Reconciliation Day events, food feasts, and a blooming beautiful new exhibition: what’s on in Canberra this week
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The first week of June is here, and with it comes an abundance of things to do.
From a beautiful new floral-inspired exhibition at the Royal Australian Mint to Canberra Outlet’s massive King’s Birthday long weekend sale, pop these events in your diary and start planning!
Don’t miss…
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 May 2027 | Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
Reconciliation Day in Canberra
This free, family-friendly event is Canberra’s biggest celebration of Reconciliation Day. Taking place on Monday 1 June, it will bring together locals to learn, connect and take steps toward a fair and inclusive future.
This year, ARIA Award-winning artist and proud Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti woman Casey Donovan will headline the celebrations, leading a program of live music, dance, storytelling and cultural activities celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and voices. She’ll be joined by performers including Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga, Liam Keenan and Wiradjuri Echoes.
Held at its new home in John Dunmore Lang Place, the event will also feature workshops, food, cultural activities and a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Monday 1 June, 10 am – 3 pm | John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes | More information here.
Reconciliation Day: First Nations family history tour
This special ‘behind the scenes’ tour includes an introduction to the Library’s Bringing Them Home Oral History Project, where they recorded 340 deeply personal stories from people affected by the laws and policies that created the Stolen Generations.
But that’s just the beginning at the National Library. There will also be cultural performances, workshops, sporting activities and other activities, as well as the chance to work with expert librarians to find out about the available resources for researching First Nations family history at the library, and online via Trove. The tour is free to attend but bookings are essential.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this resource contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive, including the images and records of people who have passed away.
Monday 1 June, 11 am – 1 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West | More information here.
Free Plant Giveaway
Brighten up your home and give a second life to some gorgeous local greenery with a special community initiative in the city centre. The City Renewal Authority is hosting a massive plant giveaway, with hundreds of beautiful seasonal plants up for grabs. Every six weeks, public displays across our city’s public spaces are refreshed, and this giveaway allows community members to extend the life of these plants by giving them a new home. Head down to City Walk during your lunch break to collect a leafy new friend and support a sustainable local green initiative.
Wednesday 3 June, 11.30 am–1 pm | City Walk, Ainslie Place, City| inthecity.com.au
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week at Parliament House
Australian Parliament House is marking National Reconciliation Week with a program of free events, talks, tours and cultural experiences for all ages.
One of the highlights this year will be the illumination of the Parliament House façade with Numbat Night – a striking work by Walmajarri artist John Prince Siddon. Lighting up the building from Wednesday 27 until Friday 29 May, the artwork draws together contemporary life, ancestral creation stories and the artist’s signature “all mixed up” visual style inspired by Kimberley carving traditions, Dreamtime stories and desert iconography. Prince’s original artwork will also be displayed inside Parliament House until October 2026.
Plenty is happening beyond the projection, too. Join Indigenous astronomer and proud Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay man Peter Swanton for an evening of Indigenous Stargazing alongside the ANU Astronomy Society, hear ANU Vice-President (First Nations) Professor Peter Yu speak at the Parliamentary Library lecture Where are we and what is Reconciliation today?, or take part in the popular Yeribee Tour exploring Indigenous parliamentarians, artworks and the history of Parliament House.
Until Wednesday 3 June | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | More information here.
Lifeline Canberra Bookfair in The City
Calling all local bookworms and collectors. The beloved Lifeline Canberra Bookfair is making its return to the National Convention Centre, offering the largest gathering of book lovers in our city[cite: 1]. Browse a massive, curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, rare collectibles, children’s books, foreign language texts, sheet music, vinyl records, and puzzles. Entry is via a gold coin donation, with all proceeds raising a major portion of vital funding to keep our local mental health crisis support services running. You can even bring along book donations to clear out your own shelves.
Friday 5 until Sunday, 7 June. Times vary | The National Convention Centre, City | lifelinecanberra.org.au
Canberra Outlet King’s Birthday Long Weekend Sale
The King’s Birthday Long Weekend is a very good excuse to make a day of it, and Canberra Outlet is making the most of the occasion with a centre-wide sale across fashion, footwear, homewares and more. Whether after a winter wardrobe refresh, some new pieces for the home or simply a browse through a great range of brands at reduced prices, there’s plenty to explore across the long weekend. For families, there’s added fun in the form of snowflake glitter tattoos outside Koala Living and a roaming Snowy Snowman available for photos throughout the centre.
Saturday 6 until Monday 8 June | 337 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick | canberraoutlet.com.au
The Sapphires
Based on an incredible true story, The Sapphires is an epic tale of how four fierce and fabulous Yorta Yorta women blazed a trail from their small-town roots to the frontlines of Vietnam. Showing at the Canberra Theatre Centre from Saturday 30 May until Sunday 7 June, during National Reconciliation Week, go along to watch the sparkling new production, featuring the next generation of First Nation superstars led by original director and theatre legend, Wesley Enoch.
It’s a powerful cultural anthem to the solidarity and soul of First Nations’ sisterhood.
Until Sunday 7 June | Civic Square, London Circuit, City | More information here.
Special Events and Festivals
Royal Canberra Poultry Show
Poultry enthusiasts and curious families alike have a unique opportunity to experience the harmonious intersection of urban and rural life this weekend. Held at Exhibition Park, the Royal Canberra Poultry Show 2026 stands as an iconic gathering showcasing the finest poultry specimens from across the region. A distinguished panel of expert judges will meticulously evaluate a diverse array of chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys based on elite breed criteria. Beyond the competition cages, visitors can enjoy an exciting blend of family-friendly entertainment, educational programs, and captivating agricultural exhibitions.
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June. Times vary | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | rncas.org.au
Life Drawing | Tipsy Sketching with Loz
Swap a typical night out for something a little more creative with this relaxed, social life drawing session led by Loz, founder of Tipsy Sketching. Designed for everyone from total beginners to seasoned sketchers, you’ll be guided through playful poses while enjoying a drink in hand. With basic materials provided and a welcoming, judgement-free atmosphere, it’s all about loosening up, having a laugh and seeing where your creativity takes you.
Wednesday 3 June, 6 pm–8 pm | Craft + Design Canberra, City | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Drag Paint and Sip Canberra
Brushes out and lashes on, because a fabulously fun night of camp creativity is finally returning to Acton. Hosted by the iconic Terry Daktyl and Sab from Paint Your Peach, this dynamic duo is delivering a brilliant evening of colour, live drag performances, and a little controlled chaos. They will guide you step-by-step through creating a cheeky custom artwork—complete with a touch of glitter paint on the heels—all while you sip, giggle, and catch up with your besties. No experience is required, but spots will disappear faster than a wig in a wind machine.
Saturday 6 June, 6 pm–9 pm | Badger & Co, Acton | eventbrite.com.au
National Zoo and Aquarium celebrates World Oceans Day
The National Zoo and Aquarium marks World Oceans Day across a long weekend of aquarium-focused activities for families. Visitors can take on an aquarium quiz exploring life beneath the surface–covering marine facts, the human impact on ocean ecosystems, and ways to make more mindful choices at the beach. The weekend also features a lucky door prize tied to the zoo’s new Shark & Ray Encounter. All activities are included with standard admission or membership. The zoo’s aquarium is one of Australia’s largest inland saltwater aquariums, housing sharks, rays, eels, seahorses and a diverse range of fish species.
Saturday 6 to Monday 8 June | National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek | nationalzoo.com.au
NFSA’s Winter Film Series
Take a cinematic journey through time and space in the Winter Film Series at Arc Cinema.
From mind-bending time travel and fractured narratives to intergalactic adventures, alien encounters and cosmic odysseys, join us for stories stretching across eras and into the far reaches of the universe.
Whether you’re drawn to contemplative tales or epic escapism, you can explore worlds reshaped by technology, desire and chance.
Until 31 August | NFSA, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Food + Drink
Winter Wine and Providore Series
Warm up your Friday evenings this winter with a complimentary fireside tasting series in one of our city’s most historic lounges[cite: 1]. Head down to the elegant Griffin’s Lounge at the Hyatt for a cosy, relaxed hour discovering the fascinating stories behind the vines. You can sip on incredible drops crafted by some of Australia’s finest independent winegrowers and makers. No prior bookings are required for this delightful seasonal series, making it the perfect way to unwind after a busy week, chat with industry experts, and sample premium national wines.
Every Friday throughout June, 5 pm–6 pm | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
King’s Birthday Feast at Natural Nine
Celebrate the long weekend like absolute royalty with an exquisite culinary feast right in the heart of the city. Natural Nine’s talented chefs have crafted a sophisticated menu available for both lunch and dinner, utilising the finest local ingredients to treat your taste buds. It is the perfect excuse to skip the winter cooking, round up your favourite foodies, and indulge in a luxurious, multi-course dining experience designed to make you feel thoroughly pampered. Please note that this elegant dining space is an eighteen-plus venue, encouraging the responsible service and consumption of alcohol.
Friday 5 until Monday, 8 June. Times vary | natural nine at Casino Canberra, Canberra City | casinocanberra.com.au
Spirits CBR Cocktail Dinner
Celebrate the very best of Canberra’s vibrant distilling scene with a premium, multi-course dining experience at the Yacht Club. The evening kicks off with a welcome cocktail and the Spirits CBR Expo, giving you the exclusive chance to meet the makers, ask questions, and enjoy tastings from five top-tier local distilleries: Underground Spirits, Wild Brumby, Everyday Legacy, Hillman Bros, and The Canberra Distillery. Following the expo, guests will sit down to a sophisticated four-course menu paired perfectly with four custom-crafted cocktails built around the regional spirits and stories of the night.
Friday 5 June, 5.30 pm–9,30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
Mt Majura Wine Dinner
Indulge in a refined, elegant evening celebrating the exceptional cool-climate drops of a premier local winery. The Canberra Southern Cross Club is hosting a luxurious Mt Majura Wine Dinner at their lakeside venue. Guests will be treated to a meticulously crafted four-course dining experience, where each seasonal dish is thoughtfully paired with a curated selection of premium wines from Mt Majura Vineyard. It is a gorgeous night out designed to showcase the absolute best of regional flavours, seasonal produce, and collaborative local craftsmanship.
Friday 5 June, 6.30 pm–10 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
Tipsy Tea by the Fire
Treat yourself to a delightfully cosy winter afternoon right on the picturesque shores of the lake. The Yacht Club is hosting a special Tipsy Tea, offering the perfect opportunity to hunker down by a roaring fire with a glass of warming mulled wine. Guests will enjoy a comforting cauliflower cappuccino alongside a generous grazing station packed with hearty finger foods, savoury quiches, and rich, warm chocolate pudding. It is a relaxed yet polished afternoon experience designed to let you unwind with friends and embrace the best parts of Canberra’s cool season.
Sunday 7 June, 3 pm–6 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
The Brunch Club at Capitol Bar & Grill
Sunday mornings in Canberra just got a serious upgrade. Capitol Bar & Grill’s Brunch Club is an all-day, unapologetically indulgent affair built for those who believe weekends deserve better than a rushed coffee and toast. The menu runs from fluffy buttermilk pancakes and classic cheeseburgers with secret sauce to miso grilled salmon and a few cheeky surprises in between. The real centrepiece, though, is the Bloody Mary cart–a Ketel One Vodka partnership that lets guests load up with crispy bacon, blue cheese olives, dill pickles, mussels, chilli, and more, built tableside by the brunch bartenders. Running every Sunday until 30 August.
Every Sunday until 30 August | Capitol Bar & Grill, Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra | qthotels.com
Markets
The Little Burley Market Winter Wonderland
Queen Elizabeth Terrace is set to come alive with a touch of seasonal magic as the popular lakeside market transforms into a Winter Wonderland. Gather the family and head down to the water’s edge to browse cosy stalls filled with handmade local goods, multicultural food, and warming drinks. The afternoon features the return of the much-loved Multicultural Soup Celebration alongside free entertainment, including live local music, dancing dragons from Moon Bear Kung Fu, lawn games, and DIY snowflake and light-up lantern making workshops for the kids.
Saturday 6 June, 9 am–2 pm | The Little Burley Market, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Antique and Vintage Market Day
Step into a world of timeless charm and unique historical treasures at the Canberra Antiques Seasonal Market Day. Collectors, retro enthusiasts, and curious browsers are invited to head over to Fyshwick to explore a beautifully curated selection of antique, vintage, and one-of-a-kind finds packed with character. Grab a freshly brewed coffee from the on-site cart as you wander through stalls overflowing with history and nostalgic pieces. Bring your friends and family along for a delightful morning of shopping, exploring, and uncovering hidden gems right in the heart of the capital.
Saturday 6 June, 10 am–1 pm | The Auction Barn, Fyshwick | theauctionbarn.com.au
Hartley Hall Markets
Gather your family, head out to the countryside, and enjoy a classic Sunday market day under the trees. The Hartley Hall Markets return to the historic Hall Showground, offering a massive array of independent stalls packed with locally grown vegetables, fresh produce, home-baked goods, plants, and clothing. Visitors can stroll through the grounds, stay for a relaxed lunch, and enjoy live entertainment and dedicated children’s activities. Best of all, this fine community market is proudly organised by Hartley Lifecare to raise vital funds for supporting people with a disability in Canberra.
Sunday 7 June, 9 am–2 pm | Hall Showground, Hall | hartley.org.au
Pandoras Recycled Fashions O’Connor – Everything Half Price Sale
Pandoras recycles high-end designer clothes, shoes, handbags, hats & jewellery. Top quality fashions at reasonable prices Everything you need to refresh your wardrobe from casual, work, evening or wedding. As the season changes Pandoras is having a half price sale to make room for all the fabulous Winter clothes we have ready to go.
Pandoras is based at St Philip’s Church in O’Connor and proceeds support local Canberra charities.
Half price sale dates are for three weeks on Saturday 18 and 25 April and 2 May. This is followed by the Winter launch on Saturday 9 May.
Pandoras is open every Saturday, 10 am–1 pm | Lamerton Centre, St Philips Church, Cnr Moorhouse and Macpherson Streets | facebook.com
Capital Region Farmers Market
This farmers’ market is iconic for a reason.
Go along to sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra and speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
It will make you appreciate your Saturday morning shopping trip in a whole new way.
Saturdays, 7 am-11:30 am | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building, you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. The sheer variety means you’ll discover something unexpected every visit, whether that’s a piece of pottery that speaks to you, a stunning necklace, or the perfect vintage find. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
Sundays, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta, pet treats and more.
Sundays, 7 am -11.30 am | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com/SouthsideFarmersMarketCanberra
Haig Park Village Markets
Another local favourite, spend your Sunday morning browsing delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities.
It’s the kind of market where you can linger over breakfast, discover a new artist, and stock up on fresh produce all in one lovely morning, making it the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Sport and Wellness
Fitness in The Park
Fitness class for all levels of fitness for the whole community. Join Ginninderry local Vince as he takes you through a group fitness class in the fresh air at Paddys Park.
Every Wednesday, 7.30 am to 8.30 am, Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn | Find out more here.
Yoga at Ginninderry
Get bendy on Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle, and comfy clothes.
Every Thursday, 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.
Relax in Nature
Slow down, shake off the stress of the week, and gently awaken your senses with a free, one-hour nature connection walk. Held at the beautiful Mulligans Flat sanctuary, this immersive outdoor experience features guided invitations designed to help you explore seeing, listening, touching, and smelling the natural world in fresh, unexpected ways. It is a wonderful opportunity to practice simple mindfulness, encourage curiosity, and cultivate a deeper, more grounded relationship with our unique local surroundings. You will leave feeling thoroughly refreshed, calm, and beautifully attuned to nature.
Friday 5 June. Times vary | WildBark at Mulligans Flat, Throsby | latitude55.com.au
Raiders v Roosters – NRL Round 14
Get ready for an explosive Friday night of footy at GIO Stadium as the Canberra Raiders clash with the Sydney Roosters in Round 14 of the 2026 NRL season. The Green Machine will be hunting for their third consecutive victory against the Roosters following back-to-back triumphs across the 24/25 seasons. Arrive early to join in on the iconic Raiders Viking Clap tradition and soak up the electric stadium energy. With the ground turning completely green, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, making it a fantastic night out for die-hard fans and first-timers alike.
Friday 5 June, 8 pm–11 pm | GIO Stadium, Bruce | raiders.com.au
Music
Kompactus: Motion Madrigals & Choral Beats
Forget what you think you know about traditional choir performances. The Wesley Lunchtime Concert series is kicking off June with a vibrant, high-energy program featuring the outstanding youth chamber choir, Kompactus. This concert serves as a masterclass in vocal energy, celebrating the ensemble’s capacity for pace, precision, and unstoppable forward motion. The repertoire centres on the kinetic textures of Olivia Swift’s Motion Madrigals and the visceral “thump” of Stephen Tabener’s The Sweetest Kick in the Heart. From quirky, fast-paced narratives to driving spiritual forces, every piece moves with purpose. Entry includes a program and refreshments.
Wednesday 3 June, 12.40 pm–1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, Forrest | wesleycanberra.org.au/music
Dans les arbres: French & Norwegian Ensemble
Experience a world-class night of spontaneous group composition and collective playing at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre. Acclaimed French and Norwegian improvising quartet Dans les arbres is stopping in the valley for a highly anticipated performance. Comprising Xavier Charles, Ivar Grydeland, Christian Wallumrød, and Ingar Zach, this all-star group uses orthodox and extended techniques to combine airy, wooden, and metallic sounds with prepared strings and tampered drum heads. Their music moves gently but steadily ahead across broad, dynamic planes of sound, offering an idiosyncratic treat for music lovers.
Friday 5 June, 7 pm–8 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
vegetable.machine.animal
Prepare your ears for an evening of absolute sonic exploration as Every Type Of Electronic Experimental Music All At Once hits the city centre. Hosted by You Are Here at the Blank Cultural Platform, this energetic gig showcases freaky sound art from Aotearoa noise artist vegetable.machine.animal. The creative chaos is ably supported by Ngunnawal’s microwave drone pioneer Reuben Ingall, alongside tactile synth innovator Sandy Ma, Harland Rust, and Feemer. It is a rare, boundary-pushing opportunity to witness local and visiting sound artists building incredible, imaginative sound worlds right before your eyes.
Saturday 6 June, 6.30 pm–10 pm | Blank Cultural Platform, Canberra | youareherecanberra.com.au
Meg Mac w/ Special Guests
ARIA number-one artist Meg Mac is officially entering her party era, bringing a vivid new live show to the university campus. Her fourth studio album, It’s My Party, marks a liberating new chapter shaped by creative freedom, collaboration, and pure joy. Moving away from rigid concepts and self-imposed pressure, Meg embraced instinct and openness while recording between London and Los Angeles. Local music fans can expect an expansive, emotionally rich live experience packed with her trademark soulful vocals and an infectious new creative rhythm. Special guests will join her to kickstart a stellar night out.
Saturday 6 June, 7 pm–11.30 pm | UC Hub, Bruce | moshtix.com.au
Afternoon Hours
As the winter chill begins to close in across our city, spend a warm, reflective afternoon soaking up the elegant sounds of a live Baroque ensemble. Apeiron Baroque invites music lovers to join them at the Wesley Uniting Church for an hour of calm and nostalgia. The performance explores beautiful, historical music written specifically for the Traverso flute and a traditional string ensemble. It is a wonderful, intimate opportunity to experience high-quality classical music, meet fellow local enthusiasts, and enjoy a bright, comforting bridge between the active daytime and a quiet Sunday evening.
Sunday 7 June, 4.30 pm–5.30 pm | Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest | apeiron-baroque.com
Children’s Concert: Psyche
If you are eager to introduce your little ones to the magic of live classical performance, this relaxed pre-concert session is the perfect starting point. Catering specifically for young children and families, Psyche offers thirty minutes of engaging music combined with an interactive instrumental ‘show and tell’. The informal setting allows curious kids to explore instruments up close without the pressure of a traditional full-length concert. Due to tight scheduling, the performance will begin promptly at three, making it a fantastic, high-energy afternoon outing for budding young musicians.
Sunday 7 June, 3 pm–3.30 pm | Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest | apeiron-baroque.com
Stage and Screen
Ensemble Offspring: The Oracle
Prepare to be overwhelmed by delicate beauty, ancient inspiration, and luminous sonorities. Ensemble Offspring is bringing its biggest, boldest, and most beautifully surreal program of the season to The Street Theatre. Titled The Oracle, this revelatory performance features a curated lineup of brand-new music that turns to elemental roots for its sonic framework. It is a compelling, boundary-pushing concert designed for fans of contemporary classical music, offering a subtle yet powerful auditory journey that lingers long after the final note fades.
Friday 5 June, 6.30 pm–7.40 pm | The Street Theatre, City | thestreet.org.au
Les Misérables
Victor Hugo’s epic masterpiece of redemption, justice and revolution comes to The Q in Queanbeyan for a sweeping two-week season of musical theatre at its most powerful. The story of Jean Valjean – a man condemned for stealing a loaf of bread who finds himself embroiled in a Parisian revolution – is one of the great moral narratives in Western literature, and this production brings it to life with the full force of an extraordinary cast and iconic score. From On My Own to Bring Him Home and Do You Hear the People Sing, these songs deserve to be heard live. Two performances daily across the season.
Until Saturday 6 June | 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
Talks and Workshops
National Reconciliation Week tours at the NPG
Held daily at 1 pm from Wednesday 27 May until Wednesday 3 June, these free tours will highlight the works of the remarkable, resilient and inspirational First Nations peoples on display at the National Portrait Gallery.
The program is wheelchair accessible and runs for 45 minutes, perfect for an educational afternoon out.
Until Wednesday 3 June | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
First Nations Experience of Democracy Tour at MoAD
Ever wondered how First Nations Australians have created change in politics? This tour will teach you about the Wiradjuri elders who travelled 150km to attend the opening of Old Parliament House, the activists who campaigned for a voice in Federal Parliament and more.
Held daily from 2 pm to 3 pm during National Reconciliation Week. First Nations people should be aware that this tour includes names and images of deceased people.
Until Wednesday 3 June | 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
In Conversation: Peter Mitchell with Michael McKernan
Step inside Dymocks for a captivating literary evening as author Peter Mitchell launches his deeply moving new book, I’ll Walk Beside You. In conversation with esteemed historian and writer Michael McKernan, Peter will discuss how he utilized never-before-seen letters, diaries, and oral histories to paint a vivid portrait of World War II. The book masterfully weaves the harsh realities faced by ordinary soldiers with an enduring parallel love story between a real-life couple. The evening includes a Q&A session followed by a book signing. Tickets include admission and light refreshments.
Thursday 4 June, 6 pm–7.30 pm | Dymocks Canberra, City | publicity@dmcpr.com.au
Exhibitions
Sagarmatha Exhibition
Canberra artists Sheikh Lana and Fahmida Suma present Sagarmatha Exhibition, a collection of paintings and stories inspired by their trek to Everest Base Camp last year with a group of Bangladeshi Australians. The works reflect the landscapes of the Himalayas and the connections the artists formed with the people of Nepal.
Opening on Everest Day, the evening features music and Nepalese refreshments, with the exhibition continuing over the weekend. The artists are also recreating the atmosphere of Himalayan tea houses – those welcoming stops where trekkers find comfort and connection. All proceeds support mountain communities in Nepal through the Australian Himalayan Foundation.
Until Sunday 1 June, 10 am–3 pm | Aarwun Gallery, 11 Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls | sagarmathaexhibition.com.au
Yvonne Poole: Small Works and Scribbly Gums
Immerse yourself in layered interpretations of place with a stunning exhibition by artist Yvonne Poole at Strathnairn Arts. Inspired by the unique colours, textures, and forms of the Australian environment, this collection brings together two-dimensional and three-dimensional works reflecting on waterways, vegetation, and geological formations. A distinctive aspect of Poole’s practice is the dialogue between painting and ceramics, highlighted by her recognisable Scribbly Gum ceramic pieces. The exhibition also features intimate, 9×5-inch landscape paintings inspired by Australian Impressionists, some beautifully rendered on repurposed, irregularly shaped wooden boards.
Wednesday 3 until Sunday, 28 June. Times vary | Strathnairn Arts Homestead Galleries, Holt | strathnairn.com.au
2XX People-Powered Radio: Celebrating 50 Years | CMAG
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.
Saturday 6 June until Sunday 6 September | Canberra Museum + Gallery, Civic Square | cmag.com.au
Art with Heart: The Gogster Chronicles
There’s something genuinely moving about the community fibre art exhibition now showing at The Link in Ginninderry. Good Omen Goodeze presents a special collection of Gogsters–soft, handmade companions crocheted and knitted with bright yarns, expressive faces and a whole lot of heart–designed to offer comfort and connection to people spending long periods in hospital. More than decorative objects, Gogsters serve as therapeutic companions, mimicking the soothing weight of a pet or providing gentle physical support. Every stitch in every piece represents a quiet act of kindness from a community that genuinely cares about bringing comfort to others.
Until Sunday 7 June | The Link, Ginninderry | ginninderry.com
Pigment, Powder, Wax, Sand
Artists Dionysia Salas, Jacqueline Bradley, Roslyn Lemoh and Merryn Lloyd present Pigment, Powder, Wax, Sand at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. Born from years of friendship and shared creative dialogue, the exhibition brings together four distinct practices that run in parallel yet resonate with one another in quiet, material ways.
Since 2019 the artists have met regularly to discuss their work, and this exhibition reflects that ongoing conversation–a shared site where works, ideas and vulnerabilities sit side by side. A panel discussion with all four artists takes place on Saturday 2 May at 1:30 pm. Free entry.
Until Friday 13 June | Tuggeranong Arts Centre Gallery | tuggeranongarts.com
There and Back Again – Peter Bitmead
Peter Bitmead presents There and Back Again at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, an exhibition exploring his return to Canberra after 14 years farming in rural Tasmania. Working across printmaking, painting and ink, Bitmead examines the differences and surprising similarities between these two environments, past and present. The work reflects a circular journey encompassing several themes, both current and historical, united by underlying global concerns such as climate change. An artist talk on Saturday 16 May at 1:30 pm offers a chance to hear more about the ideas behind the work. Free entry to the gallery.
Until Friday 13 June | Tuggeranong Arts Centre Gallery | tuggeranongarts.com
Nature Speaks – Vladimir Gottwald and Kate Shaw
Nature Speaks at Tuggeranong Arts Centre pairs stone sculptures by Vladimir Gottwald with a large-scale drawing by Kate Shaw. Gottwald’s works are fashioned from found black limestone, shaped by nature over time into expressive zoomorphic and anthropomorphic forms. Shaw’s expansive drawing serves as a counterpoint to the sculptural pieces, creating a dialogue between two- and three-dimensional responses to the natural world. The exhibition sits alongside the centre’s other current shows, Pigment, Powder, Wax, Sand and There and Back Again, as part of TAC’s autumn gallery program. Free entry.
Until Friday 13 June | Tuggeranong Arts Centre Gallery | tuggeranongarts.com
BLAZE is an exciting group exhibition at Canberra Contemporary, featuring 8 emerging artists from the Kamberri/ Canberra region and beyond. Working across diverse mediums to address various themes ranging from identity and autonomy to the significance of today’s algorithmic culture and its effect on socialisation – the artists in BLAZE signal an exciting direction in contemporary visual arts practices today.
Until Saturday 20 June | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | canberracontemporary.com.au
Rematriate by Jessika Spencer
‘Rematriate’ is a feminist, First Nations reimagining of “repatriate,” recentring matriarchal knowledge, cultural care, and Indigenous sovereignty. Through woven banners and textile installations made from secondhand and naturally dyed materials, Jessika Spencer expands her weaving practise into acts of cultural resistance and craft activism. Grounded in sustainability and ancestral practice, the works speak to survival, healing, and the ongoing rematriation of culture back into Indigenous hands.
Until Sunday 21 June | Platform, 19 Furneaux Street, Manuka | canberracontemporary.com.au
Painting Itself / 绘画本身
The Drill Hall Gallery at ANU, in partnership with the School of Art & Design Gallery and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, presents a thought-provoking international painting exhibition that asks what it means to look for the “face” of a work–that quality in a painting that looks back at its maker. Curated by Jonathan Nichols, Painting Itself / 绘画本身 brings together five painters from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China whose practices collectively reshape long-held assumptions about painting’s history and vitality, challenging the dominance of European and American values in the field. A quietly radical and visually compelling exhibition for anyone who takes painting seriously.
Until Sunday, 28 June | Drill Hall Gallery, ANU | drillhallgallery.anu.edu.au
Of Ravens and Rivers: Kerry McInnis and Mike MacGregor
Kerry McInnis and Mike MacGregor are two Canberra artists united by a shared interest in the environment, landscape, wildlife and waterways.
McInnis’s paintings of waterways explore the river as a conduit of life and a metaphor for survival, depicting the interconnectedness between river and earth. MacGregor’s drawings and sculptures juxtapose the forms of Man and the Raven, illustrating the remarkable connection between the two.
Together, their works form a conversation about the natural world and our place within it. Of Ravens and Rivers opens at the Pivot Gallery on Friday 22 May and runs through to 5 July.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Abstract Connotations: Brian Hincksman
Brian Hincksman’s Abstract Connotations presents a body of work that pushes back against rapid technological and social change by turning attention to the natural environment. Hincksman’s process moves between contemplation and action, responding to the fluidity of paint through colour, form, tone and varied mark-making. The resulting works aim to inspire respect for common humanity, explore the beauty and power of the natural world, and imagine ways of living in greater harmony with each other.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Becoming Now: Barbara Dawson
Barbara Dawson’s Becoming Now uses botanical forms as the central language for exploring the human journey. Across charcoal drawing, stitched textiles and photographic silk pieces, the exhibition examines themes of endurance, presence and emotional resonance–using plants as vessels to reflect lived experience. Dawson’s work explores the tension between strength and vulnerability, suggesting that human experience is layered, evolving, and shaped by connection, memory and time.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Dear earth…
Dear earth… is an open A5 unframed exhibition bringing together artists from throughout Australia to explore the concept of “earth”–our home, the environment, soil, land, and all that lives within it. Artists of all ages, viewpoints and levels of experience respond to this theme through drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and mixed media. The resulting collection provokes awareness, dialogue, political activism, experimentation and deep contemplation. Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite work in the People’s Choice Award.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Works
Explore the expressive possibilities of line and colour in this exhibition by artist Steve Roper. Featuring a collection of abstract works across pencil, ink, crayon and watercolour, the exhibition reflects an ongoing exploration of form, movement and perception. The pieces invite viewers to interpret shapes and patterns in their own way, creating a personal connection with the work. It’s a thoughtful and quietly engaging showcase that highlights the evolving nature of artistic practice.
Until Sunday 5 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Abstract Connotations
This exhibition delves into the relationship between human experience and the natural world through a series of contemporary abstract works. Using colour, form and fluid mark-making, the artist explores themes of change, connection and coexistence. Each piece reflects a balance between contemplation and spontaneity, encouraging viewers to consider their own place within a shifting environment. It’s a visually engaging and reflective exhibition that speaks to both personal and shared experiences.
Until Sunday 5 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Becoming Now
Through layered materials and delicate textures, this exhibition reflects on ageing as a process of growth and transformation. Drawing on plant life as a central metaphor, the works explore cycles of change, resilience and renewal. Combining charcoal drawings, stitched textiles and photographic elements, the pieces offer a quiet, contemplative experience. It’s an exhibition that invites viewers to pause and consider the richness of lived experience through both subtle and striking visual forms.
Until Sunday 5 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Of Ravens and Rivers
This collaborative exhibition brings together two artists exploring shared themes of landscape, wildlife and connection to place. Through painting, drawing and sculpture, the works reflect on the relationship between natural environments and human experience. From interpretations of river systems to studies of the raven, each piece offers a layered perspective on coexistence and observation. It’s a considered and immersive exhibition that highlights the depth of long-term creative practice.
Until Sunday 5 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Works: Steve Roper
Steve Roper’s Works brings together a collection of abstract drawings on paper, made using pencil, crayons, ink and watercolour. Line and colour have long been the foundation of Roper’s practice–he tends to draw with line rather than tone, producing works that are not necessarily representations of things but that may evoke subjects. For Roper, the appeal of abstract art is that it offers anyone the opportunity to experience it and interpret it on their own terms.
Until Sunday 5 July, 10 am–4 pm Tue–Sun | Belconnen Arts Centre, West Gallery, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Group Exhibition: Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre and Jordan Benson
A remarkable cross-cultural dialogue opens at Canberra Glassworks in Kingston, bringing together Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre artists Vanessa, Kathy, Dellina and Raelene Inkamala from Mparntwe (Alice Springs) alongside Melbourne-based artist Jordan Benson. The exhibition celebrates the enduring watercolour legacy of Albert Namatjira while placing it in conversation with Benson’s contemporary approach to traditional stained glass techniques. Together, they explore light, colour and transparency across two very different mediums – an expansion of their celebrated collaboration for the National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery of Australia. A genuinely special and culturally rich exhibition.
Until Friday 26 July | Canberra Glassworks, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Through the Window: Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre and Jordan Benson
A rich cross-cultural dialogue opens in the main gallery at Canberra Glassworks in Kingston, expanding on a celebrated collaboration first seen at the National Gallery of Australia’s National Indigenous Art Triennial. Artists Vanessa, Kathy, Dellina and Raelene Inkamala from Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) bring the enduring watercolour legacy of Albert Namatjira into conversation with Melbourne-based Jordan Benson’s contemporary approach to traditional stained glass techniques. Together they explore light, colour and transparency across two very different mediums, sharing skills and stories in an exhibition that honours culture while engaging boldly with the present.
Until Sunday 26 July | Canberra Glassworks, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Good Neighbour
Belconnen Arts Centre presents an offsite group exhibition at SLA Display Village and Innovation Precinct, Whitlam, curated by Brooke McEachern. A printmaker, glass blower, ceramist, mark maker and knifemaker come together celebrating local makers and quiet creative lives unfolding around us. Estelle Briedis, Hugo Curtis, Jacky Lo, Isobel Rayson and Dan Venables live and work in our neighbourhoods as familiar dog-walkers, corner café regulars or simply good neighbours. Through functional objects and considered craftsmanship, the exhibition presents works feeling personal and lived-with, as though gathered over time from friends and neighbours. The collaboration highlights the creative talent existing within everyday community spaces, making visible the artistic practice happening in homes and studios throughout Canberra’s suburbs.
Until Sunday, 13 July | SLA Display Village, Whitlam | 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
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
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
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
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: Ben Calvert.
