DESIGN Canberra, Burlesque, magic and fire, and La Grande Fête: 30+ things to do in Canberra
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Goodbye October, hello November and more things to do than you can poke a stick at.
This week, the DESIGN Canberra Festival is bringing food and art to the capital, SouthFest is transforming the south, the Yass Valley Arts Trail is worth the trip out of town, and La Grande Fête is back with lots of French flair.
Read on for 30+ things to do.
Special events + festivals
DESIGN Canberra Festival
Throughout the month, over 200 events, exhibitions, talks, tours, activations, markets, collaborations, artist studios, and open homes will be showcased as apart of DESIGN Canberra, transforming the nation’s capital. The festival, now in its 8th year, is for all interests and ages and most events are free. Check out the DESIGN Canberra website to see what’s on around the capital.
Wednesday 2 – Sunday 20 November | Various locations | designcanberrafestival.com
Sideshow: a night of Burlesque, Magic and Fire
A curated show featuring five amazing performers. Introducing Lara Love, a burlesque Queen; Ninjamurai, a fire ninja; Erica Vanlee, a world-class magician and illusionist; Philmah Bocks, one of Australia’s celebrated and well-travelled Drag Queens; and Luci James, a seductive enchantress.
Two shows only! Doors open at 6 pm where you can pre-purchase dinner and drinks prior to the show. Show starts at 7:30 pm
Friday 4 and Saturday 5 November | Zoo Bar, 17 London Circuit, Canberra | Tickets from eventbrite.com.au
ICEHOUSE at the National Museum of Australia
Get ready for one big night of live music to celebrate the opening of our new Great Southern Land gallery, the National Museum of Australia’s biggest redevelopment in over two decades.
Iconic Australian band ICEHOUSE will headline an outdoor concert under the stars, singing (among their other hits) Australia’s unofficial anthem: ‘Great Southern Land’. Forty years after its first release it continues to be a part of Australia’s soundtrack of summer, making this experience a must do.
Joining ICEHOUSE on the night will be special guests William Barton, Frente with their quirky, Indie pop sound, and local rock act Dale Huddleston and the Riverbank Band.
Friday 4 November | National Museum of Australia, Acton | Tickets here.
La Grande Fete
Long known for its extravagant festivities, Telopea Park School’s La Grande Fête is back and will not disappoint. Bringing a strong multicultural fusion like no other, combining fun, food and entertainment stretching late into the afternoon, La Grande Fête offers something for everyone at every age (including the ever-popular carnival rides, gnome painting, annual Canberra French Car Club’s display, live entertainment, books and market stalls).
Saturday 5 November, 10 am – 4 pm | Telopea Park School, Telopea | facebook.com.au
Paint Outside Day
Haig Park’s biggest canvas is returning this weekend to help you play with paint. And forget picture painting in a quiet gallery: with bucket paint pendulums, spray paint, body paint, and a cold drink to go along with it, this will be one big (and messy) experience you won’t want to miss. While face painting, bubbles, and a Teeny-Tiny-Mini Museum are on the agenda, live music, coffee, Zierholz Brewery and street food will turn your artistic adventure into a day you won’t forget.
Saturday 5 November, 10 am | Haig Park | facebook.com/events
Yass Valley Arts Trail
Take a mini road trip to see local creatives showcase their work at the Yass Valley Arts Trail on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November. Follow the trail from Sutton, through Murrumbateman, Yass, Bowning and Binalong to meet the artists, perhaps partake in a free workshop, see a creative demonstration and purchase some amazing artwork.
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November, 10 am–4 pm | Various venues | yassvalleyartstrail.com.au
BlaKiTuP! First Nations Drag Performance
Join Rainbow Mob (formerly LGBTIQ+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network) for BlaKiTuP! – a night of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Drag performances by an impressive line-up of First Nations artists: MadB, Anna’Mal Tuckerbox, Nova Gina, the Pindan Princess and Tre Turner. Get in quick!
Friday 4 November | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | ainslieandgorman.com.au
ACT NAIDOC Family Day
Enjoy the spring weather and spending time as a community and family at Boomanulla oval for ACT NAIDOC Family Day. Head along to enjoy a day of free activities, including face painting and live performances. Fill up on free fairy floss and grab a cup of coffee as you browse over 30 Indigenous market stalls and business showcases.
Saturday 5 November, 11 am | Boomanulla Oval, Narrabundah | facebook.com
Culture Cruise
Hop aboard the Australian Dance Party’s Culture Cruise for an exclusive half-day art immersion to some of Canberra’s premiere cultural institutions as part of the Canberra Art Biennial. Explore the National Museum of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery through a four-hour-long interactive storytelling, music and dance experience as you sail between the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
(Psst! You’ll be wined and dined as well).
Saturday 5 November | Starting at the National Museum Wharf, Lawson Crescent and ending at the National Museum of Australia, amphitheatre | Tickets here.
Vikings Sunday Funday
Want to try a new sport? From 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday 6 November, Viking Park will be filled with over 24 local sporting organisations giving people the chance to try their hand at a sport, regardless of age or ability. Think options like baseball, calisthenics, fishing, tennis, lawn bowls and more.
Vikings Junior Rugby will be running the canteen and the Vikings Fisho’s will have their BBQ turned to high, so get ready to run, jump, tumble and enjoy a fun day out.
Sunday 6 November, 10 am – 3 pm | Viking Park, Amsinck Street, Wanniassa | vikings.com.au
SouthFest
Returning after a couple of years away the South side will be transformed this month. Whether it is markets, music, sport, art, dance, the environment or just the community coming together that you are into, SouthFest in the Suburbs has something for you! With over 50 activities spread out over three weeks find the perfect way to celebrate your home.
Saturday 5 – Sunday 20 November | Various locations | tuggcc.com
Hartley Hall Markets
Taking place at the temporary location of Thoroughbred Park, the Hartley Hall Markets are back to bring stunning blooms, planters, terrariums, baked goods, jewellery, gin and more. Just in time for Christmas shopping, entry is by a gold coin donation–helping fund Hartley Lifecare’s disability services.
Sunday 6 November, 10 am – 3 pm | Thoroughbred Park, Randwick Road, Lyneham | facebook.com/HartleyHallMarkets
St Joseph’s Primary School’s Fete and Family Fun Day
There’s a lot happening at St Joseph’s Primary School’s Fete and Family Fun Day—from sessions in balls skills with former rugby star Senator David Pocock to special appearances from popular mascots Brumby Jack and Victor the Viking – there is even talk of a ‘dance off’!
Other entertainment highlights include: a free petting zoo, silent disco, haunted house, photo booth, pre-loved clothes, books, board games and jigsaw stalls, face painting and showbags, music and a variety of food stalls.
1pm -5pm, Sunday 6 November | Boronia Drive, O’Connor | facebook.com
Food + Wine
City Sessions: Pop Inn Bar and Music
No plans on a Friday night? Head along to the Pop Inn Bar during the DESIGN Canberra Festival to enjoy the art installations, listen to live music by jazz trio Good Gosh, shop beautiful products from local designers; and participate in family drop-in craft activities and have a drink.
Friday 4 November until Friday 18 November | Civic Square, 180 London Cct | designcanberrafestival.com.au
La Grande Fete
Long known for its extravagant festivities, Telopea Park School’s La Grande Fête is back and will not disappoint. Bringing a strong multicultural fusion like no other, combining fun, food and entertainment stretching late into the afternoon, La Grande Fête offers something for everyone at every age (including the ever-popular carnival rides, gnome painting, annual Canberra French Car Club’s display, live entertainment, books and market stalls).
Saturday 5 November, 10 am – 4 pm | Telopea Park School, Telopea | facebook.com.au
The Forage
Bringing Civic square to life, Canberra’s only dedicated street food event is back to show that food and design are the perfect pairing. Activating the DESIGN Canberra Festival Hub, head along to enjoy large scale graphic interventions, public art works, workshops and a pop up hub shop as well as something yummy. Wine and art on a Saturday night? Yes, please.
Saturday 5 November, 2 pm – 7 pm | Civic Square, 180 London Cct | theforage.com.au
Stage + screen
Sunshine Super Girl
A young girl hits a ball against the tin wall of her family’s home. This is where it all began for Evonne Goolagong. Telling a quintessentially Australian story about a girl from the bush who dared to dream (and with the support of an outback farming town) rose to become the No.1 tennis player in the world and a household name by the age of 19, this play is a celebration of spirit and passion over adversity.
Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 November | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
Canberra Short Film Festival
Let the screenings begin. From Friday 4 November through until Sunday 20 November, head along to the Canberra Short Film Festival to enjoy 18 screening sessions showcasing a wealth of talent in a range of films, animations and music videos, all touching on topics like gender politics and sexuality, masculinity and mental health and First Nations’ stories.
Friday 4 November – Sunday 20 November | Various locations | csff.com.au
Adam Film Screening
Head along to a viewing of ‘Adam’, an Australian vintage LGBTQ+ film with a live discussion at the National Sound and Film Archive of Australia. With drinks included on arrival, and light refreshments provided this fundraiser for Meridian is a screening not to miss.
Friday 4 November | National Film and Sound Archives, Acton | springout.com.au
Japanese Film Festival
Enjoy a bite of Japanese culture at the 26th Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia: the largest celebration of Japanese film in the country. Bringing new and old films to local audiences, there’s bound to be something to suit everyone’s tastes in this year’s line-up!
Saturday 5 November – Sunday 20 November | Palace Electric, Acton | japanesefilmfestival.com.au
Wharf Revue: Looking for Albanese
Performed by Jonathan Biggins, Mandy Bishop, Drew Forsythe and Phillip, Wharf Revue’s Looking for Albanese is inspired by the new national spirit of optimism that lasted for a week. The team are as keen as mustard to tackle the big-picture issues (inflation, rising interest rates, conflict in Ukraine, climate disaster, culture wars, COVID 19-20-21-22-23 and a looming World War Three)—what better time to have a laugh?
Until Saturday 5 November | The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre | Tickets here.
Love Sermon
A secular sermon on matters of the heart. Unrequited romance. Deep friendship. Motherhood. Break-ups. Self-love. Writer Clementine Ford and musician Libby O’Donovan will have you laughing, weeping and cheering as they take you on a life affirming exploration of love and the powerful ways it makes its home in our hearts.
Sunday 6 November | The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Jewish International Film Festival
One of the largest showcases of Jewish cinema in the world, head along to the Jewish International Film Festival to enjoy 52 films featuring a collection of critically acclaimed and buzz-worthy films. From impressive directorial debuts by Miyam Bialik (best known for The Big Bang Theory), to anticipated titles like As They Made Us, which stars Candice Bergen (Miss Congeniality, Bride Wars) and Dianna Agron (Glee), grab your popcorn and get ready for a good time.
Until Sunday 6 November | Dendy Cinema, Canberra | jiff.com.au
Aspire to Inspire
Performance students aspire to inspire others through their commitment, exploration, and performance of dance. Award winning groups, soloists, duos, and trios perform their work. Dancers aged as young as four will delight you with their passion.
Sunday 6 November | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
Cunard British Film Festival
Some of the greatest British films are coming to your screens this October at the Cunard British Film Festival hosted by Palace Cinema! It will feature big names such as Stephen Frears, Sally Hawkins, Colin Farrell and Bill Nighy, and will include the highly anticipated premier of Mrs. Harris goes to Paris! Some other movies that will be showing include numerous James Bond films, Emily, the story of Emily Brontë, The Lost King and so much more.
Until Wednesday 16 November | Palace Electric Cinemas | britishfilmfestival.com.au
Music
Motown Sessions
The Wesley Music Centre Lunchtime Concert series will premiere the RMC Band’s exciting new project: The Motown Sessions. The concert will emulate an intimate studio recording session of classics produced under the famous Motown record label, so get ready to groove in your seats as you enjoy familiar soul and funk favourites, performed by the high calibre musicians of the RMC Rhythm Section.
Wednesday 2 November | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Tickets here.
Lakeside at 5: Wayne Kelly Trio
Relax by Lake Tuggeranong to the sounds of The Wayne Kelly Trio. Head along after work, for a glass of wine and an evening of cruise-y vibes, when some of Canberra’s most renowned jazz artists bring a sense of familiarity and world-class musicianship to the lawns of the Tuggeranong Arts Center.
Friday 4 November | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Tuggeranong | tuggeranongarts.com
Exhibitions
Transformation with a Twist
Showcasing contemporary textile works created by members of Canberra Spinners and Weavers, this exhibition saw artists exchanged partly-made textiles to be transformed into a new work. Demonstrating what can be achieved by crossing boundaries and letting go of ownership and design ideas, all works will be for sale.
Friday 4 – Saturday 5 November, 10 am – 4 pm | Wellbeing Hub, 70 Maclaurin Cres, Chifley| designcanberrafestival.com.au
Conflated | a NETS Victoria touring exhibition
Drawing on the inflatable form as both material and metaphor, Conflated brings disparate artists together to explore bodies, environments and cultures through contemporary art. Investigating the possibilities of the inflatable through participatory works that entice audiences into finding new forms of COVID-safe intimacy the exhibition explores the idea of inflation and deflation as a provocation, offering new possibilities in and for our world.
Until Friday 4 November | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery | soad.cass.anu.edu.au
Swooming, Shimmering, Sparkling
Tuggeranong Arts Centre is swooning, shimmering, and sparkling its way to the end of 2022 with the Spring exhibitions, Swoon! We are Dizzy with JOY!, by Hands On Studio and All That Glitters by local artists Helen Braund, Tiffany Cole, Romany Fairall, Michele Grimston and Emma Rani Hodges.
Saturday 5 November – Saturday 17 December | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Tuggeranong | tuggeranongartscentre.com
Assembly
Angelica Mesiti explores the notion of how communities are formed through shared movement and communication. A mix of dance, music, verbal, and non-verbal musical forms, Mesiti shows the different ancestries that make up modern Australia while investigating the nature of connection
Saturday 5 November until Sunday 29 January 2023 | The National Gallery | nga.gov.au
Blanche Tilden – ripple effect: a 25 year survey
An artist with an international reputation in the fields of contemporary jewellery and studio glass, this 25-year survey of the Tilden’s work reveals her remarkable and critically acclaimed practice.
This major survey exhibition includes both historical and contemporary works looking at the key themes of mechanical movement, and industrial and architectural uses of glass as well as a series of photographic portraits of collectors wearing their Tilden jewellery or ‘bringing out their Blanche.’
Saturday 5 November – Sunday 12 February 2023 | Canberra Museum & Gallery, London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
JamFactory ICON Tom Moore: Abundant Wonder
Born in Canberra, Tom Moore is one of Australia’s leading glass artists and over the course of his career has carved out a singular voice in Australian glass art making. Expect to see ybrid creatures of part animal, vegetable, mineral and personal such as ‘plantbirds’ and ‘photofishcars’ that critique the current human condition and the impact humans have wrought on our environment.
Saturday 5 November – Sunday 12 February 2023 | Canberra Museum & Gallery, London Circuit | cmag.com.au
Not the only Clay in the Village
Showcasing recent works of eight clayworkers who are proud members of the LGBTQIA+ community living and thriving in the Canberra Region, this exhibition explores what it means to be a member of a community.
Individually and collectively exploring this topic, there are echoes of their identities within their clay expressions as well as the idea that they are gathered together based on shared identities while remaining individuals with diverse lived experiences.
Until Sunday 6 November | Canberra Potters Gallery, 1 Aspinall St Watson, ACT | canberrapotters.com.au
The Robert F!NK National Metal Prize
We’re all obsessed with the F!nk jug (hello Christmas present inspo), but did you know that there’s a Robert Foster F!NK National Metal Prize celebrating outstanding work in the field of contemporary metalworking?
Recognising the exceptional skill and innovative design of both established and emerging designers and craftspeople, head along to see the work of 10 finalists and see the winners of the three awards: an established artist, an emerging artist, and an acquisition prize.
Until Saturday 10 December | Craft ACT, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
Seeing Seventies: Photography Competition
There’s no denying that Canberra has some iconic architecture—and this exhibition at Craft ACT is the ultimate celebration of design in the 70s. Capturing the best of Canberra’s design and architecture from the decade, the exhibition has over 90 photographs from professional and amateur photographers—perfect for spending an afternoon immersing yourself in architecture and art.
Until Saturday 10 December | Craft ACT, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
Terraform by David Lindesay
Speaking to our desire to control the environment and the imprints left by our presence, Lindesay’s photographs depict places that appear to exist naturally but are human-made. Reflecting the inherent tension between wild and contrived nature, these photographs are marked, carved, and defaced in a process that intervenes directly into and onto the film.
Until Saturday 12 November | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Cir, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Earth to Images by Melanie Cobham
Addressing migration, colonisation and belonging through a conscious observation of nature and its unfolding, Earth to Images embodies the fraught translations between the analogue and the digital, between gesture and image, and between communication and misunderstanding.
Until Saturday 12 November | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Cir, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Found Perceptions by Tessa Ivison
Found Perceptions explores the infinite number of ways we can perceive and interpret the world. Traditionally, cameras are used to share a photographer’s perspective. However, in Found Perceptions, Ivison asks what if the camera has its own way of seeing?
Until Saturday 12 November | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Cir, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Great Goddess
Created by Sally Blake, this is her third exhibition exploring regenerative symbolism in ancient European mythology through drawings and wire sculptures. Full of spirals, labyrinths and multitudes of patterns that are drawn within the Goddess’s body, the generative female form of Sally’s drawings appears repeatedly in European mammoth, ivory, ceramic and stone figurines from c. 30,000 – 10,000 BCE.
Until Saturday 13 November | Grainger Gallery, Studio 1 & 2, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Net Works
Paying tribute to our traditional weavers and these ancient cultural practices through the contemporary medium of glass, Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello’s exhibition concentrates on “the incredibly beautiful forms of traditional woven eel traps, fish traps and baskets, fish scoops, sieves, scoops and dillibags of our peoples, seeking to evoke the interplay of light and form found in those objects.”
Until Saturday 13 November | Grainger Gallery, Studio 1 & 2, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Autumn Bounty
Featuring the work of well-known Canberra artist, ceramicist and sculptor Camelia Smith, this exhibition embraces the glory of this past Autumn Bounty from her Kambah garden, in a group of still life miniatures along with a selection of reproduction luminous watercolour prints and sculptures.
Until Sunday 13 November | Designer Op Shop Emporium, Corner Of Barrier Street And, 1 Lyell St, Fyshwick | dosemporium.com.au
The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize
Celebrating its 20th year, the National Archives of Australia’s latest exhibition showcases artists’ interpretations of the scientific properties that surround us. Exploring nature’s triumphs, disasters, and the scientific issues we currently face, the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is a multimedia collection that encourages artists to offer their view of the world.
A much-loved fixture in many art calendars, come explore the beauty and destruction of natural sciences by some incredibly talented artists.
Until Sunday 13 November | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop
In this exhibition, influential Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee explores identity, history, spirituality and our relationship to the cosmos. She creates meditative works using light, shadow and scale across many artforms. Moon in a Dew Drop takes an in-depth look at four decades of extraordinary practice.
Until Thursday 3 December | Canberra Museum & Gallery, London Circuit | cmag.com.au
Workshops, webinars + more
Postnatal Classes at Praksis Canberra
If you’re a mum who misses training or struggles to find time to look after yourself, you are not alone. And you don’t have to do this alone. Restore pelvic floor function, re-establish core connection, increase mobility, build strength and explore more free movements through games and other exercises with this six week course. Otherwise, pop into the ongoing Monday classes!
Wednesday 2 November – Wednesday 7 December | Praksis, Campbell | praksis.com
Symposium: Design thinking, learning and making in Canberra – Legacies and new initiatives
Canberra is now recognised as a place of excellence in making but how did we get here and what is going to be important for growing this reputation? Join the Canberra Museum and Gallery and The Australian National University for a discussion about design thinking, learning and making in Canberra, using glass, jewellery and object design to explore both recent histories and current practices. Tickets also include an exhibition viewing, drinks and 20% off at the Festival Hub Shop.
Friday 4 November, 6 pm – 8 pm | Canberra Museum & Gallery, 176 London Cct | Tickets here.
Inspired – Water colour painting with the Social Creative
Practicing mindfulness through water colour painting, join the Social Creative for a fun painting class at the Canberra Outlet Centre.
Saturday 5 November | Canberra Outlet Centre | Tickets here.
No Place Like Home
Both the north and south side have the opportunity to come along and create some nature crowns with Lousie Cook. This nature inspired crown portrait is about tapping into your creative spirit, connecting into your inner voice, having fun and leaving feeling a little lighter. Through this experience you will have the opportunity to work in a natural setting to discover the joy of creating up to three nature crowns, tap into your creative self and pose for authentic portrait photos in each of your nature crowns
Saturday 5 and Saturday 12 November | Various locations | tuggeranongarts.com.au
Introduction to Improv
Build your confidence, explore your creativity, and have fun in this six-week improv course run by Lightbulb Improv. Perfect for beginners or actors trying to go back to the basics, this course is all about encouraging Canberrans to come out of their shells and respond with confidence when something new is thrown at them.
Until Wednesday 30 November | Playing Field Studio, Acton | Tickets here.
