The Forage, the Sly Fox Market, La Fiesta and more – this weekend, there’s plenty to do in Canberra
Posted on
For those looking for something to do in Canberra this weekend, we have some good news: there are endless options.
From eating your way through the Forage to exploring Sly Fox Market, and enjoying Canberra’s Latin American festival, there’s sure to be something for you to enjoy. Read on for your bumper guide!
Special events + festivals
Sly Fox Market
The Sly Fox Market is back for another weekend! You’ll find locally made everything, from food to fashion.
Taking place on the bike path between MacArthur Avenue and David Street in O’Connor, you’ll also find plenty of pre-loved goodies, coffee, and delicious eats.
Saturday 9 November, 10 am – 3 pm | The bike path between MacArthur Avenue and David Street in O’Connor. GoogleMaps pin here | More information here.
La Fiesta
This is Canberra’s Latin American festival! Bringing the City Centre to life with the art, sounds, and flavours of Latin America, there’s plenty happening.
Full of energy, music, food, and art, make sure to check out the live music and dance performances, Latin American cuisine, and an exhibition of Latin American art.
Saturday 9 November, 3 pm – 10 pm | Latin American Plaza, 38 Childers Street, City | More information here.
Government House Open Day
This is an event the whole family will enjoy.
Enjoy the beautiful gardens, tour the House and explore one of the most historic properties in Australia. Pack a picnic or grab something from the sausage sizzle and local coffee vendors and make a day of it.
Saturday 9 November, 10 am – 2 pm | Government House, Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla | More information here.
Santa’s arrival at Westfield Woden
We hope you’ve been good because Santa Claus is coming to town this Saturday!
The jolly man in red has called in some special helpers to make this year’s parade the most magical yet. Bring the festivities this Christmas! Take your place along the parade route and get ready for our merry friends to spread the Christmas cheer.
Santa and his merry friends will sing and dance their way through the centre before arriving at Santa’s big red chair, located on level 1 near David Jones.
Saturday 9 November, 11 am | Westfield Woden, Beginning near the Food Court on Level 1 and ending at Santa’s Chair located outside David Jones on level 1 | More information here.
Celebrating a decade of Cabaret in Queanbeyan
Local Pro/Am dance company Kix Arts Productions is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an enchanting evening of glamour and artistry at Mémoire Décadente, a cabaret soirée honouring a decade of performances in Canberra and the region!
Promising a night of elegance, energy, and entertainment, the line-up includes the beloved High Kix Cabaret and Tap Kix performances, alongside special guest performers and returning artists. Also, there will be complimentary cake and champagne!
Saturday 9 November, 7.30 pm – 10.30 pm | Highlight Theatrette, Bom Funk Dance Studio, 5 High Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo
This is Australia’s largest and the world’s longest running early parenting event!
Showcasing big brands, best prices, expert talks and classes from their resident midwife and parenting professionals, along with all the latest innovations under one roof, it offers the chance to touch and try before you buy. Discover all you need to know from bump to birth and beyond!
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November, 10 am – 3 pm | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Exhibition Park, Budawang Building, Mitchell | Book here.
Breaking The Stigma
Born To Shine Organisation is hosting Breaking The Stigma: Navigating the Future: Embracing Mental Health Conversations, Career Guidance for Youth and Financial Empowerment – an event dedicated to the well-being and future of the youth. This event will focus on critical aspects of a young person’s life: mental health, career guidance and financial empowerment.
Participants will gain valuable insights into maintaining mental well-being during pivotal years and equip themselves with tools and knowledge to guide your career decisions.
Saturday 9 November at 10:30 am | Lanyon Vikings, Heidelberg Street, Conder | Find out more at borntoshineinc.com
A Vegan State Of Mind
Live music, market stalls, guest speakers and family-friendly activities – this event has something for everyone.
Hosted by Between The Lines Events, A Vegan State Of Mind is a plant-based symposium and market. Aiming to inspire you to live a kinder and more compassionate life by choosing products and foods that have a positive impact upon yourself, wildlife, and precious Earth, head along to see what it’s all about.
Sunday 10 November, 10 am – 6 pm | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | More information here.
Jewel of Canberra
If you’re serious about silver, go gaga over gold, or just love your shiny stones, this is the event for you.
Browse the many jewellery stalls and find a unique handcrafted piece that you won’t find in the major stores, browse earrings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, pendants, cufflinks, brooches, rings and more and go home with a new treasure.
Sunday 10 November, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Sunday Session launching the Microforest Collective
The Microforest Collective is a newly established not-for-profit organisation. Officially launching on Sunday 10 November, the whole family is invited to attend a day filled with live music, food trucks, and local artist stalls.
Tickets are free, but donations are encouraged to help cover costs, with all proceeds going to support The Microforest Collective’s future projects.
Sunday 10 November, 2 pm – 5 pm | Watson Microforest, Wade Street, Watson | Book here.
Play Day at Dairy Road
Play Day is back at Dairy Road in the LESS Garden! Take the family along to enjoy entertainment and free play with water instruments, bubbles, toys and tunnels.
Each session includes special performances from both local and visiting performers, delivering acts such as puppetry, cabaret, dance, live music, comedy and circus.
Sunday 10 November, 12 pm – 4 pm | Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | More information here.
2024 Craft + Design Canberra Festival
It’s the 10th year of the Craft + Design Canberra Festival, and there’s plenty to see and do. Connecting Canberra’s community with over 500 artists, craftspeople, designers and architects, the 2024 Festival advocates for design thinking, collaboration and making by hand to generate innovation and solve problems, providing hope for the future.
With a theme of Regenerate, the program of events includes exhibitions, talks, tours, activations, open studios and workshops responding to the festival theme and celebrating Canberra as a creative capital and a global city of design.
Until Saturday 30 November | Various locations | More information here.
SpringOUT Pride Festival
Celebrating Australia’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly city and Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community in all its fabulous diversity, it’s time to SpringOUT with ‘PRIDE in the Capital’ on their 25th anniversary!
Held throughout November, the festival showcases a diverse array of events that celebrate Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community. With an event for every budget (including free and low-cost events), there’s no excuse to miss out. Make sure to check out the full programme!
Until Sunday 1 December | Various locations | 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
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.
From Saturday 9 November and every Saturday after, with sittings at 12 pm and 12.30 pm | 1 London Circuit, City | Book here.
The Forage
It’s back baby! Popping up at Mount Majura Vineyard, head along for a lovely spring afternoon enjoying some of Canberra’s best street food and beverages.
Saturday 9 November, 12 pm – 7 pm | Mount Majura Vineyard, 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | Book here.
Spring Soiree at Pialligo Fields
Head along to Pialligo Estate for the exclusive opening of their Spring Soiree High Tea at Pialligo Fields!
Promising an afternoon of charm, and garden views, your ticket includes champagne on arrival, bottomless tea and house made treats – including cakes, scones, and sandwiches. Plus, you’ll have access to their Spritz Bar (Aperol and Limoncello cocktails will be available at additional cost) while you enjoy live music, lawn games, and floral styling (for that perfect photo op).
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November, from 12 pm | 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Flutter! All Killer – No Filler
From one of Sydney’s premier circus entertainers, Heidi Hoops Hillier, Flutter is a fun, funny, sexy, interactive, wholly entertaining and escapist show.
With rave reviews and a sold-out debut, it sounds like a must see. Get ready for a hilarious night of illusion, escape, comedy, circus, connection, and most importantly… love.
Friday 8 and Saturday 9 November, 6 pm – 7 pm | Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, City | Book here.
Waru
This is Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children!
A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for three to seven year-olds. Join the small turtle Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival.
Until Saturday 9 November, 10.30 am – 11.15 am | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Steve Hughes @ The Baso
Australian comedic legend Steve Hughes is back with a bang!
Coming to Canberra for one night only, he’ll be sharing his unique insight. Run, don’t walk.
Saturday 9 November, 7 pm – 9 pm | The Baso Canberra, 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen | Book here.
Chris Ryan Special Filming — Good-O
Don’t miss this live filming of Chris Ryan’s 2024 Festival show, Good-O!
Filming the same show, back to back (in case she stuffs anything up), you can go to one or both shows to see Chris in action. It’s a great opportunity to support this homegrown comedian.
Saturday 9 November, 4.30 pm – 7 pm | Fun Time Pony, 122 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.
Saturday 9 until Sunday 24 November, 7.30 pm – 9.45 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.
Music
Musica Alchemica
Meet Lina Tur Bonet, the fearless virtuoso and musical imaginista.
Regarded as one of the most exciting violinists of her generation, she’s making her Australian debut with Musica Alchemica, a hand-picked ensemble who brings fiery honesty and endless invention to works by Corelli, Telemann, Biber and other jewels of the Baroque.
Saturday 9 November, 7 pm – 9.30 pm | Llewellyn Hall, 100 William Herbert Place, City | Book here.
Emma Memma: Boop & Twirl
ARIA award-winning children’s musical spectacular, Emma Memma is bringing her big, bright, orange Butterfly Bus on tour to Canberra and parents better get excited.
Coming to sing, dance and sign with her friends, Elvin Melvin, BB Butterfly, Waffles the Wombat and their favourite Memma Mates, families will be treated to a sprinkling of Emma Memma’s classic songs as well as new favourites. Make sure to dress in Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin’s favourite colours!
Saturday 9 November, 10 am – 11 am | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Exhibitions
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.
Life of a CBRn
This is an experiential timeline of a Canberran’s life and how UC research has interacted with or impacted them at different stages across their life.
Visit the pop-up exhibition to explore how research has shaped the lives of Canberrans. Across the month of November, the pop-up exhibition will also be a hub of research storytelling and engagement activities!
Until Thursday 28 November | Ground Floor Foyer, outside the Dangerfield and LEGO stores (next to Bunda Street), Canberra Centre | More information here.
Canberra Potters 2024 Members’ Exhibition
The Canberra Potters Members’ Exhibition is back for another year.
This showcase features ceramic works crafted by our members over the past year, celebrating their commitment to exploring and expanding the boundaries of this ancient art form. You’ll see a wide variety of pieces, from delicate porcelain vessels to striking hand-built sculptures and everything in between.
Until Sunday 1 December | Canberra Potters Gallery, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | More information here.
Megalo Wayzgoose
Megalo Print Studio’s Megalo Wayzgoose exhibition will bring together over 100 artworks by more than 50 contemporary printmakers from across ACT, NSW, SA, Victoria and Tasmania.
If you’ve never heard of a wayzgoose before, it’s an annual printmakers’ tradition dating back to the mid-1700s when a printing house would have an event to celebrate the printers’ work. This exhibition features artists from across Australia who are working with print in its multiplicitous forms:
Until Saturday 14 December | Megalo Print Studio, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | megalo.org
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.
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
The Bloody Long Walk
This is a 35km challenge from Red Hill to Reconciliation Park, raising money to find cures for mitochondrial disease (mito).
Mito is a debilitating and potentially fatal genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to convert food into the energy needed to power muscles and major organs. One Australian child born each week suffers a severe or life-threatening form of mito making it the second most commonly diagnosed serious genetic disease after cystic fibrosis. Walk, jog or run and enjoy spectacular scenery whilst raising vital funds.
Sunday 10 November, 7 am – 4.30 pm | Red Hill | Register here.
Poetry of Spring – Long Forest Walk
Experience the forests of the Arboretum through poetry and a leisurely walk.
During the two hour experience you will appreciate the trees from a poetic and botanic perspective and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of the forests. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear appropriate shoes!
Sunday 10 November, 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Visitors Centre | Book here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Dog Beach book launch: Tales and tails with Story Dogs
Join the National Library and Story Dogs for a family day to celebrate the launch of the Library’s latest picture book Dog Beach!
You’ll sit in on a Story Dog reading circle, hear from the author and illustrator of Dog Beach and participate in puppy-themed activities.
Saturday 9 November, 10 am – 2 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes |Book here.
