Stonefest, Australia’s biggest curated thrift market, the Urban Wine Walk, and so much more: all the inspiration you need for your week
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Somehow, we’re already midway through October, and things aren’t slowing down.
In fact, they’re speeding up. And with over 55 events happening across the week, you know you’ll be booked and busy Monday to Sunday.
Here’s your curated guide to what’s on in Canberra. Read on!
Special Events and Festivals
Anti-Poverty Week Community Forum
The St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn and ACTCOSS are co-hosting a community forum during Anti-Poverty Week.
In the free forum, representatives from ACT Greens, ACT Labor, Canberra Liberals, and Independents for Canberra will outline how their parties, if elected, plan to tackle poverty in the ACT amidst the growing impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, the housing affordability crisis, and climate crisis.
Monday 14 October, 11 am – 1 pm | Denman Village Community Centre, Denman | Register here.
Peter and the Starcatcher
The smash hit Broadway production and winner of five Tony Awards, Peter and the Starcatcher is coming to Canberra!
Originally developed by Disney Theatrical Group, before Neverland there was an island. Before Captain Hook, a moustachioed pirate. Before Wendy, her mother Molly. Before Peter, a nameless orphan. Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, traversing oceans of mystical mermaids, and lands of curious creatures, experience the joy of this theatrical spectacle and discover the untold story of Neverland.
Tuesday 15 until Sunday 27 October, 7.30 pm – 10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
QL2 Dance – Elemental – The Chaos Project 2024
Earth, air, fire, water, space – we are all made of stars.
Elemental features 43 young dance artists aged 8-17 in five short works created collaboratively with choreographers Max Burgess, Jason Pearce, Jahna Lugnan and Alice Lee Holland.
Friday 18 October, 6 pm; Saturday 19 October, 3 pm and 6 pm | Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | Tickets here
Stonefest 2024
Stonefest is back for another year and it promises an impressive local line-up as it returns with a double-stage to the University of Canberra Lawns.
Featuring Aria Award-winning TEENAGE DADS and MAY-A, alongside the magnetic beats of Mansionair (DJ), Great Gable, the Sydney-based all-woman rock band The Buoys, and Kitschen Boy, adding to the excitement, Stonefest ’24 will also host local talents like Lucy Sugerman, Zach Knows, Sonic Reducer, Jett Blyton, and captivating First Nations Singer-Songwriter Wallabindi. Message the group chat and rally your mates!
Saturday 19 October, 3.30 pm – 11.30 pm | University of Canberra, 1 Kirinari Street, Bruce | Book here.
Earth Science Week
Want to increase your understanding and awareness of the importance of Earth science and its value to daily life? Head along to Geoscience Australia!
Geoscience Australia has something for everyone this Earth Science Week, whether you want to host your own event, attend an event, or show your support online. It’s an exciting opportunity to deepen your understanding of the world and to discover how Earth Science really is everywhere!
Until Saturday 19 October | Geoscience Australia, 101 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | More information here.
Rural Fire Service Open Day
Googong’s annual Rural Fire Service Open Day is back to transform Bunyip Park as they bring out trucks, hoses, uniforms and other equipment to give the community firsthand insight into the work of local firefighters.
Meet the brigade, learn about their history, equipment, and the crucial role they play in keeping the community safe. And make the most of the interactive experiences, as well as live music, food stalls and entertainment!
Saturday 19 October, 10 am – 2 pm | Bunyip Park, Wellsvale Drive, Googong | More information here.
State Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
Consider yourself a pro at puzzles? This is the first ever State Jigsaw Puzzle Competition to be held in the ACT, hosted by the Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association!
Perfect for all ages and abilities, anyone who loves puzzling is invited to go along and compete for first prize. Compete in the pair or individual division (or both) and race to finish a 500-piece puzzle in the shortest amount of time. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. There are also spot prizes and raffle prizes to be won. It sounds like a fun day out!
Saturday 19 October | EPIC, Corner Northbourne Avenue and Flemington Road, Mitchell | Register here.
Queanbeyan Children’s Week 2024
To celebrate Children’s Week, different organisations in Queanbeyan are coming together to put on a fun-filled day at the park for young children!
There will be Aboriginal story time, nature play, stories, yoga, music, healthy snacks, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, sensory play, exploring native plants, craft time and more.
Saturday 19 October, 10 am – 1 pm | Queanbeyan Park | More information here.
St John’s Annual Community Fair
The St John’s Annual Community Fair is on with lots of fun for everyone!
Expect lots of activities for the kids (including a reptile display, pony rides, jumping castle and popular kids games), as well as things to see and do for the adults including live music, a medieval re-enactment, stalls, heritage tours, and so much more!
Saturday 19 October, 9 am – 2 pm | St John’s Anglican Church Canberra, 45 Constitution Avenue, Reid | stjohnscanberra.org/fair
The Queanbeyan-Palerang Arts Trail
The Queanbeyan-Palerang Arts Trail is a celebration of our local artistic talent in Braidwood, Bungendore, and Queanbeyan in the first three weekends in October! It’s the perfect excuse to hit the road and enjoy all that the region’s creatives have to offer, from beautiful ceramics to glassworks, paintings, textiles, jewellery and much, much more.
From pop-up gigs from groups such as The Gypsy Jazz Project to exploring the exceptional outdoor sculpture collection at Mona Farm, keep an eye on the website for updates and additions to the program.
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October | Various locations | More information here.
Fashion Thrift Society
Get ready for a delightful day filled with fashion, friends and festivities at Australia’s Biggest Curated Thrift Market!
With over 200 meticulously curated and unique vendors, each offering an extensive array of vintage and pre-loved clothing items, you’ll find everything from gender-neutral, contemporary fashion for men and women to plus-size attire, designer garments, handmade clothing, footwear, accessories, home décor, products from local businesses and art pieces. You’ll also find food trucks, a local DJ, a beauty booth for tooth gems and body piercings, a henna tattoo artist, nail bar, FTSTV interviews, free professional barber cuts and more.
Sunday 20 October, 10 am – 3 pm | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Road, Budawang Pavilion, Mitchell | More information here.
Sunday Funday at Viking Park
No plans this Sunday? Think again. Sunday Funday at Viking Park will have something to keep the whole family entertained.
With the Vikings Rugby and local Tuggeranong teams showcasing a wide range of sports for families to enjoy, the day will include activities including a jumping castle, sausage sizzle, and great prizes. And after a day of fun, attendees can enjoy a delicious meal at Erindale Vikings.
Sunday 20 October, 10 am – 2 pm | Viking Park, 4 Amsinck Street, Wanniassa | More information here.
Markets
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
Shaw Estate Tasting Night at Louis
Get ecited for a special evening as find dining darling Louis hosts Shaw Estate for the exclusive launch of their highly anticipated 2024 Riesling and 2023 Tempranillo.
Sip on Prosecco upon arrival and indulge in light canapés as you savour these exceptional wines during the tasting. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy some of the finest wines on the gorgeous Louis Terrace.
Wednesday 16 October, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm | 18 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
About Shakespeare Distilled with Archie Rose
This October, you can experience the best of both worlds. Hosted at the chic and colourful Monster Salon at Ovolo Nishi, join Archie Rose Brand Ambassador, Dan Ritchie, and Bell Shakespeare actors for a spirited evening exploring botanicals in Shakespeare, and a guided tasting of Archie Rose spirits.
Each ticket includes an Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin and tonic on arrival, a guided tasting of five different Archie Rose spirits, paired with performances by Bell Shakespeare artists; a delectable array of canapes from the cutting-edge team at Monster Kitchen, and a 200ml bottle of Archie Rose & Bell Shakespeare tailored gin to take home with you, featuring chamomile, waxflower and river mint created exclusively for this event.
Thursday 17 October, 6.30 pm | Monster Salon, Ovolo Nishi, Acton | Book here.
Wine Meets Design
This is a unique carnival of creativity, regional wines, and captivating live performers at Dirty Janes!
You’ll sip local wines while you take in unforgettable live acts, wander through the wide variety of art on display in the stallholder’s beautiful spaces and enjoy exclusive shopping in the store’s lamp-lit ambiance as dusk settles in. It’s perfect for wine and art lovers.
Friday 18 October, 6 pm – 9 pm | Dirty Janes Canberra, 80 Collie Street, Fyshwick | Book here.
Gin Tasting Cruise
Delight your senses with a range of exceptional gins as your cruise around Lake Burley Griffin!
Join an evening filled with fun and laughs, and the opportunity to indulge in the creations of Hold Fast Distillery, as you sip away, learning about its history and production. As well as trying everything from the Sea Breeze Gin to the Christmas Gin, you will also receive a delicious individual grazing box and a bottle of water. Don’t miss out on this gin-tastic adventure!
Friday 18 October, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm | Canberra Cruises and Parties, 8 Trevillian Quay, Jetty 4, Kingston | Book here.
Urban Wine Walk Canberra
The streets and laneways of Canberra will come alive this spring as a line-up of venues transforms into an Urban Cellar Door for you to visit on a self-guided trail.
You read that right. But how does it work? Simply decide which venue you’d like to start from and you’re off! Choose your own adventure as you and your friends move from venue to venue tasting delicious wines thanks to the incredible line-up of Australian winemakers.
Saturday 19 October, 12 pm – 4 pm | Various locations | Book here.
Canberra International Riesling Challenge
This is the largest single varietal wine show in the Southern Hemisphere, annually assembling one of the largest collection of Rieslings in the world.
Allowing members of the trade and the public to taste over 400 Rieslings drawn from all of the major Riesling producing regions of the world (including Australia, Europe, North America and New Zealand) from dry crisp young Riesling, to luscious Ice Wines and desert wines, trophy and medal winners, Riesling in all its glory will be available. See you there?
Saturday 19 October, 11 am – 3 pm | Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | 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.
Stage and Screen
Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2024
From the heart-warming to the tear-jerking and hair-raising, Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns to Canberra with a standout selection!
Head along to watch ten fresh feature films from Japan and a free retrospective Special Series celebrating the works of the trailblazing filmmaker Shohei Imamura.
Until Tuesday 15 October | Palace Electric Cinemas, 2 Phillip Law Street, City | Book here.
Third Run Cinema
After a debut/test season in Cahoots Lab last year, Hannah de Feyter’s ‘Third Run Cinema’ returns to the Juliet Room above Verity Lane Market in October, as part of Canberra Art Biennial.
This temporary microcinema prioritises programming experimental, arthouse and classic world films that are otherwise unavailable to view or stream (legally) in Australia, and screening them in a cosy and accessible context. With four screenings taking place in total (Tuesday 1, 8, 15 and 22 October), film buffs won’t want to miss this.
Tuesday 15 October, 6.30 pm | Sydney Building, 50 Northbourne Avenue, City | Book here.
Alive
Woden Valley Gymnastics Club and PCYC Queanbeyan present ‘Alive’ a production by the Regional Danish Performance Team.
Head along to see performance gymnastics (a discipline of gymnastics that is extremely popular in Europe) at their best as they wow you with contemporary dance and high-level tumbling. The Regional Danish Performance Team is comprised of 40 talented gymnasts and dancers, who will draw you into this immersive experience.
Wednesday 16 October, 6.30 pm | Collegians Centre, Radford College, Bruce | Book here.
Only Everything
Written by two Canberra locals, Only Everything is a profound musical “dramedy” that weaves a tale of love, second chances, and the intricate dynamics of blending families.
Inspired by its creators’ true stories, watch as the show delves deep into the emotional landscape of two souls seeking connection amidst the trials of their personal histories. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll leave believing in the power of love.
Thursday 17 until Saturday 26 October, 8 pm – 10.15 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
8 Women
Eight women. Each is a suspect. One of them must be guilty. Which one is it?
Winner of the Hachette Prix du Quai des Orfevres for Best Play, Robert Thomas’ play 8 Femmes (8 Women) is one of the most popular plays in his native France. Part comedy, part murder-mystery, the action centres around eight women who may or may not have killed someone. Comedic situations arise with the revelations of dark family secrets.
Until Saturday 19 October, 7.30 pm – 10 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
The Boy From Oz
A local Canberra production of the hit musical ‘The Boy from Oz’ will be hitting the stage at The Q, showing audiences Australia’s most successful musical ever, and the first to make it to Broadway. The musical biography/tribute to the late great Peter Allen is based on the book by Nick Enright with music and Lyrics by Martin Sherman.
Telling the extraordinary story of legendary singer/songwriter Peter Allen – from his birth in 1944 in Tenterfield, NSW and humble beginnings growing up in rural Armidale to his meteoric rise to fame as an international star – book tickets ASAP.
Until Sunday 20 October | Q Theatre, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Rockspeare Henry Sixth Part Two
Did you catch the first part of the Wars of the Roses tetralogy, Rockspeare Henry Sixth Part One in October 2023? Part Two is in the same universe where the music inherent in Shakespeare’s poetry is amplified with an original soundscape.
Kicking off with King Henry’s marriage to the penniless Margaret and the English court’s reaction, watch in awe as this historical play is recast as political dramas in a rock, steampunk world.
Until Saturday 26 October, 7.39 pm – 9.30 pm | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors was one of the longest-running Off-Broadway hits, that’s has been delighting audiences all around the world for decades.
A hilarious comedy rock musical about a meek and mild florist shop assistant, Seymour Krelborn, who raises a blood eating, R&B singing, foul-mouthed plant he names Audrey II, after the co-worker he is secretly in love with, don’t miss this fun, funny and rocking adventure!
Until Saturday 26 October | 23 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin | Book here.
The Inheritance
Performed in two parts and inspired by E. M. Forster’s beloved novel Howard’s End, The Inheritance is an epic examination of survival, healing, class divide, and what it means to call a place home.
Asking the questions ‘What does one generation of the queer community owe to the next?’ and ‘And what are the responsibilities to those who came before?’, this is a unique opportunity to see this multiple award winning play.
Until Saturday 2 November, 7.30 pm – 10.30 pm | ACT Hub, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | Book here.
Music
Herbie Hancock
With a career spanning seven decades and a staggering 14 GRAMMY awards, few artists have had more influence on modern music than Herbie Hancock.
This is an opportunity not to be missed – join this icon of modern music as he takes to the stage in Canberra this October.
Monday 14 October, 7 pm – 9 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
A Child’s Dream | Alexandra Dariescu at Snow Concert Hall
This trailblazing British/Hungarian pianist champions lesser-known composers, particularly female composers in this fascinating programme titled A Child’s Dream.
Previously performing with eminent orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National de France and Oslo Philharmonic, A Child’s Dream is connected to the 30th anniversary of Alexandra Dariescu’s début concert and is a captivating anthology of pieces and dear to this outstanding piano prodigy’s heart.
Wednesday 16 October, 7 pm – 9 pm | Snow Concert Hall, Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.
Melodic Gems
Don’t miss accomplished Canberra pianist Stuart Long at the Wesley Music Centre!
He will be performing beautiful works for solo piano by Beethoven, Grieg and Fauré.
Wednesday 16 October, 12.40 pm – 1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Superstars Live – Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano
All their hits from Jesus Christ Superstar and more!
32 years after the unrivalled success of the 1992 Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar, original cast members Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano are together again sharing the stage for a night of spine-tingling hits from the smash hit musical that made them household names.
Wednesday 16 October, 7 pm – 9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Canberra Blues Society presents Bondi Cigars with special guest support Divine Devilles
This award-winning quartet has well and truly established themselves into Australia’s musical heart since forming in 1989.
Head along to hear the Australian Blues and Roots band for yourself, supported by singer/songwriters/musicians, Ali Penney and Dorothy-Jane Gosper, AKA the Divine Devilles.
Friday 18 October, 7 pm – 11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Live at the NFSA | Robin Fox: Triptych
This is a magical combination of electronic music and audiovisual mechanical synaesthesia.
Head along to see the latest work from Australian artist and composer Robin Fox – a marriage of sound and light, using custom-built hardware to create simultaneous sound from laser projections. , This immersive audiovisual experience is not to be missed.
Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October, 7.30 pm – 8.15 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Smiths@ Belco: Vince Jones
Australia’s legendary leading Jazz vocalist Vince Jones is playing at Smiths@ Belco!
This will be an evening filled with memories and emotions from the man that brought you the iconic double platinum soundtrack ‘Come In Spinner’ (from the ABC TV series) ‘You Go to My Head’ ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, and more.
Saturday 19 October, 7 pm – 10 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Exhibitions
2024 Annual Members Exhibition
The Craft + Design Canberra annual members exhibition is back!
Showcasing contemporary expressions of craft and design uniting time-honoured techniques with modern interpretations, it’s a wonderful demonstration of the trends in contemporary craft and design in Australia by practitioners from the ACT and surrounding region.
Until Saturday 19 October | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, City | More information here.
ASOC Spring Exhibition 2024
This is the annual exhibition of the Artists Society of Canberra (ASOC), a registered not-for-profit organisation encouraging the practice and appreciation of the visual arts in Canberra and the surrounding region.
Head along to see this year’s exhibition and sale at the Fitters Workshop Gallery in Kingston, right next to the Old Bus Depot Markets!
Saturday 19 until Sunday 27 October | Fitters Workshop Gallery, Printers Way, Kingston | More information here.
Adorable Salvage
This exclusive pop-up exhibition gives visitors the chance to explore and purchase a range of quirky animal and character sculptures made from repurposed materials. Developed during the COVID lockdowns, Ralph and Leisa Fox have been collecting and recycling items that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
Finding shape and beauty in each piece, they have used stainless-steel kitchen elements and other bric-a-brac to create original, one-of-a-kind sculptures with bold personalities. Don’t miss the chance to snap up one of these wonderful creations!
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October, 10 am – 4 pm | 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan | Book here
Hanging By A Thread – Mosaics For Afghan Women
Part of the Hanging by a Thread project, this project aims to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women and girls and involves over 1,200 experienced and amateur mosaic artists from 46 countries.
Brining together mosaics from SA, VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS, WA and New Zealand undertaken by communities during the 2022 International Year of Glass, each artist has made a small segment of glass mosaic, which is being joined together to create a series of giant scarfs.
Until Sunday 20 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
The Places We Inhabit: Vessels from the Villages
This is an immersive journey through the rugged and beautiful landscape surrounding the ACT, through the eyes of the artists who live and make there.
Coming together from the landscapes and villages of Braidwood, Sutton, Bungendore, Collector and Gundaroo, and the beautiful places in between, you’ll see diverse and beautiful ceramics forms. Whether it’s the earthy reds of local clays, the imprints of the non-human world on pure white porcelain, or the distinctive softness of a wood-fired vessel, each piece bears the distinct imprint of the place these artists call home.
Until Sunday 20 October, 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday and 11 am – 3 pm, Sunday | 1 Aspinall Street, Watson |More information here.
Seasons – Solo Exhibition by Roger Beale AO
Roger Beale is one of Canberra’s better-known artists with numerous solo and group shows since 1984. In this exhibition, he shows the persistence and beauty of nature through seasonal change while acknowledging the transience of our own lives.
A metaphor for human resilience and hope, every painting in this series tells a story – ranging from moody, but hopeful, to outrageously joyous.
Until Sunday 20 October, 10 am – 4 pm | Humble House gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | More information here.
Landscape and Memory
Since graduating from the Canberra School of Art in 1991, Hiscock has established herself as a prominent Australian artist, best known for her evocative landscapes. Now based in Sydney, Hiscock has lived and exhibited widely in Australia and abroad.
Head along to see ethereal landscapes rendered in watercolour and gouache, presenting mood and light through a range of sepia tones in her compositions. She will also be launching her first publication of works for this exhibition, which will undoubtedly become a collector’s edition!
Until Sunday 20 October, open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm | 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
LOOKS
Patrick Morison’s solo exhibition reflects his fondness of human forms and faces.
Morison’s process involves sketching and layering paint, using a minimal colour palette and abstracted forms to reflect the emotions of his chosen subjects. In this exhbition, you’ll see bold but limited use of colour.
Until Sunday 20 October, open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm | 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan | Book here
Bird Guides | Jorji Gardener
This is a solo exhibition by Jorji Gardener. Highlighting ecological relationships by connecting you with birds and their habitat, this exhibition bears witness to habitat and bird species loss fostering a renewed sense of caring for country.
Until Sunday 27 October | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Foundation Traces | Nick Offer
Nick Offer is a figurative painter whose practice has recently expanded to landscape.
His first solo show since 2022, Foundation Traces addresses his current interest in landscape as a record of human activity. You’ll see six large landscapes, focussing on the remains of the NASA Space Tracking Station in the Orroral Valley, depicting various aspects of the ruins of the former station and investigate its incongruous presence within the natural arena of the valley.
Until Sunday 27 October | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Position x Perspective = Perception | Benni Phillips-Nozdrachev
This solo exhibition by Phillips-Nozdrachev presents miniaturised, reconstructed worlds as large-scale installations.
Reflecting time spent walking alone through forests in Finland, Germany and the Snowy Mountains over the past 11 years, the concept is by collecting and documenting physical, mental and spiritual materials, objects become past, present and future marks of time, translated by environmental consciousness into multidimensional habitats.
Until Sunday 27 October | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Garden Promenade
Featuring textile works by Sharon Peoples, this exhibition speculates on what could have been if Sarah Sophia Banks had travelled to Australia instead of only her brother, Sir Joseph Banks.
Sarah Sophia Banks spent much of her time advancing Joseph’s career while building her own priceless collection of coins, medals, visiting cards, satirical prints and print ephemera. She had an ‘eyebrow-raising fashion sense’ and was often described as a ‘fashion whip’. Artist Sharon Peoples focuses on motifs of plants collected by Sir Joseph Banks, such as flannel flowers, grevilleas and banksias using the live collection of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Until Tuesday 29 October, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Visitor Centre Gallery, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | More information here.
Island Hopping: A Solo Show by Jeffrey Sarmiento
Known for his creative practice exploring cultural identity and the graphic image in glass, Jeffrey Sarmiento embeds layers of information in his intricately constructed objects, sculptures and public commissions.
An expert in kiln formed and digital fabricated glass, he uses cutting and pasting of printed glass lenticular imagery and within the transparent medium, allowing imagery to swim within the pieces. Head along to the Canberra Glassworks to see his work, which helps him to expose complex narratives and create new ways of seeing.
Until Sunday 15 December, 10 am – 4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Mythica Ignota: Solo Exhibition by Elliat Rich
Showcasing new work developed during Elliat Rich’s residency at Canberra Glassworks throughout 2024, Mythica Ignota uses mythology as a framework to nest scientific observation and more-than-human orientated values with artefact and narrative.
Curated by Aimee Frodsham, in this exhibition Alice Springs designer Elliat Rich taps into ancient and future ways of seeing the world.
Until Sunday 15 December, 10 am – 4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Sport
2024 Australian Mountain Bike Orienteering Carnival and Championships
This is expected to be the largest Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships and Carnival in Australian history.
Taking place in and around Canberra on the rich and beautiful land of Ngunnawal People, a palette of different terrains have been prepared to ensure that riders will experience a wide variety of spectacular landscapes, amazing parks and the most scenic mountain bike areas.
Thursday 17 until Sunday 20 October | Various locations | More information here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Murrulangalang Story Time
Dive into the world of storytelling, imagination, and discovery as the National Archives of Australia bring tales to life through interactive storytelling sessions
Ideal for children aged zero to six, bring them along for a fun, engaging and educational morning out every Wednesday. They’ll hear a story, act it out, sing a song, and join a scavenger hunt to help find Archie the cat hiding somewhere in the East Block building!
Wednesday 16 October, 10 am – 11 am | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
Carnival of the Animals
This is a free family workshop for animal lovers! From the fabulous fairy wren to the spiky echidna, the bouncing kangaroo to the elusive spotted quoll, an indigenous animal parade is coming to the Celebrate Gungahlin Festival.
You’ll have the opportunity to create costumes props, banners, flags and decorations that reflect your own inner wild animal and your connection to the environment we all share. You can drop in to a single workshop, or come along for multiple sessions to keep building and refining your creations. The workshops are suitable for ages four and up, and children must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.
Saturday 19 October, 9 am – 12 pm | Gunners Place, 8 Gribble Street, Gungahlin | Book here.
Garden Promenade – Embroidered Book Workshop
This adult workshop is for those with little experience of stitching through to more advanced embroiderers.
Head along to the Australian National Botanic Gardens to join local artist Sharon Peoples as she takes you through the process of creating a small ‘pocket book’ and decorate the cover with embroidered flowers based on the live collection of plants at the gardens. You will need to bring along scissors, pen and paper but everything else is supplied!
Saturday 19 October, 10 am – 4 pm | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Dickson Room, Acton | Book here.
A Conversation with Tim Minchin
Spend an evening in the company of internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter, musician, actor, writer and comedian Tim Minchin as he celebrates the publication of his first non-fiction book, You Don’t Have to Have a Dream
You’ll hear Tim share his inimitable thoughts and advice on life, art, success, kindness, love and thriving in a meaningless universe.
Saturday 19 October, 2 pm – 3.50 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Young Rangers Program
This is a program for young nature enthusiasts between the ages of seven and 15 who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the natural environment!
Attendees will join a Ranger or other special guests, to explore a variety of nature-based topics, make friends, and ask as many questions as they like. To see what’s coming up, visit the website and get booking.
Saturday 20 October, 10 am – 12 pm | Jerrabomberra Wetlands Office, 2 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Paint and Sip Cruise
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon as you set sail on the serene waters of Lake Burley Griffin for a one-time-only Paint and Sip Cruise. This event is the perfect blend of creativity, relaxation, and breathtaking views.
Channel your inner artist and paint a beautiful sunset landscape of the lake itself, guided by the expert team from Pinot and Picasso while taking in the stunning scenery and iconic landmarks, sipping on a glass of wine and indulging in a grazing box.
Sunday 20 October, 1 pm – 5 pm | Canberra Cruises and Parties, 8 Trevillian Quay, Jetty 4, Kingston | Book here.
In Conversation with Johann Hari
Join The New York Times best-selling author Johann Hari as he speaks in-depth with A Life Of Greatness host Sarah Grynberg live for their conversation on his book Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention.
It’s a unique opportunity to witness Hari on stage as he offersinsights on reclaiming focus and supporting youth amidst today’s digital age, emphasising a balanced approach to technology. Promising an engaging deep dive into Hari’s findings, followed by interactive Q&A sessions, don’t miss this opportunity to rethink focus in a modern world!
Sunday 20 October, 7.30 pm – 9 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Dream Procession Giant Puppet Making Workshops
The whole family can enjoy some free fun, in four three-hour community workshops with artists Julia Higgs and Tom Buckland. Participants of TAC’s Giant Puppet Making Workshops will co-create large, brightly coloured puppets.
Taking inspiration from the bird and botanical life of the park to create the characters, you’ll work with the artists to build the armatures and then collaboratively, decorate, paper-mache and paint the puppets. At the completion of these workshops, you can also become a puppeteer and participate in a free public performance in Eddison Park!
Sunday 20 October, 10 am – 1 pm | Eddison Park, Woden | More information here.
Localjinni’s Moonwalks
Do you love cities at night but don’t like walking alone? This is the event for you.
Re-imagine the National Triangle on this walking film and sound show, created by local artists and inspired by urban play. You’ll enjoy alternative art-activism and histories as you see projections re-skinning architecture, sculpture and conjuring creative landscapes.
Sunday 20 October, 7 pm – 8.30 pm | Walk begins and ends at Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Feature image: Lucy Sugerman. Image supplied.
