80+ reasons to clear your diary: Your ultimate guide to a blockbuster week in Canberra
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Canberra’s social scene is dropping an absolute blockbuster lineup this week, packed with culture, creative community events, and unique night out experiences.
We’ve curated more than 80 incredible ways to fill your calendar, so clear your diary and get ready to dive straight in.
Don’t miss…
Racquet Club Canberra’s First Birthday Party
It has already been a whole year since Racquet Club Canberra first came to life, and our city is invited to celebrate this milestone with an unforgettable night of sport, food, and music. Whether you are a seasoned player or looking to pick up a paddle for the first time, the social courts will be open all night long for casual padel and pickleball. There is no scoreboard and absolutely no pressure; you can jump into a game on your own terms or watch the action from the sidelines.
Beyond the courts, a live DJ will be spinning tracks from 6 pm, while a fantastic lineup of local food trucks keeps everyone well fed late into the evening. There will also be plenty of exciting giveaways throughout the night to keep the energy high. Entry is completely free and open to everyone, making it the perfect excuse to round up your favourite people for a relaxed, high-vibe Friday night out. No membership or prior sporting experience is required, but you will need to register your attendance online before showing up.
Friday 26 June, 6 pm–late | Racquet Club Canberra, Fyshwick | racquetclub.com.au
Fresh Fest at Majura Park
Fresh Fest is back at Majura Park this June for its third year, bringing together a vibrant mix of fresh food, hands-on experiences and family-friendly fun.
This annual community event celebrates the best of Majura Park, with your favourite retailers stepping out to deliver a day filled with flavour, creativity and connection. As you move through the precinct, you’ll discover pop-ups, live activations and interactive moments designed to showcase what makes the centre unique.
Enjoy a range of experiences across the day, from live cooking demonstrations and kids’ workshops to music, giveaways and plenty of opportunities to sample something new. Families are well catered for, with a variety of engaging activities for younger visitors.
Throughout the area you’ll also find face painting, jumping castle fun and custom doodles to take home, making it an easy and enjoyable day out for all ages.
Saturday, 27 June, 10 am–3 pm | 7/15 Mustang Avenue, Canberra Airport (Outside Pillow Talk) | majuraparkshopping.com.au
Arthur Boyd: Tapestries
Culture lovers have a world-first opportunity to witness a monumental artistic achievement right in the heart of the National Triangle. The National Gallery is presenting the inaugural exhibition of the complete cycle of twenty monumental tapestries by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd. Hand-woven in Portugal and acquired in 1975, these breathtaking textiles creatively retell the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Displayed alongside the original lithographs, pastels, and drawings, this astonishing exhibition illuminates the immense collaborative and technical processes required to translate Boyd’s intensely creative visions into millions of rich, physical stitches.
Until Sunday 18 October. Times vary | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Life in the Great Barrier Reef 360° VR Documentary
Submerge yourself in a breathtaking underwater world without leaving the inner north. Premiering at the National Museum of Australia, Life in the Great Barrier Reef is an immersive 35-minute cinematic documentary utilising custom-built 8K 360° virtual reality technology. Guided by leading scientists, reef stewards, and Traditional Owners, audiences are transported to the depths of two UNESCO World Heritage sites to encounter manta rays, whales, and rare coral spawning events, while gaining a deeper understanding of current conservation efforts.
Ongoing, Session times vary | National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au
NFSA’s Winter Film Series
Take a cinematic journey through time and space in the Winter Film Series at Arc Cinema.
From mind-bending time travel and fractured narratives to intergalactic adventures, alien encounters and cosmic odysseys, join us for stories stretching across eras and into the far reaches of the universe.
Whether you’re drawn to contemplative tales or epic escapism, you can explore worlds reshaped by technology, desire and chance.
Until 31 August | NFSA, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom
The Royal Australian Mint’s exhibition Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom draws on never-before-seen objects from the National Collection to explore the rich symbolism of flowers on coins from around the world. The exhibition traces how floral designs struck into metal carry stories of national identity, cultural heritage and remembrance — from Australia’s kangaroo paw and the South African protea to the Western Samoan Teuila.
Decorative motifs such as laurel, olive and oak wreaths, used for centuries as symbols of victory, peace and strength, also feature. Commemorative coins in the exhibition show how flowers have honoured significant historical moments and individuals across cultures.
Until March 2027 | Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
Special Events and Festivals
One Direction Tribute
Calling all pop music fans who never truly moved on from the boyband era. Mooseheads is playing host to a high-energy tribute night dedicated entirely to the songs, memories, and definitive pop moments of One Direction. Local DJs will be spinning non-stop hits, deep cuts, and fan-favourite solo tracks from the members’ post-band careers, keeping the dance floor moving all night long. Best of all, every ticket purchased automatically enters you into a draw to win two tickets to see Harry Styles live in Sydney on his upcoming tour. Grab your friends for the ultimate throwback party.
Friday 26 June, 9 pm–11.59 pm | Mooseheads, City | mooseheads.com.au
Warm Trees
The trunks and branches of the National Arboretum are coming to life with color for the highly anticipated return of Warm Trees. Part of the broader ‘Winter in the Woods’ program, this year’s display theme is “Getting to Know Your Arboretum”, inviting visitors to discover the birds, insects, and animals that call the forests home. Take a stroll through the grounds to see trees beautifully wrapped in hundreds of vibrant, handcrafted scarves knitted by volunteers. Don’t forget to check out the spectacularly decorated entrance to the Visitor Centre while you’re there.
Friday 26 June until Sunday 9 August | National Arboretum Canberra, Weston Creek | arboretumcanberra.org.au
Winter in the Woods
Step into a magical seasonal escape at the National Arboretum Canberra with the inaugural Winter in the Woods festival. This exciting new celebration brings together firelight, food, and forest adventures designed to warm the soul even on the crispest winter days. Visitors can explore a fantastic mix of free, self-guided activities, alongside a curated program of bookable workshops, guided tours, and First Nations-led experiences. It is the perfect excuse to rug up, gather around the crackling fire pits, and enjoy delicious treats from the outdoor food hub during the school holidays.
Friday 26 June until Sunday 9 August | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Memorials and meanings
Swap your usual weekend routine for a meaningful, stop-start guided slow ride along Anzac Parade and the northern shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin. Hosted by Canberra by Bike and Pedal Power ACT, this unique tour uncovers the fascinating design history and deeper stories behind our city’s prominent landmarks. You will explore various local structures dedicated to the people who served in global conflicts, alongside national memorials honouring emergency services, workers, and those affected by Thalidomide. The route follows wide, shared paths with a gentle incline, so bring your own cycle, a drink bottle, and a sense of curiosity.
Saturday, 27 June, 11 am–1.30 pm | Playing Fields Cafe, 2/33 Allara Street, City | events.humanitix.com
Independence Illuminated: Cocktail Gala
Celebrate inclusion and community spirit at Independence Illuminated, a spectacular cocktail gala hosted by Project Independence. Held at the stunning National Arboretum, this unforgettable evening of purpose raises vital funds to support pathways to homeownership for people living with intellectual disabilities. Guests will enjoy premium craft cocktails, gourmet canapés, and live entertainment. A major highlight includes a curated charity auction featuring a special collaboration with local distillers Underground Spirits, alongside moving stories shared directly by Project Independence residents.
Saturday 27 June | Village Centre, National Arboretum Canberra, Weston Creek | projectindependence.com.au
Curated Coffee Rave
If you’ve ever thought Saturday mornings needed a major injection of fun, Canberra’s first-ever Coffee Rave is exactly what you need. Crew Espresso Bar is turning your usual morning caffeine run into a high-energy daytime party filled with incredible music, connection, and good vibes. Throw on your favorite activewear, grab a complimentary coffee on arrival, and hit the cafe dance floor as GJ DJ (Georgie Jones) pumps out the tracks. It’s a completely inclusive, welcoming space designed to help you meet new people, make friends, and kickstart your weekend with a room full of genuinely good humans.
Saturday, 27 June, 10 am–1 pm | Crew Espresso, 33 Allara Street, Civic | eventbrite.com.au
Food + Drink
Indian Buffet
As the winter chill settles into our city, there is nothing quite like the promise of a warm, spice-laden feast to brighten up a Friday night. Gather your favourite foodies and head to the southside for a one-night-only culinary escape celebrating the rich, vibrant flavours of India. From aromatic, slow-cooked curries to perfectly balanced, fragrant dishes, this special buffet captures the authentic spirit of traditional subcontinent cooking. It is the perfect excuse to skip the cooking, round up a lively table of friends, and indulge in a comforting, communal dining experience designed to celebrate great food and even better company.
Friday, 26 June, 6 pm–9 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, Phillip | cscc.com.au
Flow and Food Ayurveda Cooking Winter Workshop
Nourish your mind and body this season with an intimate, hands-on culinary workshop rooted in ancient wellness. Guided by Ayurveda Health Advisor Tracey Murray, this full-day interactive experience teaches you how to prepare and enjoy balanced meals aligned with the natural rhythms of winter. Together as a group, you will spend hours cooking a wholesome, comforting feast featuring staples like dal, spiced rice, stovetop bread, and aromatic chutneys. You will walk away with a deep understanding of kitchen herbs and digestive health, plus a comprehensive recipe handbook so you can recreate these healing, soul-warming dishes at home. Bring an apron and a notebook.
Sunday, 28 June, 10 am–3 pm | Flow and Food, Lyneham | flowandfood.com.au
The Brunch Club at Capitol Bar & Grill
Sunday mornings in Canberra just got a serious upgrade. Capitol Bar & Grill’s Brunch Club is an all-day, unapologetically indulgent affair built for those who believe weekends deserve better than a rushed coffee and toast. The menu runs from fluffy buttermilk pancakes and classic cheeseburgers with secret sauce to miso grilled salmon and a few cheeky surprises in between. The real centrepiece, though, is the Bloody Mary cart–a Ketel One Vodka partnership that lets guests load up with crispy bacon, blue cheese olives, dill pickles, mussels, chilli, and more, built tableside by the brunch bartenders. Running every Sunday until 30 August.
Every Sunday until 30 August | Capitol Bar & Grill, Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra | qthotels.com
Soil to Plate: Truffle Hunt & Dinner at Capitol Bar & Grill
Truffle season is fleeting, which is exactly why Capitol Bar & Grill is partnering with The Truffle Farm for an exclusive, one-night-only winter experience. Your afternoon begins with a chauffeured journey from the hotel lobby straight to the farm, where you will join trained dogs winding through the orchard for an authentic truffle hunt. Once the earthy, elusive gold is uncovered, the story moves back to Capitol Bar & Grill for a quietly indulgent four-course dinner centred around the day’s hero ingredient. Local produce is handled with pure intent and served without fuss, perfectly capped off with a truffle-infused Tiramisu. Spots are strictly limited for this premium, immersive culinary escape.
Friday 26 June, 2.30 pm | Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra City | qthotels.com
Winter Wine and Providore Series
Warm up your Friday evenings this winter with a complimentary fireside tasting series in one of our city’s most historic lounges. Head down to the elegant Griffin’s Lounge at the Hyatt for a cosy, relaxed hour discovering the fascinating stories behind the vines. You can sip on incredible drops crafted by some of Australia’s finest independent winegrowers and makers. No prior bookings are required for this delightful seasonal series, making it the perfect way to unwind after a busy week, chat with industry experts, and sample premium national wines.
Every Friday throughout June, 5 pm–6 pm | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
Markets
Winter Wonderland at the Haig Park Village Markets
Braddon’s favourite Sunday ritual is getting a magical seasonal makeover. The return of the Winter Wonderland brings a festive lineup of free, family-friendly entertainment to the park, featuring everything from live brass bands to whimsical roving characters. Little ones can look forward to face painting, lawn games, and bubble fun, while meeting Harry the Snowman and Hephner the Alpaca. Foodies can warm up with the much-loved Multicultural Soup Celebration, showcasing steaming international stews, while more than 100 local stalls offer winter goodies ranging from hand-crocheted fashion to spiced spirits. It is the ultimate way to embrace Canberra’s cool season.
Sunday 28 June, 8 am–2 pm | Haig Park Village Markets, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Pandoras Recycled Fashions O’Connor – Everything Half Price Sale
Pandoras recycles high-end designer clothes, shoes, handbags, hats & jewellery. Top quality fashions at reasonable prices Everything you need to refresh your wardrobe from casual, work, evening or wedding. As the season changes Pandoras is having a half price sale to make room for all the fabulous Winter clothes we have ready to go.
Pandoras is based at St Philip’s Church in O’Connor and proceeds support local Canberra charities.
Half price sale dates are for three weeks on Saturday 18 and 25 April and 2 May. This is followed by the Winter launch on Saturday 9 May.
Pandoras is open every Saturday, 10 am–1 pm | Lamerton Centre, St Philips Church, Cnr Moorhouse and Macpherson Streets | facebook.com
Capital Region Farmers Market
This farmers’ market is iconic for a reason.
Go along to sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra and speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
It will make you appreciate your Saturday morning shopping trip in a whole new way.
Saturdays, 7 am-11:30 am | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.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. The sheer variety means you’ll discover something unexpected every visit, whether that’s a piece of pottery that speaks to you, a stunning necklace, or the perfect vintage find. 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
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.
Sundays, 7 am -11.30 am | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com/SouthsideFarmersMarketCanberra
Haig Park Village Markets
Another local favourite, spend your Sunday morning browsing delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities.
It’s the kind of market where you can linger over breakfast, discover a new artist, and stock up on fresh produce all in one lovely morning, making it the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Sport and Wellness
Fitness in The Park
Fitness class for all levels of fitness for the whole community. Join Ginninderry local Vince as he takes you through a group fitness class in the fresh air at Paddys Park.
Every Wednesday, 7.30 am to 8.30 am, Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn | Find out more here.
Fitmas in July
Winter excuses are officially cancelled. Shred the cold and crank your endorphins at Fitmas in July, Canberra’s most festive indoor winter boot camp. This inclusive, high-energy session brings the holiday spirit to your fitness routine with plenty of tinsel, terrible Christmas music, and a seriously good sweat. Built on the principle that fitness is for everybody, Pride Fitness trainers design workouts so absolute beginners and experienced athletes train side by side without judgment or pressure. Every exercise can be modified for injuries or fitness levels, meaning you can move entirely at your own pace.
Festive attire like Santa hats, ugly sweaters, or tinsel belts is highly encouraged, just ensure you still have full freedom of movement! All you need to bring is a sweat towel, a fitness mat, and some water. Even better, your ticket completely covers the workout, the unbeatable community vibes, and a hot barista coffee waiting just a short walk away at the post-workout social. If you love the vibe, you can also check out their regular, inclusive indoor boot camps running every Wednesday and Friday morning at 6 am.
Wednesday and Friday mornings, 6 am | Ainslie Scout Hall, Hassal Street Ainslie | pridefit.com.au/fitmas
Yoga at Ginninderry
Get bendy on Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle, and comfy clothes.
Every Thursday, 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.
International Yoga Day
Celebrate mindfulness and healthy living at a peaceful community yoga session hosted by the Hindu Council of Australia, ACT, in association with the High Commission of India. Designed around the 2026 international theme of ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, this inclusive afternoon is led by the highly renowned yoga practitioner Shri Vijay Arora. Perfect for all experience levels, the event invites locals to stretch, breathe, and connect. Participants just need to bring along a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Best of all, a relaxed social gathering with light refreshments will follow the session.
Sunday 28 June, 4 pm–5.30 pm | Shantiniketan Hall, 81 Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey | hinducouncil.com.au
Raiders v Dragons – NRL Round 17
Rugby league fans, it is time to wrap yourself in your favourite green scarf and head out to Bruce for a quintessential Sunday afternoon at the footy. GIO Stadium is set to come alive as the Canberra Raiders clash with the Dragons for Round 17 of the NRL season. Make sure you get to your seats well before kickoff to witness the spectacle of the iconic Viking Clap as the home team takes the field. This match is also part of the important ‘Beanie for Brain Cancer Round’, giving Canberrans the opportunity to support the vital work of the Mark Hughes Foundation.
Sunday 28 June, 2 pm–5 pm | GIO Stadium, Bruce | raiders.com.au
Music
In the Garden of Good and Evil: Soprano Rachel Mink & Pianist Ian Le
The Wesley Lunchtime Concert series presents a beautifully curated vocal recital featuring the brilliant talents of soprano Rachel Mink and pianist Ian Le. Together, the duo will delve into a moving musical exploration of three captivating women from history and literature: Eve, Judith, and Hester Prynne. Their dramatic loves, complex lives, and questioned fidelities are brought to light through the expressive, sweeping compositions of Gabriel Fauré, Randall West, and Lori Laitman. Tickets include admission, the physical concert program, and light post-performance refreshments.
Wednesday 24 June, 12.40 pm–1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, Forrest | wesleycanberra.org.au/music
Lakeside at 5: The Divine Devilles
Kickstart your weekend early by relaxing right on the water’s edge with some top-tier local live music. The popular after-work series Lakeside at 5 returns to Tuggeranong with a performance by one of our city’s most treasured blues duos, the Divine Devilles. Musicians Ali and DJ will take the stage to share their original, award-winning blend of keys, blues-harp, and powerhouse vocals. Expect a lively set of autobiographical tales packed with heart, hard luck, and hilarious, slightly naughty stories that have been uplifting and entertaining local audiences for more than a decade.
Friday 26 June, 5.30 pm–7.30 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Wyniss Ensemble Performance
Bring the kids along to the Australian Parliament House for an immersive, vibrant musical experience that brings the rich culture of the Torres Strait Islands to life. Presented by Musica Viva Australia, the acclaimed Wyniss ensemble will share traditional singing, energetic dancing, and indigenous childhood games in a lively, educational performance. It is a beautiful opportunity for local families to discover how history and community stories live on through performance, offering a colourful, engaging, and joyful morning of storytelling that will leave a lasting impression on young minds and their adults alike.
Friday 26 June, 10 am–11 am | Australian Parliament House, Canberra | events.humanitix.com
Hendrix & Heroes – Steve Edmonds Band at The Zeppelin Room
If you are a self-confessed rock and roll devotee, the suburbs are calling this weekend. The Zeppelin Room is playing host to a massive, two-part guitar spectacular that channels the electric energy of the 1970s. The Steve Edmonds Band is delivering a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Jimi Hendrix, recreating iconic live performances from Woodstock to Monterey Pop with hits like Purple Haze and Foxy Lady. The second half of the evening shifts gears into absolute overdrive, packing the dance floor with a relentless parade of massive guitar anthems from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Thin Lizzy.
Saturday, 27 June, 7 pm–10.30 pm | Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah | canberrabluessociety.com.au
Stage and Screen
Masterpiece: Physical Theatre
Experience a theatrical treat that relies entirely on presence, movement, and shared joy rather than words. Masterpiece follows two hilariously late art handlers who arrive at a grand gallery unveiling ceremony, only to find the prestigious artwork is completely missing. What follows is a brilliantly drawn-out, comedic portrayal of workplace dynamics, performance anxiety, and classic slapstick persistence. Perfect for all ages and backgrounds, this physical performance offers a rare, playful space to unwind from the noise of everyday life, blending mime and live music to deliver a clever critique of the modern art world.
Thursday 25 June, 7 pm–9 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Handlebars of happiness: stories about cycling
Celebrate local pedal power with an evening of inspiring community storytelling at Smith’s Alternative. As an official part of the Cyclonats Festival of Cycling Culture, Handlebars of Happiness returns for its fifth instalment, bringing together songs, stories, and films about how bikes have transformed local lives across the ACT. This evening’s diverse lineup features a mountain-biking DJ, a dedicated cargo-bike dad, a school student passionate about road racing, and a father running a local ‘bike bus’ with his kids. It is the perfect opportunity to grab a drink, connect with old friends, and celebrate simple, shared joy.
Thursday 25 June, 6.30 pm–8 pm | Smith’s Alternative, City | events.humanitix.com
“Common Wealth” ACT Premiere + Q&A
Catch the exclusive ACT premiere of Common Wealth, Australia’s largest-scale documentary of the year. This intimate yet globally minded film follows filmmaker Kane Guglielmi’s personal journey across eight countries (including Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, and the USA) to question the complex political and economic systems shaping modern life. Crafted with a gentle spirit and a neutral political approach, it follows his evolution from a conservative, capitalist worldview to exploring alternative models that prioritise compassion, community, and shared prosperity. The special screening will be followed by a live panel discussion featuring director Kane Guglielmi alongside independent ACT Senator David Pocock, Rayna Fahey (Prosper Australia), and Katherine Trebeck (The Next Economy).
Friday 26 June, 6 pm–8 pm | Kambri Cinema, ANU, Acton | humanitix.com
Movie Marathons at the NFSA
Warm up your winter by escaping into the dark, cosy embrace of the cinema. The National Film and Sound Archive is hosting immersive, unhurried movie marathons designed for true cinephiles to settle in and lose track of time. This particular weekend kicks off a seasonal journey across bold storytelling, starting with the high-energy time travel of the Back to the Future trilogy. To complete the ultimate communal viewing experience, these extended sessions are paired with delicious comfort food and refreshing drinks available from the onsite bar and deli. It is the perfect excuse to hunker down and escape into another world.
Saturday, 27 June until Saturday, 15 August. Times vary | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Tanya Losanno: Boulevard of Broken Bonbonniere
Celebrate the kitsch, the classic, and the completely ridiculous side of weddings with celebrated Canberra comedian and celebrant Tanya Losanno. With 53 years of wedding experience—spanning roles from flower girl and bridesmaid to bride and emcee—Tanya has seen it all. Her latest solo show is a hilarious, joyful, and slightly chaotic love story dedicated to the humble, forgotten wedding favours left behind when the dancing ends. Alongside special guest Trish Hurley, Tanya takes audiences on a comedic journey from ’70s tacky tulle bags to modern trinkets, exploring the emotional rollercoaster of the big day.
Saturday 27 June, 6 pm | The Street Theatre, City East | thestreet.org.au
Travelling North
Treat yourself to an evening of classic local theatre with a moving homage to love, family, and the older radicals who shaped our national identity. Canberra REP Theatre is staging a fresh amateur production of David Williamson’s Travelling North, a timeless Australian play that explores relationships and mortality during a season of great personal change. The story follows Frank and Frances as they seek a tropical tree change, embarking on a twilight love affair that deeply unsettles their conventional children. It is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant piece that masterfully balances lighthearted humour with genuine, poignant reflection.
Until Saturday 27 June. Times vary | Canberra REP Theatre, City | canberrarep.org.au
The Deep Blue Sea
Chaika Theatre is bringing a fresh, emotionally charged new production of Terence Rattigan’s masterpiece to the Kingston arts scene. Set amidst the post-war austerity of 1950s London, The Deep Blue Sea follows the turbulent journey of Hester Collyer as she navigates a passionate affair with a troubled ex-fighter pilot while facing intense isolation. This compelling interpretation features intimate staging and powerful local performances that capture the raw, complex undercurrents of human relationships. It is a poignant, gripping piece of live theatre that masterfully balances despair with a fierce battle for self-liberation.
Until Saturday 27 June. Times vary | ACT Hub, Kingston | acthub.com.au
Andy Griffiths’ You & Me and The Land of Lost Things
Have you ever managed to completely lose a lucky charm, a pet guinea pig, or perhaps just your absolute sanity? Parents, brace yourselves, because the brilliant creative team behind the iconic Treehouse series is bringing Andy Griffiths and Bill Hopes’ wonderfully wacky book to the Canberra stage. This hilarious, high-energy theatrical production follows a wild quest through the chaotic Land of Lost Things. Packed with snapping turtles, flying socks, and treasure-hungry pirates, it is an imaginative and delightfully bonkers adventure perfect for children aged 6–12. Grab the kids, secure your seats, and whatever you do, hold onto your tickets.
Saturday, 27 June, 10 am–11 am | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
An Evening with Marc Fennell: Stuff the British Stole
Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Marc Fennell is heading to the stage for a mischievous, fascinating dive into history’s most hotly debated loot. What started as a chance encounter with a museum object prompted Marc to ask how these global treasures actually ended up in British hands. The answers sparked a globetrotting adventure investigating the British Empire. This exclusive, ‘off the record’ live show offers a hilarious behind-the-scenes peak into how he circumvented intense filming restrictions and global lockdowns to create the smash-hit series Stuff the British Stole. Expect a wildly entertaining, thought-provoking night out.
Tuesday, 30 June, 7.30 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Talks and Workshops
Eco Darkroom Series: Caffenol Developing Workshop
Discover an eco-friendly twist on traditional photography with a unique, hands-on workshop that reimagines darkroom chemistry. As part of an ongoing sustainable series, this creative session guides you through the fascinating process of developing black and white film using everyday ingredients like coffee, vitamin C, and washing soda. Perfect for experimental photographers and curious creatives alike, this low-toxicity alternative offers an accessible way to process images by hand. While some film experience is helpful, it is open to all skill levels looking to slow down, connect with the medium, and try something delightfully different.
Wednesday 24 June, 6 pm–9 pm | PhotoAccess, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
A Funny Thing Happened…with Robbie Swan and Fiona Patten
Spend an engaging evening at the National Library diving into the wry, candid, and often surreal intersection of sex, power, and Australian politics. Join activists Robbie Swan and trailblazing former MP Fiona Patten for the official launch of their new book, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sex Party. Part memoir and part social history, this collection of short stories reflects on Swan’s twenty-five years as a magazine editor and parliamentary lobbyist. It offers a fascinating, humorous, and deeply human look behind the scenes of an often-misunderstood industry that helped reshape national public debate.
Thursday 25 June, 6 pm–7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Canberra Made Series – Paint Your Way with Jenny Adams from Popcorn Art
Stave off the winter blues with a beautifully creative morning at the Canberra Centre. Led by local artist Jenny Adams, this relaxed, beginner-friendly painting workshop is all about artistic exploration rather than rigid technical perfection. Known for her bold shapes and vibrant, decorative style, Jenny focuses on the positive connection between nature, creativity, and personal wellbeing. You will be guided step-by-step through a completely new nature-inspired design, helping to build your confidence and encourage experimentation in a warm, supportive space. Absolutely no prior experience is required, and you will take home your own completed canvas artwork to display proudly.
Saturday, 27 June, 10 am–1 pm | Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes | visitcanberra.com.au
Writing in Conversation with Emma Batchelor | Free INFUSE Workshops
As the winter chill officially settles across the capital, it is the perfect time to head indoors and nurture your creative spark. The popular INFUSE workshop series is back for 2026, inviting local art lovers to explore the many ways creativity can take shape through drawing, collage, music, and poetry. This June, acclaimed local author and journalist Emma Batchelor is stepping up to lead a series of three free interactive sessions designed to help Canberrans expand their creative writing practice.
Participants will gain exclusive insight into working creatively across multiple disciplines, focusing on how to develop prose, poetry, or performance writing in response to visual art, decorative craft, and movement. Through guided discussions, observation, and practical exercises, you will explore how completely different art mediums can inspire the rhythm, tone, and energy of your own words. Tailored specifically for adults of all creative skill levels, these sessions offer a warm and deeply supportive space to experiment, play, and connect with fellow local creatives.
The exact same workshop is running on three separate Saturdays throughout the month in three different local hubs, making it incredibly easy to find a session that fits your weekend schedule. While entry is completely free, registrations are highly recommended to secure your spot at the table.
Workshop Schedule:
- Workshop 1 (Belconnen): Saturday 13 June, 12:30 pm–3:30 pm | Generator Gallery, Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen
- Workshop 2 (Gungahlin): Saturday 20 June, 12:30 pm–3:30 pm | Gungaderra Homestead, Gungahlin Arts
- Workshop 3 (Whitlam): Saturday 27 June, 12:30 pm–3:30 pm | Mingle Community Room, Whitlam
Saturday 27 June, 12.30 pm–3.30 pm | Various Locations | belcoarts.com.au
Camera Obscura Workshop
In an age where photography is instantly reduced to a quick tap on a smartphone screen, this fascinating course offers a slower, tactile approach to image-making. Step away from modern automation and rediscover the physical foundations of the medium by hand-building your very own camera obscura from simple materials. You will watch in real-time as light enters your handmade device, creating large-scale, softly rendered images that beautifully echo the earliest days of photography. There will be plenty of time to experiment and capture these unique projections digitally, making for a deeply rewarding, immersive creative experience.
Sunday 28 June, 10 am–4 pm | PhotoAccess, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Winter Tales presents Justice Verity McWilliam
Spend a cosy winter afternoon at the National Library of Australia, gaining insight into the life and career of an inspiring local leader. This instalment of the popular Winter Tales series features Supreme Court Judge Justice Verity McWilliam reflecting on her extensive legal path, from her early days as a solicitor and university lecturer to her current work on the Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List. Held in partnership with the National Foundation for Australian Women, this engaging conversation raises vital funds for the Australian Women’s Register. A traditional afternoon tea is included after the presentation.
Sunday 28 June, 2 pm–4 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Story Dogs & Winter Tales
Spend your Sunday at the library with two fantastic community events. Mid-morning, families can drop in for Story Dogs, a paw-sitive, relaxed reading experience where children can read aloud to trained volunteers and their beautiful, accredited dogs. Later in the afternoon, the National Foundation of Australian Women presents its first Winter Tales session of 2026. Join ACT Supreme Court Justice Verity McWilliam as she reflects deeply on her fascinating life, career, and legal work in the capital.
Sunday 28 June, 11 am (Story Dogs) and 2 pm (Winter Tales) | National Library of Australia, Parkes | nla.gov.au
Sandcasting
Keep the kids entertained or spark your own artistic curiosity with an introductory holiday workshop exploring the fluid beauty of molten glass. Led by experienced local glass artists Nadina Geary and Olivia Gates, this hands-on session introduces you to the fascinating, age-old art of sandcasting. You will learn how to prepare unique molds by pressing various everyday objects into the sand, carving out intricate custom designs, and experimenting with textures. Once your vision is set in the sand, the teaching artists will carefully pour hot molten glass into your mold to create a beautiful, custom glass keepsake.
Sunday 28 June, 1 pm–4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Exhibitions
Flutterbry: Worlds Beyond Waste
Worlds Beyond Waste invites viewers into a surreal ecosystem built entirely from discarded plastic laundry hamper lids.
Flutterbry transforms everyday waste into mesmerising sculptural forms that feel both organic and architectural, creating a world suspended between the deep ocean and the outer cosmos.
The exhibition will be visible 24/7, offering a different experience by day and by night, with creative lighting and dramatic shadows bringing the works to life.
Based in Canberra, Flutterbry is a visual artist also known to many locals as the former owner of the iconic Toast Bar nightclub (2001–2007).
Sunday 21 June to Monday 17 August | Canberra Museum + Gallery, Civic Square | cmag.com.au
Beata Tworek: The Pensive Beauty of Absence
Warsaw-born and Canberra-based photographer Beata Tworek presents a deeply moving solo exhibition at Q Gallery. The Pensive Beauty of Absence explores the complex concepts of time, memory, and identity through the poignant visual language of cemeteries. Drawing on her visits to historic burial grounds across Australia, the United Kingdom, and Poland, Tworek utilizes expert photography and traditional photogravure—including modern direct-to-plate techniques—to capture the contemplative atmosphere of spaces where the natural world gradually envelops human memory. Tworek brings over 30 years of elite expertise to her practice as a former National Gallery of Australia conservator.
Until Wednesday 25 June. Times vary | Q Gallery, Ainslie | q-gallery.com.au
Painting Itself / 绘画本身
The Drill Hall Gallery at ANU, in partnership with the School of Art & Design Gallery and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, presents a thought-provoking international painting exhibition that asks what it means to look for the “face” of a work–that quality in a painting that looks back at its maker. Curated by Jonathan Nichols, Painting Itself / 绘画本身 brings together five painters from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China whose practices collectively reshape long-held assumptions about painting’s history and vitality, challenging the dominance of European and American values in the field. A quietly radical and visually compelling exhibition for anyone who takes painting seriously.
Until Sunday, 28 June | Drill Hall Gallery, ANU | drillhallgallery.anu.edu.au
Nightscapes – Colleen Linfoot
Canberra abstract painter Colleen Linfoot presents Nightscapes, a series of acrylic works exploring the night sky, darkness and the atmospheric qualities of light after sunset. Shifting gradients of deep blue, stars, clouds and atmospheric haze are treated as gestures rather than fixed forms, suggesting fleeting moments and quiet tension between stillness and movement. Linfoot, who has painted since childhood and works primarily in medium and large-scale abstraction, brings a colourist’s eye to texture and blending throughout the series. The works aim to create an experience that feels both expansive and inward, where looking outward becomes a form of looking within.
Friday 26 June until Thursday 9 July | Q Gallery, 13a Edgar Street, Ainslie | q-gallery.com.au
Yvonne Poole: Small Works and Scribbly Gums
Immerse yourself in layered interpretations of place with a stunning exhibition by artist Yvonne Poole at Strathnairn Arts. Inspired by the unique colours, textures, and forms of the Australian environment, this collection brings together two-dimensional and three-dimensional works reflecting on waterways, vegetation, and geological formations. A distinctive aspect of Poole’s practice is the dialogue between painting and ceramics, highlighted by her recognisable Scribbly Gum ceramic pieces. The exhibition also features intimate, 9×5-inch landscape paintings inspired by Australian Impressionists, some beautifully rendered on repurposed, irregularly shaped wooden boards.
Until Sunday, 28 June. Times vary | Strathnairn Arts Homestead Galleries, Holt | strathnairn.com.au
Relics and ruins: Thomas Bucich at Grainger Gallery
Thomas Bucich presents Relics and Ruins at Grainger Gallery in Fyshwick. Drawing on a lifelong practice of collecting talismans, objects and visual memories, the works explore the collision of classical and sacred references with the raw physicality of the human figure and natural landscape. Bucich works across cast bronze, carved stone, manipulated found objects, and works on paper and canvas. A New York native and long-term Australian resident, his commissions include the Thredbo Sculpture Prize and the Moss Vale Veterans War Memorial. The exhibition opens Thursday 11 June at 6 pm, with an artist talk on Saturday 13 June at 2 pm.
Until Sunday 28 June | Grainger Gallery, 1/34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Step Into The Limelight | ‘Break Through’ Exhibition
Now celebrating its milestone 20th year, Step into the Limelight 2026 invites the community to experience ‘Break Through’—a bold and imaginative art exhibition. Spanning three gallery spaces and Chutespace at M16 Artspace, this showcase highlights the immense talent, diverse perspectives, and vivid imaginations of Canberra’s K–12 public school students. From striking abstract interpretations of pushing boundaries to deeply personal reflections on overcoming life’s obstacles, the collection features a dynamic mix of painting, sculpture, digital art, textiles, and mixed media that celebrates the profound value of creative learning.
Until Sunday, 28 June. Times vary | M16 Artspace, Griffith | exhibitions@m16artspace.com
Of Ravens and Rivers: Kerry McInnis and Mike MacGregor
Kerry McInnis and Mike MacGregor are two Canberra artists united by a shared interest in the environment, landscape, wildlife and waterways.
McInnis’s paintings of waterways explore the river as a conduit of life and a metaphor for survival, depicting the interconnectedness between river and earth. MacGregor’s drawings and sculptures juxtapose the forms of Man and the Raven, illustrating the remarkable connection between the two.
Together, their works form a conversation about the natural world and our place within it. Of Ravens and Rivers opens at the Pivot Gallery on Friday 22 May and runs through to 5 July.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Abstract Connotations: Brian Hincksman
Brian Hincksman’s Abstract Connotations presents a body of work that pushes back against rapid technological and social change by turning attention to the natural environment. Hincksman’s process moves between contemplation and action, responding to the fluidity of paint through colour, form, tone and varied mark-making. The resulting works aim to inspire respect for common humanity, explore the beauty and power of the natural world, and imagine ways of living in greater harmony with each other.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Becoming Now: Barbara Dawson
Barbara Dawson’s Becoming Now uses botanical forms as the central language for exploring the human journey. Across charcoal drawing, stitched textiles and photographic silk pieces, the exhibition examines themes of endurance, presence and emotional resonance–using plants as vessels to reflect lived experience. Dawson’s work explores the tension between strength and vulnerability, suggesting that human experience is layered, evolving, and shaped by connection, memory and time.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Dear earth…
Dear earth… is an open A5 unframed exhibition bringing together artists from throughout Australia to explore the concept of “earth”–our home, the environment, soil, land, and all that lives within it. Artists of all ages, viewpoints and levels of experience respond to this theme through drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and mixed media. The resulting collection provokes awareness, dialogue, political activism, experimentation and deep contemplation. Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite work in the People’s Choice Award.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Works
Explore the expressive possibilities of line and colour in this exhibition by artist Steve Roper. Featuring a collection of abstract works across pencil, ink, crayon and watercolour, the exhibition reflects an ongoing exploration of form, movement and perception. The pieces invite viewers to interpret shapes and patterns in their own way, creating a personal connection with the work. It’s a thoughtful and quietly engaging showcase that highlights the evolving nature of artistic practice.
Until Sunday 5 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Abstract Connotations
This exhibition delves into the relationship between human experience and the natural world through a series of contemporary abstract works. Using colour, form and fluid mark-making, the artist explores themes of change, connection and coexistence. Each piece reflects a balance between contemplation and spontaneity, encouraging viewers to consider their own place within a shifting environment. It’s a visually engaging and reflective exhibition that speaks to both personal and shared experiences.
Until Sunday 5 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Becoming Now
Through layered materials and delicate textures, this exhibition reflects on ageing as a process of growth and transformation. Drawing on plant life as a central metaphor, the works explore cycles of change, resilience and renewal. Combining charcoal drawings, stitched textiles and photographic elements, the pieces offer a quiet, contemplative experience. It’s an exhibition that invites viewers to pause and consider the richness of lived experience through both subtle and striking visual forms.
Until Sunday 5 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Of Ravens and Rivers
This collaborative exhibition brings together two artists exploring shared themes of landscape, wildlife and connection to place. Through painting, drawing and sculpture, the works reflect on the relationship between natural environments and human experience. From interpretations of river systems to studies of the raven, each piece offers a layered perspective on coexistence and observation. It’s a considered and immersive exhibition that highlights the depth of long-term creative practice.
Until Sunday 5 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Works: Steve Roper
Steve Roper’s Works brings together a collection of abstract drawings on paper, made using pencil, crayons, ink and watercolour. Line and colour have long been the foundation of Roper’s practice–he tends to draw with line rather than tone, producing works that are not necessarily representations of things but that may evoke subjects. For Roper, the appeal of abstract art is that it offers anyone the opportunity to experience it and interpret it on their own terms.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Good Neighbour
Belconnen Arts Centre presents an offsite group exhibition at SLA Display Village and Innovation Precinct, Whitlam, curated by Brooke McEachern. A printmaker, glass blower, ceramist, mark maker and knifemaker come together celebrating local makers and quiet creative lives unfolding around us. Estelle Briedis, Hugo Curtis, Jacky Lo, Isobel Rayson and Dan Venables live and work in our neighbourhoods as familiar dog-walkers, corner café regulars or simply good neighbours. Through functional objects and considered craftsmanship, the exhibition presents works feeling personal and lived-with, as though gathered over time from friends and neighbours. The collaboration highlights the creative talent existing within everyday community spaces, making visible the artistic practice happening in homes and studios throughout Canberra’s suburbs.
Until Sunday, 13 July | SLA Display Village, Whitlam | belcoarts.com.au
Edge of Presence | Brenda Page
Indulge your cultural curiosity in Civic with a striking new contemporary glass art exhibition. Developed during a creative residency at Canberra Glassworks and expanded in her own studio, artist Brenda Page presents Edge of Presence at Craft + Design Canberra. This beautifully resolved, sculptural body of work utilises the delicate and reflective qualities of glass to examine mortality, transition, and the broader human condition. The exhibition holds a powerful space for stillness and quiet pause, inviting viewers to contemplate what shapes us thoughtfully, what we carry through life, and how we might gracefully meet our endings.
Until Saturday 18 July. Times vary | Craft + Design Canberra, City | craftanddesigncanberra.org
[Un]common Ground: Paul Davis & Jacqueline Clayton
Immerse yourself in a sophisticated new exhibition at the Canberra Potters Gallery showcasing internationally recognised ceramic artists and 2026 Artists-in-Residence, Paul Davis and Jacqueline Clayton. Operating together as StudioJam—celebrated for crafting custom culinary ceramics for world-class restaurants like Quay, Bennelong, and Noma Australia—this exhibition highlights their distinct individual practices. Rooted in shared histories of elite training across Japan and Australia, the works offer a deep contemporary exploration of raw material, process, and place. The official opening preview on Thursday evening is hosted by Minister Yamaguchi of the Embassy of Japan.
Until Sunday 19 July | Canberra Potters Gallery, Watson Arts Centre | canberrapotters.com.au
Group Exhibition: Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre and Jordan Benson
A remarkable cross-cultural dialogue opens at Canberra Glassworks in Kingston, bringing together Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre artists Vanessa, Kathy, Dellina and Raelene Inkamala from Mparntwe (Alice Springs) alongside Melbourne-based artist Jordan Benson. The exhibition celebrates the enduring watercolour legacy of Albert Namatjira while placing it in conversation with Benson’s contemporary approach to traditional stained glass techniques. Together, they explore light, colour and transparency across two very different mediums – an expansion of their celebrated collaboration for the National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery of Australia. A genuinely special and culturally rich exhibition.
Until Friday 26 July | Canberra Glassworks, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Through the Window: Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre and Jordan Benson
A rich cross-cultural dialogue opens in the main gallery at Canberra Glassworks in Kingston, expanding on a celebrated collaboration first seen at the National Gallery of Australia’s National Indigenous Art Triennial. Artists Vanessa, Kathy, Dellina and Raelene Inkamala from Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) bring the enduring watercolour legacy of Albert Namatjira into conversation with Melbourne-based Jordan Benson’s contemporary approach to traditional stained glass techniques. Together they explore light, colour and transparency across two very different mediums, sharing skills and stories in an exhibition that honours culture while engaging boldly with the present.
Until Sunday 26 July | Canberra Glassworks, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Ngura Puḻka–Epic Country
One of the most ambitious exhibitions to open at the National Gallery of Australia this year, Ngura Puḻka–Epic Country showcases major works by senior First Nations artists and collectives from the APY Lands, Coober Pedy, and Adelaide. These large-scale paintings depict Country while celebrating the powerful Tjukurpa–the law and cultural stories–that lies within, rendered sometimes in explosions of colour, sometimes in muted, contemplative palettes. From the beginning of the APY art movement, these artists have embraced monumental works as the ultimate expression of cultural freedom. The result is an exhibition that is genuinely epic in both scale and significance.
Until Sunday, 23 August | National Gallery of Australia, 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 | National Gallery, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
2XX People-Powered Radio: Celebrating 50 Years
For five decades, 2XX has carried the distinct voices, grassroots politics, and community stories of the capital over the airwaves. This winter, the Canberra Museum + Gallery (CMAG) is marking this massive milestone with a brand-new exhibition celebrating Canberra’s very first community radio station and the passionate people who shaped it. Tracing its evolution from its early beginnings as Radio ANU in 1976 to a modern broadcasting pillar, the exhibition brings together archival audio, vintage equipment, photographs, and vibrant, screen-printed posters made in collaboration with Megalo. Visitors can even step back in time inside a faithfully recreated 1970s and 1980s radio studio to listen to historic broadcast excerpts. It is a nostalgic, physical celebration of local music, multicultural programming, and the independent media movements that helped define modern Canberra.
Until Sunday 6 September | Canberra Museum + Gallery, Civic Square | cmag.com.au
Wangka Wakaṉutja: the story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre
Between 1979 and 1990, the Papunya Literature Production Centre produced hundreds of illustrated bilingual books–funny, moving, extraordinary documents of Pintupi-Luritja language and culture, guided by community Elders who were also pioneers of the Western Desert art movement. Many of those books have been held in the National Library’s collections ever since, and this landmark new exhibition finally brings them to life. Featuring stories, drawings, photographs, manuscripts, and oral histories drawn from multiple collections, it’s a profoundly significant celebration of Aboriginal literary culture, collective creativity, and the remarkable human effort to keep language alive across generations.
Until Sunday, 11 October | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/wangka-wakanutja
Rear Vision: The Holden Collection
Take a nostalgic drive through the history of an absolute Australian icon with Rear vision: the Holden collection at the National Archives. This fascinating exhibition traces Holden’s journey from a humble 19th-century saddlery to ‘Australia’s Own Car’ and its permanent impact on the nation’s economy, industrial landscape, and cultural identity. Visitors can explore historical archival records, rare artifacts, blueprints, and photographs that reveal the innovations, challenges, and people behind General Motors-Holden. Developed by the State Library of South Australia and expanded with national records, the exhibition also offers daily gallery talks.
Until Sunday 11 October | National Archives of Australia, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Hop In! an immersive world of play
Canberra Museum and Gallery launches one of its most delightful exhibitions this April–and it’s designed for the youngest visitors. Hop In! turns the familiar family home inside out, shifting rooms in scale and perspective to invite children aged 3–12 to move, build, crawl, splash, and imagine in surprising new ways. Stretch out beneath a sky of clouds, create secret worlds under oversized furniture, or wander through reimagined kitchens and backyards where creativity has completely taken over. At the heart of the experience is Bunny Dearest, a gentle guiding companion created by artist Beci Orpin.
Until Sunday, 11 October | Canberra Museum and Gallery, London Circuit, Canberra | cmag.com.au
Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light
Questacon presents an interactive exhibition exploring the science of light through 13 hands-on exhibits. Visitors can experiment with light refraction, colour blending, shadow manipulation and reflection across multiple activity stations. The exhibition demonstrates how light travels, reflects and refracts, alongside displays of tools humans have developed to harness light. Activities include bending light, using sensors to create music, and working with lenses. The exhibition is designed for hands-on engagement with scientific concepts. Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is a Museums Victoria Touring Exhibition running until November 2026.
Until Sunday, 22 November | Questacon–The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’ celebrates the year’s best political cartoons.
Featuring established and emerging cartoonists from across Australia, this exhibition highlights the significant contribution they make to cultural and political debates through witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings.
This year our Behind the Lines theme is the cinema, acknowledging that, like some of our favourite movies, 2025 has been full of thrills and spills, romance and heartbreak, with plenty of unexpected plot twists. Australia’s cartoonists and illustrators have tackled many of the issues that made news, including the federal election, the cost of living, energy policy, interest rates, housing security, the economy, climate change and stories from overseas.
Until December 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | moadoph.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
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
National Library of Australia Treasures Gallery
The National Library has millions of books, and the Treasures Gallery answers the frequently asked question, ‘Where are they’. They also collect other items. From maps and manuscripts to photographs and paintings, the Treasures Gallery is where you can find highlights from their vast physical and digital collections. Behind-the-scenes videos, pages from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio, a cedar bookcase carved by Dorothea Mackellar, photographs from the nation’s photo album, and a display of The Wiggles’ websites from 1997 to today from the Australian Web Archive are among the new additions.
Until December 2030 | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years is a permanent portrait exhibition celebrating 50 years of women as residents at John XXIII College. Featuring fifty alumni, the exhibition pairs portraiture with personal reflections to capture the evolving experience of women across five decades. Photographed by ANU School of Art graduate Bronte Morel across Australia and internationally, each work is set in a location of personal significance. Together, the collection forms an intergenerational narrative of leadership, identity and community, recognising the enduring contribution of women to the College and beyond.
Permanent exhibition, open 9 am–5 pm daily | Front foyer, John XXIII College, 51 Daley Road, Australian National University, Canberra | johnxxiii.anu.edu.au
