90+ ways to spend a massive weekend in Canberra

Posted on 13 November, 2026

Clear your schedule and get ready to experience Canberra at full throttle.

From early-morning market hunts to immersive art festivals, world-class theatre, and rooftop spritzes, Canberra comes alive over the weekend with an incredible energy. Whether you are looking to pack your days with high-octane cultural events or simply graze your way through the region’s best food and wine, this ultimate step-by-step guide will show you how to pull off a truly massive weekend in the bush capital.

With so many events to make your way through, here are some jump links to take you straight to the section you’re interested in:

• Special Events + Festivals
• Food + Drink 
• Markets & Expos 
• Stage
• Screen
• Sport + Wellness
• Music
• Talks, Tours and Workshops
• Exhibitions

Don’t miss…

Rally for Kids 2026

Rally for Kids is a 24-hour tennis fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW, building on more than a decade of the Canberra 24-Hour Tennis Challenge. Players of all abilities book one-hour Cardio Tennis sessions, individually or in teams of up to 12, through the day and night. A family-friendly McHappy Day Carnival runs Saturday from 1–4 pm, with free tennis clinics, face painting and a BBQ.

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November, 4 pm–4 pm | Canberra School of Tennis, Weston Creek | actfundraising.rmhc.org.au

Cà Phê Bệt – Vietnam Street-Stool Coffee

Pull up a tiny red stool as Monster Phin brings Vietnam’s vibrant footpath café culture to Braddon. Celebrate the seasonal launch with a special menu featuring Hanoi-style egg coffee, Huế salt coffee, and street-style snacks, alongside traditional games, instant prizes, and a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November, 11 am–4 pm | Monster Phin & Street Bites, Shop G06/2 Batman Street, Braddon | @monsterphinst

Craft + Design Canberra Undercurrent Design Market

Discover handcrafted design treasures at the Undercurrent Design Market, hosted across three days at Ainslie Arts Centre. Featuring over fifty accomplished Australian makers, the market showcases contemporary works in glass, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, fashion, and woodwork. Visitors can meet independent artists, learn about their creative techniques, and purchase unique statement pieces or holiday gifts. It is a vibrant celebration of Australian design, craftsmanship, and small-scale creative production in Braddon.

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | undercurrentdesignmarket.com

Free community art workshops with Scott Baker

Artist Scott Baker leads two free community art workshops for people of all ages and abilities, where participants create artworks inspired by the landscapes, stories and people of Murrumbateman.

This is your opportunity to get creative and contribute artwork that will feature in a spectacular public art installation at various wineries as part of the inaugural Murrumbateman Twilight Trail, presented by Makers of Murrumbateman.Whether you’re a budding artist, a seasoned creative or haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years, everyone is welcome. All art materials will be supplied.

Saturday 14 November, 2–4 pm, and Sunday 15 November, 10 am–12 pm | Yass Community Centre, Yass Valley Way (Saturday), and Blackwattle Alpaca Farm, 315 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman (Sunday) | makersofmurrumbateman.org.au

Harbour Early Learning Gungahlin open day

Harbour Early Learning Gungahlin opens its doors for an open day aimed at families considering early childhood education. Visitors meet the centre’s teachers and educators, explore the learning spaces and hear about the approach to early childhood education taken at the centre.

Saturday 14 November, 9.30 am–11.30 am | Harbour Early Learning Gungahlin, 5 O’Brien Place, Gungahlin | RSVP and book a private tour here

Haven Canberra Game Jam

Want to make a game? Haven encourages kids between 13 and 18 to make a game over two days, with food and prizes available. All skill levels are welcome, and you can work in teams, or by yourself. Beginners to game development will have workshops and mentors to support them. Bring along a laptop or school Chromebook.

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November, 9 am–6 pm both days | UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra | haven.hackclub.com/canberra

2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival

Celebrate Canberra as a thriving creative capital during the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival, showcasing the work of over 500 creatives across the community. Centred around the powerful theme of Dissent, this 10-day festival advocates for creativity as a tool to question and reshape societal norms while exploring sustainability, environmental impact, accessibility, and the enduring value of the handmade. Across 10 days and more than 120 activations, the program features symposiums, talks, open studios, design markets, and innovative performances in fashion, dance, and theatre, complemented by exhibitions across the city’s public spaces.

Until Sunday 15 November | Craft + Design Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org

Varsity Roller Derby Come & Try + Exhibition Game

Roll into the SpringOUT Festival with the Varsity Roller Derby League for an afternoon of skating and derby action. Kick things off with a free Come & Try roller skating session (bring your own gear or borrow some from the league; adult supervision required for under 18s), followed by a live exhibition game showcasing the sport up close.

Sunday 15 November, 12 pm–4 pm (Come & Try 12 pm–1.30 pm, Exhibition Game from 2.15 pm) | Evelyn Scott School, 2 Bielski Street, Denman Prospect | revolutionise.com.au

Circular Fashion Meet

Created by Canberra brand Lola’s Curated, the Circular Fashion Meet is a creative culture event celebrating sustainability, self-expression, and community connection. Bringing local fashion lovers together, the free afternoon event features circular fashion alongside craft, drinks, music, and creativity in an uplifting community space.

Saturday 14 November, 1 pm–5 pm | Building 1, Unit 3, Dairy Road, Fyshwick | @lolascurated

Canberra Open Homes | Australian Institute of Architects

Explore award-winning local architecture as the Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter) opens landmark civic buildings and sustainable residential homes to the public. Presented in partnership with the Craft + Design Canberra Festival, the open home tours highlight how local and national architects challenge conventional design to shape Canberra’s built environment. Discover innovative spatial concepts, sustainable building materials, and creative residential retrofits across multiple suburban sites.

Until Sunday 15 November | Various locations, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org

Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival

Celebrate the vibrant diversity, creativity, and spirit of the region during Canberra’s premier month-long pride festival. Throughout November, the annual SpringOUT program transforms Canberra with a dynamic lineup of inclusive events, ranging from the popular Fair Day at Glebe Park to the eagerly anticipated Pink Tennis Bush Dance. Explore exciting sports matches, arts exhibitions, theatrical performances, and community gatherings designed to champion equality and connection. With plenty of free and low-cost activities scattered across the city, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience Canberra’s welcoming community spirit.

Until Monday 30 November | Various locations | springout.com.au

Special Events + Festivals

Christmas Gifts of Joy

Canberra Outlet’s Christmas Gifts of Joy initiative supports Roundabout Canberra, a local charity providing essential items and practical support to babies, children and families experiencing hardship. Participants choose a gift tag at the activation with help from staff, buy a present from the centre’s retailers, then return it to the activation for collection and gifting to a local child.

Saturdays and Sundays, 7 November–27 December, plus Monday 21–Thursday 24 December, 11 am–2 pm | Canberra Outlet, 337 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick | canberraoutlet.com.au

Laidback Fridays

A new collaboration between Canberra’s Original Microbrewery and The Street Theatre is bringing a fresh Friday-night vibe to Childers Street.

Laidback Fridays brings together live music, the Zierholz Pop-Up Bar and tasty food in the outdoor precinct at The Street. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a locally brewed Zierholz beer, catch some live music and soak up the atmosphere, while supporting the arts and the local businesses helping bring Canberra’s creative community together.

With great beer, good food, good people and a rotating line-up of live music every Friday, it’s an easygoing alternative to the traditional Friday night out.

Fridays from 5.30 pm until 18 December | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra City | zierholz.com.au

Nightwalks with Teenagers

Presented by Canberra Youth Theatre in association with Mammalian Diving Reflex during the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival, Nightwalks with Teenagers is an internationally acclaimed interactive walking performance. Adult audiences are invited to experience the capital through an entirely new lens as local teenagers take charge, guiding participants through the streets after dark and breaking down generational barriers.

Until Saturday 14 November | Various locations, Canberra | canberrayouththeatre.com.au

Social Enterprise Summit & Festival 2026

The Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA) presents the 2026 Social Enterprise Summit & Festival at the University of Sydney. Spanning a full-day industry conference on Friday focusing on purpose-led business models, and a free public festival on Saturday featuring market stalls, workshops, and family-friendly showcases, the two-day program highlights the economic and community impact of social enterprises across the region.

Friday, 13 November to Saturday, 14 November | Belinda Hutchinson Building, University of Sydney, Darlington | events.humanitix.com

Christmas Displays at Lanyon Homestead and Calthorpes House

Step back in time as Lanyon Homestead and Calthorpes House transform for the festive season with handmade decorations, traditional table settings, and historic treasures. Lanyon Homestead features a Victorian-era Australian Christmas adorned with native greenery and traditional dining displays, while Calthorpes House showcases vintage festive streamers, handmade cards, and a heritage-decorated Christmas tree.

Saturday 14 November to Sunday 13 December | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa (and Calthorpes House) | historicplaces.com.au

Funk & Soul Under the Stars Courtyard Concert

Spend a summer evening enjoying live rhythm and soul during an outdoor concert in the heritage Courtyard Gardens at Mercure Canberra. Headlining the night, local favourite The Bad Habits delivers an energetic blend of classic soul, deep funk grooves, and crowd-pleasing anthems. Guests can sip refreshing drinks from the Garden Bar and sample tasty bites while soaking up the relaxed, open-air music festival atmosphere in the heart of Braddon.

Saturday 14 November, 6 pm–9 pm | The Courtyard Gardens at Mercure Canberra, 39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon | mercurecanberra.com.au

Azi beauty – aesthetics, laser and beauty launch

An event filled with giveaways, offers and specials, introducing some of the newest IPL, RF, contouring and laser technologies and services at a brand new clinic in Canberra.

Free canapés, drinks and nibbles provided.

Saturday 14 November, 2–5 pm | Quest Canberra, 240 City Walk, Canberra City | eventbrite.com

Evening of Mediumship

Evidential medium Karen Baldwin brings her live, unscripted demonstration to the Ainslie Football and Social Club. During the ninety-minute presentation, Baldwin shares specific details, memories, and personal traits associated with loved ones who have passed, inviting audience members to validate connections as they arise. Delivered in a down-to-earth, respectful environment, the evening welcomes curious minds, sceptics, and those seeking comfort to observe the process firsthand.

Saturday 14 November, 7.30 pm–9 pm | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie | karenbaldwinmedium.com

Taylor Swift Kids Trivia at Tuggeranong

Calling all young Swifties! Grab your besties, dress in your favourite Eras Tour outfit, and test your pop knowledge during Taylor Swift Kids Trivia at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong. Covering chart-topping hits, fun facts, and iconic music video moments, the afternoon promises plenty of laughs, music, and exciting prizes. Spaces are limited for this fun-filled family event, so securing tickets early is recommended to avoid missing out.

Saturday 14 November, 1.30 pm–3.30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong, Corner Pitman and Holwell Street, Greenway | cscc.com.au

Diwali Mela lantern festival

The Queanbeyan Diwali Mela Lantern Festival returns as a free, all-ages evening celebrating the festival of lights, presented by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and the Queanbeyan Multicultural Centre. The program centres on a lantern parade, with participants carrying battery-operated lights or lanterns in a procession around part of the grounds. Candles, oil lamps and open flames are not permitted. Southern Tablelands Arts runs a lantern-making workshop from 5 pm, with materials supplied at no cost. A fireworks display of about 15 minutes begins at 9.15 pm. Performers are yet to be announced. The event is alcohol free, and guests may bring their own food.

Saturday 14 November, 5 pm–10 pm | Queanbeyan Showground, Glebe Avenue, Queanbeyan | qprc.nsw.gov.au

Chimera Con

Celebrate the vibrant intersections of art, literature, and speculative fiction at Chimera Con, hosted by the Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild. Taking over the Gungahlin Community Centre, this dedicated convention showcases local creative talent across comics, manga, gaming, and literature. Attendees can participate in practical workshops, author-led write-ins, live panel discussions, writing-focused game sessions, and an on-site art competition. Members will also be selling original books, while the CSFG announces its annual short story competition winners alongside exciting community updates.

Sunday 15 November, 10 am–6 pm | Gungahlin Community Centre, Gungahlin | events.humanitix.com

Weetangera Primary School Fete

Enjoy a fantastic day of family-friendly fun at the annual Weetangera Primary School Fete. The community day features exciting rides, diverse market stalls, delicious food vendors, plant and book sales, raffles, and plenty of children’s activities, all while raising vital funds to support school improvements for local students.

Sunday 15 November, 10 am–2 pm | Weetangera Primary School, Southwell Street, Weetangera | fete.wps.org.au

Rose Gardens Guided Tours at Old Parliament House

Step back in time and wander through a living horticultural masterpiece with guided tours of the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens. Established in 1927 as a tranquil retreat for politicians and their families, the stunning grounds now feature over five hundred varieties across four thousand rose bushes, including rare blooms sourced from Persia and China. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating tales of the gardens’ history, design evolution, and botanical significance. It is a peaceful, beautiful seasonal escape that celebrates Canberra’s rich heritage in full floral bloom.

Until Sunday 29 November (Check venue for daily tour times) | Statue of Dame Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons, Old Parliament House Rose Gardens, King George Terrace, Parkes | eventbrite.com.au

Food + Drink

The Canberra and Region Wine Show – Tasting Experience

Sample the finest cool-climate vintages at the official Canberra and Region Wine Show Tasting Experience inside EPIC’s Terrace Restaurant. Attendees gain exclusive access to swirl, sniff, and taste over 300 submitted wines across red, white, sparkling, and fortified categories. Be among the first to sample newly crowned medal winners and the coveted Best Wine of Show recipient while meeting regional winemakers in a festive, relaxed setting.

Saturday 14 November, 3 pm–5 pm | Terrace Restaurant, Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Road, Mitchell | rncas.org.au

Sit low, sip slow and snack like you’re in Saigon

Monster Phin & Street Bites in Braddon is serving a special menu of Vietnamese coffee and street-food-inspired snacks, drawing on Vietnamese café culture. Drinks include Hanoi-style egg coffee, salted cream coffee and an avocado and coconut blend. Snacks include crème caramel and rice paper salad rolls. Customers can also try Vietnamese jacks and plaster painting.

Saturday 14 and 21, and Sunday 15 and 22 November, 11 am–4 pm | Monster Phin & Street Bites, Shop G06/2 Batman Street, Braddon | instagram.com/monsterphinst

Sunday Buffet Lunch

Gather family and friends for a delicious Sunday feast set within the leafy, glass-lit Atrium Restaurant and Bar at Pavilion on Northbourne. This monthly dining experience features a generous spread including fresh salads, premium cold cuts, hearty warm mains, and indulgent desserts. It offers a completely relaxed afternoon where guests can unwind, catch up, and let someone else handle the cooking in a tranquil, garden-like setting in Dickson.

Sunday 15 November, 12 pm–3 pm | Pavilion on Northbourne, 242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson | pavilioncanberra.com.au

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

The Spritz Club

Escape to the sunny deck at Capitol Bar & Grill for The Spritz Club, a relaxed aperitivo experience featuring ice-cold infusions of Aperol or Hugo Spritz paired with crisp chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks. Designed as an effortless Riviera-inspired ritual, guests can unwind with oversized sunglasses and zero urgency, enjoying bittersweet prosecco cocktails in a stylish inner-city setting.

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

Markets + Expos

Sidewalk Market: fundraising for dementia

Residents of Goodwin Village Crace are hosting a Sidewalk Market to raise funds for dementia research, care and support. Stalls feature cakes and bakes alongside a trash and treasure table, with items available to buy or visitors able to donate. Payment is cash only, and all proceeds are donated to the cause.

Saturday 14 November, 10 am–12 pm | Abena Avenue outside Goodwin Seniors Club, Crace | goodwin.org.au

Star of Wonder Hackett Christmas Market

A celebration of creativity, community and the wonder of slow Christmas. Hackett’s second annual market with unique handmade gifts, craft stalls, delicious food, music and live performances. Browse pottery, star lanterns, felt toys, Christmas decorations, baked goods, plants, books and clothing. The market features free children’s workshops, pottery activities, portrait painting, beginner tango classes, musical performances and scenes from the upcoming Oberufer Shepherds’ Play.

Saturday, 14 November, 10 am–2 pm | 7 Holtze Close, Hackett | RSVP at eventbrite.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

Stage

POSH

Belconnen Arts Centre presents A Mockingbird Too Production of POSH, Laura Wade’s savage, darkly comedic theatrical dissection of power, wealth, and privilege. Set inside the oak-panelled dining room of an elite university dining club, ten polished undergraduates gather for a quarterly feast that rapidly devolves into chaotic excess and brute entitlement. Written with sharp cruelty and urgent clarity, this acclaimed production exposes the social machinery behind elite power structures, delivering an unforgettable night of tense social horror.

Until Saturday 14 November, 7.30 pm–9.45 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Victorian State Ballet: The Nutcracker

The Victorian State Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s world-famous festive ballet The Nutcracker to the Canberra Theatre Centre stage. Follow young Clara on a magical holiday journey as her enchanted Nutcracker transforms into a prince, whisking her away to a land of snowflakes and party surprises. Featuring exquisite classical technique, lush costumes, and the famous “Sugar Plum Fairy” pas de deux, this enchanting theatrical production delivers holiday magic and classical elegance for audiences of all ages.

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

The Odyssey – a one man performance by Edward Nelson

Canberra-born performer Edward Nelson presents a one-man retelling of Homer’s Odyssey in a single hometown performance. Using only voice, movement and imagination, he follows Odysseus and his men through monsters, storms and temptations as they try to find their way home to a world they no longer recognise. The retelling reflects the changes people face today.

Saturday 14 November, 4–6 pm | Smith’s Alternative Bookshop, Canberra City | smithsalternative.com

Quietly Seething

Canberra Contemporary hosts two powerful live dance and performance works presented in response to Dr Tal Fitzpatrick’s exhibition Quietly Seething: Fate, Fury and Transmutation. Artists Sophie Dumaresq and Juliet Burnett perform original pieces that explore, embody, and transform themes of feminine rage within Fitzpatrick’s textile installation. Developed as part of the Craft + Design Canberra Festival, the event provides a thought-provoking artistic space exploring emotion, gender, and shared human stories.

Saturday 14 November, 2 pm–3 pm | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org

Marty Sheargold – The Red Card Tour

Australian comedy powerhouse Marty Sheargold returns to the stage with his brand-new stand-up production, The Red Card Tour. Known for his razor-sharp wit, brilliant timing, and unfiltered observations, Sheargold takes aim at modern absurdities, middle-age misfires, and everyday frustrations. Radio listeners and long-time fans can expect an evening of belly laughs and top-tier storytelling from one of the country’s most iconic stand-up comedians live at Canberra Theatre.

Saturday 14 November, 8 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | alist.com.au

Smaranam – Memory Embodied

Experience a captivating Bharata Natyam dance performance by Vaidehi Subramanyan as part of The BOLD Festival at Gorman Arts Centre. Entitled Smaranam, this traditional margam repertoire explores pure dance, expressive storytelling, and dramatic enactment to trace artistic movement and lineage. Inspired by her grandmother and currently training under Christopher Gurusamy, Subramanyan brings memory to life through intricate rhythm and grace. It promises a culturally rich and deeply expressive evening celebrating classical Indian dance traditions.

Sunday 15 November, 6 pm–7 pm | Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Quantum Leap Australia, Braddon | theboldfestival.com.au

Being BOLD

Experience an inspiring triple bill of live performance and screen works presented by Australia’s leading mature dance artists at Gorman Arts Centre. Featuring Anca Frankenhaeuser, Patrick Harding-Irmer, Chrissie Koltai, and Sue Healey, Being BOLD celebrates longevity, artistry, and lives dedicated to dance. The program opens with I Thought You Were Dead But Here We Are, a live dance theatre piece drawing on decades of performance history, accompanied by two evocative films exploring memory, loss, and resilience.

Sunday 15 November, 7.30 pm–8.30 pm | Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | theboldfestival.com.au

Screen

VR Experience: Reef Rangers

Step into an immersive virtual reality world at Canberra Museum and Gallery with Reef Rangers – Dissent Beneath the Surface. Wearing VR headsets, participants explore a vibrant underwater environment where animated marine creatures swim, dance, and converse around them. Presented by Lightning Rock as part of BOLD Festival, this ten-minute experience challenges traditional perceptions surrounding disability, creative authorship, and artistic excellence in interactive technology. Entry is presented in partnership with Stellar Company.

Saturday 14 November, 12.15 pm–2 pm | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 180 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au

Book Club at NFSA

Discover how culturally significant literature transitions from page to screen with the National Film and Sound Archive and ABC Radio Canberra. This popular monthly series invites film and book lovers to enjoy a curated cinematic adaptation on the big screen, followed by a lively post-screening discussion led by presenter Alice Matthews and author Rhiân Williams. It provides a fantastic community space to explore storytelling nuances, cinematic techniques, and literary themes in an engaging format.

Sunday 15 November | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.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

Sport + Wellness

Powerful Energy Healing and Meditation Experience

Recharge your mind and restore internal balance during a soothing energy healing and meditation class at Poppyfield Commons. Combining gentle energy work with beginner-friendly guided meditation, the session is designed to calm a busy mind, reduce stress, and cultivate deep relaxation. Suitable for complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike, it offers a peaceful sanctuary to pause, reset, and reconnect with your personal wellbeing amidst a hectic week.

Saturday 14 November, 10 am–10.45 am | Poppyfield Commons, 77 Poppyfield Street, Dickson | mbshealing.com.au

Stromlo Running Festival

Challenge yourself on panoramic mountain trails during the Stromlo Running Festival at Stromlo Forest Park. Catering to runners and walkers of all fitness levels, this popular weekend event features six distinct courses ranging from a 5-kilometre run to the demanding 42.2-kilometre marathon, plus a 2.5-kilometre kids’ cross-country event. Participants enjoy sweeping capital views taking in Telstra Tower and the Brindabella ranges while experiencing a warm, supportive community festival atmosphere.

Saturday 14 November to Sunday, 15 November | Stromlo Forest Park, Dave McInnes Road, Mount Stromlo | stromlorunningfestival.com.au

Walk On Country with Tyronne Bell

Join Ngunawal guide Tyronne Bell on a Walk On Country tour across the tracks and service trails of Black Mountain. Interpreting the landscape’s evolution since ancient times, the experience offers a rich Indigenous perspective on bush foods, stone tools, and traditional cultural practices. Set against the natural bushland with panoramic views over Canberra, the tour reads the landscape through enduring Ngunawal knowledge held for generations. As part of the Craft + Design Canberra Festival, it highlights cultural continuity on Country.

Sunday 15 November, 10 am–12 pm | Black Mountain, 100 Black Mountain Drive, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org

UC Capitals v Townsville Fire

The UC Capitals host reigning WNBL champions Townsville Fire in a high-stakes Sunday afternoon match at AIS Arena. The Capitals are eager to challenge the league’s top contenders and secure a monumental victory on home court. Basketball fans can look forward to intense court action, elite athleticism, and an energetic atmosphere cheering on every play. Gather friends and family to support the Caps in this thrilling national competition showcase.

Sunday 15 November, 3 pm–5 pm | AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | uccapitals.wnbl.com.au

Music

Latvian Radio Choir & Genevieve Lacey

Experience an extraordinary musical collaboration at Llewellyn Hall as Musica Viva presents the internationally acclaimed Latvian Radio Choir alongside Australian recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey. Exploring themes of nature and beauty, the program features sacred works, bird-inspired poetry by Pēteris Vasks, and new interspecies commissions by Hollis Taylor and Jon Rose. Highlights also include the world premiere of Ēriks Ešenvalds’ Ceremony of Swans, incorporating text by celebrated Australian author Alexis Wright.

Saturday 14 November, 7 pm–9 pm | Llewellyn Hall, ANU, William Herbert Place, City | musicaviva.com.au

Smith’s at Belco: Things of Stone and Wood

Acoustic folk-rock pioneers Things of Stone and Wood perform live at Belconnen Arts Centre as part of the Smith’s at Belco series. Emerging from Melbourne’s early nineties acoustic scene, the ARIA Award-winning band behind hits like “Happy Birthday Helen” delivers an energetic concert filled with organic instrumentation, rich harmonies, and storytelling passion. Audiences can look forward to a memorable night celebrating three decades of beloved Australian songwriting.

Saturday 14 November, 7 pm–9.20 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Under a Starry Sky: Alice Giles Harp Concert

Internationally acclaimed harp virtuoso Alice Giles AM returns to Tuggeranong Arts Centre for a special end-of-year recital followed by afternoon tea with the artist. The First Prize winner of the Israel International Harp Contest performs a reflective seasonal program spanning traditional carols, impressionistic works, and masterworks by Debussy and Salzedo. Capturing both intimate nuance and brilliant technique, the concert provides a tranquil afternoon celebrating the rich, expressive character of the concert harp.

Saturday 14 November, 1.30 pm–2.30 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com

Picture Book: Simply Red Tribute Show

Celebrate the timeless music of Simply Red as Sydney tribute show Picture Book takes the stage at the Zeppelin Room. Fronted by David Camenzuli, who embodies the vocals and presence of Mick Hucknall, the show features a talented band of industry professionals including Dylan Weberbauer and Vincent Leong. Audiences can sing along to classic hits like “Holding Back the Years” and “Stars” during a high-energy nostalgic musical showcase.

Saturday 14 November, 8 pm–11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | events.humanitix.com

Kenny Rogers & Friends

Vocalist Graham G Toole delivers a heartfelt musical tribute to country legends Kenny Rogers, Glen Campbell, and John Denver live at The B. Backed by a full session band, the performance captures the warmth and emotional depth of timeless classics including “The Gambler,” “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Lady,” and “Country Roads.” Audiences are invited to take a nostalgic journey through the golden era of country pop, celebrating classic storytelling songs that have resonated across generations.

Saturday 14 November, 7.30 pm–10 pm | The B, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

Canberra Blues Society November Pro Blues Jam

Enjoy a fantastic afternoon of live music as the Canberra Blues Society presents host band Soul & Stone at the Harmonie German Club. Combining soul-drenched blues with upbeat contemporary grooves, the talented ensemble opens the event before some of the finest musicians from across the region take to the stage for a collaborative jam session. It offers a warm, welcoming community atmosphere for blues lovers to kick back, enjoy great food, and experience top-tier local musicianship in action.

Sunday 15 November, 1 pm–4.30 pm | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | facebook.com

Brass Knuckle Brass Band – Sunday Arvo Boogie

BKBB return for their annual family friendly Sunday Arvo Boogie, outdoors on the circle outside Gang Gang.

Brass Knuckle Brass Band is a sweaty late-night party for anyone who knows a sousaphone is always tougher than a bass guitar. Think whiskey dripping from trombone spit-valves; think drummers with callouses on their callouses. Think a crusty bari sax belting at Bourbon Street from the wrong hemisphere and you’re getting the idea.

Sunday 15 November, 3 pm–7 pm | Gang Gang Cafe, Frencham Place, Downer | events.humanitix.com

Talks, Tours + Workshops

Finding beauty in forgotten objects

Canberra jewellery designer Harriet Barry presents an exhibition of handmade pieces crafted from found materials. Designs incorporate clay pipe fragments she and her daughter, bespoke shoemaker Emily, gathered from the Thames foreshore in London, alongside 4000-year-old mammoth bone beads, chank shells, Venetian and Bohemian glass beads, and Ethiopian beads made from discarded aluminium cookware.

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November, 10 am–4 pm | Harriet Barry’s studio, 49 Webster Street, Hughes

Neon Projects Experience at Canberra Glassworks

Heat, stretch, and shape authentic glass tubing into custom luminous designs during a two-day workshop at Canberra Glassworks. Guided by master neon artist David Cooper, who brings over three decades of commercial sign-making expertise, participants learn the fundamentals of neon production. Designed for beginners aged sixteen and over, the course covers tube bending, gas filling principles, and assembly processes, allowing every attendee to complete and take home their own handcrafted neon artwork.

Saturday 14 November to Sunday 15 November | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com

Frog ID Week at the National Zoo

The National Zoo and Aquarium celebrates Frog ID Week with a daily conservation stall dedicated to Canberra and beyond’s frogs. Visitors can learn about vital conservation efforts, explore frog life cycles, meet some of Australia’s tiniest frogs, and discover practical ways to protect backyard habitats alongside the zoo’s regular wildlife encounters and aquarium attractions.

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November | National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston | nationalzoo.com.au

Folio: Stories of Australian comics

Join researchers Meg O’Shea, Dr Pat Grant, and Gabriel Clark at the National Library of Australia for an engaging panel discussion exploring Australian comics and zine history. Discussing items collected across national zine fairs for the Library’s permanent collection, the panel highlights their public-facing research project Folio: Stories of Australian Comics. Attendees will discover a secret history of Australian culture told through unique, independent graphic storytelling and self-published comic art.

Saturday 14 November, 10 am–11 am | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

Moving & Making

Dancer and choreographer Anca Frankenhaeuser leads a creative movement workshop exploring spontaneous reaction and structured composition at Gorman Arts Centre. Drawing on fifteen years with London Contemporary Dance Theatre and decades of international collaboration across dance, theatre, and visual arts, Frankenhaeuser guides participants through physical exercises designed to expand spatial awareness and performance instinct. The session offers valuable insights for movers, actors, and creators seeking to develop their physical language.

Saturday 14 November, 10.30 am–12.30 pm | Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | theboldfestival.com.au

Matcha and Ceramic Painting Workshop by Noa Matcha Canberra

Unwind and tap into your creative side during a delightful two-hour workshop combining Japanese tradition with hands-on artistry. Hosted across welcoming community spaces in Canberra, this relaxed session teaches participants how to properly sift and whisk ceremonial-grade matcha to create a delicious latte. Following the tasting, guests will choose a ceramic mug or bowl to paint using simple, step-by-step techniques with all materials provided. No prior experience is necessary, and you get to take your unique hand-painted ceramic piece home.

Saturday 14 November | Various locations, Canberra | noamatcha.com

An Evening with Ben Macintyre

Join legendary historian and bestselling author Ben Macintyre at the Canberra Theatre Centre as he shares his most gripping Cold War story yet. Macintyre, the creator behind SAS: Rogue Heroes and Operation Mincemeat, delves into the high-stakes espionage of 1981 Tehran following the Iranian Revolution. He recounts the captivating tale of KGB Major Vladimir Kuzichkin, whose personal secrets drove him to reach out to MI6 amidst global political turmoil. It is an unmissable evening of history, intrigue, and world-class storytelling.

Sunday 15 November, 6.30 pm–8.20 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

The Duet between the Camera and the Dancer

Explore visual perception and kinaesthetic awareness in a hands-on movement workshop led by acclaimed interdisciplinary dance artist Sue Healey. Designed for participants of all experience levels, this session examines the choreographic potential created by the partnership between the camera lens and the dancing body. Drawing on four decades of global performance, filmmaking, and cross-cultural collaborations, Healey guides attendees through creative framing and physical expression. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s premier dance innovators.

Sunday 15 November, 10.30 am–12.30 pm | Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | theboldfestival.com.au

Drawing with Georgina Chadderton

Join South Australian cartoonist and author Georgina Chadderton at the National Library of Australia Bookshop for an interactive comic adventure. Recommended for ages seven and over, the session offers behind-the-scenes insights into their graphic novel memoir, Oh Brother, which explores family, high school, and new friendships. Participants will enjoy a guided draw-along demonstration learning how to illustrate emotions and create original characters, followed by book signing, stamping, and fun giveaways.

Sunday 15 November, 2 pm–3 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au

100 years of historic East Block building

Step back in time during a guided historical tour exploring Canberra’s heritage-listed East Block building. Located in the National Triangle, this 1920s landmark served as Canberra’s original General Post Office, the Prime Minister’s Department, and early ASIO headquarters before becoming home to the National Archives of Australia. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the building’s architecture, government history, and the figures who shaped the nation over the past century. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Sunday 15 November, 11 am–12 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au

Lynn Petersen–Radical joy

Artist and educator Lynn Petersen presents Radical Joy, an exhibition forming part of the Craft + Design Canberra Festival 2026. Lynn also hosts two free puppet-making workshops inspired by the exhibition on Saturday 14 November, at 10.30 am and 1 pm. Using simple felt-making techniques, participants create a protest finger puppet while reflecting on the exhibition’s themes. They consider how humour and creativity can express a personal story, hope or an act of resistance. Each puppet becomes a small gesture of protest and optimism, responding to the challenges and concerns shaping communities and the world.

Until Wednesday 18 November | Q Gallery Art Hub, Ainslie | q-gallery.com.au

Mandarin Social Lounge

Learnése, a Canberra Mandarin studio for absolute beginners, hosts the Mandarin Social Lounge, a lunchtime drop-in for people who want to practise speaking. Sessions run daily during the founding weeks, which are free until 13 November. Participants bring their own lunch and take part in light speaking tasks and games, using the Mandarin they already know, without textbooks. The format suits office workers, students, beginners who hesitate to speak and anyone building a regular speaking habit. Attendees can join in person or online.

Until Friday 20 November, 12.15–1 pm | black vc Coworking Space, Level 3, 4 Mort Street, Civic | eventbrite.com.au

Exhibitions

Filotimo group exhibition

Filotimo is a group exhibition of work by Greek-Australian artists across a range of disciplines, bringing together culture, creativity and community. Presented by AHEPA Australia as a fundraiser, proceeds from artwork sales will go to the ANU Centre for Personalised Medicine, supporting research into the causes of autoimmune diseases as well as patient care.

Until Sunday 15 November, 10 am–5 pm (closed Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 November) | The Gallery, Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, Kambri Precinct, Acton | anu.edu.au

Unmoored: Laura Canty

Unmoored is an exhibition of analogue collage by artist Laura Canty, presented at COX Gallery. The works, created between 2022 and 2025, combine everyday materials such as paper, fabric and reclaimed or handmade items, arranged and layered before being fixed to a surface. Canty explores the handmade in an age of AI and digital image manipulation.

Until Thursday 17 December, 9 am–5 pm | COX Gallery, 8 Thesiger Court, Deakin | coxarchitecture.com.au

It’s curtains!

Sydney-based artist Tango Conway presents It’s Curtains!, an exhibition exploring the parallels between drawing and theatre. Borrowing footlights, vaudeville hooks and curtains, Conway turns Platform into a stage to examine the tension between the compulsion to keep making and the anticipation of failure. The idiom signals both a final curtain and an ending. Entry is free.

Until Sunday 6 December, 11 am–5 pm (Friday to Sunday) | Platform, Manuka | canberracontemporary.com.au/future/its-curtains-tango-conway

Catherine Neil & Livonne Larkins | Daydreams and Detours Exhibition

Explore a whimsical visual world in Daydreams and Detours, a joint exhibition by artists Catherine Neil and Livonne Larkins at Strathnairn Arts. Blurring the boundaries of reality through vibrant storybook aesthetics, Neil’s layered acrylic landscapes and Larkins’ narrative photography invite viewers to look closer for hidden details and sub-plots. Both artists weave playful, joyous themes designed to captivate adults and children alike. Join the artists for the official opening event on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 November | Strathnairn Arts Homestead Gallery 1, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | strathnairn.com.au

Filotimo Charity Art Exhibition

Discover powerful works of art with a profound purpose at Kambri’s Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre. Some of Australia’s most talented Greek-Australian artists have united for a bold AHEPA Australia fundraising exhibition, showcasing stunning paintings, sculptures, photography, and illustrations deeply rooted in Hellenic heritage. Every artwork purchased directly supports vital medical research at the ANU Centre for Personalised Medicine, giving back to the community that shaped these creators. It is a wonderful chance to acquire exceptional contemporary art while contributing to meaningful health breakthroughs that benefit people across the nation.

Until Sunday 15 November (Check venue for daily hours) | Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, University Avenue, Level 2 The Gallery Kambri ANU, Canberra | filotimoart.com

ASOC Spring Exhibition

The Art Society of Canberra (ASOC) presents its 84th annual Spring Exhibition, featuring nearly 300 works by more than 70 local artists. Independent judges will award prizes across nine categories, including Best in Show, Abstract, Flora/Fauna/Still Life, Landscape and Portrait/Figure, while visitors vote for the People’s Choice. ACT Minister for Arts Michael Pettersson will open the exhibition on Saturday 7 November at 6 pm. Founded in 1927, ASOC is one of Canberra’s oldest cultural organisations. Entry is free.

Until Sunday 15 November | Fitters Workshop Gallery, Kingston | asoc.au/spring-exhibition-2026

Future Feature: Teen artists from studioMAP

Step into the inspiring world of young creative talent with the upcoming Future Feature exhibition at M16 Artspace in Griffith. Showcasing the diverse perspectives of emerging teenage artists, this thoughtful collection offers a fascinating glimpse into their artistic journeys as they build confidence and step toward future maturity. It is a wonderful chance for local art lovers to support the next generation of creatives, celebrate fresh local talent, and witness the hopeful, imaginative visions shaping the future of our arts community right here in the heart of the capital.

Until Sunday 15 November, 10 am–4 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au

Bespoke Utopia | Exhibition

An art and design exhibition highlighting regional artists whose practices prioritise craftsmanship, slow design, and sustainability as an alternative to mass production.

Until Sunday 15 November | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org

Raw and Refined

Presented as part of the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival, Canberra-based contemporary jeweller Phoebe Porter presents Raw and Refined, a thought-provoking exhibition exploring the tensions between raw and worked, natural and cultural, and material and meaning. Responding to the festival’s theme of Dissent, Porter’s work challenges traditional ideas around value, preciousness, and craft. Set in the Canberra Airport Departure Lounge, the display contrasts raw Australian gold, native copper, uncut sapphires, and meteorite fragments with precision-crafted structures—celebrating deliberate craftsmanship as an act of creative dissent.

Until Sunday 22 November, 5 am–11 pm | Departures Lounge, Canberra Airport | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org

Funny Peculiar, Not Funny ‘Ha Ha’: Solo Exhibition by Erin Dickson

Immerse yourself in a striking new body of work by British artist Erin Dickson, marking her first Australian solo exhibition. Hosted at the Canberra Glassworks, this irreverent and maximalist showcase fuses endangered craft traditions like glass gilding with digital technologies, contemporary signage, and internet memes. The exhibition boldly explores the friction between high and low culture while navigating complex themes of humour, grief, anger, and isolation. By colliding British and Australian cultural references, Dickson challenges conventional gallery standards and redefines the boundaries of modern craftsmanship.

Until Sunday, 31 January | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com

Enough? Enough! ENOUGH

Canberra Potters presents Enough? Enough! ENOUGH, an exhibition bringing together artists Kara Wood, Raquel Ormella, and Zoe Brand to explore activism, labor, and women’s power. Featuring Wood’s large-scale installation of raw, unfired clay vessels crafted in collaboration with local potters using reclaimed clay, the exhibition combines textile art, wearables, and ceramics to reflect on collective strength, remembrance, and social change.

Until Sunday 29 November | Canberra Potters, Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | canberrapotters.com.au

Inke Falkner: Round and Round

CMAG on the Square presents a major contemporary sculptural work by biologist-turned-artist Dr Inke Falkner. Created following her success at the 2025 Lanyon Art Prize, Round and Round uses the traditional 17th-century technique of straw marquetry on a monumental scale to depict the organic succession and microhabitats of an ant mound. Dyed, split, and flattened by hand, the reflective geometric straw patterns contrast with and mirror the intricate patterns of ecological growth and change.

Until Sunday, 13 June 2027 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 180 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au

POWER – The Future is Here

Canberra Contemporary presents POWER – The Future is Here, a collaborative exhibition between First Nations artist Dennis Golding and Torres Strait Island students from Alexandria Park Community School. Developed through Solid Ground, the exhibition displays handcrafted superhero capes featuring cultural iconography and personal narratives. The capes empower young creators while offering a sharp critique of social and cultural representations of contemporary First Nations experiences.

Until Saturday, 30 January | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org

Quietly Seething: Fate, Fury and Transmutation

Explore an immersive textile and audio installation by artist Dr Tal Fitzpatrick at Canberra Contemporary. Quietly Seething: Fate, Fury and Transmutation features intricate appliqué and embroidery crafted from upcycled materials, surrounding visitors as they listen to headphones playing anonymous confessions of feminine rage from sixty female-identifying individuals. Presented as part of the Craft + Design Canberra Festival, the exhibition creates a gentle yet powerful space reflecting on emotion and gender.

Until Saturday 30 January, 11 am–5 pm | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org

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

Hop In! – An Immersive World of Play

Turn the familiar family home inside out at Hop In!, a hands-on exhibition designed for children aged three to 12 and their families. Rooms shift in scale to encourage active play, letting little ones crawl under oversized furniture, stretch beneath cloud-filled skies, and wander through reimagined backyards and kitchens. At the heart of the space is artist Beci Orpin’s Bunny Dearest, a gentle companion guiding children through these imaginative spaces. Created for open-ended discovery, this interactive experience sparks curiosity, builds creative confidence, and offers families a wonderful opportunity to connect through shared play in the heart of the city.

Until Sunday 22 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au

Exhibitions at Belconnen Arts Centre

Belconnen Arts Centre opens six diverse new exhibitions showcasing regional talent across textiles, printmaking, ceramics, digital imagery, and painting:

• Animal Portraits: Brenda Runnegar presents composite digital works reimagining domestic pets as majestic figures in early American folk art.

• Occupying Space: Helen Heslop explores South Coast landscapes, colonial history, and Yuin Country through intricate art quilts and collages.

• Passions, Journeys and Imaginings: Christine Upton uses carved bird figures, patterns, and abstract blossoms to explore nature and personal memory.

• Phases: Staff and collaborators from the UC Faculty of Art and Design reflect on global transition, change, and harmony.

• Colour Through My Eyes: Visually impaired artist Lien To shares vibrant Copic marker and collage works reflecting her imaginary safe spaces.

• Histories & Habitats: Fenja T. Ringl combines archaeology, palaeo-ecology, and printmaking on paper and ceramic forms.

Until Sunday 29 November | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

60 Years – Canberra Spinners and Weavers

A retrospective exhibition showcasing contemporary textile works by members of the Canberra Spinners and Weavers to mark 60 years of local craft heritage.

Until Saturday 12 December | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org

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

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

Rosalie Gascoigne

Opening at the National Gallery of Australia, this major exhibition celebrates the career of Rosalie Gascoigne (1917–1999), one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Famous for transforming discarded, weathered items—such as retro-reflective road signs, wooden crates, and feathers—into poetic assemblages, her works reflect the light, color, and texture of the surrounding Kamberri/Canberra landscape.

Until Sunday 14 February | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.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

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 colourful, highly detailed illustrations, giant airborne sculptures, and a mesmerising 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 behaviours of quantum objects to solve some of the world’s most critical challenges. From un-hackable communications and personalised 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

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

RELICS: A New World Rises

Step into an extraordinary, imagined future where vintage objects become homes for intricate miniature worlds built from LEGO® bricks. Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS: A New World Rises features over 15 large-scale installations set in a world humanity has abandoned. Discover a refrigerator turned cryogenic resort or a grandfather clock transformed into a time machine. Packed with hidden details, humor, and nostalgia, this immersive exhibition playfully explores sustainability, consumer culture, and human creativity. Designed to captivate visitors aged 0–99, it is a wonderful reminder to slow down and embrace curiosity.

Until Sunday 31 January 2027 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.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

Tamara Lalayan Gallery Exhibition

Immerse yourself in a world of colour and imagination with Tamara Lalayan’s latest art showcase, currently on display in the elegant Howard Lounge. Inspired by memory, movement, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments, Tamara’s expressive works invite viewers into richly layered landscapes. Each piece captures the subtle emotions and natural wonder found so effortlessly in our surrounding environment. Set within the historic surroundings of Hyatt Hotel Canberra, this peaceful exhibition offers art lovers and visitors a tranquil space to reflect and appreciate local creative talent. Pop in for a quiet moment of inspiration during your next city outing.

Until 28 February 2027 | Howard Lounge, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com

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: 2025 Undercurrent Design Market. Credit: 5 Foot Photography.