75+ ways to spend the October long weekend in Canberra
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Staying in town for the October long weekend? Here’s everything happening in Canberra.
From seeing a play penned by acclaimed Australian playwright Suzie Miller to watching Jessica Mauboy live on stage and exploring Floriade after dark, read on for your curated weekend guide.
Don’t miss…
Strong Is The New Pretty
Rally your team for the world premiere season of Strong Is The New Pretty, a gripping new play written in mud, sweat, and belief. Penned by acclaimed Australian playwright Suzie Miller (Prima Facie) and directed by Lee Lewis, this fast-paced drama reveals the fierce, untold story behind the birth of the AFLW. Before national stadiums filled, determined women kicked down locked doors purely for the love of the game. Featuring a dynamic ensemble cast portraying football pioneers, this moving story explores resilience, progress, and the courage required to forever change Australian sporting history.
Until Saturday 3 October, 7.30 pm | The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Canberra Outlet Big Brand Sale
Canberra Outlet is holding its Big Brand Sale across the October long weekend, with reduced prices offered by participating retailers throughout the centre. Discounts will be available across fashion, footwear, sportswear, homewares and furniture stores, in addition to the outlet centre’s regular pricing, which runs up to 70 per cent off recommended retail prices year-round.
Saturday 3 until Monday 5 October | Canberra Outlet, Fyshwick | canberraoutlet.com.au
Jessica Mauboy – The Story of Me
Celebrated Indigenous artist Jessica Mauboy brings her intimate new concert, The Story of Me: A Musical Journey Through My Career, to the Canberra stage. Through powerhouse vocals and candid storytelling, Jessica reflects on her incredible rise from Darwin to national stardom. Hear the personal stories behind her ARIA number-one hits, acting achievements, and her bold decision to launch her own music label and beauty brand, Desert Rose. Featuring reimagined classics, soulful ballads, and chart-topping anthems, this performance offers a rare, inspiring look at one of Australia’s most beloved entertainers reclaiming her narrative in an unforgettable evening of live music.
Saturday 3 October, 7.30 pm–10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Mario the Maker Magician
Experience a romping, contagiously upbeat explosion of family theatre as international sensation Mario the Maker Magician hits the stage. Blending vaudeville, sleight-of-hand magic, homemade robotics, cardboard creations, and physical comedy, Mario leads audiences through an energetic hour of pure chaotic joy. More than just a kids’ show, this endearing production combines belly laughs with a positive, inspiring message about curiosity, innovation, and creative play. Featuring loud music, light water spray, and plenty of audience interaction, it is a heartwarming theatrical adventure designed to captivate children and parents alike.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, 11 am and 2 pm | The B, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre | theq.net.au
NightFest 2026
As darkness falls, Commonwealth Park transforms into an illuminated wonderland for four sensational nights of NightFest. Floriade’s night-time alter ego brings the park to life with glowing floral displays, mesmerizing light installations, fire performances, roving entertainers, and fantastic local food stalls. Stage 88 will host an incredible lineup of Australian music legends, including The Temper Trap, Tim Finn, Pacific Avenue, Busby Marou, and Christine Anu, alongside top local talent. Gather your crew, soak up the vibrant evening atmosphere, and experience Canberra’s favorite spring festival under the stars. Tickets are on sale now, so book early to secure your spot.
Until Sunday, 4 October 6.30 pm–10.30 pm | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra | floriadeaustralia.com
The Jerra School Holiday Program
Jerrabomberra’s local pub has officially reopened as ‘The Jerra’ following a multi-million-dollar transformation – and it’s serving up a fun-filled school holiday lineup for regional families! Unveiling a brand-new kids’ playground, dedicated family zone, and expanded dining spaces, the iconic venue is hosting free daily activities throughout the break. Kids can get hands-on with DIY pizza-making sessions, marvel at live magic shows, get creative in craft workshops, and enjoy balloon twisting or face painting. It offers a fantastic, relaxed destination for parents to grab a bite while the little ones stay thoroughly entertained close to home.
Sunday 4 October until Sunday, 11 October, various times | The Jerra, 3/2 Limestone Drive, Jerrabomberra | thejerra.com.au
Floriade 2026
Australia’s premier spring celebration returns to Commonwealth Park with over one million flowers blooming in a spectacular display. Celebrating the theme Feast of Flowers, this year’s festival highlights the delightful connections between garden design, local produce, and community feasts. Wander through garden beds crafted like vibrant agricultural tapestries, enjoy live entertainment, sample delicious regional food, and drop into creative workshops. Families will love the interactive exhibits and weekend markets, while satellite displays across Canberra ensure spring color reaches every corner of our city. Pack a picnic and welcome the new season at our capital’s ultimate festival.
Until Sunday 11 October, times vary | Commonwealth Park, Canberra | floriadeaustralia.com
Disney’s Frozen, The Broadway Musical
Step into an enchanted winter wonderland as Free-Rain Theatre Company brings Disney’s Frozen live to The Q stage! Based on the beloved Academy Award-winning film, this sensational musical production follows Princess Anna on an epic journey alongside Kristoff and Olaf to find her sister Elsa, whose hidden magic accidentally trapped Arendelle in eternal ice. Featuring a talented local cast, striking costumes, and iconic songs like Let It Go, this magical experience combines courage, sisterhood, and theatrical stagecraft. It’s an unforgettable outing guaranteed to delight theatre lovers of all ages.
Until Sunday 11 October, 7.30 pm | The Q, Queanbeyan | freeraintheatre.com
Tennis for Resilience – Season 2
Running for Resilience is launching season two of Tennis for Resilience, a free weekly tennis program open to players of all experience levels, from complete beginners to regulars. Sessions run across two Canberra venues, Turner Tennis Club and Melba Tennis Club, with equipment provided for both traditional tennis and POP Tennis. The program is framed around building mental wellbeing through movement and social connection, alongside weekly giveaways and an end-of-season prize pack. No experience required – just rock up and have some fun!
Until Friday 23 October, 4:45–6 pm weekly | Turner Tennis Club, 49 Condamine Street, Turner and Melba Tennis Club, Brownlee Place, Melba | runningforresilience.com
NFSA Spring Film Series
Enjoy the NFSA’s curated program of recent releases and revived classics, from high art to guilty pleasures. There’s something for everyone!
Follow the pull of earth, water, fire and air in the Spring Film Series at Arc Cinema. From epic river journeys and windswept adventures to stories of passion, change and survival, these films reveal the forces that shape our world and ourselves.
Step into these elemental worlds and discover stories that move, challenge and transform.
Until Monday 30 November | NFSA Acton, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au/whats-on
Special Events + Festivals
The Killing of Canberra Exhibition
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of street art as The Killing of Canberra Exhibition arrives in the city centre. Presented alongside the massive 520-metre Woden graffiti jam, this exciting grassroots exhibition showcases almost 200 square metres of original works, prints, merchandise, and books created by 80 top graffiti artists from across Australia. Visitors can soak up the underground culture, meet the talented artists behind the aerosol cans, and enjoy soundtrack vibes courtesy of a local DJ playing throughout the day. Entirely self-funded and completely free to attend, it offers a welcoming space for art lovers of all ages.
Saturday 3 October, 6 pm | 131 City Walk, City | marilyntuna.art
Spring Courtyards of Parliament House Tour
Spring has officially arrived at Parliament House, opening the doors to private courtyards usually hidden from public view. Join an expert guide for a scenic walking tour through these beautifully landscaped gardens, where vibrant spring blooms complement striking architectural lines and outdoor sculptures. Learn the fascinating design philosophy behind the building’s landscape art while soaking up the sunshine and seasonal blossoms. Running on Fridays and Saturdays throughout spring, it offers locals and visitors alike an exclusive, intimate peek into the capital’s most famous building. Don’t forget your camera for this delightful horticultural excursion.
Until Saturday 3 October, times vary | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | aph.gov.au
Mooseheads Neon Party
Get ready to glow as Mooseheads transforms into a vibrant, high-energy party wonderland for its epic Neon Party. Step under the UV lights in your brightest fluro, white, or neon outfit for a night packed with electric party tunes, free UV face painting, and a massive neon confetti drop. Resident DJs will be spinning hits across the dance floor to keep the energy going late into the night. Gather your crew and experience one of Canberra’s most iconic nightlife venues illuminated like never before. Please note this is strictly an 18+ event, and valid photo ID is required for entry.
Saturday 3 October, 9 pm–11.59 pm | Mooseheads, 105 London Circuit, Canberra | mooseheads.com.au
Ollies’ Garage: Celebration of Motorsports Bathurst Legend Cars
Rev up your weekend with an up-close look at Australian motorsport history at Ollies’ Garage. Featuring a spectacular display of Bathurst legend cars, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and iconic performance vehicles, this event offers car lovers a rare chance to see legendary race machines up close. Learn about the engineering marvels that conquered Australia’s most famous circuit and chat with fellow automotive enthusiasts in a relaxed setting. Perfect for families and motoring fans of all ages, it is an exciting morning out celebrating speed, power, and heritage. Supervised children under 12 enter free, making it a great family-friendly outing.
Saturday 3 October, 9 am–12 pm | Ollies’ Garage, 72 Gladstone Street, Unit 1, Fyshwick | olliesgarage.com.au
Pinberra ’26
Relive retro gaming glory or test your modern flipper skills as Canberra hosts its biggest pinball gathering in years over the October long weekend. Featuring 32 classic and modern pinball machines generously donated by local enthusiasts, Pinberra ’26 brings together veteran wizards and curious newcomers alike at Belconnen Bowls Club. While the main tournament has already sold out, casual gamers can still join the fun with four exciting side competitions open for registration. Want a warm-up session? Drop in for the beginner’s high-score challenge on Friday evening and experience the bright, clinking joy of arcade nostalgia.
Saturday 3 until Monday 5 October, 9.30 am–3 pm | Belconnen Bowling Club, Hawker | pinberra2026.com
Floriade About Town at the Royal Australian Mint
Australia’s biggest celebration of spring returns to the bush capital, and the Royal Australian Mint is joining the fun. As part of Floriade About Town, the Mint is hosting a suite of floral-themed activities for all ages. Visitors can mint their own special edition $1 Flower Privy Mark Uncirculated Coin on the Gallery Coin Press—featuring an ACT bluebell design alongside elements from Australia’s eight circulating coins. After pressing your souvenir, head to the Mint Café to relax and enjoy a delicious menu of Floriade-inspired food and drinks. It is the perfect spring outing for locals and tourists alike.
Until Sunday 11 October | Royal Australian Mint, 62 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
Canberra Art Biennial
Contemporary art meets the natural beauty of Kamberri/Canberra as the Canberra Art Biennial returns for its sixth edition. Spanning public outdoor spaces across the city with a central hub along Lake Burley Griffin, this festival invites Australian and international artists to create site-specific works that spark conversation. Stroll along the foreshore to discover thought-provoking installations exploring connection, history, and life on Country. Honouring Canberra’s long history as a gathering place for sharing knowledge, it is a wonderful excuse to rug up, explore our designed landscape, and view familiar spaces through a fresh creative lens.
Until Saturday 31 October, times vary | Central Hub at Lake Burley Griffin, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | canberraartbiennial.com
The Y: Kayak & SUP Hire Labour Day
Make the absolute most of the October public holiday with a sun-soaked day out on Lake Burley Griffin. To celebrate the official launch of the local sailing season, the YMCA Sailing Club is opening up its fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for public hire in Yarralumla. Designed for all ages and fitness levels, this active outdoor event offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where no prior paddling experience is required. Grab a paddle, gather your favourite crew, and soak up the spring weather from the water while enjoying one of our city’s finest lakeside vantage points.
Monday 5 October, 9 am–2 pm | YMCA Sailing Club, Yarralumla | eventbrite.com.au
Food + Drink
Murrumbateman Moving Feast
The Murrumbateman Moving Feast marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, inviting visitors to create a self-guided progressive feast across the region’s wineries and producers. Participants travel between venues to sample specially created dishes and local wine pairings, with savoury dishes priced at $30 and desserts at $25. Alongside the food and wine trail, the weekend includes wine tastings, artisan produce, handcrafted chocolate, farm experiences, live music and handmade goods. Participating venues include Barton Estate, Shaw Estate, Vineyard 1207, McKellar Ridge Wines, Dionysus Winery, Gallagher Wines, Murrumbateman Winery and Yarrh Wines, among others.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October | Various venues around Murrumbateman | makersofmurrumbateman.org.au/moving-feast
Taste Your Way Through Spring at Tintino
Tintino is welcoming the warmer weather with a free seasonal wine tasting. Guests can sample a curated selection of approachable wines from 3 pm to 5 pm, with the option to order glasses, bottles, and food pairings following the tasting. Walk-ins welcome, though bookings are recommended.
Saturday 3 October, 3 pm–5 pm | Tintino, 4/11 Kennedy Street, Kingston | tintino.com.au
VV presents Frenzy
Venus Vinifera presents Frenzy, a wine event marking the start of daylight saving at Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah. The afternoon brings together more than a dozen wine producers, including Babche, Allevare, Vignerons Schmölzer and Brown, and Meredith, alongside DJs, local art and a ping pong table.
Sunday 4 October, 1–6 pm | Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah | venusvinifera.com.au
Tipsy Tea at the Yacht Club
Unwind along the water’s edge with a relaxed Tipsy Tea at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club. Set against stunning lakeside views, guests can indulge in bottomless prosecco alongside a signature cocktail of their choice. The experience includes a delicious grazing station stocked with traditional finger sandwiches and a sweet selection of decadent desserts. Dietary preferences are well catered for, with gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-alcoholic options available upon request. Gather your favorite people for a delightful spring afternoon spent sipping and socializing by the lake.
Sunday 4 October | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Floriade
Spring in the capital just got a fabulous upgrade with the return of the Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Commonwealth Park. Surrounded by vibrant blooms, this maximalist pop-up features oversized botanicals, glittering disco accents, and a custom menu of seasonal gin cocktails and refreshing mocktails. The star of the show is the signature Cocktail High Tea: a 90-minute experience featuring teapot cocktails, vintage teacups, and artisanal delicacies from L’épi Artisan Bakery. Whether you pop in for casual afternoon drinks or book a decadent high tea with friends, it’s the ultimate place to celebrate spring in style.
Until Sunday 11 October, times vary | Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Parkes | undergroundspirits.com.au
Floriade High Tea at Natural Nine
City dining gets a vibrant seasonal makeover as Natural Nine brings back its popular Floriade High Tea with an exciting modern Shanghainese twist. Swapping classic scones for a savory feast, guests can feast on chicken and truffle mini bao, duck filo cigars, and cumin lamb skewers. Save room for sweet treats like Nutella red bean spring rolls and jasmine tea cream bao. Pair your feast with handcrafted tea cocktails, including a Lavender Collins or Earl Grey Marteani. Located inside Casino Canberra, this delicious 18+ midday indulgence offers the perfect fuel after exploring the city’s blooming garden displays.
Until Sunday 11 October | Natural Nine at Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | casinocanberra.com.au
Sunday Buffet Lunch at Pavilion on Northbourne
Gather your loved ones for a feast at the leafy Atrium Restaurant & Bar inside Pavilion on Northbourne. Held monthly, this relaxed Sunday buffet features a spread of fresh salads, quality cold meats, hearty hot mains, and desserts. It is the perfect weekend treat for families, foodie friends, or big groups looking to unwind in a lush indoor garden setting while someone else takes care of the cooking. With limited seating available, book your table online early to ensure you do not miss out on this delicious spread.
Sunday 11 October, 12 pm–3 pm | Pavilion on Northbourne, 242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson | pavilioncanberra.com.au
The Spritz Club
Escape to the sun-drenched deck at Capitol Bar & Grill for the ultimate Riviera ritual this season. The Spritz Club invites you to leave your responsibilities behind and enjoy an ice-cold, bittersweet prosecco infusion. Guests can choose between a classic Aperol or a refreshing Hugo Spritz, paired perfectly with high-low aperitivo bites like crisp chicken tenders and molten mozzarella sticks. Gather your friends, put on your oversized sunglasses, and soak up the Mediterranean vibes right in the city. Consider yourself a member of Canberra’s newest sun-soaked tradition – because a great drink should never be enjoyed alone.
Until Saturday 14 November | Capitol Bar & Grill, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | qthotels.com
Spring High Tea at Australian Parliament House
Soak up sweeping views of our bush capital in bloom with a seasonal high tea at Queen’s Terrace Café. Perfectly timed for your Floriade outing, this high tea experience showcases exceptional Australian produce across a delicious array of sweet and savoury treats. Guests can sip on artisan teas, barista-made coffee, or upgrade to a glass of sparkling wine for a true spring celebration. Make the most of your visit by pairing your afternoon tea with a wander through Parliament House’s courtyards, architecture, and world-class exhibitions. It is an unforgettable way to experience Canberra’s most iconic landmark this season.
Until Sunday 29 November | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | aph.gov.au
Weekend Buffet at the Yacht Club
Looking for a relaxed, generous feast to kick off your weekend? The Yacht Club in Yarralumla is putting on a mouth-watering buffet spread every Saturday and Sunday. Diners can tuck into freshly carved roast meats, cold seafood straight off the ice, hot pasta, hearty seasonal soup, and a whole table of indulgent desserts. It is the ultimate dining experience for families and friends gathering along the water’s edge. Plus, kids receive complimentary chicken nuggets and chips with the purchase of an adult buffet, making it a stress-free weekend treat that caters to every appetite.
Until Sunday 29 November | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
Markets & Expos
For Purpose Markets, Canberra
Make your weekend shopping count at For Purpose Markets, held on the first Saturday of each month in Dickson. Dedicated to supporting Canberra’s social enterprises and for-purpose businesses, every dollar spent here drives real community impact. Discover unique products that help support refugees, protect local environments, promote mental health awareness, and uplift LGBTIQA+ communities. From handmade goods to sustainable items, this friendly community market proves that mindful shopping can create positive change. Gather your family, support local makers, and enjoy a rewarding morning out in Dickson knowing your purchases help make a difference.
Saturday 3 October, 10 am–2 pm | DKB Community Hall, 8 Hawdon Place, Dickson | forpurposemarkets.com.au
The National Guitar Show – Vintage & Boutique
Australia’s premier guitar showcase returns to Canberra, bringing together an extraordinary collection of vintage, rare, and handcrafted instruments. The National Guitar Show attracts top dealers, expert luthiers, collectors, and musicians from right across the country. Visitors can browse exceptional acoustic and electric guitars, discover hard-to-find vintage gear, watch live playing demonstrations, and chat directly with master instrument makers. Whether you are searching for your dream guitar, adding a unique piece to your personal collection, or simply appreciating fine craftsmanship, this event offers an inspiring look into guitar culture. It is an absolute must-visit for music lovers and players of all levels.
Saturday 3 October, 10 am–6 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | bit.ly
Hartley Hall Markets
Enjoy a classic country market day out as the Hartley Hall Markets return to the picturesque Hall Showground. Stroll beneath the trees and browse a wide variety of stalls featuring fresh local produce, baked treats, native plants, unique hand-crafted goods, clothing, and pottery. With live entertainment, delicious food options, and fun children’s activities, it is a wonderful day out for the whole family. Best of all, this community market is organised by Hartley Lifecare to raise vital funds supporting people living with disability across Canberra.
Sunday 4 October, 9 am–2 pm | Hall Showground, Victoria Street, Hall | hartley.org.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
Stage
The Heroines
National Opera presents Heroines, a dramatic production celebrating the strength, defiance, and resilience of opera’s most iconic female characters. Through a sequence of fully staged scenes, the production explores the emotional journeys of queens, lovers, revolutionaries, and outsiders across classical repertoire. Featuring Canberra’s leading operatic soloists alongside the powerful collective force of the National Opera Chorus, Heroines blends individual artistry with dramatic ensemble storytelling. From moments of heartbreaking sacrifice to triumphant rebirth, this bold show offers a captivating showcase of female empowerment on the operatic stage. It is an unmissable theatrical event for fine music enthusiasts.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
The Whole Cake
Prepare for a delightfully unique fusion of contemporary dance, theatre, and sweet treats as movement artist Vivienne Rogis brings The Whole Cake to Fisher. Inspired by the multi-layered complexities of modern womanhood, this intimate performance explores what it truly means to navigate life’s shifting seasons with grace, humour, and resilience. As Viv dances her way through the wholesome, passion-infused chapters of her life, audience members are served six distinct slices of cake matching six pivotal themes of the narrative. It is a warm, sensory experience designed to nourish both body and soul.
Sunday 4 October, 11 am and 2.30 pm | Badimara Scout Hall, Fisher | events.humanitix.com
STILL HERE by Dave & the Daves
Find warmth, laughter, and connection in unexpected places with STILL HERE, an original depression comedy presented by Rebus Theatre. Created and performed by Dave Houston at the Ralph Wilson Theatre, this courageous solo production draws directly from personal lived experience to tackle mental health with wit and vulnerability. Seamlessly blending stand-up comedy, clowning, storytelling, and original live music spanning punk, grunge, folk, and hip-hop, Houston crafts a deeply human story that breaks down stigma. It offers a moving, hilarious, and ultimately uplifting night at the theatre that opens vital conversations.
Until Sunday 4 October, various times | Ralph Wilson Theatre, Braddon | rebustheatre.com
Screen
Japanese Film Festival
The Japanese Film Festival marks its 30th anniversary in Australia with a program screening in Canberra from 26 September to 13 October. Hirokazu Koreeda’s Look Back, adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, opens the festival, joined by Australian premieres spanning samurai epics, horror, animation and social drama. The line-up brings together veteran director Yoji Yamada’s Tokyo Taxi and debut animator Kohei Kadowaki’s We Are Aliens, alongside official selections from Venice, Cannes and Berlin. A retrospective of films scored by composer Toru Takemitsu, marking 30 years since his death, also screens as part of the program. The festival coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Australia-Japan Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.
Until Tuesday 13 October, various times | Palace Electric, 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra | jffau.jpf.go.jp
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
Sport and Wellness
Nocturnal Neighbours: A Greater Glider Spotlight Walk
Discover the secret world of Canberra’s bushland after dark with an enchanting guided walk through Tallaganda State Forest. Led by dedicated conservation researcher Tina Gopalan, this evening spotlight walk introduces nature enthusiasts to the elusive Greater Glider, one of our region’s most fascinating nocturnal marsupials. As participants wander beneath the starlit forest canopy, they will learn about the delicate woodland ecosystems these fluffy creatures call home, alongside the vital conservation efforts working to protect them. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local wildlife and experience the quiet magic of our natural environment after dusk.
Saturday 3 October, 6 pm–8 pm | Tallaganda State Forest | events.humanitix.com
NRL Grand Final at PJs
PJs in the City is breaking tradition and opening its doors on a Sunday for the biggest game of the year. Watch the NRL Grand Final live on the big screens while enjoying cold beers on tap and a full food menu running late into the night. Whether you have supported your team all season or you are picking a side at kick-off, the atmosphere is set to be electric. Gather your mates, book a table for the best seats in the house, and settle in for great food at Canberra’s favourite unofficial local.
Sunday 4 October, 5 pm–10.30 pm | PJs in the City, 52 Alinga Street, City | pjsinthecity.com
NRL Grand Final Watch Party at Casino Canberra
Catch all the footy action live and loud as the NRL Grand Final takes over the big screens at Onyx Sports Lounge. Head into Casino Canberra to soak up the high-energy atmosphere alongside fellow sports fans. Guests can take advantage of exclusive members-only food and drink specials throughout the game, with free membership registration available on arrival. It is the ultimate city venue to cheer on your team to victory. Please note that Onyx Sports Lounge is strictly an 18+ venue, and valid photo ID is required for entry.
Sunday 4 October, 7.30 pm–9.30 pm | Onyx Sports Lounge at Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | casinocanberra.com.au
UFC 332 | Silva vs Wang
Fight fans are in for an explosive afternoon as Onyx Sports Lounge broadcasts UFC 332 live and loud. Watch Brazilian phenom Natália Silva put her impressive 14-fight winning streak on the line against China’s Wang Cong for the vacant Flyweight belt. Catch every strike and knockout on the big screens while enjoying cold beers and juicy burgers with friends. Located inside Casino Canberra, Onyx Sports Lounge offers an unbeatable front-row seat to all the action. Entry is strictly 18+, and valid photo ID is required.
Sunday 4 October, 12 pm–2 pm | Onyx Sports Lounge at Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | casinocanberra.com.au
Music
bodies of divine infinite and eternal spirit / umki / Beanie’s Quotidienne Opera
Experimental music collectives Absorb, SONIC BUSINESS LTD, and Trust FM present an extraordinary night of sonic exploration at Shadows Nightclub. Returning to Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, Melbourne-based ensemble bodies of divine infinite and eternal spirit bring new synthesiser-heavy arrangements to their 46-minute improvisational piece, ‘disaster 1’. The evening also features a live performance by local artist umki and the debut of Beanie’s Quotidienne Opera—a 50-minute techno opera created by Genie Stuart. It promises an immersive, boundary-pushing journey through avant-garde soundscapes, live electronics, and deep techno rhythms for adventurous local music fans.
Saturday 3 October, 7.30 pm–11 pm | Shadows, 21 East Row, City | sonicbusinesscbr@gmail.com
Canberra Bach Ensemble: Trauerode BWV 198
Experience the profound emotional depth of Bach’s Trauerode BWV 198 as the Canberra Bach Ensemble performs at St Christopher’s Cathedral. Written in 1727 in memory of Electress Christiane Eberhardine, this ceremonial masterpiece blends moving choral passages with rare period instrumentation, including transverse flutes, violas da gamba, and lutes. The performance also features cantatas BWV 125 and BWV 55. Joined by specialist guest artists—including flautist Sally Walker and tenor Timothy Reynolds—the ensemble brings historical accuracy and vibrant acoustic clarity to one of Bach’s most moving sacred compositions. It is an exquisite musical event for classical lovers.
Saturday 3 and Sunday, 4 October 2026 | St Christopher’s Cathedral, 55 Franklin Street, Forrest | canberrabachensemble.com
Canberra Bach Ensemble: October Concerts
Immerse yourself in timeless baroque splendour as the acclaimed Canberra Bach Ensemble performs three breathtaking works at St Christopher’s Cathedral. The centerpiece of the concert program is Bach’s extraordinary Trauerode BWV 198, composed in 1727 to honour Christiane Eberhardine, Electress of Saxony. Renowned for its rare and lush instrumentation (incorporating transverse flutes, oboes d’amore, viole da gamba, and lutes) the piece creates a rich, unforgettable acoustic experience inside Manuka’s most historic venue. Complemented by cantatas BWV 125 and BWV 55, this sublime musical afternoon promises an uplifting treat for local classical music lovers.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October | St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka | trybooking.com
Talks, Tours and Workshops
Canberra Made Series – Painting the Colours of Floriade with Jenny Adams
Capture the brilliant hues of spring with local artist Jenny Adams of Popcorn Art. Held at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre—just a short stroll from Floriade—this relaxed three-hour workshop guides participants through creating their own original artwork. Start your morning gathering inspiration among the park’s floral displays before heading into the studio to plan, layer, and paint under Jenny’s intuitive guidance. Suitable for all skill levels, all materials are provided, including flannelette shirts to serve as aprons. You will head home with a completed canvas and plenty of creative techniques to inspire your ongoing artistic journey.
Until Saturday 3 October | Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Barrine Drive, Parkes | visitcanberra.com.au
The Stitch Up: Weaving Lab Workshops
Unleash your inner textile artist at The Stitch Up, an exclusive hands-on weaving workshop at the National Gallery of Australia. Presented in partnership with the Australian Tapestry Workshop, this three-hour session introduces beginner weavers to fundamental techniques, including simple frame weaving, color mixing, joins, and finishing methods. Participants will experiment using a fun combination of new, upcycled, and post-production materials under the expert guidance of professional weavers. You will walk away with your own completed woven piece and the foundational skills to continue weaving at home. Limited spots are available, so book early to secure your spot.
Saturday 3 October, 12.30 pm–3.30 pm | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Apple Canberra Floriade Photo Tour
Learn how to capture stunning portraits in outdoor settings during an interactive photo tour with Apple Canberra. Guided by Apple Creatives, participants will head out on location to practise working with iPhone camera features, including Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting, to find flattering angles and frame subjects naturally. From taking self-portraits to photographing groups amidst spring settings, this hands-on session is suitable for all skill levels. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own iPhone or try the latest model during the session.
Saturday 3 October and Saturday 10 October, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | Apple Canberra, Canberra Centre, City | Free entry | apple.com
Exhibitions
Quiet Places
Escape the rush of everyday life with Quiet Places, a collaborative exhibition hosted by The Gallery Next Door. Featuring ethereal landscape paintings by Penny Deacon alongside earthy ceramic forms by Amy Beggs-French, this peaceful show offers visitors a quiet sanctuary of art and reflection. Showcasing the talent of two local, emerging artists, the exhibition celebrates natural textures, soft tones, and subtle beauty. The gallery is fully accessible, free to enter, and provides a welcoming atmosphere to support Canberra’s creative talent. Pop in for a tranquil break and discover lovely handmade art in the heart of Duffy.
Saturday 3 October until Sunday 1 November | The Gallery Next Door, Duffy Place, Shop 4, Duffy | info@thegallerynextdoor.com.au
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 Saturday, 31 January | 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
‘All For You Page’ by Johanna Ng
All For You Page uses video installation, photo documentation and performance to inspect how the solitary act of doom scrolling has flourished into a new mode of meaning-making, infiltrating private space and experience. Johanna Ng documents forty participants as they expose their feeds, homes and habits for public viewing. In a cacophony of assorted online buffoonery, will you experience moments of recognition or enter a new world of meaning sequestered in another person’s For You Page?
Until Sunday 11 October | Platform, 19 Furneaux Street, Forrest | canberracontemporary.com.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
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.
Since 2007, the Prize has celebrated the vitality and diversity of contemporary portrait photography from across the nation. From the joyful and playful to the strong, intimate and vulnerable, it has showcased the stories, people and moments that mattered.
To celebrate the remarkable photography and thank the community of artists, supporters and visitors who have cherished this prize over the years, the Gallery will present a curated retrospective alongside the 2026 finalists’ exhibition.
Until Sunday, 11 October | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Weaving the Coast by Christiane Keller
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.
Until Saturday 17 October (Official Opening Friday 21 August, 6 pm) | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Arthur Boyd: Tapestries
Culture lovers have a world-first opportunity to witness a monumental artistic achievement right in the heart of the National Triangle. The National Gallery is presenting the inaugural exhibition of the complete cycle of twenty monumental tapestries by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd. Hand-woven in Portugal and acquired in 1975, these breathtaking textiles creatively retell the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Displayed alongside the original lithographs, pastels, and drawings, this astonishing exhibition illuminates the immense collaborative and technical processes required to translate Boyd’s intensely creative visions into millions of rich, physical stitches.
Until Sunday 18 October. Times vary | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Homage to the bird
Gallery of Small Things (GOST) presents Homage to the Bird, a group exhibition of work by eight Australian artists who each incorporate birdlife into their practice. Part of the gallery’s 2026 exhibitions program, the show marks GOST turning nine and is its fifth exhibition this year. Ceramicists Shannon Garson and Fiona Hiscock, painters Jane Guthleben and Greg Oakley, printmaker Martin King, jeweller Vicki Mason, glass artist Tom Moore and paper artist Colleen Southwell interpret the theme across their respective media. Southwell also hosts a free artist talk on Sunday 27 September, 3–4 pm, exploring the connection between gardening and paper art.
Until Sunday 18 October, 11 am–4 pm daily | Gallery of Small Things | galleryofsmallthings.com/exhibition
How will they know it’s me
Zoe Brand presents a new exhibition of jewellery exploring communication as a physical, wearable act. Drawing on jewellery archetypes, ready-made objects and everyday phrases, Brand turns the throwaway language of casual conversation into objects designed to be worn. The exhibition features a new series of large-scale soft text works, inspired by homemade banners, sporting pennants, flags and quilts, made using quilting techniques and screen-printed text. Designed to be worn collectively, the pieces bring jewellery into shared and public space. The exhibition considers how meaning shifts when language moves from spoken conversation onto the body, using humour and ambiguity throughout.
Until Saturday 24 October | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, Level 1, 180 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Cloud studies
Cloud Studies brings together Canberra-based artist Anna Madeleine Raupach with Leah Beeferman, Rebecca Beardmore and Yvette Hamilton, presenting works that consider the atmosphere as a threshold between the natural and the technological. Spanning photography, video, data visualisation and printmaking, the exhibition treats clouds as both weather forms and symbolic spaces where history, science and environmental change intersect, echoing contemporary digital and algorithmic technologies. Raupach, based on Ngunawal/Ngambri land, is a Senior Lecturer at the ANU School of Art and Design, whose practice engages with climate change through multimedia and mixed-reality installations. The exhibition is presented in partnership with the Canberra Art Biennial.
Until Saturday 24 October, Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm | PhotoAccess, Manuka Arts Centre, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Subscribed | 2026 Craft + Design Canberra annual members exhibition
Subscribed is the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Annual Members Exhibition, bringing together contemporary craft and design from across the ACT and surrounding region. The exhibition explores how influence shapes creative practice, considering the role of trends, traditions, tools, techniques and social currents in what makers produce and why. Participating members respond to questions of what guides their habits and decisions, and what they choose to leave behind. Spanning jewellery, ceramics, textiles and mixed media, the works draw on traditional techniques alongside experimentation and new ideas, offering a snapshot of contemporary making that is thoughtful, playful and subversive.
Until Saturday 24 October | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, Level 1, 180 London Cct, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org
2026 Craft + Design Canberra daily creative challenge exhibition
The 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Daily Creative Challenge Exhibition presents selected works by award recipients from this year’s Daily Creative Challenge, a program encouraging artistic expression and mindfulness through daily creative practice. The exhibition showcases pieces from three prizewinners: Kathryn Wardill, recipient of the Contemporary Craft + Design Prize; Cam Michael, recipient of the Experimental Process and Practice Prize; and Tanya da Silva, recipient of the Student Prize. The works reflect a range of approaches to sustained, everyday creative practice across craft and design disciplines, offering insight into the outcomes of consistent daily making over the course of the year.
Until Saturday 24 October | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, Level 1, 180 London Circuit, City| craftanddesigncanberra.org
GR’AFT
Canberra Glassworks presents GR’AFT, a new exhibition by Thirroul-based artist Lynda Draper, developed in partnership with Sullivan + Strumpf. Created over two years, the exhibition marks Draper’s first major body of work in bronze and glass, following four decades as a leading figure in Australian ceramics. GR’AFT draws on the ancient horticultural practice of grafting, joining separate elements into a single living form, as a method and metaphor for transformation. Draper worked alongside glass artists Annette Blair and Spike Deane, and Nick Stranks of Carwoola Casting, bringing glass, ceramics and bronze together across three ancient material practices.
Until Sunday 25 October, 10 am–4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
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.
Until Monday 26 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
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
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 features 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.
Until 1 November 2026 | 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
David Hockney: Portraits in Print
David Hockney: Portraits in Print opens at the National Gallery of Australia, drawing on the gallery’s own collection, the largest holding of Hockney’s work in the country. The display brings together more than 60 prints spanning almost 30 years, tracing the artist’s portraits of family, friends and collaborators across Los Angeles, Paris and London in the 1970s and 80s. Works include etchings, lithographs and photocollages, alongside experimental processes such as mylar sheets and faxes.
Until Sunday 14 February 2027, free | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | nga.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
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: Morgan Roberts
