Looking for something to do on a wet weekend in Canberra? Here are 30+ suggestions
Posted on
Forget hibernating this weekend – because it might be wet outside but there are plenty of reasons to get out and about.
From Em Rusciano taking to the Canberra Theatre Centre stage to the Australian Federal Police taking over Questacon, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Special Events and Festivals
Turn and Burn
Sunburn and Turning Tables, two eager collectives promoting Ngunnawal / Canberra’s unique music and arts scene, join forces for the first time to present a multi-sensory experience.
For one night only enjoy multidisciplinary performances from specialised local, domestic and invited international artists in a unique venue.
Saturday 17 August, 8 pm – 11:59 pm | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
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.
The Living Showroom – A Shoppable House
Would you like to reach into a magazine’s images and pull out what you want for your home or lifestyle? Walk through cutting-edge residential architecture by award-winning architect Tony Trobe to experience this unique experience.
The Living Showroom is a unique retail adventure that allows you to visualize artwork and products in your ideally styled home. Tour this designer property and purchase items at your leisure. A stylist will be on-site throughout the event for discussion or support!
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August, 10 am – 4 pm | 23 Brennan Street, Hackett | More information 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.
Ollies’ Garage Car Display
Featuring unrestored Survivor Cars, Rolls-Royce and Bentleys and more, car lovers can’t miss this.
Visit Ollies’ Garage to see a museum-like display of classic cars and luxury vehicles and get up close and personal with some of the most iconic cars in history. This event is perfect for all ages!
Sunday 18 August, 10 am – 12 pm | Ollies’ Garage, 72 Gladstone Street, Unit 1, Fyshwick | More information 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
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
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.
A Prohibition Romance – Secrets Of The Speakeasy Sweethearts
This is an unforgettable night at Templo Theatre. Step into the enchanting world of a 1920’s speakeasy, a mesmerizing tale of passion, independence and romance set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920’s.
Get ready to be entertained with thrilling dance routines, audience interactions and music that will get you shaking in your seat as you enjoy a delicious meal and cocktail. What are you waiting for?
Saturday 17 August, 6 pm – 9:30 pm | Templo Theatre, 19 London Circuit, Level 1, above Saint Malo, 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
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.
Until Sunday 15 August | Strathnairn Arts Association, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information 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.
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.
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.
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.
Until Saturday 31 August | Beaver Galleries, 81 Denison Street, Deakin | Book 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
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!
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.
