The return of The Forage, mid-week beats, and winter feasts: 50+ things to do this week in Canberra
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Why wait for Friday to start making plans? Canberra’s calendar is packed all week long.
Kick things off Wednesday evening with Abbie Chatfield at the Canberra Theatre, indulge in a woodfired winemaker’s dinner on Thursday, and dive headfirst into an action-packed weekend featuring the return of The Forage, glowing neighborhood lantern walks, and live medieval combat.
Whether you’re looking to warm up around a fire pit, sample decadent winter truffles, or take in world-class theater, here is your ultimate guide to everything happening across Canberra this week!
Don’t miss…
The Forage
Canberra’s iconic original street food event is back to transform the Belconnen foreshore into a buzzing foodie heaven. Gathering the region’s best local restaurants, bars, food trucks, and performers, it’s a community celebration packed with incredible flavours and vibrant atmosphere. Grab your crew, sample delicious local bites, and soak up the lakeside vibes.
Saturday 1 August, 12 pm–7 pm | Emu Bank Inlet, Emu Bank, Belconnen | theforage.com.au
Light Up Lyneham
Rug up and bring your neighbors along for the seventh annual Light Up Lyneham—a glowing winter celebration filled with community cheer. The evening features local stalls, delicious street food, and continuous live music, including a headline performance on the Brass Stage by the 80-member Ginninderra Wind Orchestra. The highlight of the festival is the sunset lantern parade led by the illuminated Canberra Mountain Lion toward the local wetlands and back.
Saturday, 1 August, 3 pm–8 pm (Ginninderra Wind Orchestra performs at 6:55 pm) | Lyneham Shops, Wattle Place, Lyneham | lyneham.org.au
Abbie Chatfield: Abbie Chatfield Loves Men
Media personality and cultural powerhouse Abbie Chatfield brings her sharp comedy and fearless cultural commentary to the Canberra Theatre stage. Following her smash-hit previous tours, Abbie’s brand-new show tackles modern masculinity, dating delusions, podcast philosophers, and the curious phenomenon of men explaining… well, everything. Featuring hilarious games, guest interviews with genuinely great men, and plenty of beautifully chaotic moments, it promises to be a funny, unfiltered, and deeply relatable night out.
Wednesday 29 July, 7 pm–9 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Blue Dog Foundation Trivia Night Fundraiser
Gather your smartest friends and get ready for a brilliant evening of connection, friendly competition, and advocacy at the Hellenic Club Woden. The Blue Dog Foundation is hosting a special trivia night fundraiser to shine a light on an incredibly important local cause: the establishment of a dedicated Children’s Oncology Unit right here in Canberra. Currently, far too many families are forced to travel interstate during the most challenging periods of their lives. This special evening aims to build public awareness, strengthen community advocacy, and help drive meaningful change for families across the ACT and surrounding regions.
Guests can look forward to lively trivia rounds, team competitions, raffles, and plenty of fantastic prizes. Delicious food is also included in the ticket price, making it a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a night out while networking and engaging with passionate members of the community. Whether you choose to round up a table to attend, share the event with your networks, or support the foundation through corporate sponsorship or prize donations, your involvement makes a real difference. Tickets are available online now, so grab yours and help support a vital addition to our regional healthcare system.
Saturday 1 August. Doors open 6:30 pm (trivia starts 7 pm sharp) | Hellenic Club Woden, Matilda Street, Philip | tixfox.co/e/bdftrivia
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
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
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
Special Events and Festivals
Let’s Talk About Sex Soirée
Enjoy a sensual evening dedicated to open conversations on sex, pleasure, and sexual justice at ilLustrious Dance and Burlesque. The night features talks from an engaging lineup of sexperts, followed by drinks and live DJ sets. All proceeds directly support Sexual Health Advocates for Reproductive Equity (SHARE) and their youth delegation advocacy at Parliament House.
Friday 31 July, 7.30 pm–10.30 pm | ilLustrious Dance and Burlesque, 35 East Row, Canberra | humanitix.com
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
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
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
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
DonateLife Week Sunrise Social
Join Curated and DK. Society as they join forces to bring together community, connection, and movement for a beautiful morning by Lake Burley Griffin. Marking the start of DonateLife Week, the morning begins with a warm welcome overlooking the water before participants head off around the lake to run or walk at their own pace. Afterwards, everyone will gather for a cosy Sunrise Social Session where you can grab a fresh espresso, connect with friendly locals, and enjoy a delicious community BBQ breakfast. Best of all, all proceeds from the morning go directly toward supporting BreastScreen ACT.
Friday 31 July, 5.30 am | Curio Press Espresso Bar, Parkes | eventbrite.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
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
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
Food + Drink
Dinner, Uncorked: Four Winds Vineyard x Capitol Bar & Grill
For one night only, Capitol Bar & Grill plays host to Four Winds Vineyard for an exclusive winemakers’ dinner. Guided by Four Winds CEO and owner Sarah Collingwood, guests will enjoy a four-course shared menu crafted over fire and smoke by Executive Chef Josh Smith-Thirkell. Highlights include Bluefin tuna gilda, pillowy buffalo ricotta ravioli, and flame-finished Junee lamb sous vide—each dish paired perfectly with hand-selected cool-climate wines. Expect deep wine insights, delicious local produce, and long conversations.
Thursday 30 July, 6 pm–9 pm | Capitol Bar & Grill, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra | capitolbarandgrill.com
Truffle Degustation at Parliament House
Indulge in an extraordinary six-course truffle degustation inside Members Hall at the heart of Australian Parliament House—an exclusive venue rarely open to the general public. Each exquisite course offers a carefully considered tribute to winter, beautifully blending the decadence of locally sourced truffles with the unique essence of native Australian ingredients. Throughout this premium dining experience, Executive Chef David Learmonth will share his creative inspirations and culinary insights into the masterfully curated menu. It is the ultimate winter feast for Canberra foodies, so secure your reservations online.
Friday 31 July, 6 pm–10 pm | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | events.humanitix.com
Collector Wine Dinner at the Yacht Club
Treat yourself to a sophisticated four-course dining experience along the water, featuring a menu crafted by Executive Chef Trung Pham. Each dish is paired to highlight the standout regional drops from Collector Wines, making for a relaxed and memorable start to the weekend.
Friday 31 July, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
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
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.
Fitmas in July
Winter excuses are officially cancelled. Shred the cold and crank your endorphins at Fitmas in July, Canberra’s most festive indoor winter boot camp. This inclusive, high-energy session brings the holiday spirit to your fitness routine with plenty of tinsel, terrible Christmas music, and a seriously good sweat. Built on the principle that fitness is for everybody, Pride Fitness trainers design workouts so absolute beginners and experienced athletes train side by side without judgment or pressure. Every exercise can be modified for injuries or fitness levels, meaning you can move entirely at your own pace.
Festive attire like Santa hats, ugly sweaters, or tinsel belts is highly encouraged, just ensure you still have full freedom of movement! All you need to bring is a sweat towel, a fitness mat, and some water. Even better, your ticket completely covers the workout, the unbeatable community vibes, and a hot barista coffee waiting just a short walk away at the post-workout social. If you love the vibe, you can also check out their regular, inclusive indoor boot camps running every Wednesday and Friday morning at 6 am.
Wednesday and Friday mornings, 6 am | Ainslie Scout Hall, Hassal Street Ainslie | pridefit.com.au/fitmas
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
Music
Vive la Woodwinds
The Wesley Music Centre Lunchtime Concert series hosts members of The Band of the Royal Military College’s woodwind section. The programme will showcase the refined craftsmanship of Australian Army woodwind musicians, who will be performing a selection of works by French composers Bozza, Françaix, Poulenc and Saint-Saëns.
Wednesday 29 July, 12.40–1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | trybooking.com/DIJJK
The Exploding Universe of Ed Kuepper
Celebrate a momentous fifty years of Kuepper Klassics! Legendary Australian musician Ed Kuepper is marking his golden anniversary as a recording artist by taking to the road with a spectacular full band performance. The Exploding Universe of Ed Kuepper features an incredible lineup of local musical talent tackling iconic material from right across his illustrious career. From his early days with The Saints in 1976 through the Laughing Clowns and his ARIA award-winning solo work, this performance offers a thrilling journey through five decades of sonic exploration.
Friday 31 July, 8 pm–10 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Art of the Score: The Music of Hans Zimmer
Canberra Symphony Orchestra presents Art of the Score: The Music of Hans Zimmer, a tribute to the film composer whose credits span Inception, the Dark Knight trilogy, The Lion King, Kung Fu Panda, Pirates of the Caribbean and Gladiator. Conductor Nicholas Buc leads the orchestra through highlights of Zimmer’s scores, joined by Art of the Score podcasters Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding, who host the evening. The program also features music from Driving Miss Daisy, Sherlock Holmes and The Da Vinci Code.
Friday 31 July, 7 pm and Saturday 1 August, 2 pm & 7 pm | Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, Building 100, William Herbert Place, Acton | cso.org.au
Ben Sheen Organ Recital
Experience a breathtaking musical performance by Ben Sheen, Director of Music at Jesus College Cambridge and one of the UK’s premier organists, stopping in Canberra as part of his international tour.
Friday 31 July, 6 pm–7 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20–22 National Circuit, Forrest | wesleymusiccanberra.org
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
Stage and Screen
Eddie Izzard as Hamlet
Direct from triple-extended solo runs in New York, Chicago, and London, the brilliant Eddie Izzard brings her acclaimed one-person performance of Hamlet to the Canberra stage. Masterfully inhabiting Shakespeare’s complex world on a completely bare stage, Izzard seamlessly shifts between the play’s twenty-three characters with remarkable clarity and emotional depth. This bold, intimate production lets pure storytelling take the spotlight, earning nominations for prestigious international theatre awards. Do not miss this unforgettable opportunity to see a multi-talented artist tackle one of the world’s most enduring tragedies.
Friday 31 July, 7 pm–9.20 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap
Kick off your weekend with a filmic feast as local drag icon and culture warrior Venus Mantrap hosts a night of cinema with bite. Designed for fans of edgy movies, cult classics, and fan favorites, each screening begins with a special performance and introduction on the big screen.
Friday 31 July, 8 pm–10 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Superwog Live Comedy
Fresh off the release of their hit show Son of a Donkey on Netflix, the hilarious duo Superwog are hitting the road with a brand-new live performance! The Big Daddy Energy Tour brings their trademark chaos, beloved characters, and riotous comedy to the stage for their biggest national tour yet. Boasting over 535 million YouTube views, they remain one of Australia’s hottest live comedy acts. Get ready for a night of non-stop, uncut laughs as all your favourite viral sketches come to life right before your eyes.
Friday 31 July, 7 pm–8.15 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Live Radio Play: The Wind in the Willows
ArtSound Radio Theatre returns to the intimate, 67-seat Mill Theatre for a joyful, live adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s masterpiece, The Wind in the Willows. Adapted by Bart Meehan, this unique performance invites the audience to experience storytelling being built in real time. Watch as talented local actors gather at microphones while live foley and sound effects are created right before your eyes. Follow the heartwarming and chaotic adventures of Mole, Ratty, wise old Badger, and the irrepressible, motorcar-obsessed Mr. Toad as their beloved riverbank and Wild Wood are brought vividly to life through pure sound, music, and imagination.
Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, Fyshwick | milltheatreatdairyroad.com
Scenery 5
Immerse yourself in a site-responsive audiovisual environment featuring slow-burning ambient soundscapes and expanded light projections mapped across the venue. Featuring live performances from Umki, Orthotyp-a, and Sebastian Field alongside visual art by Nicci Haynes.
Friday 31 July, 7 pm–9 pm | Blank Cultural Platform, Level 1, 131 City Walk, City | youareherecanberra.com.au
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 unraveled, 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 installment, 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
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
Talks and Workshops
Indigenous Literacy Foundation: Strength in our stories
Ben Bowen presents a talk for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation at the National Library of Australia, examining the role of books in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with language, culture and stories. The event is presented in conjunction with the Library’s current exhibition, Wangka Wakanutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre, and reflects on the broader significance of that community’s work for language preservation and ongoing cultural continuity. The talk is available to attend in person at the Library or to stream online.
Monday 27 July, 6 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | library.gov.au
Healthy Environment Livecast
Join the ACT Human Rights Commission for an insightful, free livecast exploring outdoor air quality and the right to a healthy environment across the Territory. Hosted by Commission President Dr Pene Mathew, the session will delve into local environmental rights, policy impact, and community health, complete with a dedicated live Q&A segment for attendees.
Tuesday, 28 July, 6 pm–7.30 pm | Online / Livecast | hrc.act.gov.au
Sugar & Honey Addiction Support Group
Connect with a welcoming community at this peer-led weekly support group hosted at Dickson Library. Designed for anyone struggling with sugar habits or seeking lifestyle changes, the group provides a supportive space to share personal stories, exchange practical strategies, and offer mutual support alongside others on the same path.
Tuesday 28 July, 11 am–12 pm | Dickson Library Meeting Room, Dickson | Free
Film Developing and Scanning Workshop
This fantastic introductory workshop is a quick and easy way to learn how to develop your own black and white film. Guided by an expert tutor, you will step into the specialised PhotoAccess darkroom to develop your own 35mm or 120 negatives. You will also enjoy a detailed demonstration on how to scan your work using the high-tech digital suite. Participants receive a complimentary roll of film to get started, and completing the class unlocks free future access to the facilities for PhotoAccess members. Bookings are essential.
Wednesday 29 July, 6 pm–9 pm | photoaccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Women in Football Panel
Celebrate the rich history, struggles, and monumental rise of the world game at a special Women in Football Panel hosted by the ANU Women’s Football Club. From early fights for acceptance to modern sold-out stadiums, the opportunities available to today’s players, coaches, and refs were forged by pioneers who refused to take ‘no’ for an answer. This evening brings together foundational figures of the local game—including Heather Reid AM (Co-Founder of ANUWFC), Kat Yuile (Inaugural President of South Canberra FC), and Andrea Hotchkiss (Founder of the ACT Women’s Soccer Association)—to share firsthand stories spanning 50 years of football history and look ahead to what’s next for the sport. It’s a must-attend for players, coaches, volunteers, and casual sports fans alike.
Wednesday 29 July | Ainslie Football & Social Club, Ainslie | anuwfc.org
Oh Yeah Life Drawing
Curious about life drawing or just looking for a fun night out with friends? The Tipsy Sketching Club is hosting a fabulous evening of sipping, snacking, and sketching set in the heart of Manuka. This relaxed session runs for approximately two hours, featuring a range of timed poses from two to thirty minutes with plenty of breaks for drinks, food, and laughing. All artistic abilities and mediums are warmly welcomed, and basic drawing materials can be supplied if you don’t have your own. It is the perfect winter night out.
Thursday 30 July, 6 pm–8.30 pm | OHNO!, 13 Flinders Way, Griffith | tipsysketching.club
Dominique (Yoo Young) Lee: What’s Been Broken Is All the More Sharp
Join Paperchain Bookstore for an empowering evening with Brisbane-based cancer specialist, researcher, and advocate Dr. Dominique (Yoo Young) Lee as she discusses her moving memoir, What’s Been Broken Is All the More Sharp, in conversation with Tayanah O’Donnell. The book offers a courageous, unflinching look at surviving trauma, breaking the silence around abuse in medicine, and reclaiming power after pursuing a landmark criminal case against a senior colleague. It promises to be a deeply moving discussion on justice, grace, and survival.
Thursday 30 July, 6 pm–7 pm | Paperchain Bookstore, 34 Franklin Street, Griffith | humanitix.com
Behind the Scenes: National Archives Preservation Facility Tour
Curious about how Australia’s historical treasures are protected for future generations? Step behind the scenes at the National Archives’ state-of-the-art preservation facility in Mitchell for an exclusive, staff-led tour. You’ll gain rare access to the vaults and discover how expert conservators preserve, digitize, and store some of the nation’s most significant government records. Following the tour, enjoy light refreshments and a curated display of archival records while chatting with archival experts and fellow history enthusiasts.
Thursday, 30 July, 10.30 am–12 pm | National Archives Preservation Facility, 30 Vicars Street, Mitchell | naa.gov.au
National Triangle Walking Tour
Explore fascinating history and stunning architecture on a unique walking tour connecting two iconic gems of the National Triangle! Your guided adventure begins at the National Archives in the heritage-listed East Block, where you will uncover the intriguing origins of Australia’s highest court and the original Constitution. Next, enjoy a relaxed stroll through the beautiful Constitution Place Gardens before arriving at the striking High Court of Australia. You will step inside the impressive courtrooms to immerse yourself in its vital inner workings. NAA members can also access exclusive ticket discounts.
Friday 31 July, 10 am–12 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
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
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
Exhibitions
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.
Thursday 30 July 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.
Thursday 30 July 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.
Thursday 30 July until Sunday 23 August | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.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.
Thursday 30 July 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.
Thursday 30 July 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.
Thursday 30 July 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.
Thursday 30 July 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
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.
Saturday 1 until Monday 31 August | Civic Art Bureau, Level 1, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra | civicartbureau.com
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
