200+ reasons to get out and about in Canberra this August

Posted on 29 July, 2026

Either we can’t count, or Canberra has 200 events happening this month.

That’s right, winter in Canberra is turning up the heat and August is stacked with reasons to unzip the puffer jacket and step out – think cosy fireside dates, world-class theatre, epic food and drink festivals, and live comedy that’ll warm you right up.

Whether you’re a total culture seeker, a hardcore foodie, or just looking for something fresh to do with friends this weekend, we’ve rounded up the very best events taking over Canberra this month. Dive into your ultimate August lineup!

Don’t miss…

Young at Heart – Exhibition Opening

Celebrate midlife women through an immersive exhibition exploring identity, confidence, and self-worth as bodies change and roles evolve. Created alongside the artist’s mother and informed by real interviews, Young at Heart uses painting, mixed media, and installation to highlight often-overlooked conversations. Doubling as a fundraiser for the Butterfly Foundation, the event raises awareness and support for eating disorders in middle-aged women. The opening night features VIP early access with a guided artist tour and refreshments starting from 5:00 pm, followed by the main public event. It offers a warm, community-driven evening supporting an important cause.

Wednesday 5 August, 6 pm | The Q Foyer, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

Diamond

Liz Lea presents Diamond, a one-woman show blending contemporary dance, song, cabaret, and burlesque, in its world premiere season at The Q. Inspired by the enduring strength and many facets of a diamond, the work reflects on the experience of ageing, exploring the resilience, courage, and beauty of women through movement, humour, and heartfelt transformation. The second in a trilogy – following RED, which toured internationally for five years – Diamond sees Lea joined by special guests in this season presented by Q the Locals. Auslan interpretation is available for Saturday performances; audio description for Friday and Saturday.

Thursday 6 until Saturday 8 August | The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre | theq.net.au/whats-on/diamond

CBR Indie Comics and Zine Fair

Discover local artistic talent as Civic Art Bureau and Sticky Beak Comics Magazine team up for a celebration of independent print culture. This lively fair features dozens of stalls loaded with unique self-published zines, original comic books, and hand-crafted paper goods from Canberra makers and visiting artists. Beyond browsing the vibrant market tables, visitors can enjoy insightful creator talks and live musical performances throughout the afternoon. It offers a warm, creative space to meet local illustrators, pick up one-of-a-kind art pieces, and celebrate community storytelling. Drop by for a relaxed afternoon celebrating independent art in the city.

Saturday 8 August, 3 pm–8 pm | Civic Art Bureau / Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Level 1, City | civicartbureau.com

Fashion Thrift Society Canberra

Style enthusiasts and vintage seekers can rejoice as the Fashion Thrift Society arrives in Canberra for a vibrant celebration of pre-loved fashion. This massive marketplace gathers independent sellers, local artisans, and curated vintage stalls offering one-of-a-kind wardrobe treasures. Beyond shopping, attendees can enjoy non-stop DJ sets, permanent jewelry stalls, tooth gem stations, tarot readings, and beauty activations. Food trucks serve tasty global bites throughout the day, creating an electric festival atmosphere centered on sustainable style and creative expression. Gather your best mates and explore thousands of unique fashion finds under one roof.

Saturday 8 August, 10 am–3 pm | EPIC – Coorong Building, Lyneham | fashionthriftsociety.com.au

Fireside Festival 2026

It is time to start stoking the fires for the highly anticipated return of the region’s premier winter celebration. The 2026 Fireside Festival, presented by the Canberra District Wine Industry Association, is a multi-week celebration packed with diverse and captivating events designed to ignite the senses. Wine lovers can venture out to regional vineyards and venues to indulge in luxurious truffle dinners, warming mulled wine, exclusive Chef dinners, food pairings, mini wine festivals, and cozy bonfires. Picture fresh, crisp days, the sounds of live music drifting through the vines, a glass of exceptional local red in hand, and something slow-cooked and delicious on your plate by the glow of a nearby fire.

Friday 24 July until Sunday 9 August | Various regional venues and wineries | canberrawines.com.au

Winter in the Woods

Step into a magical seasonal escape at the National Arboretum Canberra with the inaugural Winter in the Woods festival. This exciting new celebration brings together firelight, food, and forest adventures designed to warm the soul even on the crispest winter days. Visitors can explore a fantastic mix of free, self-guided activities, alongside a curated program of bookable workshops, guided tours, and First Nations-led experiences. It is the perfect excuse to rug up, gather around the crackling fire pits, and enjoy delicious treats from the outdoor food hub during the school holidays.

Until Sunday 9 August | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

Heathers the Musical

Direct from West End and Broadway success, the wickedly entertaining Heathers the Musical arrives in Canberra to light up the stage. Based on the cult classic film, this dark comedy follows Veronica Sawyer as she navigates the perilous social hierarchy of Westerberg High. When she catches the eye of the mysterious rebel J.D., popularity quickly becomes a matter of life and death. Packed with sharp wit and a high-energy soundtrack, it offers an unforgettable theatrical experience. Gather your crew for a night of big tunes, bold drama, and deliciously dark humour that will leave you humming all week.

Friday 14 until Sunday 23 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

ANU Community Day

The Australian National University marks its 80th anniversary with a campus-wide celebration inviting the community to explore the iconic Kambri precinct. The free event features live music, student art displays, interactive science exhibits, face painting, and regional food trucks. Visitors can wander the grounds, meet researchers, and learn about the ideas that have shaped the university and nation over eight decades. All ages are welcome, and registered attendees enter a draw to win a stay at University House.

Saturday 15 August | Kambri Precinct, Australian National University, Acton | anu.edu.au

Fired Up!

Canberra Potters presents Fired Up!, a winter festival celebrating the region’s ceramics community at Watson Arts Centre. The event features live demonstrations from leading local ceramic artists covering wheel throwing, surface decoration, altered forms, monoprinting on clay, nerikomi coloured porcelain, handbuilding and raku firing. Visitors can take part in 20-minute Have-a-Go sessions, with clay and instruction included, and browse a curated ceramic market of handmade functional and sculptural work. Resident artists will open their studios, and Canberra Potters’ Soup Bowl and Tumbler Fundraiser, a wine bar and live music will run throughout. The festival closes with the opening of the wood-fired Petal Kiln.

Saturday 15 August, 3–8 pm | Canberra Potters, Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | events.humanitix.com/fired-up-2026

Alien trilogy movie marathon

Arc Cinema presents a movie marathon of the Alien franchise, screening all three original films in one sitting. The line-up includes Alien (1979), Aliens (Director’s Cut) (1986) and Alien³ (1992), starting at 4 pm with refreshment breaks between sessions. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and menu items from Dom’s deli and bar are available for purchase throughout the event. A Movie Marathon Pass covers entry to all three screenings, with seating automatically allocated for each film. Single sessions can also be booked separately at standard ticket prices. Arc Cinema is located at the National Film and Sound Archive in Acton, a short walk from the city.

Saturday 15 August, 4–11:30 pm | Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

The Thrift Hub Grand Opening

Join Air Force veteran Rachael Hopkins in celebrating the grand opening of The Thrift Hub, a community-focused op-shop and upcycling space dedicated to circular fashion, mental health, and accessibility. Designed as an inclusive environment with wide aisles and a dedicated social seating area, the 198m² shop offers pre-loved clothing, books, homewares, and craft supplies. Proceeds and donations directly support local charities including Toora Women Inc, Rise Above, and Lids4Kids. Stop by to browse, connect over a cup of tea, or learn about upcoming sustainability workshops.

Saturday 15 August, 10 am–4 pm | 4/116–118 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | @thethrifthub.canberra

Oz Comic-Con Canberra

Immerse yourself in a universe of creative fandom as Oz Comic-Con brings its celebrated pop culture festival to Exhibition Park. This multi-day event offers something for every enthusiast, featuring colorful cosplay, artist alley displays, interactive gaming zones, and special guest appearances. Attendees can browse unique merchandise, participate in community workshops, or simply admire the incredible costumes on display across the pavilion. It serves as an inclusive, welcoming space where fans of all ages can connect over shared passions. Gather your friends, unleash your imagination, and enjoy a weekend filled with vibrant pop culture celebration.

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August| Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Lyneham | ozcomiccon.com

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Free-Rain Theatre Company brings the second-longest-running Off-Broadway musical revue to Kingston’s ACT Hub. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change takes a hilarious, honest look at the modern dating landscape, tackling everything from awkward first encounters and wedding stress to family road trips and senior dating. Performed by a cast of six playing 58 distinct characters, this updated version features catchy songs and relatable vignettes that celebrate romantic chaos in all its messy glory.

Wednesday 19 August until Saturday 5 September | ACT Hub, Causeway Hall, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | freeraintheatre.com

Dinners with a Difference

Dinners with a Difference brings its facilitated dinner-conversation format to Canberra for the first time, following four years of sold-out events in Wollongong. Hosted by Gretel Van-Lane, the evening centres on a guided discussion exploring what it means to live a good life, with attendees invited to reflect on values, achievement and meaning. The restaurant is exclusively reserved for the group, and guests can attend solo or with a friend. Tickets include entrees and mains, with dietary requirements catered for; drinks are available for purchase. A short questionnaire is emailed to attendees ahead of the event to help shape the discussion.

Thursday 20 August, 6.30–9.30 pm | Bar Beirut, 25 Garema Place, Canberra | events.humanitix.com

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026

Marking the final chapter of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions, the 2026 prize features finalist works alongside a curated retrospective celebrating two decades of Australian portrait photography.

Saturday 22 August until Sunday, 11 October | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au

Euphrates

Full Circle Collective presents Euphrates, an overnight 12-hour music, arts, and cultural gathering held inside The Circus in Mitchell. Running from Saturday evening through to Sunday morning, the immersive event features electronic music programming, art installations, and creative community showcases. Designed for fans of alternative nightlife culture, the gathering provides a unique multi-sensory environment for dance and artistic connection.

Saturday 22 August, 6 pm–8 am | The Circus, Mitchell | fullcirclecollective.com.au

Dance Canberra Festival

Canberra’s adult dance community is getting its very own two-day festival as Dance Canberra takes over the 6th Position Northbourne Studio. Designed for dancers aged 16 and up—from total beginners to seasoned performers—the weekend features high-calibre masterclasses in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Commercial, and Contemporary. Train alongside premier local and interstate talent including Stephen Tannos, JW Murray, Matthew & Anna Bindley, Demi Jenkins, Dylan Bull, Jasmin Durham, and Halimah Kyrgios without having to leave the capital.

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August | 6th Position Northbourne Studio, City | 6thposition.com.au

Saplings

Winner of the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Young People, Saplings brings a collection of raw, funny, and heartbreaking stories to Queanbeyan. Written by Yuwaalaray playwright Hannah Belanszky and directed by Kalkadoon director Abbie-lee Lewis, the play reflects the lived experiences of youth navigating the justice system. Four actors take on multiple roles against a soundtrack of original rap and hip-hop tracks created by young people. Through poetry and humor, the 80-minute performance examines survival instincts, vulnerability, and systemic challenges facing youth today. Secure tickets for an impactful day or evening performance at The Q.

Saturday 22 August, 2 pm and 7.30 pm | The Q, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

Bombshells

Joanna Murray-Smith’s acclaimed play Bombshells takes the stage at The Q, stripping back social masks to reveal five women balancing internal chaos with external composure. Moving from crisis to hilarity, the production delivers five distinct monologues featuring a nervous bride, an exhausted mother, a broken-hearted cactus lover, a widow, and a feisty teenager. Unlike traditional one-woman stagings, this production casts five separate actors, bringing unique vulnerability and depth to each character’s story. Relatable and fiercely honest, it provides a night of pure storytelling, comedy, and connection for theatre lovers.

Thursday 27 until Saturday 29 August, 2 pm and 7.30 pm | The Q, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

Paris to Canberra: French Market

Sydney’s award-winning Le Marché French Market comes to Canberra for a special one-day pop-up at Thoroughbred Park! Browse over 45 stalls filled with authentic French delicacies (including raclette, tarte flambée, crêpes, fresh pastries, and saucisson) alongside French linen, antiques, perfumes, and local artisan goods.

Sunday 30 August, 9.30 am–3 pm | Thoroughbred Park Exhibition Pavilion, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham | facebook.com

Special Events and Festivals

The Gallery Next Door Launch

Celebrate the official opening of Canberra’s newest art space, The Gallery Next Door. The debut exhibition showcases expressive paintings by local artist Valentyna Crane alongside whimsical ceramic creations by Elena Bozhko-Marshall. Head along to meet local creators and welcome a brand-new hub for regional art.

Saturday 1 August, 2 pm | The Gallery Next Door, Duffy Shopping Centre, Duffy | @thegallery.nextdoor

National Zoo and Aquarium 28th Birthday Celebrations

The National Zoo and Aquarium is marking 28 years of conservation and protection of the natural world with a weekend of family fun. Visitors can enjoy free hayrides, mascot photo opportunities, special keeper talks, and watch the animals receive birthday enrichment. Guests will also have the chance to win lucky door prizes, including a night at Jamala Wildlife Lodge. All birthday activities are included with regular admission, offering access to animal encounters, the interactive dinosaur display, and one of Canberra’s best playgrounds.

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 9.30 am–5 pm | National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla | nationalzoo.com.au

Moosechella: Mooseheads 22nd Birthday

Canberra’s iconic nightlife venue Mooseheads is turning 22, and they’re throwing a massive, multi-zone festival party to celebrate! Moosechella will transform the entire building across five distinct party zones, including the official grand opening of their brand-new outdoor beer garden along London Circuit. Expect line-ups of guest DJs, dance floors, drink specials, and non-stop energy all night long.

Saturday 1 August, 9 pm–11.59 pm | Mooseheads, 105 London Circuit, Canberra | mooseheads.com.au

International Blues Music Day 2026

Celebrate International Blues Music Day with an epic six-hour showcase presented by the Canberra Blues Society. The festival kicks off with the Blues Guitar Roadshow, headlined by direct-from-the-US international star Ana Popovic alongside Australian legends Geoff Achison, Ray Beadle, The McNaMarr Project, and local hero Chris Harland. Stick around into the evening for the official CBS IBMD Party featuring sets from Nick Charles and The Sunbears to keep you dancing late into the night.

Saturday, 1 August, 3 pm–10.30 pm | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | canberrabluessociety.com.au

Steins & Steel Medieval Combat Fight Night

The thunder of steel, the clash of swords, and the roar of the crowd return to the Zeppelin Room as the Canberra Burly Griffins host an epic day of live medieval combat. Warriors from across Australia will descend on the capital to battle for glory in full armor. Grab a stein, cheer on the champions, and prepare for a spectacle unlike anything else in the city.

Sunday 2 August, 12 pm–11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | humanitix.com

Questacon Science Time: Light

Engage curious young minds with a hands-on exploration of light, color, and shadows at Questacon’s Science Time designed specifically for three to five-year-olds. Preschoolers will discover how shadows form and how colored lights interact through simple experiments, creative crafts, and interactive questioning led by early childhood science educators. Each session concludes with a fun live demonstration and a take-home activity sheet to keep the STEM learning going. It provides an encouraging, supportive environment for little scientists to investigate the natural world.

Monday 3 until Saturday 15 August | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au

Drag Bingo at Verity Lane Market

Brighten up your midweek routine with a night of lively entertainment as Drag Bingo takes over the Louie Louie stage. Hosted by energetic local drag performers, the evening features five rounds of bingo packed with quick-witted banter and playful audience participation. Guests can arrive early to sample food from surrounding market hall traders before settling in for the vibrant main event. Whether attending with friends, colleagues, or solo, it provides a warm, inclusive environment filled with laughter and community spirit. Secure a table for a colorful Wednesday night outing in the city center.

Wednesday 5 August, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm | Verity Lane Market, 50 Northbourne Avenue, City | veritylanemarket.com.au

Canberra CareersXpo

Job seekers, students, and career changers can explore endless future possibilities at the annual Canberra CareersXpo. Featuring more than one hundred interstate and ACT exhibitors, the comprehensive event brings together university representatives, trade centres, government agencies, and private employers under one roof. Interactive streams highlight apprenticeships, STEM pathways, and innovation, helping visitors gather practical advice for their next professional step. A dedicated inclusion and accessibility session on Thursday afternoon ensures tailored engagement for all attendees. It stands as an invaluable community resource for anyone navigating study options, employment pathways, or fresh career transitions in the region.

Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August | Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Corner of Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell | careersxpo.com.au

Laughs on the Lake Comedy Cruise

Set sail for a delightful evening on Lake Burley Griffin with the Laughs on the Lake Comedy Cruise. Passengers can take in twilight water views and moonlit city scenery while enjoying live stand-up performances from talented local comedians. A licensed bar and onboard pizza oven keep guests refreshed with warm food and drinks throughout the journey. Departing from the Kingston Foreshore jetty, this unique floating showcase provides a picturesque setting to relax, share laughs with friends, and experience Canberra’s iconic lake from a new perspective. Reserve tickets early for a memorable night on the water.

Thursday 6 August, 6.15 pm–9 pm | Love Boats, Kingston Foreshore Jetty 5, 8 Trevillian Quay, Kingston | trybooking.com

Club Art

Transform your winter evenings with Club Art, a seasonal visual arts activation bringing local creativity to city venue ONE22. Throughout August, the space showcases a rotating exhibition of contemporary works by Canberra visual artists, culminating in a special Local Artist Bonanza evening on Friday night. Attendees can hear short artist talks, enjoy live music, and celebrate the formal unveiling of new winter installations. It provides a warm, welcoming venue to connect with regional art, socialize with local creators, and support independent culture. Drop by for a drink and experience Canberra’s vibrant artistic scene in an urban setting.

Friday 7 until Monday 31 August | ONE22, 122 Alinga Street, City | one22.com.au

Disney Princesses Family Trivia at Tuggeranong

Gather your royal household and head to Henry’s at Tuggeranong for a fun-filled afternoon of Disney Princess trivia. From classic fairy tales like Cinderella to modern favorites like Rapunzel, this free family event tests your knowledge across the entire Disney royal universe. Dressing in costume as favorite characters adds extra magic to the friendly competition. Delicious venue meals and drinks keep everyone energized throughout the games, making it a great weekend outing for kids and parents alike. Be sure to book your table early to secure a spot for your family squad.

Saturday 8 August, 1.30 pm–3.30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong, Greenway | cscc.com.au

ACT Seasonal Antique and Collectable Fair

Treasure hunters and vintage lovers are invited to explore a vast collection of unique finds at the Winter Antiques and Collectable Fair. Hosting up to twenty-two local and interstate dealers, the fair showcases an eclectic mix of old-world nostalgia, rare books, fine art, estate jewelry, silver, glassware, and classic furniture pieces. It offers a cozy atmosphere to browse, discover historical curiosities, and pick up charming additions for your home. Best of all, ticket proceeds support local community programs, including the Early Morning Centre and charity projects led by the Rotary Club of Murrumbidgee Canberra.

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August | Quokka Pavilion, EPIC Park, 10 Flemington Road, Mitchell | mc-rotary.org

Warm Trees

Canberra winters are famously crisp, but the National Arboretum is finding a wonderfully creative way to warm the soul this season. The popular annual ‘Warm Trees’ installation is returning to colour the landscape, transforming the local forests into a vibrant outdoor art gallery. Made possible by the incredible dedication of hundreds of local volunteers, this community-focused event wraps the trees in beautiful, handmade warmth.

Our city’s visitors and locals alike can explore more than 17 different forests across the spectacular grounds, spotting bright, hand-knitted scarves adorning everything from the towering trees on Dairy Farmers Hill to the miniature branches in the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. The surrounding ‘Winter in the Woods’ program offers plenty of opportunities to rug up by the firelight, enjoy toasted marshmallows, and sip rich mulled wine under the stars.

Until Sunday 9 August | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

Oral History Pod: Capture your memories

Step inside a dedicated private recording pod at the National Library of Australia to document meaningful personal stories with a friend or family member. Created in celebration of the library’s Oral History Collection, this cozy pop-up experience provides prompts and a quiet space for two people to record a conversation using their own mobile phones. One person asks questions while the other shares cherished memories, creating a lasting digital keepsake for future generations. It’s a simple yet profound way to honor family history and preserve authentic personal voices before they fade.

Tuesday 11 until Friday 28 August| National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

Marvel Superheroes Family Trivia at Jamison

Assemble your crew of comic book fans for an engaging afternoon of trivia at Henry’s in Jamison. Test your collective knowledge on iconic characters from Iron Man to the Avengers in a friendly, relaxed setting designed for all ages. Dressing up as favorite characters is encouraged, adding a playful atmosphere to the afternoon. Delicious food and drink options ensure everyone stays energized throughout the competition. It provides a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to connect, share laughs, and celebrate superhero lore together. Be sure to reserve a table early to secure a spot for your team.

Saturday 15 August, 1,30 pm–3.30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club, Macquarie | cscc.com.au

Soroptimist Trivia Night: ‘Round the World in 80 Questions’

Gather your cleverest mates for a global-themed trivia night hosted by Soroptimist International Canberra. Raising funds for two vital local causes – care packages for women escaping domestic violence and endometriosis awareness initiatives – the evening promises spirited trivia rounds, raffles, prizes, and a silent auction. Tables fit up to eight people, with food and drinks available for purchase at the club beforehand.

Saturday 15 August, 7.15 pm – 9.30 pm | Canberra Deakin Football Club, 3 Grose Street, Deakin | $20 per person | trybooking.com

Foodie Fun Play! – National Science Week 2026

Introduce young children to healthy eating through balloon art, science, and sensory play in this free interactive National Science Week event. Co-designed with a University of Canberra nutrition academic and hosted by balloon scientist Dr Chloe Lim, Foodie Fun Play! uses creative storytelling and play-based activities to help kids aged 3 to 8 explore fruits and vegetables. Sessions run across four Canberra community venues throughout August, including dedicated Auslan-interpreted performances.

Saturday 15 until Saturday 22 August | Multiple Canberra Community Centres | twistyfic.eventbrite.com

Fired Up Winter Festival

Celebrate local craftsmanship as the Watson Arts Centre lights up the winter sky for the annual Fired Up festival. This community gathering invites visitors to explore pottery demonstrations, open artist studios, and hands-on activities suitable for both beginners and experienced makers. An artisan market showcases unique ceramic works alongside live music performances, warm local food stalls, and interactive firing displays. It provides a cozy, inspiring atmosphere to embrace Canberra’s cooler weather while supporting talented regional creators. Gather around the fires, soak in the creative energy, and discover the wonderful world of ceramic art.

Saturday 15 August, 3 pm–8 pm | Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | canberrapotters.com.au

Mexican Wrestling

Lucha Fantastica brings its vibrant Mexican wrestling showcase to Narrabundah for an action-packed day of colorful entertainment. The afternoon family session features high-flying acrobatics from over ten masked Luchadores, complete with authentic tacos and a piñata party for younger attendees. As evening falls, the adult show turns up the energy with sensational ring action, live Mariachi music, and a lively party atmosphere. Known for its playful spirit and dramatic athleticism, this unique event offers something memorable for both first-time spectators and returning fans. Gather your friends for an unforgettable celebration of Mexican culture and spectacle.

Saturday 15 August, 3.30 pm–11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | bit.ly/luchafantasticaaugust26

Awesome 80s Bike Party

Dust off your leg warmers, strap on your helmet, and roll around Lake Burley Griffin on a fun, slow-paced 80s-themed bike ride organized by Canberra by Bike. Open to bicycles, scooters, and roller skates, the social ride loops through the National Triangle while a portable sound system pumps out classic 80s pop hits.

Saturday 29 August, 7 pm–9 pm | Departs from The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | canberrabybike.au

Disco Revolution

Step back into the golden era of studio dance floors with Disco Revolution, a high-energy party featuring live sets, interactive entertainment, and DJ Diggz on the decks. Expect explosive live tributes to ABBA, Donna Summer, The Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire, and Gloria Gaynor that will keep you dancing all night.

Saturday, 29 August, 7 pm–11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | events.humanitix.com

Platypus Month

Discover one of Australia’s most unique, magical wildlife experiences during Platypus Month across the stunning Upper Murrumbidgee region. Running from late July through August, this annual celebration shines a spotlight on the iconic, elusive platypus through a diverse calendar of guided walks, citizen science surveys, family activities, expert talks, and local film screenings. The local waterways are home to highly active, healthy platypus populations, and the month offers a rare opportunity to join guided dawn or dusk platypus-spotting walks at picturesque river corridors. It’s an authentic outdoor adventure perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, and wildlife photographers looking to connect with local conservation teams.

Until Monday 31 August | Various regional waterways and locations | act.waterwatch.org.au

NFSA’s Winter Film Series

Take a cinematic journey through time and space in the Winter Film Series at Arc Cinema.

From mind-bending time travel and fractured narratives to intergalactic adventures, alien encounters and cosmic odysseys, join us for stories stretching across eras and into the far reaches of the universe.

Whether you’re drawn to contemplative tales or epic escapism, you can explore worlds reshaped by technology, desire and chance.

Until 31 August | NFSA, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

Rear Vision: The Holden Collection

Take a nostalgic drive through the history of an absolute Australian icon with Rear vision: the Holden collection at the National Archives. This fascinating exhibition traces Holden’s journey from a humble 19th-century saddlery to ‘Australia’s Own Car’ and its permanent impact on the nation’s economy, industrial landscape, and cultural identity. Visitors can explore historical archival records, rare artifacts, blueprints, and photographs that reveal the innovations, challenges, and people behind General Motors-Holden. Developed by the State Library of South Australia and expanded with national records, the exhibition also offers daily gallery talks.

Until Sunday 11 October | National Archives of Australia, Parkes | naa.gov.au

Antarctica

Explore the frozen continent at the National Museum of Australia through a fascinating exhibition sharing Australia’s enduring connection to the icy south. Visitors can discover over 100 years of Antarctic science, exploration, and survival through rare artefacts, historic equipment, and first-hand accounts from researchers. Immersive displays bring polar landscapes to life with blizzards and the aurora australis, teaching families about the region’s unique wildlife and environmental significance. It’s a captivating opportunity for curious minds of all ages to journey into an extreme environment right from the comfort of our capital.

Until Sunday 11 October | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au

Life in the Great Barrier Reef 360° VR Documentary

Submerge yourself in a breathtaking underwater world without leaving the inner north. Premiering at the National Museum of Australia, Life in the Great Barrier Reef is an immersive 35-minute cinematic documentary utilising custom-built 8K 360° virtual reality technology. Guided by leading scientists, reef stewards, and Traditional Owners, audiences are transported to the depths of two UNESCO World Heritage sites to encounter manta rays, whales, and rare coral spawning events, while gaining a deeper understanding of current conservation efforts.

Ongoing, session times vary | National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au

Food + Drink

High Tea for a Cause

Indulge in an elegant afternoon tea while giving back to those in need. On select winter weekends, the heritage Hyatt Hotel Canberra is donating five dollars from every High Tea sold to the St Vincent de Paul Society Winter Appeal. Gather your friends and family for an exquisite spread of delicate savouries, warm scones, and sweet pastries in a classic five-star setting, all while supporting vital community housing and winter relief initiatives.

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla |  hyatt.com

Tipsy Tea by the Fire

Indulge in a cozy winter afternoon tea by the fire at the Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club. Guests will enjoy an opulent grazing station filled with gourmet sandwiches, mini quiches, and sweet treats, paired with mulled wine, bottomless prosecco, and warm seasonal cocktails.

Sunday 2 August, 3 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au

IPA Week at BentSpoke BrewPub

Get ready for seven days of hop-focused fun as BentSpoke BrewPub celebrates all things IPA. The lineup is jam-packed with fresh beer releases, including a surprise tap launch on Monday, a brand-new New Zealand IPA on Tuesday, and a collectively brewed Hazy IPA dropped by the brew team on Friday.

Beyond what’s in the glass, you can catch IPA trivia with alumnus brewer Dan on Wednesday, snag prizes during Thursday’s Cranky Hour raffle, meet the brewers on Friday afternoon, or test your heat tolerance in Saturday’s hot wing challenge. Round out the week on Sunday with kids eating free. And if you manage to work your way through every IPA on tap using their ‘TRY-PA Card’ across the week, you’ll go in the draw to win a $200 brewpub voucher.

Monday 3 August – Sunday 9 August | BentSpoke BrewPub, 48/38 Mort Street, Braddon | bentspoke.beer

The First Decade of Octomore

Whisky enthusiasts can embark on a rich tasting journey celebrating the bold heritage of Bruichladdich’s heavily peated spirit. Designed to challenge conventional Scotch making, Octomore’s young, cask-strength releases have defied critics to become iconic expressions in the whisky world. Guided through several flights, guests will explore early landmark releases alongside current offerings, sampling the spirit’s remarkable evolution over its inaugural decade. It offers a cozy, informative evening for both seasoned collectors and curious palates wanting to experience Scotland’s most famously intense spirit. Gather fellow dram lovers for a memorable night of tasting and discussion in Hawker.

Wednesday 5 August, 6.30 pm–9 pm | Liquor Legends Hawker, 77 Belconnen Way, Hawker | whisky.flights

Truffle & Wine Nine-Course Degustation at The George

Celebrating one of the region’s most prized winter ingredients, The George Bar & Dining is hosting its annual one-night-only Truffle & Wine dinner. Executive Chef Bigyan Bohara has crafted a luxurious nine-course menu highlighting peak Australian produce (including Moreton Bay bug and MB9 Wagyu) finished with generous shavings of fresh black truffles harvested straight from the family’s own Gidleigh Station trufferie.

Each course is thoughtfully paired with biodynamic drops from nearby Lark Hill Winery, with winemaker Chris Carpenter on hand to guide guests through the pairings alongside Head of Horticulture Sam Foster for an intimate ‘meet the producer’ experience.

Thursday 7 August, from 6.30 pm | The George Bar & Dining, Bungendore | thegeorgebungendore.com.au

The Truffle Experience

Immerse yourself in a seasonal culinary journey with an exclusive one-night event hosted by Capitol Bar & Grill in partnership with The Truffle Farm. Guests begin with a chauffeured drive from the QT lobby to the orchard for a guided hunt alongside trained truffle dogs. After uncovering subterranean winter gold, the experience continues back at Capitol Bar & Grill with a quietly indulgent four-course dinner centered on freshly harvested truffles, culminating in a signature truffle-infused tiramisu. Places are strictly limited for this immersive soil-to-plate getaway celebrating regional winter produce.

Saturday 8 August, 2.30 pm–8 pm | Capitol Bar & Grill, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | capitolbarandgrill.com

Southern Oscillations x CBR cellar to city @ Verity Lane Market

Wine lovers can celebrate cool-climate winemaking as boutique producers from Canberra and Tasmania gather at Verity Lane Market for an exclusive tasting event. Guests can taste side-by-side pours from acclaimed Canberra labels like MADA and Ravensworth alongside Tasmanian favorites like Glaetzer-Dixon and Sailor Seeks Horse. Discover how regional sunshine, elevation, and maritime climates shape expressive Shiraz, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sparkling varieties. Meet the winemakers, compare regional profiles, and enjoy food offerings in the heart of the city precinct. It stands as a fantastic winter night out for curious palates.

Friday 14 August, 5.30 pm–9.30 pm | Verity Lane Market, 50 Northbourne Avenue, City | veritylanemarket.com.au

Chaos Realm III: The Dark Ascension

Cypher Brewing Co. presents its flagship dark beer festival, bringing together 10 hand-picked dark brews from leading craft breweries across Australia and New Zealand. Attendees can use a new interactive Digital Passport to taste pours, rate brews, track live leaderboard rankings, and vote for the “Dark Sovereign.” Beyond the taps, the three-day event features fire pits, live music spanning metal, grunge, and punk, vinyl DJs, magic shows, and festival food pairings in Gungahlin. First Release digital passes are available ahead of the event.

Friday 14 until Sunday 16 August | Cypher Brewing Co., 3/35 Hinder Street, Gungahlin | cypherbrewing.com.au

Sunday Buffet Lunch

Treat yourself to a relaxing weekend feast surrounded by lush greenery at the Pavilion on Northbourne’s monthly buffet lunch. Held inside the light-filled Atrium Restaurant & Bar, this culinary spread features an array of fresh salads, premium cold meats, comforting hot dishes, and indulgent desserts. It provides a peaceful, fuss-free setting to gather with family and friends without worrying about cooking or clean-up. With limited seating available in this garden oasis, reserving a table early ensures a wonderful afternoon of good food and great company in the heart of Dickson.

Sunday 16 August, 12 pm–3 pm | Pavilion on Northbourne, 242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson | pavilioncanberra.com.au

Ladies Day Luncheon

Gather your friends for a relaxed winter catch-up at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden. The afternoon features a two-course long lunch alongside live entertainment, tea, coffee, and exciting door prizes.

Thursday 20 August, 12 pm–3 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip |  cscc.com.au

St Hugo Wine Dinner at the Yacht Club

Indulge in a waterfront dining experience at the Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club. Executive Chef Trung Pham crafts a four-course menu tailored to pair with bold, elegant Barossa wines from St Hugo.

Friday 21 August, 6.30 pm–8.30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au

Orlando Wine Dinner

Celebrate South Australia’s rich winemaking heritage with a sophisticated four-course dining experience at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong. Executive Chef Bradley Howden presents a specially crafted menu designed to pair seamlessly with a curated selection of Orlando wines.

Thursday 20 August, 6.30 pm–9 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong, Corner Pitman and Holwell Street, Greenway | cscc.com.au

High Tea at The Pavilion

Escape to the sunlit Atrium at the Pavilion on Northbourne for a luxurious afternoon tea. Enjoy savouries, sweet treats, loose-leaf teas, and bottomless prosecco in a lush indoor garden setting.

Saturday 22 August, 12 pm–2 pm | Atrium Restaurant and Bar, 242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson | atriumrestaurantandbar.com.au

Wines of Western Australia Dinner

Treat your palate to a curated four-course winemakers’ dinner showcasing Western Australia’s distinctive wine regions at the Southern Cross Club Jamison. Each course is carefully paired with cool-climate and coastal varietals, offering a relaxed and informative evening dedicated to great food, fine wine, and long conversations.

Friday 28 August, 6.30 pm–9 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, Corner Catchpole and Bowman Street, Macquarie | cscc.com.au

Merrick Watts: An Idiot’s Guide to Wine (Vol. 3)

Comedian and certified wine expert Merrick Watts brings his hit wine-tasting comedy show back to Canberra. Sipping through six handpicked wines, audience members will enjoy sharp stand-up commentary, food pairing tips, and hilarious anecdotes. It’s the ultimate combination of stand-up comedy and top-shelf wine tasting.

Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August, 6.15 pm–9.15 pm | Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | grapesofmirth.com.au

The Promenade Café’s Sunday Roast

Escape the Sunday blues and embrace a beautiful new winter tradition in the elegant surrounds of the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. The Promenade Café is throwing open its doors to serve up a spectacular, winter-warming Sunday Roast. Guests will be greeted by a wonderful sense of nostalgia, with fireplaces crackling in the historic lounges and the promise of exceptional, warm hospitality.

It is the perfect excuse to gather your closest friends and family for a classic cosy meal, featuring a traditional roast with all the trimmings. For a truly perfect finish to the weekend, you can stop by Speaker’s Corner Bar on your way out to enjoy a fireside cocktail or a premium whiskey. Spaces are bound to fill up fast for this comforting winter experience, so booking a table ahead of time is highly recommended.

Until Sunday 30 August | The Promenade Café, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com

Après QTea High Tea

As the winter chill settles over the capital, Canberrans looking for a cosy alpine escape don’t need to head all the way to the snowy slopes. The gorgeous QT Lounge is teaming up with the sweet geniuses at Space Kitchen to transform their sky-high venue into a winter wonderland filled with après-ski indulgence. It is the perfect excuse to gather your favourite local friends for a sophisticated afternoon of elevated comfort food and stunning city views.

Guests will be treated to a spectacular tiered stand showcasing savoury delights like a rich split pea and smoked ham soup alongside earthy wild mushroom croquettes. The sweet side of the mountain features freshly baked scones piled high with mountains of rosewater cream and strawberry jam, all topped off with a spiced mulled cider and a flowing white chocolate fountain. For those wanting a little extra indulgence, a roving cake trolley features toasted s’mores and chocolate caramel snowballs.

Until Saturday, 29 August | QT Lounge, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | qthotels.com

The Brunch Club at Capitol Bar & Grill

There is nothing quite like a lazy weekend morning to reset the soul, and Capitol Bar & Grill is flipping the script on your average breakfast routine. The Brunch Club is introducing an unapologetically luxurious, all-day dining concept designed for food lovers who believe the weekend deserves a bit of theatrical flair. It is a long, decadent celebration of bold flavours that will make you want to cancel the rest of your daily plans.

The kitchen is serving up elevated favourites, from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to classic cheeseburgers slathered in a special secret sauce and savoury miso-grilled salmon. The star of the show is undoubtedly the interactive Bloody Mary cart in partnership with Ketel One Vodka. Guests can watch bartenders build their custom cocktail right before their eyes, choosing from an outrageous lineup of garnishes like crispy bacon, blue cheese olives, dill pickles, and even fresh mussels.

Until Sunday 30 August | Capitol Bar & Grill, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | qthotels.com

Bourbon Street Sunday Jazz

Bring the soulful sounds of New Orleans straight to your winter weekends! Every single Sunday evening, Molly transforms into Bourbon Street, showcasing a fantastic, rotating lineup of local brass bands playing loose, soulful Crescent City swing. It is the absolute perfect way to escape a cold Canberra night and close out your weekend in style. You can order a delicious cheese and charcuterie platter, sit back in the cosy hidden bar, and sip on a specialised bourbon cocktail from the NOLA-themed menu. Follow the music down Odgers Lane to find the secret door.

Until Sunday 30 August, 6 pm–10 pm | Molly, Odgers Lane, Wooden Door, City| molly.bar

Markets

The Little Burley Market

Spend a relaxing morning by the water’s edge at this beautifully curated lakeside market. Browse handmade stalls, pick up fresh pastries after a walk around the lake, enjoy gourmet street eats, and listen to live local music while the kids enjoy free arts and crafts.

Saturday 1 August, 9 am–2 pm | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au

Hartley Hall Markets

Take a Sunday drive out to Hall for one of Australia’s largest home-crafted markets. Stroll under the trees, shop for fresh local produce, plants, clothing, and unique gifts, and enjoy live music and tasty lunch options—all while supporting Hartley Lifecare.

Sunday 2 August, 9 am–2 pm | Hall Showground, Victoria Street, Hall | hartley.org.au

For Purpose Markets

Support social enterprise and make every dollar count at this unique market showcase. Bringing together local ethical vendors, your purchases directly support causes like refugee settlement, environmental protection, mental health, and LGBTQI+ communities.

Saturday 1 August, 10 am–2 pm | DKB Community Hall, 8 Hawdon Place, Dickson | forpurposemarkets.com.au

Capital Region Farmers Market

This farmers’ market is iconic for a reason.

Go along to sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra and speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.

It will make you appreciate your Saturday morning shopping trip in a whole new way.

Saturdays, 7 am-11:30 am | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.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. The sheer variety means you’ll discover something unexpected every visit, whether that’s a piece of pottery that speaks to you, a stunning necklace, or the perfect vintage find. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.

Sundays, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.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, pet treats and more.

Sundays, 7 am -11.30 am | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com/SouthsideFarmersMarketCanberra

Haig Park Village Markets

Another local favourite, spend your Sunday morning browsing delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities.

It’s the kind of market where you can linger over breakfast, discover a new artist, and stock up on fresh produce all in one lovely morning, making it the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.

Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au

Sport and Wellness

Fitness in The Park

Fitness class for all levels of fitness for the whole community. Join Ginninderry local Vince as he takes you through a group fitness class in the fresh air at Paddys Park.

Every Wednesday, 7.30 am to 8.30 am, Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn | Find out more here.

Yoga at Ginninderry

Get bendy on Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle, and comfy clothes.

Every Thursday, 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

2026 Canberra MS Mega Swim

Make a splash and swim for a cause at the 2026 Canberra MS Mega Swim! Held at the Australian Institute of Sport Aquatic Centre, this high-energy 24-hour team relay event raises vital funds for Australians living with multiple sclerosis through MS Go for Gold Scholarships and support services. Swimmers of all ages and fitness levels are welcome—whether you swim one lap or fifty, doggy-paddle or butterfly. If you don’t have a team, organizers will happily match you with fellow mega swimmers on the day.

Saturday 1 and Sunday, 2 August | AIS Aquatic Centre, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | msmegachallenge.org.au

Canberra Brave vs Central Coast Rhinos

Catch fast-paced ice hockey action as the Canberra Brave return to home ice for the second leg of an intense back-to-back battle against the Rhinos. Expect heavy hits and high energy as the home team pushes for victory in front of the local crowd.

Sunday 2 August, 1.45 pm–3.45 pm | AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | canberrabrave.com.au

Reconnect with Nature

Unwind and awaken your senses during a gentle one-hour introduction to nature therapy at WildBark in Mulligans Flat. Guided by experienced facilitators, participants explore simple mindfulness prompts designed to engage sight, sound, touch, and smell within the bushland landscape. The outdoor session offers a soothing pause from busy routines, encouraging a deeper connection to self and the natural world. Open to all fitness levels, it provides a peaceful, accessible way to begin your weekend feeling grounded and refreshed. Bring comfortable walking shoes and embrace the calming environment of Canberra’s native flora.

Friday 7 August, 10 am–11 am | WildBark at Mulligans Flat, 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby | latitude55.com.au

Canberra Brave vs Melbourne Ice

Prepare for high-octane sporting drama as the Canberra Brave take on fierce rivals Melbourne Ice in a thrilling weekend double-header. Reigniting the intense rivalry from last season’s championship showdown, both teams bring physical play and fast-paced action back to home ice. With crucial season points on the line, local hockey fans can expect intense competition, energetic crowd chants, and plenty of stadium excitement. Grab some venue snacks, wear your team colors, and join the home crowd at AIS Arena for two days of exhilarating, edge-of-your-seat winter sports action.

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, 2026 | AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | canberrabrave.com.au

Breathwork and Sound Healing Journey

Reset your mind and restore your physical balance with an immersive evening of breathwork and acoustic sound healing. Held at SOULution Yoga & Pilates, this relaxing seventy-five-minute session guides participants through gentle breathing exercises designed to ease nervous system tension and induce a meditative state. The journey continues with harmonic frequencies produced by traditional instruments, including didgeridoos, crystal bowls, shamanic drums, and soothing chimes. It provides a peaceful sanctuary to melt away winter stress, improve mental focus, and recharge your energy. Bring along comfortable mats and blankets for maximum relaxation.

Saturday 8 August, 6 pm–7.15 pm | SOULution Yoga & Pilates, 5 Soundy Close, Belconnen | lawenhealingrituals.com

Relax In Nature

Unplug from daily stress and reconnect with nature during a peaceful two-hour guided nature therapy session at WildBark in Mulligans Flat. Through structured mindfulness practices, gentle movement, and sensory awareness exercises, participants are invited to slow down and immerse themselves in the surrounding bushland. Designed for small groups of up to ten people, the experience encourages deep relaxation, mental clarity, and grounding. It provides a welcoming sanctuary to quiet the mind, breathe fresh woodland air, and enjoy a restorative Sunday afternoon surrounded by native Australian flora and fauna.

Sunday 9 August, 1 pm–3 pm | WildBark at Mulligans Flat, 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby | latitude55.com.au

GWS Giants v Gold Coast Suns

Footy fans can catch thrilling live AFL action as the GWS Giants return to Corroboree Group Oval for a blockbuster clash against the Gold Coast Suns. As two of the league’s most fast-paced, youth-driven sides face off, spectators can look forward to high-scoring gameplay and competitive energy. The match-day precinct offers fantastic family entertainment, including local food stalls, face painting, inflatables, and fan giveaways at the Giants Stomping Ground. It stands as a prime winter outing for local sports lovers eager to experience top-tier footy in an iconic Canberra setting.

Sunday 9 August, 1.10 pm–2.10 pm | Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka Circle, Griffith | gwsgiants.com.au

NRL Raiders v Knights and NRLW Raiders v Broncos

Rugby league fans are in for a massive day of double-header action as GIO Stadium hosts the NRL Indigenous Round. First, the NRLW Raiders square off against the Brisbane Broncos, followed by the NRL men’s squad clashing with the Newcastle Knights. The venue comes alive with inclusive cultural celebrations, pre-game entertainment, and the iconic stadium Viking Clap. Offering two premier games for the price of one ticket, it provides an unbeatable atmosphere to cheer on local teams, enjoy stadium dining, and celebrate First Nations culture with thousands of passionate local supporters.

Sunday 9 August, 11.35 am–5 pm | GIO Stadium, Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | raiders.com.au

hiit republic No Name Lane Games

Lace up your sneakers for a high-energy community fitness experience taking over No Name Lane and hiit republic Canberra City. This free hybrid event blends endurance, strength, and functional fitness in a dynamic race format open to anyone aged 13 and over. Participants move seamlessly between outdoor and indoor workout spaces, supported by pumping tracks from a live DJ. Local precinct businesses will be serving up warm drinks and tasty treats to keep the spectator energy soaring. Whether competing or cheering from the sidelines, it promises an exhilarating, movement-filled day in the city center.

Saturday 15 August | hiit republic Canberra City, 40 Marcus Clarke Street, Shop g16, City | hiitrepublic.com.au

Canberra Brave vs Brisbane Lightning

Catch high-octane ice hockey action as the Canberra Brave take to the ice for their final home game of the regular season. Facing off against the Brisbane Lightning, the match promises fast-paced competition, dramatic plays, and a vibrant stadium atmosphere at the AIS Arena. Local sports fans can gather to support the home team one last time before the finals series begins. With delicious venue snacks, lively crowd energy, and top-tier athleticism on display, it offers a thrilling weekend outing for families and sports enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss your chance to wear your team colors.

Sunday 16 August, 1.45 pm–3.45 pm | AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | canberrabrave.com.au

Raiders v Broncos – NRL Round 25

Head to GIO Stadium for the Canberra Raiders’ final regular home game of the season. In a high-stakes 2025 finals rematch against the Brisbane Broncos, fans can enjoy family-friendly entertainment around the precinct before taking part in the signature Viking Clap as the team takes the field.

Friday 21 August, 6 pm–9 pm | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | raiders.com.au

Recharge in Nature: Forest Therapy Immersion

Experience a deeply restorative morning with a three-hour forest therapy immersion guided by Japanese shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) principles. This slow, sensory-based journey invites participants to awaken their senses, recharge, and connect with the natural world through a series of gentle observations and activities. Intimate and limited to 10 participants, the session concludes with a shared reflection circle, light snacks, and a traditional tea ceremony.

Sunday 23 August, 10 am–1 pm | Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River | latitude55.com.au

Breathwork and Sound Healing

Reset your nervous system during a soul-nourishing healing session at Soma Woman’s Wellness. Combines 15 minutes of guided breathwork with a sound bath featuring didgeridoo, crystal bowls, and shamanic drums.

Sunday 23 August | Soma Woman’s Wellbeing, 3 Dickson Place, Suite 2/3, Dickson | lawenhealingrituals.com

Capital to Coast 100km Multistage Trail Run

Calling all endurance runners! The Capital to Coast 100km Multistage Trail Race returns for a weekend of off-road adventure spanning nine distinct stages from Canberra all the way to the NSW South Coast. Entrants can compete solo or in relay teams of two to four, traversing fire roads, singletrack, and technical terrain across Bungendore, Braidwood, and Batemans Bay.

Friday 28 until Sunday 30 August | Various locations between Canberra and Batemans Bay | capitaltocoast.com.au

Miss/Mx Pole Dance ACT 2026

Witness high-flying athleticism and showgirl glamour as the ACT’s top pole dancers compete for a place in the national finals.

Saturday, 29 August, 7 pm–10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Music

Woodsong: BlockSounds Recorders in Recital

Experience the surprising versatility and beauty of the recorder at Woodsong, a duo recital featuring Canberra’s Robyn Mellor and Melbourne’s Rodney Waterman. Playing on at least 10 hand-crafted instruments, the pair will guide listeners through 500 years of repertoire – from quiet French baroque dance suites and 16th-century love songs to vibrant African-inspired contemporary works by Soren Sieg and quirky jazz compositions.

Saturday 1 August, 3 pm–4 pm | Wesley Music Centre (Mansfield Room), 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | trybooking.com

Bjorn Again: ABBA Forever

Dust off your platform boots and sequined jumpsuits – Bjorn Again is back in town! The world’s leading, ABBA-endorsed tribute show comes to the Canberra Theatre for an afternoon of pure 1970s nostalgia. Sing and dance along to pop masterpieces like ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’, and ‘SOS’, delivered with spot-on vocals, hilarious stage antics, and authentic vintage glam.

Saturday 1 August, 2 pm–4.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Live Baby Live INXS Tribute Show

Music fans can relive the golden era of Australian pub rock as Live Baby Live brings their high-octane INXS tribute show to Narrabundah. Featuring six accomplished musicians, the energetic band delivers faithful renditions of classic hits like Need You Tonight, Original Sin, and Never Tear Us Apart. Held in the comfortable setting of the Zeppelin Room at Harmonie German Club, the performance captures the swagger, rhythm, and passion of the iconic rock group. Gather your friends for a night of live nostalgia, cold drinks, and singing along to timeless anthems that shaped national music history.

Friday 7 August, 8 pm–11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | tickets.oztix.com.au

Reece Mastin – The New Dawn Tour

Australian rocker Reece Mastin brings his high-energy New Dawn Tour to the UC Hub stage in Bruce. Marking a bold shift into heavier rock sounds, the live performance showcases hard-hitting new anthems alongside popular hits from across his musical career. Fans can look forward to a powerful, guitar-driven show that celebrates creative growth and authentic live sound. With an energetic atmosphere and intimate venue setting, it offers local music lovers an exciting opportunity to experience a new chapter in the artist’s musical journey. Secure your tickets for a high-octane Friday night of live Australian rock.

Friday 7 August, 7 pm–11.30 pm | UC Hub, 11 Kirinari Street, Building 1, Bruce | moshtix.com.au

Herman’s Hermits

British Invasion legends Herman’s Hermits return to Canberra for a nostalgic concert celebrating classic pop history. Having charted dozens of global hits throughout the 1960s and 70s, the beloved band continues to entertain audiences worldwide with their timeless repertoire. Fans can look forward to live renditions of iconic radio favorites including Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter, No Milk Today, and I’m Into Something Good. Hosted at the Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden, the show delivers retro charm and lively melodies. Gather family and friends for an uplifting evening of vintage musical memories.

Friday 7 August | Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92–96 Corinna Street, Phillip | cscc.com.au

Big Gay Piano Bar

Get ready to sing your heart out as Canberra’s newest gayest piano bar opens its doors at ChiChiz Bar. Resident pianist John Milligan takes the keys to guide the crowd through an evening of camp classics, show tunes, and crowd-requested pop anthems. Guests can sip on signature cocktails while joining in a lively, inclusive sing-along where everyone is encouraged to participate. Whether gathering a group of friends for a high-energy night out or enjoying a playful date night, the venue promises warm hospitality and brilliant entertainment. Dust off your vocal cords and prepare for a night of pure musical fun.

Friday 7 August, 6.30 pm–10.30 pm | ChiChiz Bar, 32 Northbourne Avenue, City | chichizbar.com.au

Worlds in Motion: Music for Canberra

Celebrate the power of music across cultures, eras, and stories as Music For Canberra presents a showcase of its youth ensembles. The diverse program features performances by the Canberra Youth Orchestra, McCusker Strings, Louise Butler Strings, Canberra Youth Concert Band, Canberra Children’s Choir, and special guests Kompactus Youth Choir. Audiences will enjoy a repertoire spanning classical masterpieces, contemporary works, folk traditions, and video game or film soundtracks. The Canberra Children’s Choir will also offer live demonstrations of interactive music education activities, making this an engaging afternoon for families and music lovers alike.

Saturday 8 August, 2 pm–4 pm | Overture Hall, Orana Steiner School, Hickey Court, Weston | musicforcanberra.org.au

Smith’s@Belco: Emma Pask with Kevin Hunt

Catch one of Australia’s finest jazz voices up close in an intimate concert setting at Belconnen Arts Centre. Award-winning vocalist Emma Pask, well known for her 20-year collaboration with James Morrison, brings her rich storytelling to life through swinging standards, latin rhythms, ballads, and raucous blues. Joining her on piano is Australian jazz legend Kevin Hunt, a long-time member of the Don Burrows Band. Together, these two master performers engage in an irresistible musical dialogue that highlights their individual mastery and shared stage chemistry. Reserve tickets early for an exceptional night of live music in Belconnen.

Saturday 8 August, 7 pm–9.20 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Claire Edwardes SOLO

Renowned percussionist Claire Edwardes takes the stage at The Street Theatre for an expressive solo performance highlighting the versatility of contemporary percussion instruments. The program journeys through shimmering compositions by Missy Mazzoli and Caroline Shaw to the electro-pop energy of Dual Attractor, co-created with Paul Mac. Featuring vibraphone and drum works that honor Australian social history alongside genre-defying techno dreamscapes, the repertoire showcases extraordinary technical control and artistic emotion. Music lovers can anticipate an invigorating, genre-blurring afternoon of world-class instrumental performance right in the city center.

Sunday 9 August, 4 pm–5.10 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au

Weddings and Parties Over Coffee

Bach Akademie Australia presents an enchanting chamber music performance featuring award-winning soprano Miriam Allan alongside her father, acclaimed baritone Christopher Allan. Directed by violinist Madeleine Easton, this special concert weaves together baroque vocal masterpieces, dramatic cantatas, and lively instrumental works inside the intimate Wesley Music Centre. Celebrating musical heritage and family collaboration, the performance offers local classical music lovers a rare chance to hear world-class Australian vocalists up close. It promises an uplifting evening of refined musical storytelling and sublime acoustic harmonies.

Tuesday 11 August, 7.30 pm–9.30 pm | Wesley Music Centre, National Circuit, Forrest | bachakademieaustralia.com.au

Nicolas Altstaedt & Thomas Dunford

Classical superstars Nicolas Altstaedt and lutenist Thomas Dunford team up for an extraordinary chamber music concert at Llewellyn Hall. Presented by Musica Viva Australia, this charismatic duo brings fresh energy to seventeenth-century baroque repertoire, pitting rival court composers against one another before exploring works by Bach, Arvo Pärt, and Henri Duparc. Known for their improvisational flair and virtuosic command, Altstaedt’s expressive cello and Dunford’s fluid lute playing create an exhilarating dialogue on stage. It offers local concertgoers a world-class evening of musical brilliance and master storytelling.

Thursday 13 August, 7 pm–9 pm | Llewellyn Hall, ANU, William Herbert Place, Building 100, City | musicaviva.com.au

Touch the sky: Woden Valley Youth Choir Annual Concert 2026

Experience the inspiring sounds of young local talent as the Woden Valley Youth Choir presents its annual showcase performance. This year’s theme explores music connected to expansive horizons, featuring a rich blend of contemporary choral works, folk traditions, and reimagined classic stories. Moving through shifting musical moods (from reflective and calm to energetic and rhythmic) the choir brings communities together through harmony. Held in the peaceful setting of Wesley Uniting Church, the concert offers an uplifting afternoon filled with artistic expression. It stands as a heartwarming celebration of youth creativity and local musical tradition.

Saturday 15 August, 4.30 pm–6.30 pm | Wesley Uniting Church, 20–22 National Circuit, Forrest | wvyc.org.au

Liszt Piano Sonata at Wesley Music Centre

The Wesley Lunchtime Concert series welcomes back pianist Sam Row for a performance of Franz Liszt’s masterwork, the Piano Sonata in B minor. Composed in 1854, this monumental piece condenses the composer’s dramatic personality and technical brilliance into a single sweeping movement. Tickets include a concert program and light refreshments following the performance.

Wednesday 19 August, 12.40 pm – 1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | wesleycanberra.org.au

The High Kings: Rocky Road To Dublin Tour

Ireland’s premier folk group, The High Kings, returns to Canberra with their signature blend of traditional heritage and modern energy. Expect a high-octane evening of classic Irish storytelling, soaring harmonies, and beloved folk anthems.

Saturday 22 August, 8 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Baggy Trousers: UK Party Classics

Get ready for non-stop skankin’ as Australia’s premier Madness tribute band, Baggy Trousers, hits the stage at the Zeppelin Room. Delivering the energetic sounds of 80s two-tone ska, the night features anthems from Madness, The Specials, and Bad Manners.

Saturday 22 August, 7.30 pm–10 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | events.humanitix.com

Dancing in the Shadows of Motown

Experience a dynamic, all-singing, all-dancing tribute to the legendary Motown era. Featuring hits from Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, and The Supremes, this world-class live band recreates the iconic sound of Detroit.

Saturday 22 August, 5.30 pm–7.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

The Living End: I Only Trust Rock n Roll Tour

Australian punk-rock icons The Living End are taking over the UC Refectory for a raw, high-energy live show. Catch new tracks alongside classic anthems like ‘Prisoner of Society’, ‘White Noise’, and ‘Roll On’.

Saturday 22 August, 7 pm–11.30 pm | UC Refectory, 11 Kirinari Street, Building 1, Bruce | moshtix.com.au

Tapestry: The Carole King Experience

Revisit Carole King’s legendary 1971 album Tapestry in this seated theatre-style live concert. Featuring a live four-piece band and a special tribute performance to James Taylor, hear classics like ‘It’s Too Late’ and ‘You’ve Got a Friend’.

Sunday 23 August, 2 pm–5 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | tickets.oztix.com.au

Vera Blue: Modern Rituals Tour

ARIA-nominated indie-pop powerhouse Vera Blue takes the stage at UC Refectory. Performing tracks from her new album Modern Rituals alongside fan favorites like ‘Regular Touch’ and ‘Rushing Back’, her electrifying voice is set to captivate.

Sunday, 23 August | UC Refectory, 11 Kirinari Street, Building 1, Bruce | moshtix.com.au

Children’s Concert: Musette

Introduce young children to classical music in a 30-minute interactive showcase featuring presenter Simon Rickard, who demonstrates curious Baroque wind instruments in a friendly environment.

Sunday, 23 August, 3 pm | Wesley Uniting Church, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | apeiron-baroque.com

The Green Piper: Baroque & Botany

Musician, gardener, and author Simon Rickard joins Apeiron Baroque for a unique performance blending gardening lore with 18th-century compositions on rare historic instruments.

Sunday 23 August, 4.30 pm–5,30 pm | Wesley Uniting Church, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | apeiron-baroque.com

Liam Cooper’s King of the Keys

Australia’s favorite piano man, Liam Cooper, brings his hit show King of the Keys to the Canberra Theatre stage for a night of musical nostalgia. Celebrating legendary icons including Elton John, Billy Joel, Peter Allen, The Beatles, and Queen, Cooper pairs show-stopping vocals and piano virtuosity with behind-the-scenes stories for a high-energy concert experience.

Thursday 27 August, 7.30 pm–9.40 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Jon Stevens: The Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tour

Aussie rock royalty Jon Stevens brings his legendary live show to the Southern Cross Club for an unmissable standing-only concert. Performing a non-stop parade of hits from Noiseworks and INXS—including ‘Take Me Back’, ‘New Sensation’, ‘Touch’, ‘Don’t Change’, and ‘Never Tear Us Apart’—this high-energy performance serves as a nostalgic trip back to the peak of Australian rock.

Thursday 27 August, 8 pm–11 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip | cscc.com.au

Catherine Crowley: Tripping Up That Hill

One half of Canberra’s beloved ukulele comedy duo Sparrow-Folk, Catherine Crowley presents her whimsical solo cabaret comedy, Tripping Up That Hill. Exploring life, love, and romantic ideals colliding head-first with messy reality, this hilarious and relatable hour feels like sharing a bottle of wine with a friend who turns every life mishap into an unforgettable song.

Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August, 7.30 pm–8.30 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au

The Michael Jackson HIStory Show

Commemorating 30 years since Michael Jackson’s final world tour, Showtime’s international tribute spectacle returns to Canberra. Featuring a full live band, energetic choreography, and authentic costumes, the show charts Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 through his iconic 80s theatrical hits and pop dominance.

Friday 28 August, 7.30 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

FABBA: Live Tribute Concert

Dance the night away as FABBA brings the iconic music of ABBA to life with powerhouse vocalists, dazzling costumes, and a full live band. Sing along to world-famous anthems like ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Fernando’, and ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ in a high-energy celebration of pure pop brilliance.

Friday 28 August, 8 pm–11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | bit.ly/fabba2026

British Kaleidoscope: Ginninderra Wind Orchestra

An 80-member community band delivers a free afternoon concert packed with classic British hits, from The Beatles and James Bond themes to band classics.

Saturday 29 August, 4 pm–5.20 pm | Raiders Belconnen, 155 Hardwick Crescent, Holt | facebook.com

Between Silence and Song: Clarinet & Piano Recital

Enjoy an afternoon of expressive chamber music featuring clarinettist Helena Maher and pianist Stuart Long. Tracing themes of quiet lyricism and deep emotion, the program showcases classical and romantic masterworks by Fauré, Weber, Schumann, and Rachmaninov in the intimate setting of Wesley Music Centre.

Sunday 30 August, 3 pm–4 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | wesleymusiccanberra.org

Stage and Screen

5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche

Everyman Theatre presents 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, a comedy by Andrew Hobgood and Evan Linder, directed by Jarrad West. Set in 1956, the play follows the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein as their annual quiche breakfast is interrupted by Cold War anxieties and a series of unexpected revelations. The production blends satire, audience interaction and physical comedy across a fast-paced 90 minutes, and features Crystal Mahon, Steph Roberts, Meaghan Stewart, Sian Harrington and Ylaria Rogers.

Until Saturday 1 August, various times | ACT Hub, Causeway Hall, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | acthub.com.au

Dogs in Space + Director Q&A

Throw yourself into the wild, chaotic world of Melbourne’s late-1970s post-punk counterculture with a 40th-anniversary screening of the Australian cult classic Dogs in Space. Starring INXS frontman Michael Hutchence in a magnetic lead performance, the film offers a gritty yet affectionate snapshot of shared-house living, youth, and music on the fringes. Following the film, director Richard Lowenstein will take the stage for an exclusive live Q&A session.

Saturday, 1 August, 7 pm–9 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

Anthony Locascio: The Divine Comedy

Comedian Anthony Locascio presents his most personal and acclaimed show yet, The Divine Comedy. After his world tour and dream wedding plans suddenly unravelled, desperation led him to a strict ten-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat. This hour-long stand-up narrative charts his journey into the quietest corners of his mind, battling inner demons and returning with sharp, belly-laugh observations on heartbreaks, healing, and silence.

Saturday 1 August, 8 pm–9 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Memory Card 3GB

Memory Card returns for its third instalment, turning the rooftop at Blank Cultural Platform into a vibrant fusion of visual and performing arts. Featuring live glassblowing demonstrations, ambient lighting design, digital projections, indie bands, and electronic DJs, this multi-sensory event showcases the creative edge of Canberra’s independent arts scene overlooking the city skyline.

Saturday 1 August, 3 pm–11:59 pm | Blank Cultural Platform, Level 2, 131 City Walk, Canberra |  humanitix.com

Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival

Escape the winter chill and immerse yourself in the rich storytelling of the Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival as it returns to Palace Electric. This year’s formidable lineup showcases incredible new cinema from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden set against breathtaking landscapes. Film lovers can look forward to a spectacular mix of powerful dramas, dark comedies, and a special 60th-anniversary screening of Ingmar Bergman’s masterpiece, Persona. It is the perfect excuse to settle into a plush cinema seat with a warm drink, support international cinema, and explore profound cultural insights from across the globe.

Until Sunday 2 August | Palace Electric Cinema, NewActon Nishi, 2 Phillip Law Street, City | nordicfilmfestival.com.au

Wil Anderson – Whatchu talkin’ ’bout Wil?

Improv master Wil Anderson returns to Canberra with his completely unscripted, completely spontaneous stand-up show. With no safety net, script, or set list, every single performance is built entirely around the energy and interactions of the room that night. Held in the intimate confines of The Street Theatre as part of the comedy festival season, this show offers an up-close look at one of Australia’s quickest comedic minds. Expect a unique, unrepeatable night of sharp humour and live crowd banter.

Wednesday 5 until Sunday 9 August, 2026 | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au

The Winter’s Tale Youth Production

Experience Shakespeare’s classic story of jealousy, loss, and miraculous redemption in a dynamic production staged by young local performers. Directed by Heidi Silberman with verse coaching from Lakespeare & Co. co-founder Lexi Sekuless, this 80-minute performance brings UK drama-school text rigour to the local stage. Spanning two kingdoms and sixteen years, the narrative moves from tragic paranoia to pastoral romance, complete with disguises, young love, and theatre’s most famous stage direction: “Exit, pursued by a bear.”

Wednesday 5 until Saturday 15 August | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | milltheatreatdairyroad.com

The Girl on the Train

Mockingbird Theatre Company presents the Canberra premiere of the stage thriller The Girl on the Train, adapted from Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel and the hit DreamWorks film. Directed and designed by Chris Baldock, this psychological drama follows Rachel Watson, who becomes entangled in a dangerous missing-persons mystery involving a couple she observes daily from her commute. Featuring a strong local cast, this gripping 140-minute production delivers twists, secrets, and high-stakes tension in the intimate Mockingbird Studio at Belconnen Arts Centre.

Wednesday 5 until Saturday 22 August,  7.30 pm (Matinees 2 pm) | The Mockingbird Studio, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Hibernation

Experience thought-provoking local theatre as Narrabundah College Performing Arts presents Finegan Kruckemeyer’s captivating play, Hibernation. Set in the year 2030 amidst an escalating global climate crisis, world leaders enact a radical solution: plunging the entire human population into a synchronised one-year sleep to allow nature to restore itself. When humanity awakens, however, the consequences prove far different than imagined. Performed by talented student actors at the Hawk Theatre, this compelling production explores environmental responsibility, human resilience, and ethical dilemmas. Gather theatre lovers for an engaging evening of speculative drama that will spark conversation long after curtain call.

Thursday 6 until Saturday 8 August | Hawk Theatre, Narrabundah College, Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | events.humanitix.com

The Jungle & The Sea

From the creators behind Counting and Cracking comes an epic theatrical production exploring family resilience during Sri Lanka’s civil war. Following a mother who blindfolds herself in protest until her missing loved ones return, the narrative weaves together real-life testimonies, classical Indian literature, and ancient myth. Featuring live Carnatic music and a distinguished cast of dancers and actors, the production honours the human capacity for love and pride amidst profound historical turmoil. It stands as a moving, visually rich stage monument that speaks to universal human dignity. Secure tickets for an unforgettable theatrical experience at Canberra Theatre Centre.

Thursday 6 until Sunday 9 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Queer flicks at the NFSA

Celebrate diverse screen stories with Queer Flicks, a monthly film series hosted at the National Film and Sound Archive. Designed to foster community connection, each session offers dedicated gathering time before moving into the cinema for curated screenings. The season launches with Lesbian Space Princess, featuring an interactive post-screening Q&A with director Leela Varghese. Upcoming highlights include classic ballroom documentary Paris is Burning screened on 35mm film. Offering an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere, the series provides a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow film lovers and engage with meaningful LGBTQIA+ stories on the big screen in Acton.

Thursday 6 August | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

CCF Takashi Wakasugi – Wabi-sabi Comedy

Award-winning Japanese comedian Takashi Wakasugi brings his charming stand-up show to The Street Theatre, exploring the traditional concept of wabi-sabi. Centering on finding beauty and humor in life’s imperfections, “Waka” blends clever cultural observations with warm, self-deprecating wit. Recognized for his appearances on national television programs including Taskmaster Australia and The Gala, the performer creates an inviting atmosphere filled with unexpected laughs and lighthearted wisdom. It provides a delightful evening of international comedy for anyone seeking clever, uplifting humor. Book tickets early to enjoy this unique perspective on finding happiness through imperfection.

Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra | thestreet.org.au

Love and Forgetting – Tales From A Young Mixer

Step into the intimate surrounds of Ambrosia Lounge as the Rare Bird ensemble blends theatre, live jazz, and cabaret storytelling. Set in a lively bar setting, Love and Forgetting follows the captivating tales of a young bartender navigating longing, reinvention, and human connection. Guests can enjoy finely crafted cocktails while being transported from the banks of the Murrumbidgee to Manhattan through charming music and witty dialogue. Blurring the boundaries between performer and audience, the production offers a warm, immersive evening that celebrates the memories and stories that shape us. Gather your friends for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling.

Friday 7 until Sunday 9 August | Ambrosia Lounge, Building 2, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | milltheatreatdairyroad.com

Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour 2026

Celebrate ten years of empowering storytelling as the Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour returns to the National Film and Sound Archive. Featuring two and a half hours of inspiring short films from independent creators, the milestone showcase spotlights fearless female adventurers pushing boundaries in climbing, paddling, running, and wilderness exploration around the globe. Each film captures determination, courage, and human potential across breathtaking landscapes. Open to all adventure enthusiasts, the anniversary screening offers an uplifting cinema experience that will leave audiences motivated to plan their next outdoor journey. Gather your crew for an inspiring afternoon or evening of global adventure cinema.

Saturday 8 August, 2 pm–9.30 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au

The Glass Menagerie

Step into a beautifully fragile world of memory and illusion with Canberra REP’s latest theatrical production, The Glass Menagerie. Directed by Geoffrey Borny, this amateur production of Tennessee Williams’ classic masterpiece trades grit for magic, using wryly humorous memories, music, and striking visual effects to underscore the narrative. Set during the late 1930s Great Depression, the story follows Tom’s guilt-ridden reflections on his family: his mother Amanda who lives vitally in a romanticized past, his sister Laura who retreats into a comforting world of miniature glass animals, and the sudden arrival of a hopeful gentleman caller. It stands as a moving tribute to the survival mechanisms and fragile illusions we build just to give life meaning.

Until Saturday, 8 August | Canberra REP Theatre, Acton | canberrarep.org.au

Channels: Artists On Ageing Creatively

Experience an intimate fusion of cinema and live performance at Tuggeranong Arts Centre with Channels, a creative documentary exploration by award-winning artist Creswick. Celebrating the enduring artistic spark, the project features moving portraiture of iconic Australian creators including Vince Jones, Judith Clingan AM, and Elizabeth Cameron Dalman AM. Creswick performs a responsive live score alongside dynamic musicians, weaving jazz, folk, and ambient textures around spoken reflections and filmed interior landscapes. It offers a thoughtful, visually stunning meditation on legacy, creative evolution, and the artistic process across a lifetime. Settle in for a deeply moving cultural experience.

Saturday 8 until Monday 10 August, 2026 | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Tuggeranong | tuggeranongarts.com

The Umbilical Brothers – Speedmouse (Encore)

Comedy royalty returns to the Canberra stage as international physical comedy duo The Umbilical Brothers present an encore performance of their legendary show, Speedmouse. Described as a fast-paced, live-action cartoon, this BAFTA and Helpmann Award-winning production relies on sheer physical ingenuity, vocal acrobatics, and microphone magic to create mind-bending scenarios out of thin air. Expect rewinds, frame-by-frame movement, and lightning-fast comedic timing that has delighted audiences across forty countries. Whether revisiting this classic favorite or experiencing their inventive humor for the first time, prepare for an evening of pure, high-energy entertainment.

Saturday 8 August, 7.30 pm–8.50 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Emma Memma’s Jungle Picnic Tour

Beloved children’s entertainer and ARIA Award winner Emma Memma brings her brand-new Jungle Picnic live show to Canberra for a joyful morning of music and dance. Designed especially for toddlers and young children, the performance incorporates catchy new songs, energetic dance routines, and interactive storytelling. Families are invited to bring along picnic baskets and pet rocks as Emma and her Memma mates explore themes of imagination and outdoor play. Integrating sign language seamlessly throughout the performance, this colorful show provides an accessible, high-energy theatrical experience that will have little ones dancing in the aisles.

Sunday 9 August, 10 am–10.45 am | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

The Big Bike Film Night

Cycling enthusiasts and film lovers can gear up for an inspiring evening as The Big Bike Film Night returns to Kambri at ANU. Featuring two and a half hours of international short films, the collection showcases breathtaking pedal-powered adventures from the fjords of Norway to the rugged trails of Scotland and New Zealand. Blending humor, high-stakes action, and touching human stories, the screening offers a glorious celebration of two-wheeled culture. Grab your cycling mates, soak in the stunning cinematography, and perhaps even enter the draw to win a New Zealand riding holiday.

Monday 10 August, 6.30 pm–9 pm | Kambri at ANU, Tangney Road, Acton | bigbikefilmnight.nz

Dita Von Teese – Nocturnelle

International burlesque icon Dita Von Teese brings her breathtaking new world tour, Nocturnelle, to the Canberra Theatre Centre stage. Drawing inspiration from the golden age of magic and classic cinema, the glamorous production blends sophisticated striptease with grand illusion and opulent costume design. Joined by a hand-picked cast of world-class neo-burlesque performers, Dita delivers a lavish, captivating performance infused with signature elegance and vintage charm. It offers an unforgettable night of high-end theatrical fantasy and old-Hollywood allure. Secure your tickets early to witness this living legend perform live.

Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Rock hard! The Geological Cabaret

Ready for a night where science meets sultry entertainment? Strap in as The Earth’s Most Eminent Geoactress takes the stage for a cheeky, adult-only cabaret that is equal parts educational and scandalous. Expect smouldering dance routines, clever wit, and a splash of burlesque that makes geology delightfully scandalous. Fresh off winning a Science at the Fringe Award, this show blends cocktail hour glamour with playful, volcanic humour. It’s the ultimate grown-up night out for anyone who likes their performance art with a bit of shimmer and spice. Leave the safety glasses at home and bring your friends.

Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Movie marathons at the NFSA

Escape the winter chill with immersive cinematic marathons hosted in the comfort of the National Film and Sound Archive. Designed for relaxed, unhurried viewing, these curated sessions bring iconic film series to the big screen alongside warm food options and refreshments from the onsite bar. From classic sci-fi adventures to mind-bending thrillers, the program offers a cozy communal atmosphere for film enthusiasts. Settle into the plush cinema seats, indulge in delicious snacks, and enjoy a full day of captivating storytelling. It stands as an ideal way to spend a peaceful weekend wrapped in great cinema.

Until Saturday 15 August | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

Book Club at NFSA

Discover how beloved literature transitions from the printed page to the silver screen at this unique monthly gathering. Hosted in partnership with ABC Radio Canberra, the event features an onscreen screening followed by an engaging panel discussion led by broadcaster Alice Matthews and local author Rhiân Williams. Attendees gain fresh perspectives on narrative adaptation while sharing insights with fellow book and film enthusiasts in a relaxed environment. It offers a thoughtful, inspiring afternoon for anyone passionate about storytelling, media, and culture. Be sure to reserve a seat in advance for this popular community fixture.

Sunday 16 August | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

9th Taiwan Film Festival in Australia

Cinema lovers are in for a treat as the Taiwan Film Festival returns to Canberra for a special one-day showcase. The lineup features the inspiring sports documentary Hero! Hito!, tracking Taiwan’s historic run to a world baseball championship. Audiences can also experience the haunting psychological drama Deep Quiet Room, boasting seven Golden Horse Award nominations, alongside the poignant drama Last Night In Taipei. Celebrating rich storytelling and vibrant culture, this curated program offers an extraordinary cinematic getaway right in the heart of the city. Grab some popcorn and settle in for a day of brilliant international film.

Saturday 15 August, 2 pm–9 pm | Dendy Cinemas Canberra, 148 Bunda Street, City | taiwanfilmfestival.org.au

We Don’t Have Time For This – Know Thyself

Popular podcasters Gem and Revz bring their dry wit and authentic humor back to the Canberra stage with a brand new musical comedy show. Known for their hit podcast exploring the chaotic reality of parenting, the duo tackles motherhood, relationships, and modern womanhood with hilarious honesty. The interactive performance combines catchy music, sharp observational comedy, and plenty of audience engagement for a memorable night out. It offers a welcoming space to relax, connect, and share a collective laugh over the absurdities of daily life. Grab your best mates and enjoy a night of genuine fun.

Saturday 15 August, 7 pm–9 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Nonna & Yiayia comedy show

Get ready for an evening of non-stop laughter as legendary comedians George Kapiniaris and James Liotta join forces for a hilarious cultural clash. Drawing on their rich Greek and Italian heritage, the duo delivers a dynamic stand-up performance packed with sketches, songs, and lively audience interaction. With decades of stage and television experience between them, these comedy veterans explore the endearing quirks and shared experiences of Mediterranean upbringing. It’s a warm, high-energy show that promises a fantastic night out for anyone who appreciates great observational humour, community warmth, and plenty of lighthearted fun.

Saturday 15 August, 8 pm–10 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92–96 Corinna Street, Phillip | cscc.com.au

Josh Thomas: jiggle jiggle

Award-winning comedian and creator of Please Like Me Josh Thomas brings his brand-new stand-up show to Canberra. Stepping back from heavy themes, jiggle jiggle promises an hour of pure, unfiltered silliness.

Friday 21 August, 7 pm–8 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

The Dish + Q&A

Celebrate National Science Week with a special screening of the classic Australian comedy-drama The Dish at the NFSA’s Arc Cinema. Directed by Rob Sitch, the film follows the quirky team of Australian scientists at the Parkes Observatory as they overcome technical mishaps and rural weather to broadcast the Apollo 11 moon landing to the world. Following the digital screening, stay for an exclusive Q&A with radio astronomer Mark Price, who worked at the Parkes Radio Telescope during the historic 1969 landing.

Sunday 23 August, 2 pm | Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

Space Faring Civilisation Film Festival

Celebrate sci-fi, space exploration, and optimistic cinema at Dendy Canberra. The day includes pitch workshops, short film screenings, keynote talks, and networking sessions for film and science enthusiasts.

Sunday 23 August, 10 am–6 pm | Dendy Cinemas Canberra, 148 Bunda Street, Canberra | sfcfilms.com

National Science Week: Apollo 11 Q&A

Step back to 1969 at the NFSA with a special National Science Week screening and Q&A featuring radio astronomer Mark Price, who worked at the Parkes Radio Telescope during the Moon landing.

Sunday, 23 August | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

Science. Art. Film. Screening Series

Explore the fascinating, weird, and wonderful intersections of scientific discovery and cinema with the Science. Art. Film. series at Arc Cinema. Presented jointly by the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and the NFSA, each screening opens with a contextual introduction and concludes with a multidisciplinary expert panel discussion and audience Q&A.

Wednesday 26 August | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

Bonegilla: The Migrants’ Journey

Experience an emotional, multi-media stage production honoring post-war European migrants who journeyed to Australia. Featuring live piano and violin accompaniment alongside authentic filmed interviews, vintage home movies, and personal belongings brought over on ships, Bonegilla offers an inspiring and touching tribute to the pioneers who helped shape modern Australia.

Friday 28 August, 8 pm–9.30 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | facebook.com

Top Dog Film Festival World Tour 2026

Celebrate the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions at the 2026 Top Dog Film Festival. Featuring an inspiring lineup of independent short films from around the globe, this screening showcases heroic rescues, athletic working dogs, and heartwarming tales of loyalty that dog lovers won’t want to miss.

Saturday 29 August, 2 pm–9.15 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton |  tickets.nfsa.gov.au

Talks and Workshops

Canberra Made Series: Painting Your Way Beginners Workshop

Unwind in a relaxed art class led by artist Jenny Adams of Popcorn Art. Designed specifically for beginners, this hands-on workshop focuses on vibrant color, bold shapes, and creative expression. All materials are supplied, and you’ll head home with your own finished canvas.

Saturday 1 August, 10 am–1 pm | Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Barrine Drive, Parkes | visitcanberra.com.au

100 Years of Historic East Block Tour

Have you ever walked past East Block and wondered about its history? Join a special guided heritage tour celebrating a century of government life in one of Canberra’s original 1920s buildings. Today home to the National Archives of Australia, East Block has previously served as the city’s first General Post Office, the Prime Minister’s Department, and ASIO headquarters. Explore its classic architecture and hear fascinating stories of the people who shaped the capital across ten decades.

Saturday 1 August, 11 am–12 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au

Textile Transformations: Stories from Scraps

Unravel your creativity in this free, hands-on textile collage workshop led by local artist Henry Shawcross. Designed for adults 18+ of all skill levels as part of Belco Arts’ 2026 INFUSE series, the three-hour session guides participants through breathing new life into discarded fabrics. Using scraps as inspiration, you’ll design, select, cut, and join textures using stitch or glue to build an evocative, richly textured artwork exploring theme and memory.

All materials are supplied (though you’re welcome to bring your own sentimental fabric scraps), and entry is completely free. Spots are strictly limited to one workshop per person to give everyone a turn, so secure your ticket early.

• Belconnen: Saturday 1 August, 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm | Generator Gallery, Belco Arts

• Gungahlin: Saturday 8 August, 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm | Gungaderra Homestead

• Whitlam: Saturday 15 August, 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm | Mingle Community Room

Saturday 1, 8 and 15 August | 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

An Evening with Tristan Hughes

History buffs won’t want to miss the host of The Ancients podcast taking to the stage for his first-ever show outside the UK. Joined by special guests, Tristan brings signature warmth and vivid storytelling to monumental moments from ancient Mesopotamia to Rome.

Sunday 2 August, 6.30 pm–8.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Lecture Series: Artworks of Significance

Expand your cultural horizons with an engaging afternoon talk exploring visual art, history, aesthetics, and context, presented by leading national art theorists, academics, and curators at the Drill Hall Gallery series.

Sunday 2 August, 2 pm–3.30 pm | Coombs Lecture Theatre, Fellows Road, Acton | dhg.anu.edu.au

Speaker’s Corner: Archives, Art and Family History with Ruth Maddison

Celebrate Family History Month with artist Ruth Maddison as she shares the creative process behind The Fellow Traveller, a photographic installation inspired by her father’s ASIO surveillance records. Ruth will discuss her experience researching the national archival collection and discovering files that documented her father’s political activism from the 1950s through the 1980s. This free talk explores the intersection of personal identity, political history, and artistic practice, revealing how archival records can uncover unexpected personal narratives.

Tuesday 4 August, 5.30 pm–6.30 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au

COVID-19 oral history project: Archiving Pandemic Voices

Step inside the National Library of Australia for an insightful lunchtime reflection on preserving recent history. Oral history team members Dr Barbara Lemon, Bronwyn Ryan, and Dr Scott McKinnon share the process behind compiling 260 interviews documenting Australian experiences during the pandemic. The team traveled across the country to record reflections from healthcare workers, educators, artists, and leaders, capturing how everyday lives were shaped during an unprecedented era. This engaging discussion explores the ethical considerations, interview selection process, and long-term historical legacy of archiving these personal narratives. It offers a moving, thought-provoking afternoon for history enthusiasts.

Thursday 6 August, 12.30 pm–1.30 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

Painting your way with Jenny Adams – Advanced Workshop One

Develop and refine your painting practice in an immersive four-hour advanced workshop led by Canberra-based, self-taught artist Jenny Adams. Designed for those with prior painting experience and a working knowledge of basic techniques, this session focuses on composition, color, and personal expression. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Jenny will guide participants through planning, layering, and resolving a complex artwork while providing individual feedback. All materials are provided, and attendees will take home a completed, fully realized piece. Expand your visual language and gain insight into an intuitive, decorative style in Parkes.

Saturday 8 August, 10 am–2 pm | Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Barrine Drive, Parkes | visitcanberra.com.au

Introduction to Ngunnawal language

Deepen your connection to local First Nations heritage with an engaging educational workshop led by Thunderstone educators at the National Arboretum. Set against the serene backdrop of the woods, this morning session teaches participants how to deliver an authentic Acknowledgement of Country in Ngunnawal language. Attendees learn basic greetings and core vocabulary while gaining valuable understanding of the cultural protocols that underpin traditional custodianship. It offers a warm, welcoming opportunity to learn from ancient wisdom and celebrate the world’s oldest continuous living culture. Gather your family for an inspiring, culturally rich morning outdoors.

Sunday 9 August, 10 am–12 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

Japarta: a journey to the Gurindji way + Q&A

Discover a powerful story of cultural respect and cross-cultural understanding with a special screening of the documentary Japarta at the National Film and Sound Archive. The film follows Japanese scholar Minoru Hokari, whose deep collaboration with Gurindji Elders reshaped how oral history and First Nations knowledge are recorded and shared. Through intimate reflections, the narrative highlights the lasting impacts of the 1966 Wave Hill Walk-Off and the importance of listening to First Nations voices. Following the screening, co-directors Andrew Pike and Ann McGrath join the audience for an insightful live Q&A session.

Sunday 9 August, 2 pm–4 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au

The power of kindness: transforming communities through faith and service

The Women’s Auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canberra Chapter presents its annual interfaith Peace Symposium, themed The power of kindness: transforming communities through faith and service. The women’s-only event brings together women from different faiths and community groups to discuss how small acts of compassion contribute to stronger, more peaceful communities. Attendees can expect presentations and conversation exploring the connection between kindness, service and social cohesion, with opportunities to build relationships across community lines. RSVP is required by 2 August.

Sunday 9 August, 11 am–12.15 pm | Flynn Community Hub, 21 Bingle Street, Flynn | events.humanitix.com

Curator talk – 75 years of School of the Air

Step behind the scenes of Australian history with a lunch-hour curator talk at the National Archives of Australia. Marking seventy-five years of the School of the Air, this thirty-minute session explores how radio technology revolutionized education for children living in remote bush communities. Attendees can view historical archival materials, including early lesson scripts, correspondence, and student artwork, while learning about the dedicated teachers who connected isolated outback homesteads. The session concludes with an interactive Q&A, making it a fascinating pop-up history lesson for curious locals and lifelong learners alike.

Thursday 13 August, 12.30 pm–1 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | eventbrite.com.au

Author Talk: Beyond Timbuktu with Catherine DeVrye

Bestselling Australian author Catherine DeVrye visits the National Library of Australia to discuss her inspiring new memoir, Beyond Timbuktu: Journeys of Hope and Humanity. Introduced by social researcher Hugh Mackay AO, Catherine shares moving personal reflections from her travels through more than 150 countries, highlighting moments of unexpected human warmth and resilience. From trekking remote deserts to sharing meals in refugee camps, her stories offer a timely reminder of shared humanity and international connection. It promises an uplifting evening for book lovers, avid travelers, and anyone seeking positive perspectives on global community.

Thursday 13 August, 6 pm–7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

Capturing your family stories session

Ever wondered how to properly capture the stories of your loved ones before they slip away? Head to the National Library of Australia for a beginner-level oral history workshop designed to help you preserve precious memories. Industry experts Claudia Craig and Gerard Callinan guide you through the essentials of interviewing, crafting thoughtful questions, and navigating easy-to-use recording technology. It’s a wonderful chance to build confidence, gain practical skills, and ensure your family’s unique heritage is recorded for future generations. Pack your curiosity and get ready to turn cherished tales into lasting keepsakes.

Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

In conversation: Syaman Rapongan & Si Rapongan

Delve into modern Indigenous literature and maritime heritage during a special evening hosted at The Australian National University. The event features a pre-recorded dialogue with acclaimed Tao writer Syaman Rapongan, alongside an in-person appearance by cultural documentarian Si Rapongan. Following a screening of the evocative film I Dream Of The Ocean, guests can participate in an insightful Q&A session exploring island traditions, ancestral knowledge, and deep connections to the sea. It stands as an enriching cultural experience for anyone interested in global cinema, storytelling, and First Nations heritage. Free reservations can be secured online before attending.

Monday 17 August, 6.30 pm–8,45 pm | CIW Seminar Room, ANU, Fellows Lane, Acton | taiwanfilmfestival.org.au

Shane Rattenbury | Dr Hugh Saddler Memorial Lecture 2026

Gain an insider perspective on environmental policy as former ACT Minister Shane Rattenbury delivers the annual Dr Hugh Saddler Memorial Lecture. Reflecting on the territory’s milestone transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity, the discussion explores the political leadership, community engagement, and collaborative decision-making that drove ambitious climate action. Following the lecture, Australia Institute co-CEO Dr Richard Denniss leads an interactive Q&A session, offering attendees a chance to engage with key ideas shaping Australia’s energy future. Held at the National Film and Sound Archive, it promises a thought-provoking evening for anyone passionate about sustainability and local history.

Monday 17 August, 6 pm–7 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | events.humanitix.com

Researching your roots: getting started with family history

Uncover the fascinating stories woven into your ancestry with a practical beginner’s workshop at the National Archives of Australia. Timed for Family History Month, this informative session guides participants through national archival collections, offering practical tools to begin tracing family lineages. Knowledgeable staff share tips on navigating records, deciphering historical documents, and building research confidence. The workshop concludes with a guided gallery tour highlighting significant moments, places, and figures from Australia’s shared past. It offers an engaging, accessible gateway for anyone eager to discover the people and events that shaped their own family story.

Monday 17 August, 11 am–12 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | eventbrite.com.au

Dr Isobel Bennett & the Secrets of Australia’s Seashores

Join 2026 NLA Fellow Dr. Joy McCann as she explores the legacy of pioneer marine scientist Dr. Isobel Bennett. Grounded in research on Australia’s role in postwar marine expansion and timed with 50 years of women in Antarctica, this public talk highlights Bennett’s life, discoveries, and dedication to conserving Australia’s seashores.

Thursday 20 August, 12.30 pm–1.30 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

The Memory Collectors: Conversations with Oral Historians

Discover the art of listening and the power of personal storytelling with Dr. Barbara Lemon, Dr. Shirleene Robinson AM, MC Trey, and Dr. Barry York. Reflecting on Australia’s largest oral history archive, the panel shares moving, surprising interview moments that have shaped our cultural understanding.

Thursday 20 August, 6 pm–7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

Painting Your Way with Jenny Adams

Refine your artistic practice in this four-hour advanced painting workshop with self-taught Canberra artist Jenny Adams. Designed for experienced painters, the session focuses on colour, composition, and developing a personal visual language inspired by nature. All materials provided.

Saturday 22 August, 10 am–2 pm | Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Barrine Drive, Parkes | visitcanberra.com.au

Recording Drums Workshop

Join producer Matt Barnes at the ANU School of Music for a technical masterclass on drum recording. Learn minimalist and comprehensive mic setups, studio strategies, and post-production mixing tools to elevate your drum tracks.

Saturday 22 August, 1 pm–4 pm | ANU Recording Studio, ANU School of Music, Canberra | music.cass.anu.edu.au

Sandcasting Glass Workshop

Discover the art of hot glass casting with glass artists Nadina Geary and Olivia Gates at the Canberra Glassworks. In this hands-on workshop, participants learn to press textured objects into sand and carve custom designs to create unique casting molds. Once your design is set, watching molten glass poured directly into your mold brings your custom sculpture to life.

Sunday 23 August, 1 pm–4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com

Bright Minds, Bold Voices: Food, Science & Stories

What actually happens when a celebrated food personality meets a trailblazing scientist? As part of the Australian Academy of Science’s 2026 Public Speaker Series, cook and broadcaster Adam Liaw joins food scientist Dr. Emma Beckett and ABC Canberra’s Lish Fejer to unpack the biology, psychology, and evolution behind our eating habits. The panel explores the five basic tastes and offers fresh takes that will transform how you view your next meal.

Tuesday 25 August, 5.30 pm–7 pm | Shine Dome, 15 Gordon Street, Canberra | science.org.au

Making of a Medieval Manuscript

Step back six centuries into the world of medieval scriptoriums with calligrapher and artist Gemma Black as she reveals the secrets behind one of the National Library’s prized treasures—a 15th-century Book of Hours from the Southern Netherlands. Learn how parchment was prepared, how natural pigments were mixed using everyday ingredients like eggs, and how pages were bound into enduring works of art.

Thursday 27 August, 6 pm–7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

Matcha Masterclass with Teddy’s Matcha

Discover the art, science, and history of Japanese matcha in a hands-on workshop led by Teddy’s Matcha. Participants will learn how to evaluate matcha quality, understand distinct flavor profiles, and practice traditional whisking methods before crafting customized iced matcha beverages using house-made syrups.

Saturday, 29 August, 10 am–11.30 am | Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Barrine Drive, Parkes |  crvc@act.gov.au

Intro to Beadmaking Class

Learn to tame molten glass over an open torch in a beginner-friendly beadmaking workshop at Canberra Glassworks. Taught by local jewelry artist Sarah Murphy, this three-hour session covers essential flameworking techniques, including glass manipulation, pattern application, making glass threads, and proper annealing practices.

Saturday 29 August, 10.30 am–1.30 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com

The Stitch Up: Weaving Lab Workshops

Kickstart your textile practice with a three-hour hands-on tapestry workshop led by master weavers from the Australian Tapestry Workshop. Held exclusively at the National Gallery, participants will experiment with frame weaving techniques, colour combinations, and upcycled materials to create a custom woven wall piece.

Saturday 29 August, 12.30 pm–3.30 pm | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au

Artists in Conversation: Josie Cosgrove & Katrina Barter

Gain deep insights into contemporary visual art during an informal artist talk with Josie Cosgrove (Where the Light Dances) and Katrina Barter (Happy Places). The pair will discuss process-driven eco-printing, botanical pigments, abstract grid paintings, and how personal memory shapes artistic creation.

Saturday 29 August, 2 pm–3 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

AJ Lamarque: A Beginner’s Guide to Ancient Egypt

Comedian and amateur Egyptologist AJ Lamarque breaks down 5,000 years of mummies, magic, and gods in a hilarious crash course on ancient history.

Saturday 29 August, 6 pm–7 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra | thestreet.org.au

Canberra Milky Way Editing Masterclass

Take your astro-photography skills to the next level with a dedicated full-day editing masterclass led by astrophotographer David Magro. Designed to help photographers turn RAW night-sky captures into stunning Milky Way landscapes, the course provides real-time feedback, workflow refinement, and advanced processing techniques.

Sunday 30 August, 9 am–4.30 pm | Gungahlin East Lakes, 51 Hinder Street, Gungahlin | davidmagro.com

Story Dogs on Sunday

Bring the kids to the National Library foyer on the last Sunday of the month for a relaxed, pressure-free reading session with accredited Story Dogs volunteers and their friendly canine companions. Designed for children aged seven to 12, this heartwarming program helps young readers build confidence while enjoying bookish pats.

Sunday 30 August, 11 am–12 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

Winter Tales: Karen Viggers

Join bestselling novelist, veterinarian, and explorer Karen Viggers for the NLA’s Winter Tales talk, presented in association with the National Foundation for Australian Women. Viggers will reflect on her adventures, her passion for native wildlife, and the human-animal bond that shapes her fiction, followed by an afternoon tea raising funds for the Australian Women’s Register.

Sunday 30 August, 2 pm–4 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

Canberra Milky Way Photography Masterclass

Learn to photograph the night sky with multi-award-winning photographer David Magro. Starting with a classroom theory session on camera settings, composition, and noise-reduction, participants will head out to nearby dark-sky spots along the Murrumbidgee River to capture breathtaking images of the Milky Way.

Monday 31 August, 5.30 pm–9.30 pm | Eastlake Calwell, 1 Were Street, Calwell | davidmagro.com

Exhibitions

Neil Lade’s Mixed Up

Ainslie-based artist Neil Lade presents Mixed Up, an exhibition spanning four decades of his painting and sketching practice, at Q Gallery. Lade began drawing in his early teens, balancing art alongside a career in journalism and family life before turning to it more fully in retirement. The show brings together works from the early 1980s to the present, including pen and ink sketches, pieces combining ink with acrylic colour, and larger abstract works on canvas and board. His imagery moves between surreal, comical and dreamlike scenes, often blending real and imagined landscapes. Lade’s work has featured in solo and group exhibitions, and in private collections in Australia and overseas.

Until Thursday 6 August | Q Gallery, 13a Edgar Street, Ainslie | q-gallery.com.au

GR’AFT: solo exhibition by Lynda Draper

Explore innovative contemporary sculpture at Canberra Glassworks with GR’AFT, a solo exhibition by artist Lynda Draper. Developed during a residency at the Kingston precinct, the body of work blends glass, ceramics, and bronze through skilled collaborations with local artisans and foundry specialists. Drawing inspiration from botanical grafting techniques, the tactile sculptures feature wax-like surfaces, biomorphic forms, and funnel shapes that evoke natural growth and transformation. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to contemplate material exchange, layered artistic histories, and collaborative craft. Drop by this iconic lakeside venue to experience stunning contemporary art firsthand.

Thursday 6 August until Monday 26 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com

Canberra Contemporary Photographic Prize 2026

PhotoAccess presents the Canberra Contemporary Photographic Prize 2026, an exhibition and competition open to photographers worldwide across all experience levels. The show brings together new work in contemporary photo media, presenting a range of approaches and perspectives within the medium.

Until Saturday 15 August, 10 am–4 pm | photo access, Manuka Arts Centre, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au

Distant blues, from a little closer

Olivia Gates presents Distant blues, from a little closer, her first solo exhibition. The exhibition explores losing, loss and being lost, alongside moments of love and joy interwoven through these experiences. Works were developed during Gates’ residency at M16 ArtSpace this year, marking her return to textiles after a decade-long focus on glass. Rather than seeking resolution, the pieces hold grounding memories and hope for an imagined life, sitting with the pull between leaving something unknown and letting it become familiar.

Until Sunday 16 August | Platform, 19 Furneaux Street, Manuka | canberracontemporary.com.au

Flutterbry: Worlds Beyond Waste

Worlds Beyond Waste invites viewers into a surreal ecosystem built entirely from discarded plastic laundry hamper lids.

Flutterbry transforms everyday waste into mesmerising sculptural forms that feel both organic and architectural, creating a world suspended between the deep ocean and the outer cosmos.

The exhibition will be visible 24/7, offering a different experience by day and by night, with creative lighting and dramatic shadows bringing the works to life.

Based in Canberra, Flutterbry is a visual artist also known to many locals as the former owner of the iconic Toast Bar nightclub (2001–2007).

Until Monday 17 August | Canberra Museum + Gallery, Civic Square | cmag.com.au

Weaving the Coast by Christiane Keller

Opening at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Weaving the Coast is a new solo exhibition by Canberra-based fibre artist Christiane Keller. Featuring fifteen sculptural works crafted from natural fibres, recycled materials, and salvaged beach debris, the collection translates the distinct geological patterns and sediment layers of coastal rock formations into intricate, three-dimensional woven forms. Informed by her decades spent working alongside Indigenous fibre artists across Arnhem Land and Central Australia, Keller’s sustainable practice creates a deeply tactile connection to place and Country.

Friday 21 August – Saturday 17 October (Official Opening Friday 21 August, 6 pm) | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com

Glad Tidings: Susan Chancellor

Step into the serene, shifting environment of a coastal estuary with Glad Tidings, a multi-media solo exhibition by Susan Chancellor. Grounded in the visual wonders of the transition zone where land meets sea, this exhibition features vibrant works alongside a mesmerizing digital installation capturing the rhythmic movements and reflective surfaces of tidal flows.

Until Sunday 23 August | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au

Position/Trajectory: Matthew Freeman, Anne Pyne Irving & Tristan Ouweleen

Position/Trajectory brings together three distinct drawing practices that explore drawing as a tool for connection and meaning-making. Through varied techniques, artists Matthew Freeman, Anne Pyne Irving, and Tristan Ouweleen navigate the fleeting and the luminous, mapping how movement, memory, and change shape our experience of the world.

Until Sunday 23 August | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au

UNRuly: Catherine Anselmi, David Helmers, Ro Murray & Mandy Burgess

In UNRuly, four artists embrace unruliness as a creative catalyst across sculpture, ceramics, and collaborative drawing. Through raw, expressive installations, Catherine Anselmi, David Helmers, Ro Murray, and Mandy Burgess challenge traditional form while exploring themes of material flux, transformation, and female determination in old age.

Until Sunday 23 August | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au

Ngurumbang-dhi Fashion Exhibition

Discover Ngurumbang-dhi, a striking collection by First Nations fashion label Corella & Crow, founded by talented designers Rechelle Turner and Megan Daley. On display in the Window Gallery at Belco Arts, these beautiful works were originally created for the 2025 Country to Couture runway. Exploring the deep connection between fashion, Country, and community, the collection highlights slow fashion processes, upcycled textiles, and stunning hand-worked surfaces. Through specialiSed dyeing, mark-making, layering, and reconstruction, each garment speaks beautifully to cycles of renewal and environmental care, honoring the stories and relationships that shape First Nations creative practice.

Until Sunday, 23 August, 10 am–4 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

My Country, My Connection exhibition

Experience Full Circle, a deeply personal solo exhibition by a proud Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri woman at the Belconnen Arts Centre. This evocative showcase explores the artist’s unique journey and enduring cultural links, having been fortunate enough to live on both her grandmother and grandfather’s traditional countries for most of her life. Now living on beautiful Yuin Nation country—a place where her mother also lived for two decades while maintaining her traditional connections—the artist brings these three distinct regional relationships full circle through her creative practice. Step into the Pivot Gallery to witness this beautiful celebration of identity.

Until Sunday 23 August, 10 am–4 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Ngiaga Art Exhibition

Step into the West Gallery at Belco Arts to experience Ngiaga, an extraordinary collaborative exhibition of mixed-media works created by First Nations artists. Grounded in spirituality, Country, and genealogy, this deeply autobiographical series explores the interconnected stages of life through ten powerful themes, including birth, heritage, society, and purpose. Each piece draws beautifully from lived experience and cultural knowledge, showing how we move through the world both as individuals and as part of a collective experience. Audiences are warmly invited to witness, reflect, and connect with this stunning, interwoven cultural map.

Until Sunday, 23 August, 10 am–4 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Yawarj Mara Young Men’s Art Exhibition

Belconnen Arts Centre proudly presents the Yawarj Mara – Strong Pathways Young Men’s Group Art Exhibition. Led by proud Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri man Mitchell Daley, this vital program regularly engages over forty Aboriginal young people aged ten to eighteen from across North Canberra. Because creative arts are a core part of their program, this unique showcase in The Nook highlights beautiful artworks and cultural artifacts designed by the participants. Reflecting individual and collective journeys, identity, and connection to culture, these rare works aim to inspire the next generation with strength, vision, and a lasting legacy.

Until Sunday, 23 August, 10 am–4 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Ngura Puḻka–Epic Country

One of the most ambitious exhibitions to open at the National Gallery of Australia this year, Ngura Puḻka–Epic Country showcases major works by senior First Nations artists and collectives from the APY Lands, Coober Pedy, and Adelaide. These large-scale paintings depict Country while celebrating the powerful Tjukurpa–the law and cultural stories–that lies within, rendered sometimes in explosions of colour, sometimes in muted, contemplative palettes. From the beginning of the APY art movement, these artists have embraced monumental works as the ultimate expression of cultural freedom. The result is an exhibition that is genuinely epic in both scale and significance.

Until Sunday, 23 August | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes | nga.gov.au

Stone and Shadow: Senden Blackwood

Explore the dialogue between stone, light, and perception in Stone and Shadow, a solo exhibition by sculptor Senden Blackwood. Working primarily with unfigured hard stone, Blackwood’s abstract works reveal how shifting daylight transforms solid weight into subtle radiance. The exhibition features large freestanding sculptures, wall pieces, and a short film documenting a monumental five-year carving project.

Friday 28 August until Sunday, 11 October | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

The Space Between: Roslyn Kean

Tracing decades of artistic evolution, The Space Between showcases woodblock and multi-block prints by Roslyn Kean. The collection spans early colour theory studies from Sydney and London to refined Japanese Mokuhanga woodblock techniques developed during her scholarship at The National University of Fine Art in Tokyo, presenting a serene, contemplative body of work.

Friday 28 August until Sunday 11 October | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Where the Light Dances: Josie Cosgrove

Grounded in deep connection to the local environment, Where the Light Dances uses eco-printing techniques to capture botanical pigments and textures gathered along Ginninderra Creek. Reflecting the Ngunnawal meaning of Ginninderra (“sparkling, throwing out little rays of light”), Josie Cosgrove’s gentle textile and paper installations translate seasonal changes and natural rhythms into visual form.

Friday 28 August until Sunday 11 October | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Rock at the Roadside: Group Exhibition

Thirteen artists assemble to honor 94-year-old Canberra-based Japanese poet Saeko Ogi through traditional Mokuhanga woodblock prints. Inspired by Ogi’s award-winning poetry collection Rock at the Roadside, this collaborative display celebrates her enduring literary contributions and international cultural legacy.

Friday 28 August until Sunday 11 October | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Contours: Helen Shields

Contours presents a suite of bas-relief abstract works responding to the physical structures and geomorphology of the Earth’s surface. Helen Shields applies a Neo-Brutalist aesthetic and hard-edge geometric abstraction to depict landscapes beyond conventional appearances, using planar shifts and bold color fields to invite new visual perspectives.

Friday 28 August until Sunday 11 October | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Happy Places: Katrina Barter

Katrina Barter presents immersive grid-based abstract paintings that translate mobile photos of gratitude into vivid, emotional atmospheres of scale and colour.

Friday 28 August until Sunday 11 October | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Tamara Henderson: The Gardener’s Bar

Tamara Henderson presents The Gardener’s Bar, an exhibition centred on compost as material, method and model of transformation within her practice. Drawing on processes of decomposition and regeneration, Henderson builds an ecology where sculpture, painting, film and sound emerge through shared cycles of accumulation, decay and renewal, guided by four recurring archetypes: The Gardener, The Director, Light and Sound. First realised in London in 2023, the work responds to Henderson’s Kamberri/Canberra shed and operates as a site of cultivation, production and exchange. New glass panels for this iteration were produced at Canberra Glassworks. The exhibition is accompanied by a newly commissioned collection of texts by Henderson’s collaborators.

Until Saturday 29 August | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes ACT | canberracontemporary.com.au

Elisa Crossing: Move Me!

Discover Move me!, a striking solo exhibition by Canberra artist Elisa Crossing that champions the practice of “slow looking.” Countering the fast-paced, frictionless nature of the digital age, Crossing’s oil paintings explore the active, embodied relationship between the viewer, the studio, and the canvas. Moving between intimacy and distance, her works dissolve into abstract textures up close while revealing rhythmic structural scenes from afar, reminding us that seeing is never static.

Until Monday 31 August | Civic Art Bureau, Level 1, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra | civicartbureau.com

Trent Parke: The Christmas tree bucket

Trent Parke’s photographic series The Christmas tree bucket 2006–09 is a tender and darkly humorous portrayal of his extended family coming together to celebrate Christmas. The series showcases Parke’s distinctive and acclaimed visual style and his skilful use of light and colour, to transcendent effect.The Christmas tree bucket is a candid, unsettling and often absurd portrait of family life—centred on the chaos, rituals and contradictions of the suburban Australian Christmas. It is a fond, insider’s view—sharp but affectionate—and one that the participants, after initial bemusement, actively embraced.

Parke draws from the legacy of postwar American photography while retaining a distinctly personal visual language, using light and colour to transform the everyday. The resulting photographs are both intimate and theatrical, sometimes hilarious, sometimes poetic and haunting. The exhibition also features a small selection of work from Parke’s black-and-white series Minutes to midnight 2003‒04 and a number of his handmade concertina photobooks, which he sees as a central part of his practice.

Until Sunday 6 September | National Gallery, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au

2XX People-Powered Radio: Celebrating 50 Years

For five decades, 2XX has carried the distinct voices, grassroots politics, and community stories of the capital over the airwaves. This winter, the Canberra Museum + Gallery (CMAG) is marking this massive milestone with a brand-new exhibition celebrating Canberra’s very first community radio station and the passionate people who shaped it. Tracing its evolution from its early beginnings as Radio ANU in 1976 to a modern broadcasting pillar, the exhibition brings together archival audio, vintage equipment, photographs, and vibrant, screen-printed posters made in collaboration with Megalo. Visitors can even step back in time inside a faithfully recreated 1970s and 1980s radio studio to listen to historic broadcast excerpts. It is a nostalgic, physical celebration of local music, multicultural programming, and the independent media movements that helped define modern Canberra.

Until Sunday 6 September | Canberra Museum + Gallery, Civic Square |  cmag.com.au

Vessels of Dialogue: Sarit Cohen

Influenced by Bauhaus architecture and early 20th-century Decorative Arts, Vessels of Dialogue presents whimsical ceramic sculptures by Sarit Cohen. Crafted from delicate porcelain clay, these serene, minimal forms use subtle linear rhythms and a muted color palette to explore architectural memories and space.

Until Saturday 12 September | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org

Correspondence: Jude Muduioa

Celebrating patience and sustained craft, Correspondence showcases Jude Muduioa’s exploration of ceramic accumulation. Each delicate element is individually shaped by hand before joining a larger structure. With restrained surfaces, the exhibition invites viewers to focus on rhythm, subtle detail, and the interplay of light and shadow.

Until Saturday 12 September | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org

Dwell: Suzanne Knight

Through intricately woven tapestry forms shaped like discarded plastic bottles, Suzanne Knight’s Dwell examines the complex interplay between migration, consumer culture, and ecological change. The exhibition reflects on how introduced materials and settler traditions have permanently reshaped Australian landscapes.

Until Saturday 12 September | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org

Fragile Structures: The Architecture of Decay

Step into a captivating collaborative exhibition by visual artists Madeline Cardone and Fran Romano. Working across glass and ceramics, the duo explores the built environment, ruins, decay, and architectural space through the deconstruction and abstraction of form. Their sculptural works examine dualities of strength and fragility, permanence and transience, creating a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

Until Saturday, 12 September (Opening night & artist talks Thursday, 30 July from 5.30 pm) | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra |  craftanddesigncanberra.org

Wangka Wakaṉutja: the story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre

Between 1979 and 1990, the Papunya Literature Production Centre produced hundreds of illustrated bilingual books–funny, moving, extraordinary documents of Pintupi-Luritja language and culture, guided by community Elders who were also pioneers of the Western Desert art movement. Many of those books have been held in the National Library’s collections ever since, and this landmark new exhibition finally brings them to life. Featuring stories, drawings, photographs, manuscripts, and oral histories drawn from multiple collections, it’s a profoundly significant celebration of Aboriginal literary culture, collective creativity, and the remarkable human effort to keep language alive across generations.

Until Sunday, 11 October | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/wangka-wakanutja

Hop In! an immersive world of play

Canberra Museum and Gallery launches one of its most delightful exhibitions this April–and it’s designed for the youngest visitors. Hop In! turns the familiar family home inside out, shifting rooms in scale and perspective to invite children aged 3–12 to move, build, crawl, splash, and imagine in surprising new ways. Stretch out beneath a sky of clouds, create secret worlds under oversized furniture, or wander through reimagined kitchens and backyards where creativity has completely taken over. At the heart of the experience is Bunny Dearest, a gentle guiding companion created by artist Beci Orpin.

Until Sunday, 11 October | Canberra Museum and Gallery, London Circuit, Canberra | cmag.com.au

Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light

Questacon presents an interactive exhibition exploring the science of light through 13 hands-on exhibits. Visitors can experiment with light refraction, colour blending, shadow manipulation and reflection across multiple activity stations. The exhibition demonstrates how light travels, reflects and refracts, alongside displays of tools humans have developed to harness light. Activities include bending light, using sensors to create music, and working with lenses. The exhibition is designed for hands-on engagement with scientific concepts. Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is a Museums Victoria Touring Exhibition running until November 2026.

Until Sunday, 22 November | Questacon–The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au

Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’

Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’ celebrates the year’s best political cartoons.

Featuring established and emerging cartoonists from across Australia, this exhibition highlights the significant contribution they make to cultural and political debates through witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings.

This year our Behind the Lines theme is the cinema, acknowledging that, like some of our favourite movies, 2025 has been full of thrills and spills, romance and heartbreak, with plenty of unexpected plot twists. Australia’s cartoonists and illustrators have tackled many of the issues that made news, including the federal election, the cost of living, energy policy, interest rates, housing security, the economy, climate change and stories from overseas.

Until December 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au

Gurindji Freedom Banners 

A powerful new exhibition commemorating the pivotal 1966 Wave Hill Walk-off opens at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Gurindji Freedom Banners: Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla–From the darkness into the light unites all ten hand-painted banners for the first time in years, telling the story of when Gurindji and neighbouring peoples, led by Vincent Lingiari AM, walked off Wave Hill Station on 23 August 1966.

Their demands for fair working conditions and return of traditional lands sparked landmark change, leading to the first handback of Aboriginal land in 1975 and paving the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976. The textile banners were created in 2000 by 35 Gurindji people, many walk-off participants, with one recently recreated after going missing.

Now showing until late 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au

Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom

The Royal Australian Mint’s exhibition Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom draws on never-before-seen objects from the National Collection to explore the rich symbolism of flowers on coins from around the world. The exhibition traces how floral designs struck into metal carry stories of national identity, cultural heritage and remembrance — from Australia’s kangaroo paw and the South African protea to the Western Samoan Teuila.

Decorative motifs such as laurel, olive and oak wreaths, used for centuries as symbols of victory, peace and strength, also feature. Commemorative coins in the exhibition show how flowers have honoured significant historical moments and individuals across cultures.

Until March 2027 | Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au

Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures

Step into a vibrant, near-future Australia where once-impossible technologies transform how we live, work, and play. Questacon’s latest immersive gallery, Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures, makes the complex world of quantum physics accessible, playful, and incredibly fun.

Developed in collaboration with Canberra illustrator Paul Summerfield, the exhibition brings tomorrow’s tech to life through colorful, highly detailed illustrations, giant airborne sculptures, and a mesmerizing cloud chamber that reveals the invisible world of tiny particles. Along the way, visitors can meet the pioneering Australian researchers who are harnessing the unique behaviors of quantum objects to solve some of the world’s most critical challenges. From un-hackable communications and personalized medicine to ultra-responsive prosthetics, you’ll discover how a quantum future promises to make ordinary lives extraordinary.

Open daily through 30 June 2027 | Gallery 8, Questacon, Parkes | questacon.edu.au

Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay

Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay showcases two of Australia’s leading fashion designers: Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee, in conversation with international, multidisciplinary artist Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979).

The iconic and vibrant early designs of Kee and Jackson from the 1970s and early 1980s were directly inspired by the dynamic legacy of Delaunay, who was a member of the School of Paris and co-founder of Orphism, an art movement noted for its use of intense colours and abstract, geometric forms. As well as working in traditional mediums such as painting and printmaking, Delaunay’s practice also included textile, fashion, and theatre design.

For Jackson and Kee, who were beginning their shared journey in creating clothes as works of art, the discovery of Delaunay was revolutionary. This powerful display feature a rarely-seen collection of Kee and Jackson’s garments from their archives and are shown with the National Gallery’s collection of Delaunay’s prints, drawings, textiles and costumes.

Showing now | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au

Yarning: Sharing Stories, Celebrating Culture

Explore Yarning, a vibrant new exhibition at Australian Parliament House showcasing the creative voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from across the nation. Featuring artworks from over 70 young artists, the display showcases entries from the Yarning competition exploring themes of Country, identity, family, and reconciliation—including the three winning pieces. Located in the public area on the Level 1 Senate side, this inspiring collection offers a powerful platform for young First Nations storytellers.

Open daily until February 2027 | Australian Parliament House, Capital Hill | aph.gov.au

National Library of Australia Treasures Gallery

The National Library has millions of books, and the Treasures Gallery answers the frequently asked question, ‘Where are they’. They also collect other items. From maps and manuscripts to photographs and paintings, the Treasures Gallery is where you can find highlights from their vast physical and digital collections. Behind-the-scenes videos, pages from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio, a cedar bookcase carved by Dorothea Mackellar, photographs from the nation’s photo album, and a display of The Wiggles’ websites from 1997 to today from the Australian Web Archive are among the new additions.

Until December 2030 | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au

Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years

Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years is a permanent portrait exhibition celebrating 50 years of women as residents at John XXIII College. Featuring fifty alumni, the exhibition pairs portraiture with personal reflections to capture the evolving experience of women across five decades. Photographed by ANU School of Art graduate Bronte Morel across Australia and internationally, each work is set in a location of personal significance. Together, the collection forms an intergenerational narrative of leadership, identity and community, recognising the enduring contribution of women to the College and beyond.

Permanent exhibition, open 9 am–5 pm daily | Front foyer, John XXIII College, 51 Daley Road, Australian National University, Canberra | johnxxiii.anu.edu.au

Feature image: QT Canberra.