October’s festival frenzy: 10+ events to fill your month
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Is October the festival of festivals? We think so.
From film festivals to a fashion festival, a micro-wine festival, and the Canberra Writers Festival, Canberra is overflowing with celebrations. So, we’ve pulled together a curated guide of what’s happening to help you find something that suits your interests and schedule.
Ranging from free to ticketed events, start planning for a fun, festival-filled month ahead!
Canberra Kanpai & Canapés
For all the lovers of Japanese craftsmanship, Canberra Kanpai & Canapés offers a refined evening dedicated to artisanal sake and elegant bites. Guests have the opportunity to explore different sake styles while enjoying perfectly paired canapés, learning from the experts themselves as they sip. Blending learning with luxury, it leaves you not just satisfied but inspired by the history in every pour.
HerCanberra readers can enjoy an exclusive offer! Enter HERCANBERRA2025 at checkout to get 15% off your ticket price.
Saturday 18 October | Manning Clark Hall | Book here.
Clothing the Loop: Sustainable Fashion Festival
Fashion, art, design, and activism collide at this day-to-night celebration proving that style and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive. Clothing The Loop spotlights local designers, artists, advocates, and community groups reimagining fashion’s future—where elegance doesn’t equal emissions and couture doesn’t have to cost the planet.
Expect sewing and textile art workshops, industry talks, panel discussions, and a giant clothes swap alongside a sustainable design runway and performances by Australian Dance Party exploring fashion circularity. This is fashion with purpose, creativity with conscience, and a community united in making change look good.
Saturday 18 October, 10 am–10 pm | The Vault, Dairy Road Precinct | australiandance.party/clothingtheloop
TEDxCanberra 2025: The People’s Blueprint
Big ideas meet bold thinking at TEDxCanberra, where speakers challenge the status quo and reimagine what’s possible. This year’s theme explores collective imagination and community-led solutions to the challenges we’re all facing. Since 2010, TEDxCanberra has brought thousands together to celebrate ideas spanning science, technology, arts, culture, and humanities.
The program includes talks, presentations, Innovation Alley, lunch, afternoon tea, and networking drinks. Come ready to question established frameworks, connect with fellow thinkers, and help design new pathways forward.
Saturday 18 October, 10 am–4.30 pm | National Film and Sound Archive, Acton | events.humanitix.com
SpringFEST
Community, creativity, and connection take centre stage at this vibrant spring celebration. Browse over 30 stalls showcasing local makers and handmade treasures while kids dive into fairground games, craft activities, comic workshops with Spiderman, and scavenger hunts. Live performances feature Scottish and Indian dancing, choirs, ukulele bands, and the Erindale Orchestra.
SeeChange Tuggeranong hosts sustainability-focused stalls while the Repair Café fixes bikes, sharpens tools, mends clothing, and offers plant care advice. Shop pre-loved fashion, plants, homemade baked goods, preserves, and books—all while supporting local and sustainable practices. Perfect for Christmas shopping with purpose.
Saturday 18 October, 9 am–2 pm | Tuggeranong Uniting Church, 17 Comrie Street, Wanniassa | tuc.org.au
VV presents Frenzy
Canberra’s Micro Wine Festival returns, bringing together passionate winemakers, spirit producers, and brewers from across the region. This intimate gathering welcomes everyone—whether you’re in hospitality or simply love discovering new producers and tasting exceptional craft beverages.
Producers from Canberra, New South Wales, and Victoria showcase their work in a relaxed atmosphere designed for genuine connection. Sample diverse wines, spirits, and beers, learn about production methods, and meet the makers behind the brands. It’s community in a glass.
Sunday 19 October, 1 pm–5 pm | The Vault, Fyshwick | venusvinifera.com.au
Canberra Writers Festival
Over 200 writers, thinkers, and creators. More than 100 events. One massive celebration of storytelling. The program spans politics, current affairs, food, memoir, crime, fantasy, romance, and contemporary fiction—with a brand-new Kids, Young Adult, and Family Day at the National Museum.
The stellar lineup includes Jane Harper, Trent Dalton, Em Rusciano, Heather Rose, and Omar el Akkad, plus international guests Eric Puchner and Sophie Gilbert. Expect debates at the Museum of Australian Democracy, late-night entertainment, and masterclasses for aspiring writers. This is where stories come alive.
Wednesday 22 – Sunday, 26 October | Various locations | canberrawritersfestival.com.au
Oktoberfest 2025
Herzlich willkommen to two days of authentic German celebration! Fully imported German bier, traditional fare, dancing, and entertainment bring Bavaria to Canberra. Join the wurst-eating competition, the Miss Oktoberfest contest, and plenty more festivities showcasing traditional German music, customs, and community spirit.
Whether you have German heritage or simply love the culture, this is your chance to experience authentic Oktoberfest traditions right in the heart of the capital.
Friday 24 – Saturday 25 October, 4 pm–11:30 pm | The Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | harmonieclub.com.au
Canberra Nara Candle Festival 2025
Thousands of candles transform Lennox Gardens into a magical space honouring the Canberra-Nara Sister City relationship and celebrating peace, goodwill, and cultural connection. Experience Japanese cuisine, music, dance, and cultural demonstrations in this serene, candlelit setting.
This free community event offers families a beautiful opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture while strengthening the bonds between our two cities. Contemplative, stunning, and deeply meaningful.
Saturday 25 October, 4 pm–9 pm | Canberra Nara Peace Park, Flynn Drive, Capital Hill | events.canberra.com.au
La Fiesta
The City Centre explodes with the music, food, and colours of modern Latin America. Live Latin American bands, DJs, dancers, Colombian Picó Sound System, and hands-on dance and percussion workshops pack one unforgettable afternoon and night with energy and joy.
Feast on tacos, empanadas, arepas, and pisco while exploring Latin American art displays. This cultural celebration brings the community together to experience the vibrant traditions, rhythms, and flavours that make Latin America unforgettable.
This cultural celebration brings the community together to experience the vibrant traditions of Latin America.
Saturday 25 October, 2 pm–10 pm | Latin American Plaza, 38 Childers Street, Canberra | facebook.com
Japanese Film Festival
The Japan Foundation’s 29th Japanese Film Festival returns with contemporary and classic cinema showcasing the dynamic voices shaping modern Japanese storytelling. Expect brand-new releases alongside special screenings featuring dramas, anime, comedies, and more—from big-screen epics to intimate character studies.
Festival programmer Manisay Oudomvilay curates discoveries highlighting Japan’s cinematic innovation. Palace Electric and the National Film and Sound Archive host the Canberra screenings. Full program and tickets launch 1 October.
Monday 27 October – Tuesday, 18 November | Palace Electric & NFSA, Canberra | japanesefilmfestival.net
Ausdance ACT presents 2025 Youth Dance Festival: Life On Mars
Is there anybody out there? Or are we the monstrous aliens? Young local dancers explore the theme ‘Life on Mars’ in this exciting non-competitive showcase of live dance performance created by students from across the region.
Join the celebration of emerging talent, creativity, and the power of movement at the Canberra Theatre.
Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October | Canberra Theatre Centre | ausdanceact.org.au
Capital Film Festival 2025
The Capital Film Festival returns to Dendy Canberra, showcasing the best films from around the world while shining a spotlight on local content. The lineup presents major festival award winners, ACT premieres fresh from international screenings, and more.
Bursting with parties, special events, Q&As, and filmmaker discussions, this is your chance to immerse yourself in cinema. Clear your week and make Dendy your hub for this cinematic feast.
Wednesday 29 October to Sunday 2 November | Dendy Canberra, Bunda Street, Canberra City | canberra.dendy.com.au
Horror Tropefest
Canberra’s spookiest horror film festival takes over Smith’s Alternative for Halloween night. The top 13 short films—each packed with classic horror tropes and running under ten minutes—compete for prizes while audiences compete in costume contests.
Expect screams, shocks, and spooky surprises throughout this celebration of local horror filmmaking. Doors open at 6:30 pm for anyone wanting to soak up the Halloween atmosphere early. Come dressed to scare.
Friday 31 October, 7–11 pm | Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Civic | smithsalternative.com
Feature image: La Fiesta – Canberra’s Latin American Festival. Credit City Renewal Authority. Via Facebook.
