Hello weekend plans: here 30+ events happening in Canberra
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The working week is finally over and it’s time to end it with a bang – here are 30+ ways to celebrate the weekend in Canberra.
From the Canberra Scone-Off to Bangin’ Beats and Bubbles, read on and thank us later.
Special Events and Festivals
Rodney’s 50th Birthday Bash
As Rodney’s gets ready to celebrate its 50th birthday, it feels only right that this iconic part of Canberra’s history gets not just one but several celebrations running throughout November.
Kicking off on Saturday 16 November with a doggie day out complete with show bags, vouchers from the Waggington in Manuka, free fairy floss and popcorn, face-painting, and a massive sale on plants. And to top it off Mix 106.3 will be broadcasting live from the nursery from 10 am till1 pm with a massive giveaway. That’s right – Rodney’s 50th birthday celebrations will run until Sunday 24 November, with something different happening each day.
Saturday 16 November until Sunday 24 November | 24 Beltana Road, Pialligo | More information here.
Alliance Française French Market
Dreaming of days spent wandering through the streets of a French village, eating warm baguettes paired with cheese and sipping on wine? You don’t need a plane ticket to get a taste of France this spring, because the Alliance Française French Market is back for another year.
No matter if you’re a seasoned Francophile or just curious about French cuisine, you’ll be saying a resounding “oui, oui!” to a day brimming with French-inspired delights and culture.
Saturday 16 November, 10 am – 3 pm | Alliance Française de Canberra, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner | More information here.
The Canberra Scone-Off
No scone will be left unturned in this sweet, sweet showdown. After its successful (and delicious) launch in 2023, the Canberra Scone-Off is back for another year to answer the ultimate question: who makes the best scones in Canberra?
Taking place on Saturday 16 November, locals will once again gather to bake their hearts out while raising money for the numerous community projects run by UnitingCare Kippax – because while it might be a salute to the humble scone, the event is really about celebrating food, community, and fun.
Saturday 16 November, 10 am – 12 pm | Uniting Church Kippax, corner of Hardwick Crescent and Luke Street, Holt | Book here.
Holy Family Primary School Gowrie
This year’s Christmas themed fete at Holy Family Primary School Gowrie will bring joy and excitement to the whole family.
Expect to find pony rides, face painting, mermaid hair, rock climbing, amusement rides, show bags, toys, books, crafts, books and much much more. While your there your taste buds will be satisfied with kebabs, chip on a stick, nachos, Devonshire Tea, lollies, icecream, coffee and of course a traditional barbecue!
Saturday 16 November, 10 am – 2 pm | Holy Family Primary School, Corner Castleton Crescent Gowrie | More information here.
Bangin’ Beats & Bubbles – Spring Edition
Perfect for families that want to have an afternoon boogie, Bangin’ Beats and Bubbles is back!
Designed for little ears and parents alike, you’ll enjoy three hours of banging beats, sprinkled with a huge balloon drop, beach balls, bubbles, interactive activities, a cosy wood fire and a real – that’s right old raver parents – a real bar (which will also be slinging red cordial and chocolates). Ideal for ages 10 and under and their parents, there’s just one rule: you must have a kid to get in.
Saturday 16 November, 2 pm – 4.30 pm | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Drizzle Boy
It’s the first time a neurodivergent character written by a neurodivergent playwright and portrayed by an actor with lived experience has been shown on the Australian main stage.
It’s no wonder that the biting satire Drizzle Boy has been lauded as ‘groundbreaking’, ‘incredible’, and ‘thoughtful’. And after a successful 2023 run at the Queensland Theatre (which saw it named the winner of the 2022-2023 Queensland Premier’s Drama Award), the smash hit is coming to Canberra Theatre Centre. All we can say is, expect the unexpected.
Until Saturday 16 November, 7.30 pm – 9.20 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Township Rebellion
Will this be the most danceable party ever? Party techno royalty will be taking the stage to answer the question.
Playing a three-hour set designed to make people lose themselves on the dancefloor, The Vault will be transformed into the ultimate party venue: complete with a completely custom lighting and projection installation designed not to distract, but to amplify the dancing.
Saturday 16 November, 8 pm – 11 pm | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Hughes Repair Café
Have something broken that needs some TLC? Head along to the Hughes Community Centre to learn how to fix them with the help of their skilled volunteers.
Not only will money be saved by fixing things instead of replacing them, but waste will also be reduced. Plus, Helen’s Garden Mentoring will be there on the day to give plant parents much needed advice.
Saturday 16, 10 am – 1 pm | Hughes Community Centre, Whittle Street, Hughes | more information here.
SouthFest
Tuggeranong is coming to life with SouthFest as the streets, laneways, and lake foreshore of the Tuggeranong Town Centre transform into a bustling hub of celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
From a vibrant mix of markets, food, activities, and entertainment to family-friendly games, there’s something for everyone. An example? At the Community Hub, you’ll connect with local groups and organisations that make Tuggeranong a better place to live while live music and performances will set the perfect festive mood!
Saturday 16 November, 10 am – 4 pm | The Laneways, Tuggeranong, 216 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway | More information here.
Markets
Canberra Antique Centre Antique & Vintage Market Day
This is the Canberra Antique Centre’s First-Ever Antique & Vintage Market Day!
Located at The Auction Barn, head along for a unique shopping experience! You’ll discover timeless treasures, one-of-a-kind collectibles, and special finds perfect for holiday gifts. Whether you’re a vintage lover, a collector, or just browsing for Christmas, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendar and make it a memorable day!
Saturday 16 November, 10 am – 1 pm | The Auction Barn, 10 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick | Book here.
Canberra Kids Market
The Canberra Kids Market is the capital’s oldest market for kids.
Wondering what there is? You can discover new, handmade and pre-loved clothes, toys, books, games, accessories, furniture, prams, strollers, and equipment for babies, toddlers and young ones. With plenty of stalls to explore, with free entry, why wouldn’t you want to go?
Sunday 17 November, 10 am – 3 pm | Fitters Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | Book here.
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
Ginsights: Siang Lu
Big River Distilling Co, Paperchain Bookstore and MARION are hosting a special edition of Ginsights with guest author Siang Lu, in conversation with Beejay Silcox.
Siang Lu is the author of Ghost Cities and The Whitewash, and the co-creator of The Beige Index. On the night, they will be serving a signature cocktail inspired by Ghost Cities, with Big River Mandarin Gin, featuring mandarin zest and Chinese five spice.
Friday 15 November, 6 pm – 8 pm | Big River Distillery, Tenancy 3 Building 3, 1 Dairy Road Fyshwick | Book here.
High Tea at Louis
Looking for a sophisticated and refined experience high tea experience? Nestled within the elegant confines of Hotel Realm, you can’t go past high tea at Louis.
Offering a meticulously curated array of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an exquisite selection of pastries and desserts that showcase the finest craftsmanship (along with an impressive tea menu) it will be an occasion to remember.
Every Saturday, 2 pm – 4 pm | Louis, 18 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
QTea High Tea x Space Kitchen
There’s no cucumber sandwich in sight at this high tea experience. And you better get excited because QT has partnered with Space Kitchen in what be the most delicious collaboration ever.
Taking their high tea offering to the next level, the QTea High Tea x Space Kitchen experience is all about indulgence – from the sweet to the savoury. Lock eyes with Canberra’s first cake trolley featuring Space Kitchen cakes, choose from 28 teas (along with the prettiest of cocktails featuring special brews) and dig into tiers of treats that include Wagyu bresaola bites and picture-perfect serves of duck liver parfait for a decadent dining experience.
Every Saturday, with sittings at 12 pm and 12.30 pm | 1 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Dance Central: METAMORPHOSIS + UNIQUELY ME
Dance Central are proud to present Metamorphosis and Uniquely Me for their upcoming end of year performance for 2024.
Head along to support the amazing junior dancers in Uniquely Me and watch the senior performers in Metamorphosis.
Friday 15 and Saturday 16 November, 6.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | Book here.
Fringe on Tour
Canberra is being treated to a variety of wonderful entertainment sourced from Fringe Festivals though out Australia. Fringe shows run for an hour, there are no restrictions upon material and no commercial doctrine to follow. They are art for art’s sake!
Ranging from comedy, to cabaret, this is Canberra’s chance to see what Fringe shows are really like.
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November | Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, City | Book here.
Waiting For Godot By Samuel Beckett
Considered by many to be one of, if not the, most influential play of the 20th century, this is a rare opportunity to see Waiting For Godot By Samuel Beckett.
Capturing the consciousness of generations, this is the first time in Canberra in 20 years that a brand new production of Beckett’s groundbreaking classic of comic play and exquisite prose is coming to the stage.
Until Sunday 24 November, 7.30 pm – 9.45 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.
Music
Scotland Unbound
The Australian Chamber Orchestra is celebrating fifty years in 2025! Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, you’ll be taken on an adventure to enjoy a truly transformative experiences.
Guitarist Sean Shibe will make his Australian debut to celebrate his Scottish heritage in a thrilling ride through the Highlands and beyond.
Saturday 16 November, 8 pm – 10 pm | Llewellyn Hall, 100 William Herbert Place, City | Book here.
Lucas Krupinski
Lucas Krupinski, the brilliant London-based Polish pianist is coming to Canberra with a recital including works by Bach/Busoni, Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin, and Schulz-Evler.
Touring around the world, this is a rare opportunity to see him on his return to Canberra.
Sunday 17 November, 4 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Maruki Community Orchestra Concert
This is Maruki Community Orchestra’s last concert for 2024.
The program will comprise Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 (Edward Elgar), Jupiter (Gustav Holst), Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) featuring soloist Georgina Chan and Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 (Ludwig van Beethoven).
Sunday 17 November, 3 pm – 5 pm | Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue, City | Book here.
Exhibitions
There is a crack in everything… that’s how the light gets in
Inspired by the many poems celebrating imperfection, five local potters have combined their creative forces to present this beautiful exhibition.
A study of the beauty, or light, that lies within the imperfections of the physical form, the five artists explore their different perspectives, and the inconsistencies and flaws that are inherent in the practice of the hand made and the beauty that emerges. With works ranging from the functional to the sculptural, entry is free and all pots are for sale.
Saturday 16 November until Sunday 8 December | Strathnairn Arts Centre Woolshed Gallery, Strathnairn | More information here.
Looking Out for Our Planet (LOOP)
Featuring an intimate collection of paintings and textiles by local artists Yalan Chen, Michele England and Joanne Mahler-Fenderson don’t miss this group show at Barton Art Box.
Pondering the concept of a ‘loop’, you’ll see their thoughts as they produce realistic, expressive and abstract artworks.
Until Sunday 24 November, 11 am – 4 pm | 7 Young Street, Barton | More information here.
Marion’s Vision
Marion’s Vision explores and celebrates the legacy of Marion Mahony Griffin, an influential figure in Australian architectural history.
Showcasing the work of Canberra Art Workshop (CAW) members inspired by a vision of Canberra that resonates with the legacy and lasting influence of Marion Mahony Griffin, everything from her innovative and forward-thinking approaches to urban planning and landscape architecture to art, nature, and architecture will be explored.
Until Sunday 24 November | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Notions of Place
This is M16 Artspace’s annual Studio Artists’ exhibition.
This year’s theme, ‘Notions of Place’, calls the artists to reflect on ideas or personal connections to place. The exhibition highlights the diverse practices of M16 studio artists across a range of conceptual approaches and material explorations.
Until Sunday 24 November | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Made In or Before 2024
‘Made In or Before 2024’ is a tribute to the beauty and power of expression from the 115 talented artists who call Hands On Studio home.
Dive into a world where order meets chaos, where the tactile collides with the loud, and where vibrant colours explode in a heartfelt celebration of raw creativity!
Until Sunday 24 November | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Pattern Recognition
Pattern Recognition celebrates female and non-binary artists from the ACT region who use abstraction and design principles to explore colour perception and spatial relationships, highlighting the ways artists approach colour, geometry, and form.
While the artists in the exhibition explore similar visual terrain, embracing non-objective abstraction, repetition and pattern, their underlying conceptual investigations and influences vary and include post-colonial and feminist frameworks, climate activism, architecture, memory, extended pictorial space, mindfulness, and sensory engagement with the materials. The exhibition investigates regeneration, exploring the influence of traditional craft disciplines on contemporary art practice.
A collaborative project presented as part of the 2024 Craft + Design Canberra Festival
Until 25 January 2025 | Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | ccas.com.au/current
Hiroe and Cornel Swen: Making a Creative Life
This is a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the lifelong creative partnership of two of Canberra’s most admired artists: Hiroe and Cornel Swen, charting their course from Kyoto to Canberra.
Running until 16 March 2025, this exhibition marks the first time both artists’ works are showcased together, offering profound insights into their individual journeys and shared contributions to Canberra’s cultural landscape. You’ll have the chance to view a selection of Hiroe and Cornel’s works, including archival images and previously unexhibited pieces. It’s a unique glimpse into their creative connection!
Until 16 March 2025 | Canberra Museum and Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | More information here.
Sport
Canberra United v Adelaide United
Calling all soccer fans! Don’t miss this match between United and their friends from South Australia, Adelaide United.
Saturday 16 November, 3 pm – 7 pm | McKellar Park, Walkley Place, Mckellar | Book here.
Challenge Canberra Triathlon Festival
Challenge Canberra is Canberra’s biggest triathlon event catering for all levels of triathletes.
You can swim, bike and run in the Capital of Australia over the middle, aqua bike, Olympic, sprint and super sprint distance events. Take part an individual or as a team and compete to represent Australia at the 2025 World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Wollongong.
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November, 12 pm – 3 pm | Rond Terrace, Acton, Rond Terrace, Acton | book here.
15th Stromlo Running Festival
This is an annual event held at Stromlo Forest Park, one of Australia’s best and most sought-after dedicated off-road running and cycling venues.
Co-founded by Australia’s marathon great Robert De Castella in 2009, the event celebrates the strength, resilience, and courage of the community in the years that followed Canberra’s devastating 2003 bushfires. Providing an opportunity for runners of all abilities to ‘get off the road’ and challenge themselves on wide-open trails that take in sweeping views of Canberra, Black Mountain Tower, and the Brindabella Ranges, there’s a distance for everyone!
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November, 6 am – 10.30 am | Stromlo Forest Park, Opperman Avenue, Wright | Book here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Veteran Art Meet Up at Mandala Studio
This is a free community event for veterans and their families to gather, socialise, collaborate, create, share and connect on all things art.
Share your work-in-progress, finished works, ideas or concepts!
Saturday 16 November, 2 pm – 3 pm | Mandala Studio, 253 Northbourne Avenue, G06, Lyneham | Book here.
Book launch: Just Human by Angel Hellyer
Supernatural classmates, deadly mysteries and homework.
Hear Canberra author Angel Hellyer discuss their new young adult urban fantasy novel, Just Human, with Zoya Patel (author of Country Woman & Once a Stranger, and Riotact columnist).
Angel will read the first chapter and share their inspiration, followed by a Q&A session.
Sunday 17 November, 3 pm | Book Cow, 47 Jardine Street, Kingston | Register here.
