night only.
Don’t miss out!
Saturday 21 September, 7:30 pm |Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
A Day at the Movies: Strictly Ballroom
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) will launch a three-year program of dementia-friendly screenings in Dementia Action Week 2024, opening with much-loved classic Strictly Ballroom.
Informed by dementia-friendly principles, from matinee timing to low-level house lighting that enables people to move around, slightly lower volume levels, and additional wayfinding and information signage, the aim is to create meaningful social opportunities for people living with dementia, with pre- and post-screening morning teas, intervals and the creation of an associated film appreciation group.
Saturday 21 September, 9.30 am – 12.45 pm | Arc Cinema, NFSA, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Work, But This Time Like You Mean It
Work, But This Time Like You Mean It is a darkly surreal comedy about young people’s first experiences in the workplace. It’s about having a good work ethic on less-than-minimum wage. It’s about perseverance when you just want to curl up under the counter and cry.
It’s an unhinged, deep-fryer-dive into deeply human relationships, forged within the most alienating of circumstances. So yes, you want to see it.
Until Sunday 29 September, 7.30 pm – 9.10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Music
This Shining Night
This is a concert of radiant, lyrical and whimsical choral works from North America, directed by Dan Walker, CCS Music Director, with Rachel Mink, Soprano, and Anthony Smith on piano.
Featuring settings of ‘Sure on this shining night’ by Samuel Barber and by Morten Lauridsen, Randall Thompson’s ‘Choose something like a star’, Gwyneth Walker’s ‘Ring out, wild bells’, Jane Kozhevnikova’s ‘Can we reflect the stars’, and Sarah Quartel’s ‘‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers’, as well as some a capella works, it promises to be lovely musical evening.
Saturday 21 September, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm | Wesley Uniting Church, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Exhibitions
Masami Teraoka & Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints
From the early 1970s Japanese-American artist Masami Teraoka adopted the traditional visual vocabulary of 17th to 19th century Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints to comment on the world around him. These included reflections on contemporary themes such as globalisation, collisions between Asian and western cultures, and the AIDS crisis.
The National Gallery will present key examples of Teraoka’s ukiyo-e style works alongside historic ukiyo-e prints, delving into their visual, strategic and thematic connections. Leading ukiyo-e artists featured include Utagawa Kunisada, Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Toyohara Kunichika and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Head along to the National Gallery of Australia to see this free exhibition!
Saturday 21 September until March 2025 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Sculpture launch – James Rogers: Shallows
Celebrate the remarkable gift to the ANU of James Rogers sculpture Shallows, recently installed in the Drill Hall Gallery forecourt.
The joint gift of Shallows, by sculptor James Rogers and respected art collector Geoffrey Hassall OAM, acknowledges the Drill Hall Gallery’s ongoing dedication to abstract sculpture and celebrates retired Drill Hall Gallery Director Terence Maloon’s resounding contribution to Australian art.
Saturday 21 September, 2 pm – 4 pm | Drill Hall Gallery, Acton | Book 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.
Searching For Goulburn
This is a solo exhibition by Phil Page.
Showcasing a unique perspective on Goulburn’s urban environment informed by personal curiosities, interactions and reactions to the city, it combines his geological, historical, sociological, and architectural knowledge, and explores Goulburn’s evolution through painting.
Until Sunday 29 September, 6 pm – 7 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Cutting Off One’s Nose
This solo exhibition by Luke Chiswell examines humanity’s interconnectedness with the environment through a series of aluminium sculptures.
From life to lifelessness, Chiswell’s practice engages with contemporary concerns of ecological preservation and the transformation of value through materiality.
Until Sunday 29 September, 6 pm – 7 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Over Seas
This is an open exhibition for Canberra’s migrant communities.
Featuring the works of over 75 Canberra region artists who have migrated to Australia, from the political to the personal (and including everything from traditional art forms to contemporary perspectives), these artists give us a glimpse into the diversity of their journeys and the rich array of stories that make up Canberra’s multicultural community.
Until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here
The Materialisation of Testament
This is the culmination of four years of research, and the artistic component of Kerry Martin’s creative practice PhD undertaken at the University of Canberra between 2020 and 2024.
Based primarily on the reports of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2012-2017), it seeks to provide another platform to continue the discussion around, and examination of the Catholic Church’s disturbing history of child sexual abuse in this country. Working with a reparative aesthetic, an approach to making beautiful art about brutal topics, it asks the viewer to consider what it might look like if the Church wore the shame of its offences.
Until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
2024 Annual Members Exhibition
The Craft + Design Canberra annual members exhibition is back!
Showcasing contemporary expressions of craft and design uniting time-honoured techniques with modern interpretations, it’s a wonderful demonstration of the trends in contemporary craft and design in Australia by practitioners from the ACT and surrounding region.
Until Saturday 19 October | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, City | More information here.
Hanging By A Thread – Mosaics For Afghan Women
Part of the Hanging by a Thread project, this project aims to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women and girls and involves over 1,200 experienced and amateur mosaic artists from 46 countries.
Brining together mosaics from SA, VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS, WA and New Zealand undertaken by communities during the 2022 International Year of Glass, each artist has made a small segment of glass mosaic, which is being joined together to create a series of giant scarfs.
Until Tuesday 20 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Euan Macleod: Flux
Calling all art lovers, you need to add Euan Macleod: Flux, to your bucket list.
Curated by Orange Regional Gallery Director Bradley Hammond with Drill Hall’s Anthony Oates and Anne-Marie Jean, Flux surveys a series of Macleod’s en plein air works created on the rugged Haupapa Tasman Glacier in New Zealand’s South Island, alongside a suite of studio paintings whose grand scale emulates their site of inspiration.
Until Sunday 3 November | Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Acton | More information here.
Sport
Shimano 100 Mountain Bike Marathon
Whether you’re a local seeking to conquer familiar trails or a rider from afar, the Shimano 100 Marathon is your unique annual chance to embrace the challenge of this ‘giant monster circuit’ in Canberra.
Almost 30 kilometres long, the race course is packed with UC Stromlo’s signature single trails (and you can pick your distance).
Sunday 22 September, 5 am – 3 pm | Stromlo Forest Park, Opperman Avenue, Wright | More information here.
Women Only Adventure Race
The Women Only Adventure Race is an event where teams of two women travel together to navigate around a secret course by foot, mountain bike, and kayak.
All about women making time for themselves, and putting first their health and fitness, the omen Only Adventure Racing event strengthens bonds and relationships, bringing family, friends, and work colleagues together for a weekend of genuine fun. All levels of fitness and experience are welcome!
Sunday 22 September, 8 am – 2 pm | 291 Lady Denman Drive, Molonglo Valley | More information here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Make A Cup and Saucer From Clay
Learn how to make a cup and saucer from clay with Lea Durie of Mud Dept. Lea will teach clay handbuilding techniques to make the cup or your dreams then guide you in how to design, make and attach a great handle as well as add decoration to the pieces.
The class is suitable for beginners and those with more experience wanting to try new techniques.
Saturday 21 September, 10 am – pm | Meet Gather Collect, 68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda | Book here.
Sky Stories at Lanyon Homestead
Gather around the embers of a fire and enjoy a hot chocolate and damper while you listen to stories about the night sky by First Nations astronomer, Peter Swanton.
You’ll learn how the stars guide First Nations people at night, herald the changes of season and contribute to ancient cultural practices. There will also be a chance to see the stars through telescopes and hear how scientific study is helping to preserve this cultural knowledge.
Saturday 21 September, 6 pm – 7.30 pm | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | Book here.
Book Launch – Flora: Australia’s Most Curious Plants
Join local award-winning children’s author and illustrator Tania McCartney as she launches her newest children’s book Flora: Australia’s Most Curious Plants.
Suitable for children aged five and up, or younger with parental supervision, along with a book signing by the author, there will be a range of floral activities, a lucky door prize and take-home Flora seed packets to grow your very own garden.
Sunday 22 September, 10.30 am – 11.15 am | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.
Book Club: The Miseducation of Cameron Post + Discussion
Book Club at the NFSA is back this weekend with a screening of The Miseducation of Cameron Post, a razor-sharp critique of gay conversion therapy based on the YA novel by Emily M Danforth. Stick around for a post-screening discussion with celebrated Australian author/director/producer and writer Cadance Bell, in conversation with Beejay Silcox (Canberra Writers Festival).
Sunday 22 September, 1 pm | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Clay Hand Building Workshop
Slow down and spend a morning immersed in clay with Lea from Mud Dept. Lea will teach the clay handbuilding techniques of slab, coil and pinching techniques to hand build an oil burner, vase, mug, treasure box or chosen object.
There will also be the opportunity to decorate your piece using a variety of techniques. The class is suitable for beginners.
Sunday 22 September, 10 am – 12.30 pm | Meet Gather Collect, 68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda | Book here.
Dream Procession Giant Puppet Making Workshops
The whole family can enjoy some free fun in these four three-hour community workshops with artists Julia Higgs and Tom Buckland as they co-create large, brightly coloured puppets.
Taking inspiration from the bird and botanical life of the park to create the characters, you will work with the artists to build the armatures and then collaboratively, decorate, paper-mache and paint the puppets. There will be a focus on the use of recycled materials. At the completion of these workshops, you are also invited to become a puppeteer and participate in a free public performance in Eddison Park!
Sunday 22 September, 10 am – 1 pm | Eddison Park, Woden | Book here.
