Free food, fire shows and festival fever: This weekend’s unmissable Canberra events
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This weekend, Canberra transforms into a playground of cultural celebrations, culinary adventures, and spring festivities that’ll have you wondering how to clone yourself to experience it all.
Don’t miss…
Canberra Moon Festival
Canberra’s first multi-Asian cultural festival celebrates harvest and reunion across many Asian cultures. Expect to be entertained alongside 35,000+ guests over three days with DJ disco nights, professional and community performances, exotic food stalls, and family-friendly amusement facilities. The festival presents “One Community, One World, One Big Family” to our multicultural capital.
Friday 5 until Sunday 7 September | City Walk and Petire Plaza | canberramoonfestival.com.au
Revue 2025 | ASCEND
Step into a world where movement defies limits and resilience takes flight. ASCEND is more than a dance performance–it’s an immersive journey of transformation, rebirth and collective strength.
Through powerful choreography, futuristic soundscapes and striking visuals, ASCEND channels the raw struggle of rising beyond fear, gravity and adversity. Each piece tells a story of resilience, breaking through barriers, embracing change and discovering the power to rise together. This isn’t just a show but an experience and movement that reminds us when we rise, we rise higher together.
DC Fit’s annual revue promises an inspiring evening celebrating the human spirit’s capacity to overcome challenges and reach new heights through the art of dance and movement.
Saturday 6 September, 5–6.30 pm and 8–9.30 pm | Canberra College Performing Arts Centre | stickytickets.com.au
Spring Film Series at the NFSA
Arc Cinema at the NFSA presents a rich and adventurous film season celebrating cinema’s brightest, darkest, and most unforgettable moments. From lovable heroes and iconic villains to glamorous stars and heartwarming stories, this program offers big-screen moments for everyone with striking cinematography and compelling narratives.
Until Sunday 30 November | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
Inspire Festival
This is a celebration of art, nature and sustainability that inspires a new way of living! Enjoy talks from special guests on sustainable living, engage with local artists through workshops, and connect with nature through walks and activities while fostering community through shared experiences, food and music.
Saturday 6 September | Strathnairn Arts Association, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | ginninderry.com
Tikka Stand’s 10th birthday block party
Canberra’s beloved food truck Tikka Stand is turning 10, and they’re celebrating in style with 250 free meals and one epic block party! The first lucky diners can choose between the iconic Tikka Nest – their twist on an HSP with secret-seasoned chips, grilled chicken tikka, cheese and coriander yoghurt sauce – or the equally delicious Tikka Pulao with spiced rice.
The festivities continue with Bollywood dancing, DJ Sunny spinning tunes, eating competitions, fire performances from Blaze Brigade, and Lucky Wheel prize spins. It’s a decade-long journey from ANU Pop-Up Village to Braddon institution, and Canberrans are invited to join owners Hemant and Honey Khiani for this milestone celebration.
Saturday, 6 September, 5 pm–11 pm | Lonsdale Street, Braddon (next to Waves Car Wash) | instagram.com
IN CONVERSATION: Tina Arena and Georges Antoni
Join Australian music icon, Tina Arena AM in conversation with renowned fashion photographer Georges Antoni as they discuss the newly commissioned portrait, Tina. Facilitated by Director Bree Pickering, hear about the process behind the portrait, what it takes to last 50 years in the music industry, and how the artist captured a legacy.
Saturday 6 September, 11–11:45 am | National Portrait Gallery, onsite and online | portrait.gov.au
Four the Love of Spring at Leyla Bar
Celebrate spring with four cocktails, four bites and city views between 3.30–5.30 pm every Saturday in September at Leyla Bar. Over two hours, enjoy four distinctive Four Pillars cocktails, each thoughtfully paired with a seasonal small bite to highlight its character–from bright and citrusy to rich and spiced.
Set on the rooftop with sweeping city views, this spring celebration offers a curated experience showcasing the versatility of Four Pillars gin through expertly crafted cocktails designed to capture the essence of the season.
Every Saturday in September, 3.30–5.30 pm | Leyla Bar, Burbury Close, Barton | leylabar.com.au
South Canberra Community Markets
The South Canberra Community Markets are back on after a winter break! Enjoy the great market stalls, animal feeding, live music, a sideshow alley for the kids, and lots of yummy street food – including African, Caribbean, Filipino, Turkish, burgers and sausage sizzle.
Plus, the Men’s Shed is having a huge woodwork tools garage sale – pop along to grab a bargain!
Saturday 6 September, 10 am–2 pm | 244 Kambah Pool Road, Kambah | commsatwork.org
KiteFest
Get ready for a spectacular display of colour and community spirit as Googong’s annual KiteFest returns to Rockley Oval on Sunday 7 September, celebrating Father’s Day with a free, fun-filled family event.
Giant kites from Kite Magic, including Bears, Octopuses, and Koalas, will fill the skies this year. Visitors are invited to bring their own kite, buy one to fly, or simply enjoy the impressive aerial show.
Beyond the spectacular kite displays, KiteFest will offer plenty to keep the whole family entertained including live background music from Sue Freeman of Run Around DJ’s and performances from the talented students of Empire Performing Arts Dance School. Attendees can choose from delicious food vendors or bring their own picnic, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the day.
Sunday 7 September, 11 am–2 pm | Rockley Oval, 15 Rockley Parade, Googong | googong.net
Special Events and Festivals
ACT Seniors Month
Join COTA ACT for a jam-packed program celebrating seniors across the ACT. This month-long initiative features activities and events tailored specifically for ACT seniors, hosted by local, national, and community organisations. The program aims to highlight the importance of embracing aging while promoting inclusivity and support for seniors throughout the community.
Monday 1 September until Wednesday 1 October | Various locations | cotaact.org.au
Give Dad the ride of his life this Father’s Day
South.Point revs up with Harley-Davidson bikes on display and the chance to win incredible prizes including a full-day Harley ride experience. Centre Court comes alive with iconic motorcycles. Try the Jump-Start Demo Bike at The.Point (no licence required), join the United We Ride national Harley charity ride on Saturday 6 September with engines roaring at 11am, and spin the prize wheel for instant prizes.
Win big for Dad by spending $80 or more in-centre to enter the draw for three amazing prizes: a full-day Harley-Davidson ride experience, a Weber BBQ from The Good Guys, or a $250 Canberra Harley-Davidson gift voucher. Present your receipt at Customer Service to spin the wheel and enter.
Until Sunday 7 September | South.Point shopping centre | southpointcanberra.com.au
Canberra Art Fair
Celebrating art in the capital, this vibrant exhibition showcases professional and amateur artists with all artworks available for purchase. The weekend features live art demonstrations, lessons for all ages including junior participants, and ongoing live entertainment. The official opening on Friday at 5:30 pm marks the start of a creative weekend in the heart of Canberra.
Friday 5 until Sunday 7 September | Fitzroy Pavilion, EPIC, Corner Flemington Road and, Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell | canberraartfair.com.au
Jamison Plaza ParkCare Display
Parkcare friends in Belconnen showcase the beauty and diversity of the bush in the Bush Capital. See photos of cryptic wildflowers, eucalypt forest, box-gum woodlands and endangered grasslands. Enthusiastic volunteers provide brochures, field guides, guided walks and interpretive signs to uncover bushland secrets from various conservation groups.
Friday 5 until Sunday 7 September | Jamison Plaza, Bowman Street, Macquarie | friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com
European Festival
This is a family-friendly celebration of European culture, dance, music and food taking place across three venues in Turner. This unique one-day event brings together exhibitors from across Europe selling various products, with raffles, activities, bands and dancers ensuring an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Saturday 6 September | AF de Canberra, Polish & Croatian clubs, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner | afcanberra.com.au
Food and Wine
Wine N’ Dine Canberra
Experience a self-guided Progressive Long Lunch touring Canberra’s hottest venues in one glorious afternoon. Choose your starting venue, then wander freely from place to place, feasting on curated plates and sipping fine wines. Linger where you love or explore something new – the choice is entirely yours in this unique culinary adventure.
Saturday 6 September | Various venues | winendine.com.au
Father’s Day Guy (High) Tea & BBQ Sunday
Treat Dad to an extraordinary Father’s Day Guy (High) Tea at Chifley’s Bar & Grill. The menu includes Pulled Beer-Braised Beef Sliders, Grilled Corn, Rum Chocolate Mousse, Garlic Rosemary Lamb Loin Chops and Biscoff Crème Brûlée and complimentary BentSpoke beer for Dad, cider for Mum, and a kids’ activity pack. It’s a bold twist on tradition just for him!
Sunday 7 September | Chifley’s Bar & Grill, 8 National Circuit, Barton | hotelkurrajong.com.au
Man Feast: Father’s Day at Capitol Bar & Grill
Skip the scones and pour the beers for this Father’s Day celebration. Executive Chef Josh Smith-Thirkell prepares a three-course feast featuring bone-in rib eye, half-roast Bannockburn chicken, and legendary sticky date pudding. Enjoy bottomless beverages, sun-soaked deck dining, and putt-putt with prizes from BentSpoke Beer and Boy + Co.
Sunday 7 September | Capitol Bar & Grill, QT Canberra, City | qthotels.com
Father’s Day GUY-Tea
Forget scones and cucumber sandwiches – this manly High Tea features burger sliders, in-house smoked meats, sausage rolls, onion rings and more. The menu includes beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken sliders, house-smoked chorizo, jalapeno poppers, chips and garlic bread, but the full bistro menu will also be available with easy parking and kid-friendly options!
Sunday 7 September | Olims Bar and Bistro, Corner Of Ainslie &, Limestone Avenue, Braddon | mercurecanberra.com.au
Markets
The Canberra Antiques Spring Market Day
Step into a world of timeless charm and discover unique treasures at this seasonal market. Explore curated antique, vintage, and retro finds perfect for collectors and curious browsers alike. Sip freshly brewed coffee from the on-site cart as you wander through stalls filled with history, character, and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Saturday 6 September | The Auction Barn, 10 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick | theauctionbarn.com.au
Hartley Hall Markets
These monthly markets are held on the first Sunday, offering a variety of products including food, locally grown vegetables, fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, and unique gifts. Stroll among trees, enjoy fresh air, live entertainment and children’s activities while supporting people with disability in Canberra.
Sunday 7 September | Hall Showground, Victoria Street, Hall | hartley.org.au
Capital Region Farmers Market
Sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra. Speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
Saturdays, 7 am-11:30 am | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Haig Park Village Markets
Browse delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.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. 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
Stage and Screen
Peter/Wendy
Ribix Productions presents the Australian premiere of Jeremy Bloom’s hauntingly beautiful reimagining of the classic. Wendy journeys to Neverland, meeting Peter’s crew – a swearing fairy, perennial flower and lost boy. But shadowy beasts roam, mermaids wail, and Hook lurks. Playful and inventive, it explores what it means to grow up when some children never get the chance.
Until Saturday 27 September | Mill Theatre, Building 3.3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | ribixproductions.com.au
Lizzy, Darcy & Jane
Reality and fiction collide as Jane Austen pits wit against her greatest adversary – Elizabeth Bennet. When Jane’s romance sours at 20, she sentences Elizabeth to marry odious Mr Collins and the fates of author, novel and heroine hang in balance. Elizabeth must take action in this exploration of who controls the narrative when life imitates art.
Until Saturday 20 September | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | canberrarep.org.au
Family Friendly Screenings this Spring at the NFSA
Arc Cinema bursts with family favourites this month, including Disney sing-alongs like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast with on-screen lyrics. Discover Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, Glenn Close in 101 Dalmatians, plus school holiday treats and Halloween fun with Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie and costume activities.
Friday 5 September | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
Kirsty Webeck – Everything I Need To Say About Sea Creatures
After sold-out Canberra Comedy Festival shows, former Canberran Kirsty Webeck returns with her award-winning standup comedy. Australia’s reigning champion of cheerful comedy delivers a solid night of laughs featuring quotable one-liners. As seen on Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee Season 2.
Friday 5 September | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Noah Szto – Med School
The winner of Directors’ Choice at Melbourne Comedy Festival 2025, practicing medical doctor Noah makes his Canberra debut. Journey through med school misadventures from prostate exams to OR fainting, discovering his passion for scrubs. Features songs, stand-up, and possibly a minor medical procedure in this Street Theatre first.
Saturday 6 September | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Sincere Apologies
Acclaimed theatre company Alternative Facts brings their quietly subversive participatory performance exploring what it means to apologise. Part theatrical ritual, part social experiment, this gentle, nurturing, community-building show involves fifty numbered envelopes containing apologies both famous and personal, creating surprising camaraderie and reflection.
Saturday 6 September | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tickettailor.com
Romeo & Juliet
Shakespeare’s greatest love story is portrayed with elegance and clarity for first-timers and aficionados alike in this stage show by Bell Shakespeare. After a chance meeting, intense but forbidden love ignites between Romeo and Juliet despite their families’ violent feud. This raw, critically acclaimed production by Peter Evans features Madeline Li as Juliet and Ryan Hodson as Romeo in an exquisite portrayal of passion, intensity and heartbreak.
Until Sunday 7 September | Canberra Theatre Centre, 180 London Circuit, City | bellshakespeare.com.au
Music
National Quartet Finals – Barbershop Harmony Australia
Australia’s top barbershop quartets compete for gold with four voices and no backing tracks. Finalists selected through year-long qualifying contests showcase tight traditional sets and bold modern arrangements. High energy competition delivers unforgettable close harmony and charismatic performances that celebrate skill and style.
Friday 5 September | Llewellyn Hall, 100 William Herbert Place, City | premier.ticketek.com.au
Jerry Can and A Van
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and Yours and Owls present this no-rules, all-heart music tour featuring Brisbane’s WAAX headlining after their three-year hiatus. Led by magnetic frontwoman Maz De Vita with new single “UR A RAT”, plus celebrity tattoo artist Lauren Winzer appearances, celebrating bold self-expression and intimate venues.
Friday 5 September | UC Hub, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | sailorjerry.com
A celebration, 20 years of Maruki Community Orchestra
Maruki Community Orchestra celebrates its 20th anniversary with an innovative symphony performance welcoming musicians of all ages, experience and skill levels. The program features Bizet’s L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending with soloist Georgina Chan, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 in D minor, showcasing the inclusive community orchestra’s musical diversity.
Sunday 7 September | Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue | trybooking.com
Sport and Wellness
Socceroos vs New Zealand
The Socceroos return home for a fierce trans-Tasman showdown with the ANZAC Soccer Ashes trophy up for grabs. Both teams, fresh off World Cup qualification, continue building momentum on the Road to World Cup 2026™. Don’t miss this exciting night of international football in the nation’s capital.
Friday 5 September | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | socceroos.com.au
InterPlay Canberra
These creative movement and voice classes begin with gentle warm-ups, teaching easy-to-learn “forms” for playing with movement, stories, and voice. Connect with others in safe, structured interaction that brings together body, mind, heart and spirit. No creative experience required – discover your potential through acceptance and reflection.
Saturday 6 September | Uniting Church O’Connor Hall, Corner Brigalow and Schrivner Streets, O’Connor | interplayaus.com.au
UltraDog
This is the first-of-its-kind event in ACT where dogs and humans cover 50km either as team relays or individually. Some participants run “Canicross” style like ultra-marathons, others use rigs or bikes in this dryland adaptation of sled dog racing. Features mandatory vet checks and rest breaks during cooler night temperatures for safety.
Saturday 6 September | Kowen State Forest | facebook.com
Exhibitions
Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie
Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie marks the first time works from this internationally significant collection will be seen in Australia. The exhibition presents a journey through the dynamic changes in European and Australian art in the twentieth century. Don’t miss it.
Until Saturday 21 September | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Rendezvous: Notes from the Botanic Gardens
This is a group exhibition by Michael Desmond, Peta Jones, Bryn Desmond-Jones and Ossian Desmond-Jones exploring the Botanic Gardens as a meeting ground for plants and people. Four artists inspired by botanical diversity explore the rich architecture of forms, powerful symbolism and community memories found in this unique locale.
Until Sunday 28 September | M16 Artspace, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
See What I See
The annual NatureArt Lab tutor exhibition showcasing the creative work and talent of their teaching team. Discover how educators observe, engage with and are inspired by nature. Opens alongside ‘Rendezvous: Notes from the Botanic Gardens’ offering fresh perspectives on seeing the world differently.
Until Sunday 28 September | M16 Artspace, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
Tracing the Sky: Celebrating the Wetlands of Chile and Australia
A blend of art, ecology and cultural connection celebrating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Chile and Australia, presented alongside Chile’s national celebration on 18 September. Artists Eggpicnic (Camila De Gregorio and Christopher Macaluso) and Jocelyn Aracena explore the shared importance of wetland ecosystems and the migratory journeys they support through sculpture, paintings, audiovisual works and augmented reality experiences.
The exhibition highlights the critical role wetlands play for migratory bird species while drawing parallels with human migration stories, particularly the Chilean diaspora in Australia. By weaving together ecological awareness and lived experiences, audiences are invited to reflect on the deep interdependence between nature, culture and movement across landscapes. A celebration of biodiversity and a call to preserve vital habitats while honouring lasting ties between the two nations.
Friday 5 to Saturday 20 September | Craft + Design Canberra, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Paradox of Control by Maddie Hepner
Maddie Hepner’s personal exploration of trichotillomania draws parallels between the compulsive hair-pulling disorder and modern anxieties surrounding rapidly evolving emergent technologies. The exhibition examines digital fatigue and personal health in the digital age, using the artist’s lived experience to illuminate broader questions about control, compulsion, and contemporary technological life.
Until Sunday 21 September | Platform, Canberra Contemporary | canberracontemporary.com.au
Quiet Witnesses: Nature in a time of change
Acclaimed botanical artist Sharon Field presents new works inviting us into an intimate world of leaves, lichens and insects–organisms often overlooked yet increasingly vulnerable to ecological disruption. With signature precision and sensitivity, Field’s finely detailed drawings and paintings compel us to look more closely, feel more deeply and reflect on what is quietly vanishing around us.
As climate change accelerates, Quiet Witnesses offers a visual archive of ecological memory and loss, resisting the abstraction of data by reasserting human-scale connection to environmental change. Field’s work asks a quietly urgent question: in a rapidly changing world, what can we still see–and what might we already be losing sight of?
Saturday 6 September until Sunday 5 October | Suki & Hugh Gallery, Bungendore | sukihugh.com.au
The Camera Unrepair Shop
The Camera Unrepair Shop combines installation, cyanotype process and performance to reflect on the nature of photography, its evolution, and the unseen labour behind film-based imagery. UK Frederick dismantles cameras, creating blueprints of their anatomy, subverting the usual production-to-waste narrative. This experimental work provokes contemplation about the current state of photography amid emerging technologies.
Until Saturday 13 September | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circuit, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
The Texans 1972-73
Unseen for over fifty years, these photographs capture 1970s Texas, revealing the tenor of American life in its most quirky and telling moments. Shot on a 35mm Leica, they offer an early glimpse into the practice of a filmmaker who would go on to become a pioneer of observational documentary.
The images sometimes resemble movie stills, marked by a constant interplay between stillness and movement, between formal composition and an inquisitive, roving eye.
Judith MacDougall brought a fresh perspective to the lives of horse-fanciers, promoters, cowhands, diner workers, bodybuilders, conventioneers, and car enthusiasts across the state.
Until Saturday 13 September | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circuit, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
holy arm gauntlet
Tom Campbell’s recent work positions embroidery as a location for disagreement, exploring how the act of disagreeing both forges and fractures connection. Through textiles and poetry, the Kadazan/Scottish artist traces muscle memories across his lineages, investigating how poetry might navigate the bodily sensation of being ‘in disagreement.’
Until Wednesday 20 September | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Material Transformations
Emma Bingham, Svenja Kratz and Sarah Stubbs explore how the body holds and sheds material memories through making. Working with paper, clay, thread, cell and surface, they investigate how physical matter can highlight emotional residues and deeply personal utterances, asking what transformation means to our physical and emotional bodies.
Until Wednesday 20 September | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Connecting Through Clay: 50 Years of Canberra Potters
Canberra Potters presents Connecting Through Clay: 50 Years of Canberra Potters — a landmark exhibition marking five decades of ceramic artistry and community impact in the ACT. Running from 28 August to 21 September 2025, this celebratory showcase honours the organisation’s legacy through a curated presentation of works from the Canberra Potters Permanent Collection and featured pieces by the Canberra Potters Honorary Life Members.
Established in 1975, Canberra Potters has grown from humble beginnings into a nationally recognised centre for ceramic excellence. Connecting Through Clay reflects this rich history, spotlighting the people, practices and pivotal moments that have shaped the organisation over the past 50 years.
Until Sunday 21 September | Canberra Potters Gallery, Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | canberrapotters.com.au
The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Her Parts
Play and create in The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Her Parts, a dedicated interactive space created by artist Sanné Mestrom. Building on artistic dialogues initiated by the exhibition Cézanne to Giacometti, Mestrom transforms abstract cubist forms into a playable adventure.
Until Saturday 21 September | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
PARADISE*
This exhibition investigates the idea of the Pacific region still being thought of as a ‘paradise’, and the complex underbelly that actually exists. Through ceramics, painting, installation and photography, the artists included in this exhibition interrogate identity, queerness, connection, representation, and what it means to be Pasifika in today’s context of globalism, diaspora, migration and diversity. Ultimately, Paradise* is a vehicle for Pasifika/Australian artists to explore living between two (or three, or multiple) worlds, and is about (re)indiginisation, cultural revival, and strength in community.
Curated by Dan Toua and featuring work by Tivien Andrews-Homerang, Grace Hasu Dlabik, Sione Monū, Alexander Sarsfield, and Tearia Teaiwa Mortimer, Nicholas Mortimer & Katerina Teaiwa.
Until Sunday 4 October | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | canberracontemporary.com.au
HARD/SOFT
This thought-provoking exhibition explores printmaking’s inherent contradictions through the lens of four emerging artists. Curated by More Than Reproduction, the show examines the medium’s constant negotiation between opposing forces—positive and negative, rigid and flexible, presence and absence. Artists Fergus Berney-Gibson, Annabelle McEwen, Linda Sok, and Maddison Wandel push printmaking boundaries through diverse conceptual and material investigations, creating works where hardness and softness converge, repel, and transform in fascinating ways.
Until 4 Thursday October | Megalo Print Studio, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | megalo.org
Four New Exhibitions at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Discover four compelling exhibitions exploring art, mental health, and creative expression opening at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. “Patternmakers” features Vivienne Binns, Richard Blackwell, Ham Darroch, and Al Munro investigating pattern as visual phenomena and cognitive tool for processing complex problems.
EASS Award winner Melanie Olde presents “Forest Growth,” woven artworks exploring emergence through plant growth algorithms and human-technology connections. Hank Reynolds’ debut solo show “Remedies” (curated by Christian Sirois) showcases his creative process as catharsis and mental health management tool. Vijaya Sen’s “Presence of Mind” features therapeutic works on paper including poetry, watercolour, and drawings from memory and dreams supporting her mental health recovery journey.
Until Saturday 11 October | Tuggeranong Arts Centre | tuggeranongarts.com
Creek Walks by Joe Hollier
Creek Walks consists of creative explorations and processes of times spent along the edge of a creek which rises in S.E. Forests National Park (NSW). Inspiration is drawn from the surroundings, capturing the essence of the natural beauty and tranquility found in secluded areas.
Until Sunday 12 October | The Nook, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Rescue by Lisa Jose
Go along to see sensitive portraits celebrating the compassion of rescue organisations and individuals caring for vulnerable animals. Lisa’s lifelong experience with rescue dogs and cats informs this exploration of the complexities in human-animal relationships. The exhibition invites contemplation of animal resilience and enduring trust while honouring the generosity embodying humanity’s best qualities.
Until Sunday 12 October | The Nook, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Aware by Savanna Storm
In this exhibition, you’ll see unique jewellery telling environmental stories and the imperative to repair our Earth. It will inspire you to move beyond gemstones as mere aesthetics to consider layered meanings inviting social, political and ethical dialogue. Each piece carries titles evoking positive connotations while revealing deeper backstories. Acquiring a piece makes you a custodian – passing the story on honours our Earth.
Until Sunday 12 October | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Around the Shimmering Lake by Rowena Evans
EASS Award recipient Evans investigates Lake Ginninderra’s shore and parkland, sharing place through sounds, sights, ambiences and impressions. Her research involves walking the lakeshore, observing, listening, drawing and collecting. The artwork considers relationships between theories, observations, distant hills and the physical satisfaction of making art, using materials from sites to link artwork to places.
Until Sunday 12 October | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Whirligig and the Book by Heidi Smith
Whirligig and the Book is an experimental project that attempts to consolidate multiple aspects of my art making. The aim is to generate a series of interconnected textiles, drawings and sculptural objects. Engagement with these materials and processes all run parallel in my creative investigation.
Until Sunday 12 October | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington
Meet beloved puppet Mr Squiggle and iconic characters in this free exhibition exploring 40 years of Australian children’s TV history and creative magic.
Until 13 October | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
Shared Spaces: The Wildlife Next Door by Kahli McLeod
Celebrating the animals and birds native to regional Braidwood, Kahli McLeod captures in paint the quiet visitors who pass through backyards, perch on fences, or emerge at dusk from the bush. Her acrylic paintings on canvas highlight the beauty, surprise and often-overlooked presence of local wildlife, encouraging a culture of curiosity and care. These treasured encounters remind us we’re not separate from nature–we share our spaces with it.
Recently awarded the QPRC Acquisitive Heritage Art Award for her painting Burrow and Beyond featuring a local wombat, McLeod works under the studio name Wheelbarrow Road Art, exploring the beauty of Australian wildlife and rural life through watercolour and acrylic paintings that capture quiet connections between people and the natural world.
Until Sunday 19 October | Rusten House Art Centre, Queanbeyan | qprc.nsw.gov.au
Lost by Dennis Mortimer and Lia Kemmis
What have we lost as a result of human activity on the environment? Dennis Mortimer and Lia Kemmis examine this question through distinct approaches in painting and mixed media. Mortimer’s abstracted acrylic paintings loosely reference forms and patterns of extinct and endangered Australian flora and fauna, using an earthy palette of oxide red, ochre and grey-blue greens.
Kemmis draws inspiration from Southern Tablelands landscapes, daily encounters with farms, roadkill and ravens, reflecting on how animals perceive what humans overlook. Her green palette and compositions feature motifs like bread tags for nurture, pressed leaves for nature, and stylised tree forms for culture. Both artists explore the irony of searching for what’s been lost through human destruction, prompting reflection on our environmental impact.
Until Sunday 19 October | Rusten House Art Centre, Queanbeyan | qprc.nsw.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
Camel trains to steel wheels
Explore a colourful chapter of Australia’s history at National Archives’ exhibition Camel trains to steel wheels: life on the Trans-Australian Railway.
This exhibition features fascinating archival records, photos and footage that captured the events and challenges from the railway’s first 60 years, including its impact on First Nations people.From the construction effort and its diverse workforce to the unique lives of communities that sprang up along the line, this is a must-see exhibition for those who revel in Australia’s railway history through time and place.
Until 19 October | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Rising Tide (marea crescente)
Sydney and Canberra-based artist NOT transforms the Riverbend Room with an unsettling meditation on environmental crisis and historical memory. This striking installation features Murano glass vessels infused with uranium that glow with toxic luminosity under blacklight, creating an otherworldly aquatic landscape. Drawing inspiration from Venice’s sinking foundations and ancient lagoon debris, the fluorescent aqua forms swirled with bronze and Italian marble speak to humanity’s complex relationship with both beauty and destruction, hope and responsibility.
Until Sunday 19 October | Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Acton | dhg.anu.edu.au
Outer Space: Stromlo to the Stars
Celebrating 100 years of Mount Stromlo Observatory, this interactive exhibition highlights groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and the vibrant community of scientists and families behind them. Features immersive installations, historical objects, and interactive activities perfect for all ages.
Until 16 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
Maree Clark: Seeing the Invisible
Showcasing supersized Reed Necklaces by Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke. These monumental works honour cultural strength while calling attention to beauty and deep loss. Clarke’s practice draws on extensive research into cultural materials, grounded in community, connection to Country, and cultural revival.
Until Sunday 23 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
Australia’s Home Front: 1939-1945
Explore everyday Australians’ vital role during WWII on the home front, from “make do and mend” to war bonds and women’s auxiliary work. Features unique objects and stories from Canberra and beyond, including the city’s surprising Manhattan Project connection. Presents resilience, innovation, and quiet heroism of those who supported the war effort, marking 80 years since the conflict’s end.
Until 1 February 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Canberra | cmag.com.au
Taglietti: Life in Design
Discover the world of The Global Architect, Enrico Taglietti (1926–2019), a visionary whose design principles shaped modern Australian architecture and left an indelible imprint on Canberra, the city he and his wife Franca chose to call home. Celebrating the centenary of Taglietti’s birth, Taglietti: Life in Design explores the life, philosophy, and legacy of one of Australia’s most original architects.
Until Sunday 22 February 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
A Total Work of Art: Sidney Nolan and the Stage
Celebrate 50 years of Nolan’s cultural legacy with the Canberra Museum and Gallery’s year-long program of exhibitions, concerts, talks, and a symposium. A Total Work of Art: Sidney Nolan and the Stage showcases Sidney Nolan’s dynamic stage designs for opera, ballet, and theatre. You’ll discover costumes, set designs, and the iconic “Lyrebird” costume from The Display, 1964.
Until 8 March 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
In Bloom
In Bloom explores the beauty and symbolism of flowers. Featuring more than 50 portraits from the National Portrait Gallery collection, new acquisitions and selected loans, you will discover how flowers have long been used in art to express emotion and convey messages of personal, cultural and religious significance.
The show is a weird and wonderful floral extravaganza that includes much-loved and lesser-known works from the collection. See socialites, chefs, musicians, actors, doctors and politicians who are all unified by their accompanying floral markers.
Until Sunday 19 April 2026 | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Reflection: 50 Years of the Australian Honours System
Discover the remarkable story of Australia’s honours system through a fascinating exhibition at the Royal Australian Mint. “Reflection” celebrates five decades of recognizing extraordinary Australians, featuring original medal sketches by Stuart Devlin, finished medals, and commemorative coins from the National Coin Collection.
Explore the journey from design concept to final recognition, including the 2003 Volunteers Fine Silver Proof Set, Afghanistan Medal displays, and stunning wattle-themed collectibles. This free exhibition honors over 500,000 Australians who have contributed to our nation’s spirit.
Now open | Royal Australian Mint, Deakin | Free entry | ramint.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
Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington
Meet beloved puppet Mr Squiggle and iconic characters in this free exhibition exploring 40 years of Australian children’s TV history and creative magic.
Until 13 October | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
1975: Living in the Seventies
Step back 50 years and immerse yourself in the unforgettable year that was 1975! The National Library of Australia’s fascinating new exhibition explores what it was truly like to live in the seventies, from the dramatic political upheaval of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal to the cultural phenomena that defined the decade.
Discover iconic fashion like flared jeans and platform shoes, relive the magic of Countdown’s glam rockers Skyhooks and ABBA’s infectious pop, and explore groundbreaking Australian films like Picnic at Hanging Rock. This colourful celebration brings together objects exploring politics, conflicts, popular culture, food, fashion, and sport in iconic seventies design, revealing a complex story beyond Baby Boomer nostalgia.
Until Saturday 1 February 2026 | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra | library.gov.au
Workshops, Talks and Programs
Quiet Mornings at the Mint
On the first Saturday of each month, the Mint opens its doors earlier than usual for a morning of peaceful exploration.
Quiet Mornings are specially designed for those who might have heightened sensory requirements. So pop on in, have a leisurely stroll around the Mint’s exhibition space, and enjoy the reduced noise and smaller crowds.
Saturday 6 September | Denison Street, Deakin | Book your spot here
Art for Wellbeing
The National Gallery invites you on a creative journey to enhance wellbeing and mental health. Monthly sessions combine discussion, artmaking and a simple word exercise with poetic outcomes, responding to three works of art. Small groups enable conversation and collaboration. Facilitated by Gallery staff with health professional support. Contact for assistance.
Saturday 6 September | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Introduction to B&W Darkroom Weekend Workshop
Learn the complete black-and-white photography process from capturing images through darkroom printing. This beginner-to-advanced workshop covers film development, contact sheets, and individual printing over two days. Perfect for first-time film photographers or those seeking a refresher course in traditional analogue SLR camera techniques.
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Vocal Harmony Workshop with The Idea of North & First Take Quartet
Join two premier a cappella ensembles for an immersive vocal workshop exploring harmony singing. Learn from ARIA Award-winning The Idea of North and international silver medallists First Take Quartet. Whether aspiring singer or seasoned chorister, this unique opportunity suits all levels. Part of the Barbershop Harmony Festival. Limited spaces available.
Sunday 7 September | QT Hotel, 1 London Circuit, City | events.humanitix.com
Lecture 12: War and peace – the proliferation of abstraction in a time of conflict
Explore how WWI disrupted artistic communities and sparked new movements. From Dada exiles in Switzerland to De Stijl in Holland and Russian avant-garde mirroring revolutionary ferment, discover the connections between war’s cataclysm and art’s transformation. Artists of the time had strong views on linking conflict to creative evolution.
Sunday 7 September | Coombs Lecture Theatre, ANU | dhg.anu.edu.au
