From Em Rusciano to National Science Week, here’s everything you need to know about what’s on in Canberra
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Em Rusciano is hitting the stage, National Science Week is entertaining scientists big and small and there’s film festivals galore…this is just the beginning of what’s happening this week in Canberra.
Here’s your curated guide of everything that’s happening around town – and as always there’s something for everyone.
Special Events and Festivals
Em Rusciano: Outgrown Tour
Em Rusciano is back with her first big national tour since 2019, and look yes, she is still angry, but now she knows why.
After a challenging five years (including the surprise diagnostic trifecta of… ADHD, Autism and early menopause), she’s hitting the stage with a multi-sensory exploration and examination of the beauty that can emerge after everything has been burned to the ground. And of course there will be elaborate costumes, novelty sized props and Em workshopping her trauma via an over the top all out musical comedy extravaganza. See you there?
Saturday 17 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Love From Penny & Lyla Retreat Fundraiser
Embark on a journey of self-care and community at this uplifting day retreat, while raising money to support local families after the loss of a baby. Along with yoga, sound healing and a morning tea, you’ll also create a keepsake to go into care boxes that are donated to local hospitals to support families after the loss of a baby.
It’s a day of wellness, personal growth, and fundraising for a special cause.
Saturday 17 August, 9:30 am – 3 pm | Sanctuary, 17 Brockman Street, Narrabundah | Book here.
Australian Federal Police at Questacon
Ever wondered about the sciences of the Australian Federal Police? This is your chance to explore them.
With demonstrations from the diverse Forensics team, there will be activities for all ages including facial identification, fingerprint matching, crime scene forensics, digital forensics, and much more! Tickets are included in a regular Questacon ticket.
Saturday 17 August, 9 am – 5 pm | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Children’s Book Week Celebration of May Gibbs
To mark the beginning of Children’s Book Week, the National Archives of Australia, are celebrating May Gibbs, one of Australia’s best loved authors, illustrators and cartoonist!
Head along for a morning of arts and crafts and activities for all ages – it’s perfect for children who love craft, adults who love the Australian Bush, and artists who love botanical-style illustrations of Australian flora and fauna.
Saturday 17, 10 am – 11:30 am | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
National Science Week At Questacon
This is for scientists big and small! From daily activities like Spectacular Science Shows in the Japan Theatre to special events, there’s something for everyone.
Make sure to visit the Questacon website for the full schedule of events.
Until Sunday 18 August, 9 am – 5 pm | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
For next week’s diary: EveryBODY Dance Fitness Welcome Week
EveryBody Dance Fitness is an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone from nervous beginners to snake-hipped dance veterans who love to dance without fear of judgement, looking silly or intimidating teachers. And this is your chance to try it for free.
Taking place on Monday 19 and Wednesday 21 August, there are limited spots available and no experience necessary, you just need to be ready to have a good time.
Monday 19 and Wednesday 21 August, 6 pm – 7 pm | 23/63 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | Book 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
Dinner With The Stars at Harvest Day Out
Close to town but far enough away to be able to see the magic of the heavens, get yourself ready for a very special night out.
Starting with a delicious two-course meal at the Barrack’s Café with an introductory presentation on what to look out for in the night sky, you’ll then move out into the grounds where you will explore the heavens through some powerful telescopes and learn more about the mysteries of the night sky. Whether it’s with your sweetheart or a group of friends, this evening will amaze and entertain you.
Friday 16 August, 6 pm – 9 pm | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | Book here.
Truffle Infused Weekends at Mount Majura Vineyard
It’s finally truffle season and that means it’s time to book your favourite truffle and wine experience.
Enjoy truffle infused triple-cream brie-style cheese with a flight of three 80ml glasses that have been perfectly matched for $40 per person. With sessions available all day Saturday and Sunday, online bookings close the day prior.
Every weekend until Sunday 1 September, 10 am – 5 pm | Mount Majura Vineyard, 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | Book here.
Stage and Screen
The Big Bike Film Night
The Big Bike Film Night is on a mission to bring the best cycling short films from around the world to you!
You’ll cycle through over two hours of thrilling and moving bike-related films that has everything a cycle-centric audience could want – action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration; the evening is unashamedly and utterly, utterly, utterly designed and devised for the two-wheel devotee.
Monday 12 August, 6:30 pm – 9 pm | Dendy Cinemas Canberra, 148 Bunda Street, City | Book here.
Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour
The Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour showcases over an two hour program of the most inspiring, heartfelt, and entertaining films celebrating adventurous women from independent filmmakers around the globe.
You’ll experience the thrill of exploration and the triumph of the human spirit as films of varying lengths and styles shine a light on the women of the adventure world. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey – get your tickets now and prepare to be inspired!
Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 August | National Film & Sound Archives, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Rayner Explainer: Atomically Correct
This is the (nuclear) fusion you’ve been waiting for! A science comedy that explores how, even though you’re mostly nothing, you all still matter.
Solidly funny, with a splash of sequins and an air of wonder, you’ll delve into language, lies and quantum-level realities, as this science comedy show for adults gives space to contemplate and chuckle at the Universe and the happy accident that is the human race.
Thursday 15 August, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm | The Japan Theatre, Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Jim Jefferies – Give ‘Em What They Want Tour
Rock star comedian, TV show host, podcaster and writer Jim Jefferies is bringing his Give ‘Em What They Want Tour to Canberra this August.
Currently the host of runaway hit game show The 1% Club on channel Seven, Jefferies’ ability to tackle controversial topics with intelligence and humour has earned him a huge global following and critical acclaim… making him one the most successful, arena selling comedians on the planet. Don’t miss this!
Thursday 15 and Friday 16 August | Royal Theatre, 31 Constitution Avenue, City | Book here.
Silence & Rapture
This is a mesmerising collaboration with Sydney Dance Company featuring countertenor Iestyn Davies and the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and Arvo Pärt.
Directed by Richard Tognetti, sit back and watch as the ACO and Sydney Dance Company brings together music, movement and evocative lighting to create something truly extraordinary.
Saturday 17 August, 8 pm – 10 pm | Llewellyn Hall, 100 William Herbert Place, City | Book here.
Monkey Grip – Book Club at the NFSA: Australian Grunge Lit
Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival, head along to the NFSA to see Ken Cameron’s adaptation of Monkey Grip.
Australian author Helen Garner was the first woman to receive the National Book Council’s Book of the Year Award, for her debut novel Monkey Grip. Now considered a modern classic, this early example of Australian grunge literature explores the tense relationship between a single mother and her heroin-addicted lover. The film offers a nuanced reflection on the complexity of love, set against the realities of inner-city sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll in 1970s Australia.
Sunday 18 August, 1 pm – 2:45 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Some Like It Marilyn
This isn’t a biographic, but a film-o-graphic. Looking at the life of Marylin Monroe was through her work, this cabaret show is perfect for anyone that loves Marylin.
Filled with songs from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, River of No Return, Let’s Make Love and scenes from Bus Stop and Some Like It Hot, it will be an evening to entertain and thrill.
Until Saturday 24 August | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Music
Pekka Kuusisti & Gabriel Kahane
Acclaimed violinist Pekka Kuusisto and composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Gabriel Kahane are coming together in a new collaboration.
Both classically trained, the relaxed, intimate evening is an exploration of what it means to be artists in the 21st century; artists for whom honouring a classical heritage is as important as chasing the new. Be fascinated, entertained, moved and changed by what they make!
Thursday 15 August, 7 pm – 9:30 pm | Llewellyn Hall, 100 William Herbert Place, City | Book here.
Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells In Concert
Following its successful sold-out 50th Anniversary run in the UK & Europe, Tubular Bells in Concert is now heading to Canberra for a not-to-be-missed show.
Tubular Bells was the debut studio album by English multi-instrumentalist, composer and songwriter Mike Oldfield, conceived in 1971 and finally released in 1973. The concert will see Tubular Bells performed in full, along with further Oldfield compositions, including ‘Moonlight Shadow’ ‘To France’ ‘Family Man’, and excerpts from ‘Ommadawn’.
Thursday 15 August, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Smith’s@Belco: The Bushwackers
The Bushwackers are set to light up Belconnen with a special concert at Belco Arts, celebrating the official release of their new album, The Great Australian Lap.
Formed in 1971, The Bushwackers have a storied career spanning over five decades. Don’t miss this Australian band with a line-up that includes Newton and Corbett, drummer Dave Roberts, and also rising stars Rory Phillips, a 17-year-old singer/guitarist from Tumut, and 23-year-old fiddle virtuoso Gabi Louise.
Saturday 17 August, 7 pm – 9 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
King Stingray Regional Run
After dominating Australian airwaves ever since they busted out of Arnhem Land with hits like Milkumana, King Stingray have been busy writing album number two – and you get to hear it.
From their most recent single Through The Trees to new material, you’ll hear it all.
Saturday 17 August, 7 pm – 11:30 pm | UC Hub, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | Book here.
Apeiron Baroque: Hammer Tech
In this classical-era concert, Apeiron will be showcasing the sounds of their Walter-style fortepiano; a predecessor to the modern piano and the model of piano that was favoured by Mozart!
Joined by Ben Hoadley on Classical Bassoon to explore music by composers such as Edelmann, Haydn, Bengraf, de Nebra, Michl, Fiala, and more, this is fun a trip to the past.
Sunday 18 August, 4 pm – 5:30 pm | Wesley Uniting Church, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Exhibitions
Charani Ranasinghe: Little Twist Of Nature
In this first solo exhibition, printmaker Charani Ranasinghe showcases an array of mixed media intaglio, collagraph and linocut prints, inspired by Australian flora.
Her works mainly depict quirky birds, insects and patterns created using leaves, seeds and pods, taking the viewer on a little journey into nature.
Wednesday 14 August until Sunday 15 August | Strathnairn Arts Association, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information here.
Benjamin Edols and Kathy Elliott: Tidal Threads
In this exhibition, Benjamin Edols and Kathy Elliott display their technical skills in glass, capturing the cool tones of the coastal landscape – the movements of the ocean and sky distilled in their exquisite blown and carved glass forms.
Working in partnership since their first joint exhibition at the de Vera Gallery, San Francisco in 1993, it promises to be a beautiful exhibition inspired by close observation of the natural world.
Thursday 15 until Sunday 31 August, 10 am – 5 pm | Beaver Galleries, 81 Denison Street, Deakin | More information here.
Peter Boggs – The Memory Of Place Paintings
This exhibition explores the notion of beauty in landscape through glimpses of Italian scenes, not explicitly revealed but drawn from recollections of Peter Boggs experiences over the years.
Throughout Peter’s career, he has been captivated by the mysterious qualities of light and in this exhbition he skillfully constructs his dream-like compositions through delicate tonal layering of oil paint.
Thursday 15 until Saturday 31 August | Beaver Galleries, 81 Denison Street, Deakin | More information here.
Benjamin Edols and Kathy Elliott – Tidal Threads, Studio Glass
In this exhibition, Benjamin Edols and Kathy Elliott display their technical skills in glass, capturing the cool tones of the coastal landscape.
From the movements of the ocean and sky distilled in their exquisite blown and carved glass forms, this synergy of ideas and collaborative approach to glass making, combined with their extraordinary skills, are revealed in this beautiful exhibition.
Thursday 15 until Saturday 31 August | Beaver Galleries, 81 Denison Street, Deakin | Book here.
Chinoiserie – Jennifer Manning and The Thursday Group
Have no idea what Chinoiserie is? It’s a western decorative style in art, furniture and architecture characterized by the use of Chinese motifs and techniques.
Working with 15 students to explore Chinese decoration, Jenny Manning (a multimedia artist, who paints, prints, draws, knits and makes baskets) has created an exhbition celebrating their colourful works.
Until Sunday 18 August | Humble House Gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | More information here.
Testamur 6
This is a group exhibition by Canberra Art Workshop showcasing artworks inspired by CAW events, including workshops, courses, and art groups.
Featuring diverse mediums like life drawing, painting, and sculpture, it highlights creations that push boundaries and reflect the educational journey of its participants.
Until Sunday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Fairy Land
This solo exhibition by David Helmers explores the dynamic relationship between materials and queer identity, inviting viewers to rediscover joy through playful experimentation.
It challenges societal norms, inviting reflection on joy, resilience, and the agency of materials in shaping cultural dialogue. Don’t miss this!
Until Sunday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
The Cave. A River. An Island.
Ross Andrews’s latest solo exhibition explores the intersection of modern media disinformation and ancient allegory through expressive landscapes.
Inspired by the deceptions of Plato’s Cave, the artworks reflect on personal and environmental journeys of discovery.
Until Sunday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Fuse Glass Prize
Presented by JamFactory, the FUSE Glass Prize is a non-acquisitive biennial prize for Australian and New Zealand glass artists.
You’ll see the work of 18 finalists (12 established and six emerging artists) at the Australian National University School of Art & Design Gallery.
Until Friday 6 September | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Building 105, Corner Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton | More information here.
Cobi Cockburn Solo Exhibition
Cobi Cockburn is a celebrated contemporary Australian artist, who sis known for her large wall panels and installations that use shifting tonal linework, that connect and respond to the gallery’s architecture.
Curated by Aimee Frodsham, this exhibition uses neon to further her exploration of line and light. Focusing on the warm glow and rich line quality rather than the intensity expected from neon, it is an exploration into the beauty of energy and the intertwined relationships of art, memory and spirituality.
Until Sunday 22 September | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Sport
ACT Table Tennis Open Event
Here’s a unique event – Australia’s top table tennis players will be competing in Canberra!
Head along to see Australia’s best players compete in the fastest Olympic sport. Or if you are a registered table tennis player you can compete!
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August, 9 am – 9 pm| Tuggeranong Archery Centre, 299 Soward Way, Greenway | More information here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Ann Moyal Lecture: Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Join Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla in speaking on a contemporary question that draws on such fields of knowledge as science, environment, ecology, history, anthropology, art, and technological change.
An internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer, and inventor revolutionising recycling science, she is renowned for pioneering the high temperature transformation of waste in the production of a new generation of ‘green materials’ at the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre, where she is Founding Director.
Monday 12 August, 6 pm – 8 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.
The Journey of Australian Science: Tracing Our History, Discovering New Paths
Join the Australian Academy of Science in their 70th anniversary year for a look at history and into the future, at the 2024 public speaker series.
In this event, leading chemistry researchers Professor Rich Payne FAA (University of Sydney) and Associate Professor Rona Chandrawati (UNSW Sydney) will explore the significant scientific contributions of Academy Foundation Fellow Professor Raymond Le Fèvre FAA FRS.
Tuesday 13 August, 5:30 pm – 6 pm | Shine Dome, 15 Gordon Street, Acton | Book here.
Tree-Scapes Charcoal Drawing En Plein Air Workshop with John Pratt
Join this hands-on drawing activity with local artist John Pratt as he shares his love for expressive drawing.
Suitable for all levels of experience, all materials are supplied.
Wednesday 14 and 21 August | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Celia Rosser Room, Acton | Book here.
Latin Thrills – Political Thrillers From South America
This panel discussion will bring together filmmakers, authors, journalists, and scholars for a conversation on one of the most popular genres of our times: the political thriller.
Using alternating glimpses of documentary interviews with directors and film critics, along with live discussion, this event will explore Latin America, its politics and history, the boundaries of the personal and the political, the role of precarity, and the transnational impact of the genre.
Thursday 15 August | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.
Meet The Author – Norman Swan
Norman Swan will be in conversation with Laura Tingle on his new book, So You Want to Know What’s Good for Your Kids?, the ultimate parenting guide on what matters from birth to ten.
With a background in paediatrics and an over 30 year career monitoring and broadcasting the latest medical research, Dr Norman will be giving gives you the information you want and the answers you need to raise healthy and happy children, with a particular focus on the crucial years of five to ten – the runway to adolescence.
Friday 16 August, 6 pm – 7 pm | Llewellyn Hall, 100 William Herbert Place, City | Book here.
National Science Week: Unconformity Geology Tour
Journey underneath Parliament House with an expert geologist to learn about the geological phenomenon called ‘Unconformity’.
This is a rare opportunity to see a geological formation where two rock masses, made millions of years apart, fused together. If you’ve been to Parliament House but never ventured underneath it, this tour is for you!
Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August, 5 pm – 6 pm | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, City | Book here.
Young Rangers Program
This is for young nature enthusiasts between the ages of seven and 15 who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the natural environment.
Hosted by ACT Parks Rangers, they’ll explore a variety of nature-based topics, make friends, and be able to ask as many questions as they like! Parents/guardians are welcome to attend free of charge, but you’ll need to book in advance.
Sunday 18 August, 10 am – 12 pm | Jerrabomberra Wetlands Office, 2 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Feature image: @travelswithmichelle for Visit Canberra.
