Somehow, it's 2025. Here's what's happening in Canberra this January | HerCanberra

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Somehow, it’s 2025. Here’s what’s happening in Canberra this January

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Goodbye 2024, hello 2025.

If you think there’s nothing to do in Canberra over January (or just summer in general), we have plenty of ways to prove you wrong. From school holiday programs to a special drone show, read on for all the fun things to cross off your bucket list!

Looking for even more to do in Canberra? Check out our What’s On section to find hundreds of events happening around town.

Special Events and Festivals

Street Machine Summernats 37

Australia’s wildest horsepower party is back in Canberra. Held over four massive days at Exhibition Park, this annual, unique celebration of the modified car community promises a diverse, exciting, and engaging event that everyone will enjoy.

Head along to see competition-driving events, an elite hall, show and shine, drifting, trade show and exhibition, concerts, cruising, burnouts, and more. Don’t forget, Summernats is the year’s final showdown for the National Pro Burnouts!

Thursday 2 until Sunday 5 January, 9 am – 5 pm |

Braddon Fringe Festival

Watch as the Canberra CBD comes alive with the Braddon Fringe Festival!

Running alongside Summernats, Braddon will be taken over for an entrant-exclusive event. Think: it’s three nights of awesome cars parked up, great food and drinks, live music, and mates.

Thursday 2 until Sunday 5 January, 9 am – 5 pm |

FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets

FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets is coming back to Canberra. Taking place across the Australia Day weekend, the series of shows aims to reflect, respect, and celebrate the ever-evolving story of our nation.

Promising an unforgettable evening, there will also be vibrant night markets starting from 5 pm each evening. Head along to explore bustling stalls featuring an array of local vendors, mouthwatering cuisines, unique crafts, and roaming entertainment.

Friday 24 until Sunday 26 January, 5 pm – 8 pm | Commonwealth Place, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | More information here.

Canberra Festival of Speed

The Canberra Festival of Speed is back! The 2025 Canberra Festival of Speed promises to stimulate all the senses with electrifying sights, sounds, and smells.

The circuit showcased some of the world’s rarest vehicles in 2024, including a Ferrari F40, Lola F1 car, Ferrari P4 Le Mans, plus modern exotics like a Lamborghini Aventador and McLaren Senna. Plus, the Canberra Festival of Speed will feature an immersive AV experience, exhibitors, music, and a European food village with flavours from Italy, Germany, France and more!

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January |

Amy Shark: Solo Acoustic Songs and Stories Tour

In some very exciting news, the award winning alt-pop singer-songwriter is hitting the road for a mammoth 20-date tour this summer – and she’s stopping in Canberra.

Playing at the Canberra Theatre Centre on Wednesday 29 January, she’ll be playing her Solo Acoustic Songs and Stories tour. And (if that’s not exciting enough) for the first time ever, fans will be treated to the entire set being played acoustically, with supporting emotional and honest stories for every song. See you there?

Wednesday 29 January | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | Book here.

Kath & Kim Drag Bingo!

It’s noice, it’s different, it’s unusual. Kath & Kim Drag Bingo is coming to Harmonie German Club and you’re invited.

Play to win $1,000 cash and prizes. Enjoy five rounds of bingo plus live Kath & Kim shows. Dress as your favourite Kath & Kim character for your chance to win the best-dressed prize. See you there?

Friday 31 January, 7 pm – 10.30 pm |

School Holiday Programs

Warehouse Circus School Holiday Programs

Kids of all ages are invited to unleash their inner acrobat, clown, and performer in the Warehouse Circus school holiday program! With programs in Chifley and Kaleen, your kids can develop lifelong skills, build confidence, and flip, twist, and turn to their heart’s content. Different courses are available for a variety of ages, skill levels, and prices. They’ll be putting on home shows for you in no time at all!

Monday 6 January – Friday 31 January, varying times | 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Chifley and 104 Baldwin Drive, Kaleen | Programs can be selected here.

Kite Making

Windy day? Perfect for kite making! Decorate and personalise your own kite at the National Arboretum. This activity is open to all ages, whether you’re young or simply young at heart, anyone can make a kite. After putting the finishing touches on your masterpiece, take it for a test flight at the Arboretum.

Tuesday 7 January, Tuesday 14 January, Tuesday 21 January, sessions at 9:30 am and 10:30 am | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo | Book your spot here.

Circus of Illusion

Be amazed by death-defying escapes, mind-blowing illusions, mime, magic, and incredible costumes all in one tent! Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Sascha Williams, and other world-class circus artists will astound and keep both you and the kids on the edge of your seat! The trip home will be full of discussions around how the circus artists pulled off certain tricks…

Friday 10 January, 6:30 pm and Saturday 11 January, 2 pm | Canberra Theatre, Civic Square, London Circuit | Tickets can be purchased here.

DinoFest Canberra – Age of the Tyrannosaur

Take the kids to a roarsome experience to see life-size, real walking and moving dinosaurs stomping into the Black Mountain Peninsula. The dinosaur encounter experience is sure to go down a treat, with walking and interactive dinosaurs roaming around, and the dinosaur trail with more than 30 dinosaurs enroute including a life-size T-Rex! Keep the fun going with a dino dig, arts and crafts, and the opportunity to feel a fossil with real dinosaur bones… Book your tickets before going though, the sessions are selling out faster than a velociraptor can run!

Saturday 11 January – Sunday 2 February, 10.30 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm | Black Mountain Peninsula, Garryowen Drive, Acton | More information here.

Under the Sea Holiday Program

For lovers of the environment, this is a sure hit! Take them to the 20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition where they’ll learn about flora, fauna, landscapes, and the underwater world. After touring the exhibition, young artists can get hands-on and paint their own underwater picture, with guidance in applying artistic techniques like perspective and contrast! This holiday program is suited for those aged 7 to 12 and must be accompanied by an adult.

Monday 13 and 20 January, Wednesday 15 and 22 January, Friday 17 and 24 January, 10 am | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Tickets can be booked here.

Libraries ACT’s Free Summer Holiday Program

Have a little one that loves to read or looking for a fun activity without the price tag? Libraries ACT has a fantastic line-up of free activities suitable for the whole family.

Helping families enjoy quality time together without the extra cost, take the little ones along to see explosive science shows, powerful documentaries and even a snow leopard author talk. Plus, there will be fun for the big kids with a Triple J Hottest 100 author talk with comedian and writer Tom W Clarke!

Book your spots now.

Tuesday 14 until Thursday 23 January, 10 am – 5 pm |

Botanical Gel Prints

Discover a new form of art in gel plate printing. This workshop invites kids to explore how natural materials like flowers and leaves can result in a bright and textured print! Friendly and experienced instructors will guide participants through the process of setting up a gel plate and selecting materials to create an artwork featuring the beauty and texture of plants.

Wednesday 15 January – Thursday 16 January, 10 am and 1.30 pm |  National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo | Book tickets here.

Storytime Ballet – The Sleeping Beauty

Dress up in your best ballet-inspired outfit and bring the littlies to see an interactive Storytime ballet experience. This narrated version of The Sleeping Beauty tells the story of a beautiful princess who must sleep for 100 years until woken by true love’s kiss. The stage will be filled with glittering tutus and loved characters dancing along to Tchaikovsky’s score! The show runs for just under an hour, so the kids won’t lose interest. Don’t forget to bring your own wand from home or buy one from the counter, to take part in the performance!

Thursday 16 January – Sunday 19 January, 11 am and 2 pm | Canberra Theatre, Civic Square, London Circuit | Tickets can be purchased here.

Sea of Light

Try something a little different these holidays and embark on a journey of light and imagination. With a UV torch as a paintbrush, participants can paint and stencil their own voyage and steer ships that leave glowing paths of light in their wake, before creating a nautical soundtrack, by controlling colour and light! Take inspiration from artworks by Contemporary Aboriginal Visual Artist Elizabeth Close, which are painted in light across the sea floor.

Saturday 18 January, Monday 20 – Saturday 25 January, varying times |  The Courtyard Studio, Civic Square, London Circuit | More information and tickets here.

Rock Art Holiday Workshop

Rock out with rock art at the National Arboretum’s holiday workshop! Budding artists will love painting their own rocks, after being inspired by a guided nature walk through the National Rock Garden. This workshop is suitable for little ones aged five and up.

Monday 20 January, Wednesday 22 January, 10 am and 1:30 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo | More information here.

Drop-in art and craft

Celebrate the final days of the National Library’s ‘Hopes and Fears: Australian Migration Stories’ exhibition, with their drop-in art and craft school holiday activity!

Open to kids and families of all ages with no booking required, kids are invited to create their own work to be added to the migration collage. Families will also be able to take home a family tree activity and all materials will be provided.

Wednesday 22 until Friday 24 January | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | More information here.

Cool Holidays at NFSA

The NFSA offers another dedicated school holiday matinee program this summer, featuring beautiful animation and Australian favourites.

Get the family and enjoy the NFSA’s heritage building for free before or after the screening. Explore the NFSA or simply enjoy a locally roasted coffee, sandwiches or a sweet treat in the sunny courtyard.

Runs until 24 January | McCoy Cct, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

Markets

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show

If your household is Bluey obsessed, this is the perfect family excursion! Join Bluey and Bingo in their first live theatre show as they pull out all the games and cleverness to get Dad off his bean bag chair after he calls for a bit of Sunday afternoon time out… The show will ring familiar to the show, with the script being an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

Tuesday 21 January – Saturday 25 January, varying performance times |  Canberra Theatre, Civic Square, London Circuit  | Tickets can be booked here

Summer Digital Shutterbugs Workshop

Have a budding photographer who wants to explore and express their ideas creatively?

In this workshop, over two days, participants will learn the basics of digital photography and studio lighting, go on interesting photo walks, and learn how to express stories through image-making.

Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 January |

Claymation Creations Workshop

Calling all future filmmakers! This exciting two-day workshop led by stop-motion animation experts Eleanor and Giovanni is the perfect way to spend your school break.

You’ll learn everything you need to know to get started on your animation and filmmaking journey, including how to write, storyboard, animate, and edit your own short film on a smartphone or tablet.

Thursday 30 and Friday 31 January, 9 am – 4 pm | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.

Family Orienteering

Whether your family is great with a map, or if you tend to get lost, this will be a fun experience! Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, as you’ll be exploring the Arboretum’s forests and gardens after picking up your map and clue sheet from the Visitors Centre. Can your family find the hidden letters that reveal the name of one of the Arboretum’s unique forests?

Until Sunday 2 February | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo | More information here.

Food and Wine

Tipsy Tea

Head along to Snapper & Co to enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the lake with bottomless prosecco and three signature cocktails.

All paired with a grazing station of traditional finger sandwiches and a selection of desserts, it’s the perfect way to end the work week.

Friday 3 January, 3 pm – 5 pm | Snapper & Co., Mariner Place, Yarralumla | Book here.

Stage and Screen

Circus of Illusion

Death-defying escapes, mind-blowing illusions, mime, and magic. What’s not to love about Circus of Illusion?

Escape into a world of cutting-edge illusions and spectacular magic as the ringmaster takes you on a journey where he blends world-class circus artists, and spellbinding magic that will leave you mesmerised. Uplifting, whimsical, wonderful, magical, and over the top, it’s the perfect show to kick off the start of the year.

Friday 10 and Saturday 11 January, 6.30 pm – 8.20 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.

Steve Backshall Ocean

A must-see for the whole family, this educational mix of stunts, experiments, props, cutting-edge science and big-screen footage will help you to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves.

Led by the renowned explorer and naturalist Steve Backshall it’s a great way for the kids to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas.

Friday 17 January | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | Book here.

78-Storey Treehouse

Based on Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s best-selling books, this hilarious, high-flying show is not to be missed.

Recommended for children aged six to 12 and their adults, we promise that everyone will be left in stitches after this show.

Tuesday 21 until Wednesday 22 January | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | Book here.

The Listies: Make Some Noise

It promises to be a riotous mixtape of silly songs, stupid sketches, and crazy clowning – and apparently, it’s the kids’ show you NEED to book tickets for in 2025. Especially if you’re trying to get some ‘cool’ cred with the kids.

Belting out a bunch of songs in their musical comedy show that will have attendees giggling and singing long after the show is over, while they don’t promise to be in tune (sorry about that), they do promise that both kids and their adults will have a good time.

Friday 24 January | Canberra Theatre Centre, City |Book here.

Sunset Cinema

Who doesn’t love going to the movies? Get the most out of summer, by heading to the Sunset Cinema at the Botanic Gardens. Showing all the new hits, some old favourites, and family classics, bring a picnic, some camping chairs or a blanket and sit back and enjoy the show!

Until Saturday 22 February, from 6:30 pm |  Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Movies and tickets can be found here.

Operation Ouch Live: Jurassic Fart

TV’s favourite doctors return to Canberra this January with a gigantic brand-new show. oin the twins on a dino-mite adventure to unearth the most dangerous, most powerful, most important fart in history: the Jurassic Fart!

Packed with all-new crazy experiments that will take you back to the age of the dinosaurs, it’s perfect for the whole family.

Saturday 25 January, 1 pm – 2.30 pm | Llewellyn Hall, City | Book here.

Jack & Michael Whitehall Live

Love Jack Whitehall and his father? They’ll be stopping off from their travels to bring you an extra chapter of their adventures. And they’re coming to Canberra.

Expect tall tales, family secrets, and rare revealing photographs from the family album. Tantrums, rants, and pranks are guaranteed.

Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 January, 7 pm – 9 pm |

Music

Bucky’s Big Birthday Bash Blues & Roots Charity Gig

Bucky’s Big Birthday Bash Charity Gig is back for its 22nd year to raise proceeds for Rise Above Capital Region Cancer Support.

Supporting people and families affected by cancer throughout the Canberra region head along to hear eight amazing acts and over nine hours of live music. Along with music, there will be a silent auction for some of Bucky’s memorabilia and lots of raffle prizes drawn throughout the day.

Saturday 11 January, 1 pm – 10.30 pm |

SPEED at UC Hub

SPEED is kicking off 2025 with an extensive tour all across Australia, including a stop in Canberra. This no-barrier show will see them performing anthems from their widely praised album ‘ONLY ONE MODE’ and favourites from their back catalogue.

With special guests performing at all shows, this tour is a rare chance to catch SPEED in a raw, intimate setting.

Sunday 12 January, 3 pm – 7.30 pm |

Dionne Warwick – One Last Time Tour

Five-time Grammy Award-winning music legend Dionne Warwick is coming to Canberra, and you better be excited.

Celebrating 50 years of hits, the opportunity to see living legend Dionne Warwick in person One Last Time is not to be missed.

Sunday 19 January, 7 pm – 9 pm |

Trophy Eyes – ‘Summer In Slow Motion’ Tour

2024 was a big year for Australia’s Trophy Eyes, but now they’re returning to home soil to treat locals to some new tunes and some good times.

Sharing the stage with Trophy Eyes will be Bloom who has been tearing it up internationally as well as through Australia. It sounds like a good night.

Thursday 23 January, 7.30 pm – 11 pm | UC Hub, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | Book here.

Damien Rice

Prolific Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice is coming to Canberra!

Known for his hauntingly beautiful live shows, he often performs with no set list, sweeping audiences off their feet, and commanding crowds in an innate way.

Thursday 30 January, 8 pm – 10 pm |

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers

Recent ARIA Award winners and homegrown heroes, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers are coming to the University of Canberra campus for a spectacular night.

Quickly becoming a well-recognised name in the music industry, grab some tickets before they sell out!

Friday 31 January, 7 pm – 11 pm |

Music to Celebrate

Calling all classical music lovers! Salut! Baroque will be performing a concert of Baroque music, including works by Vivaldi, Telemann, and Locatelli.

Head along to hear a feast of glorious music.

Friday 31 January, 7.30 pm -8.45 pm | Wesley Church, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.

Exhibitions

History: Solo Exhibition by Martyn Thompson

Head along to the Canberra Glassworks to see the stunning works of cross-disciplinary artist Martyn Thompson.

Reimagining his ceramic vessels in glass, blending nostalgia and modernity through a tactile, painterly approach, this exhibition has been curated by Aimee Frodsham, the exhibition integrates his new glasswork with textiles, furniture, and objects from his studio.

Thursday 16 January until Sunday 23 March |

…Is somebody gonna match my freak?

This is a joint exhibition by Sophie Dumaresq and Asil Habara (wet sahara), the 2024 recipients of the M16 Artspace ANU Emerging Artists Support Scheme.

A tongue-in-check nod to the two artists shared sense of humour and interest in online popular culture, shit posting, and the very real-life currents behind driving viral trends, you’ll want to see this for yourself.

Thursday 23 January until Sunday 16 February |

Creek

This is a solo exhibition by Kirsten Wehner, recipient of the 2024 M16 Artspace Environmental Artist Residency, generously supported by ConceptSix.

Exploring life along Weston Creek (a little-known waterway in suburban Canberra), ‘Creek’ presents drawings, sculptures and experimental collaborations that honour work to rehabilitate the catchment and invite attention to the waterway’s possibility as a place of cultural/ecological flourishing.

Thursday 23 January until Sunday 16 February |

Sport

Workday Canberra International 2025

World-class tennis, local music, and more – this is the sporting event of the season.

This is a great opportunity to witness world-class tennis up close and personal, as the next generation of Grand Slam champions use the event as a launchpad for their 2025 season. The tournament will include the introduction of Kids Tennis Day, and a full schedule of free activities to keep the whole family entertained!

Until Saturday 4 January, 11 am – 8 pm | Canberra Tennis Centre, 3 Riggall Place, Lyneham | Book here.

UC Capitals v Geelong United

The UC Capitals look to kick off the new year with a bang as they take on the Geelong United!

Welcome the Geelong United to Canberra for the first time in their inaugural WNBL season and get ready as Canberra’s most successful aims to blow the roof off the AIS.

Sunday 5 January, 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm |

UC Capitals v Sydney Flames

Head along to watch the Canberra team as they take on the Sydney Flames.

With a 6.30 pm tip-off time, there’s no doubt sparks are set to fly.

Thursday 9 January, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm | AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | Book here.

UC Capitals v Adelaide Lightning

The Retro Round is coming to Canberra! In celebration of their 40th anniversary, the UC Capitals will be debuting their first-ever retro jersey inspired by the 1999/2000 bodysuit uniforms worn in their first-ever championship.

Be there as Jade Melbourne takes on her Olympic teammate, Izzy Borlase, and the Lightning at the AIS Arena.

Saturday 11 January, 3.30 pm – 5 pm |

CommBank Women’s Ashes 2nd T20I v England

The action continues at Manuka Oval with the second CommBank Women’s Ashes T20 International!

Don’t miss this epic showdown as world champion Australia faces England’s best.

Thursday 23 January |

Yoga in the Gardens

Looking for a moment of zen? The Hyatt Hotel is holding yoga in the Lavender Courtyard every Saturday morning.

You can relax and stretch in the peaceful surroundings of their elegant gardens (which are located off The Tea Lounge) as senior yoga instructor, Nandhini Nagaratnam takes you through a class that focuses on strength, flexibility, health, and wellbeing.

Just make sure to bring your own mat!

Until Saturday 25 January, 7 am – 8 am | Hyatt Hotel, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.

UC Capitals v Southside Flyers

The UC Capitals will be taking on reigning champions, the Southside Flyers in Round 13 of the Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season.

Expect a fierce battle with the Caps cavalry including Jade Melbourne, Nyadiew Puoch and US imports Nicole Munger and Charli Collier.

Saturday 25 January, 3 pm – 4.30 pm | AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | Book here.

UC Capitals v Sydney Flames

With only two home games remaining of the regular season, make sure you head to the AIS Arena to watch the UC Capitals take on the Sydney Flames.

With fun and games on and off the court, there’s no better way to spend your Thursday night.

Thursday 30 January, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm |

Workshops, Tours and Talks

Bulgarian Dance Workshops with Dr Gergana Panova

Dr Gergana Panova, a world-renowned choreographer and folk dance teacher, is coming to Canberra to present two workshops.

As a young person, Gergana danced as a soloist with the National Ensemble of Bulgaria. She then devoted herself to folk dance research as a professor at the Bulgarian Academy of Science. Gergana has given over 300 workshops in Bulgarian dance over four continents and now teaches at the Folkwang University in Essen, Germany. Talk about a way to start 2025!

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 January, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm | Folk Dance Canberra Hall, 114 Maitland Street, Hackett | Email folkdancecanberra@gmail.com for more information

Flow Cook Connect with Yoga and Ayurveda

Get a valuable introduction to holistic health concepts in the pursuit of your wellbeing at Flow Cook Connect with Holistic Yoga Teacher Tracey Murray.

Flow Cook Connect is a complete day of self-care offering a genuine, authentic, and holistic Yoga and Ayurveda experience. You’ll learn how Yoga and Ayurveda are connected, why the practices together are beneficial, why they are essential to bring balance, and how you can become your own healer.

Plus, you’ll get hands-on with Ayurvedic cooking practice, eat a nourishing balanced lunch that you’ve helped create, hear about the principles of nature and how diet and lifestyle choices impact you, and more!

Saturday 18 January, 8 am – 3 pm | Mandala Studio, 253 Northbourne Avenue, G06, Lyneham | Book here.

New Year, Renewed You: A Wellness Workshop

Start the year with intention at Guiltless Harbour’s transformative wellness workshop. Attendees will learn mindset techniques to build confidence and effective strategies for meaningful goal setting.

The workshop will also explore practical relaxation tools for stress management and ways to create a balanced work-life dynamic. Participants can engage in a vision board activity and enjoy complimentary food and drinks while connecting with like-minded individuals. By the end of the event, attendees will feel empowered and equipped with actionable steps to foster personal growth throughout the year.

Saturday 25 January, 11 am – 1.45 pm | Book here.

Building our nation: How migrants and their children have shaped Australia

Join Sonia Di Mezza, CEO of the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) in Canberra at the National Library of Australia, as she discusses how Australia was and is strengthened by migrants, and how important cultural diversity and inclusion are to modern day Australia.

Following the discussion in the Theatre, there will be light refreshments in the Foyer and a viewing of the Hopes and Fears: Australian Migration Stories exhibition. Entry is free to this event but bookings are essential.

Thursday 30 January, 6 pm – 8 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.

Feature image: AGB Creative & IIIShutter.

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