Floriade blooms, Korean cinema shines and democracy gets the party treatment: here’s what’s on this week in Canberra
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This week transforms Canberra into a cultural playground as Floriade returns with a million blooms, Korean cinema takes over Palace Electric, and Parliament House throws a free democracy celebration complete with sausage sizzle.
Don’t miss…
Floriade 2025
Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring returns for its 38th year with the theme ‘Science and Nature’. Transforming Commonwealth Park into a dynamic space of discovery with one million blooms, vibrant garden beds, hands-on workshops, talks and family activities, swap your gardening gloves for a lab coat and dive into nature’s laboratory while wandering through spectacular floral displays.
Saturday 13 September until Sunday 12 October | Commonwealth Park, City | floriadeaustralia.com
Korean Film Festival in Canberra
Experience Korea on screen in this three-day celebration of Korean cinema, culture, and storytelling across diverse genres. The festival showcases the rich cinematic tradition and contemporary innovations of Korean filmmakers in an immersive cultural experience at Palace Electric Cinema.
Friday 12 until Sunday 14 September | Palace Electric Cinema, New Acton | koffia.com.au
Walk for Hope 2025
Join the Walk for Hope supporting Karinya House, which provides accommodation and support for pregnant women and mothers with babies experiencing homelessness.
Choose from 4.5km or 9km distances along a scenic loop from Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club to the National Library and back. The 4.5km represents the 1 in 4 women who experience domestic or family violence, while 9km reflects the 9 months of pregnancy. As an optional challenge, participants can carry the weight of a full-term pregnancy (10-16kg) to help raise awareness of the physical and emotional load women carry during and after childbirth.
The event features pre-walk Zumba warm-up with Sunlight Dance Studio, supportive volunteers cheering every kilometre, signposted facts about pregnancy and parenting along the track, and morning tea at the finish line. Complimentary Walk for Hope t-shirts available for fundraising targets, plus merchandise for purchase.
Sunday 14 September, registration 7.45 am/walk starts 9 am | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Yarralumla | karinyawalkforhope.com.au
The Yoga Big Day Out
Founded in 2012, The Yoga Big Day Out is a Canberra-grown, one day mini wellness festival designed to give you a full-service retreat experience, without having to travel far from home.
This year, gather at the National Museum with gorgeous view of Lake Burley Griffin for a day dedicated to self-care. With connection, community and fun prioritised, you’ll learn from some of Canberra’s most experienced wellness professionals.
Beginning the day with Yoga, followed by Pilates, chatting with a panel of self-care experts over lunch and ending the day with Acupuncture-assisted restorative Yoga and meditation this is a unique healing experience.
Fully catered with delicious, healthy vegetarian food sourced where possible from the local region by the National Museum chefs, the Yoga Big Day out is a great way to seasonally update your diet, deepen your understanding of holistic wellbeing and enjoy some relaxing time out with lovely likeminded people in the stunning surrounds of Lake Burley Griffin.
Saturday 20 September, 9 am–4 pm | National Museum, Lawson Crescent, Acton | YBDOSelfCareSaturday.eventbrite.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
International Day of Democracy
Parliament House will come alive with free activities and tours on 14 September to celebrate the 2025 International Day of Democracy.
Australia’s heart of democracy will play host to a day of discovery, reflection, and fun for all ages!
Visitors can join free guided tours of Parliament House and the Chambers, enjoy a tasty ‘Democracy Sausage Sizzle’, hear live performances from the Canberra City Band & the Australian Rugby Choir, read alongside cute story dogs, see one of the flags that flies high above Parliament House up close in the Great Hall, and much more!
First observed in 2008, International Day of Democracy is a United Nations initiative held annually on 15 September and observed this year at the Australian Parliament on Sunday 14 September. It’s a chance to reflect on the importance of democracy and explore what it means in Australia.
Sunday 14 September, 10–2 pm | Australian Parliament House | aph.gov.au
Inferno by Mikaela Stafford at the NFSA
Preview the immersive installation by internationally recognised Australian artist Mikaela Stafford before it opens to the public. This free audiovisual experience blends monumental 3D motion graphics, kinetic sculpture and dynamic lighting with a powerful soundscape by composer Kate Durman.
The sci-fi-infused world explores identity, memory and matter through a hyperreal journey anchored by a large-scale resin sculpture emerging from a 12-metre digital screen.
Until 16 November | NFSA Gallery & Courtyard, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.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
No Lights No Lycra
NLNL is dancing in the dark, on your own, with other people. You don’t bump into anyone. No teacher, no mirrors, no steps to learn. Just dance however you want for an hour to a fun playlist.
All ages. Drug and alcohol free. All bodies.
You have three opportunities to dance every week:
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
Canberra Disability & WorkAbility Expo
This integrated expo brings disability products, services and employment options under one roof. Featuring wide range of providers, informative presentations by industry experts, all-ability entertainment and practical workshops, accessible features include live captioning, quiet time, service animal facilities, accessible parking and drop-off zone. It has free entry with online registration recommended.
Friday 12 September | Exhibition Park, Corner Flemington Road and, Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell | canberradisabilityexpo.com.au
Spring Garage & Plant Sale
Starting to plan your spring garden? Marymead’s Spring Garage & Plant Sale has you covered.
You can also find some bargains to revamp your house or even a new spring style! From chic dresses to casual wear, you’ll find something to suit your taste!
Pop along for a fun-filled event where you can find everything from plants to home goods, and even some unique treasures you didn’t know you needed!
Saturday 13 September, 9 am–1 pm | 255 Goyder Street, Narrabundah | mccg.org.au
Camp Quality Classic Cruise
The ultimate motoring event for classic cars, luxury exotics, company-branded vehicles and motorbikes. Don your best superhero costume and cruise from the National Arboretum to Questacon to raise funds for kids facing cancer. Can’t join the cruise? Head to Questacon Carpark for Show N Shine with family activities, food and sweet rides from 11 am.
Sunday 14 September | National Arboretum, Forest Drive, Canberra | classiccruise.com.au
Fadden Primary 40th Anniversary Spring Fete
Fadden Primary P&C is excited to host the 40th Anniversary Spring Fete. There will be an array of family fun like face painting, games, showbags, reptiles, mini golf, food, prizes, plants, preloved books, market stalls, BBQ, Goodberry’s and a raffle with total prizes worth over $5,700.
Sunday 14 September, 12–4pm | Fadden Primary School, 5 Hanlon Crescent, Fadden | faddenfete.com.au
Science Around You
The National Capital Authority proudly presents Science Around You, an exciting, interactive walking tour that blends the beauty of nature with the wonder of science. Explore vibrant flower crates blooming across twelve scenic locations around the foreshores of Lake Burley Griffin, each offering a unique experience within the National Triangle.
Snap a selfie with our flower photo booths or test your knowledge with our interactive science quiz, packed with fascinating facts that will challenge your curiosity and ignite your inner scientist!
Whether you’re a nature lover, a science enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out, Science Around You is a must-see activation at Floriade 2025.
Saturday 13 September to Sunday 12 October | National Triangle | nca.gov.au
Your Local Wedding Guide Canberra Expo
Create your perfect wedding day with Canberra’s best suppliers at the biggest spring wedding expo! Find new products, listen to live music, see gorgeous displays and win great prizes. Whether you’re dreaming of country, beach or city weddings, bohemian, rustic, vintage or modern styles, discover venues, cars, beauty, gowns, cakes, photographers and entertainment.
Sunday 14 September | National Convention Centre, City | weddingguide.com.au
Food and Wine
Rich and Rare: Ox Hardy Winemaker’s Dinner
An exclusive soirée for wine aficionados featuring winemaker Andrew Hardy at the helm of long tables. Executive Chef Josh Smith-Thirkell curates a set-menu indulgence with wood-fired dishes including buttery Queensland king prawns, Roo ragu casarecce, and fire-roasted lamb rump, each paired perfectly with vibrant Ox Hardy releases.
Thursday 11 September | Capitol Bar & Grill, QT Canberra, City | qthotels.com
Floriade at Chifley’s High Tea
This is a traditional High Tea with floral Floriade twist featuring petite scones, mini quiches, finger sandwiches and sweet treats. Accompanied by herbal teas, and barista-made coffee, it also includes a Floriade cocktail. Expect a sumptuous dining experience celebrating the city’s premier floral festival in the elegant Barton setting.
Friday 12 September until Saturday 11 October | Chifley’s Bar & Grill, Barton | hotelkurrajong.com.au
Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Floriade
Step into springtime indulgence at Floriade’s most enchanting experience. The Underground Spirits Cocktail High Tea features expertly crafted gin cocktails served in teapots, paired with seasonal sweet and savoury delicacies from L’epi Bakery. Hosted within an elegant tent with Discovery Tables for up to eight guests, it combines premium local spirits with immersive storytelling.
Friday 12 September until Sunday 12 October | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Aveneu, City | undergroundspirits.com.au
Sunday Family Buffet Lunch
Gather friends and family for a monthly buffet feast at the leafy Atrium Restaurant & Bar. Generous spread features fresh salads, premium cold cuts, hearty hot dishes, indulgent desserts and more. Perfect relaxed Sunday experience where someone else does the cooking. Limited seats are available, so book online to secure your table.
Sunday 14 September | Pavilion on Northbourne, 242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson | pavilioncanberra.com.au
Markets
Harmonie German Club Spring Markets
At the German Market you’ll find everything from homemade cakes to deli goods, groceries, wine, beer and schnapps alongside fresh German sausages. Community stallholders showcase handmade crafts and specialties. Free jumping castle for kids and entertainment for all ages create a perfect family day out with an authentic German flavour.
Sunday 14 September | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | harmonieclub.com.au
Three Sixty Fashion Market
This is Canberra’s unique sustainable fashion market dedicated to quality vintage, retro and pre-loved clothing. Discover big-name labels like Gucci, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Country Road and more. Perfect for stylish shoppers who value ethical choices and ecological sustainability. Held in the heritage-listed Fitters’ Workshop with free parking and entry.
Sunday 14 September | Fitters Workshop, Kingston | canberramarkets.net.au
South.Point Rooftop Community Market
Browse stalls boasting a range of beautiful handmade crafts, jewellery, knits, crochet, cards, homemade treats, candles, soaps, and so much more.
Enjoy the view from South.Point’s rooftop while you peruse, and finish off your afternoon with some food at the many restaurants and eateries in the Centre and on Anketell Street below.
Sunday 14 September, 10 am–2 pm | South.Point, Anketell Street and Reed St North, Greenway | southpointcanberra.com.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
The Addams Family
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, and they’re coming to life in this Tony-nominated musical. Based on Charles Addams’ iconic comedy, the story follows the eccentric family in their gloomy Central Park mansion.
Gomez and his elegant wife Morticia share a passionate marriage while their mischievous son Pugsley rummages through Grandpa’s potions and endures torture from big sister Wednesday. Fester spends time moonbathing while ever-loyal Lurch lurks in the shadows with silent charm. But their usual family darkness and grief is tested when twisted eldest daughter Wednesday falls in love with a ‘normal’ boy she’s bringing home. Can eccentric Addams family traditions withstand their straight-laced guests?
Can love survive the night? Can normalcy and darkness find common ground? Join Philo for a hilarious evening of chaos, secrets and one unforgettably grim family dinner.
Until Saturday 13 September | Erindale Theatre, 115 McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa | philo.sales.ticketsearch.com
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
Hawker College’s Little Shop of Horrors
Hawker College is presenting the classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors. Little Shop of Horrors is a classic Broadway and Hollywood Sci-Fi smash hit musical that has been performed for over 30 years. The directors, Howard Ashman and Alan Menkin helped create the musical, also being involved with Disney projects like Aladinn and The Little Mermaid. Hawker College also plans to celebrate its 25th anniversary for performing the musical all the way back in 2000. Hawker College plans to put on an amazing show while celebrating a milestone in their important history.
Buy a VIP tickets and enjoy a two-course meal provided by Hawker College’s Hospitality students.
Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September, 6.30 pm | Murranji Theatre, Hawker College | trybooking.com
Superposition
A bold contemporary dance where movement meets machine. Two performers caught in a magnetic push-and-pull spiral between connection and conflict against a reactive, cybernetic soundscape. Visceral experience exploring what happens when human instinct collides with intelligent systems. Nominated for Green Room Awards Outstanding Choreography and Melbourne Fringe Festival Awards.
Friday 12 until Sunday 14 September | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Cadaver Palaver: A Bennett Cooper Sullivan Adventure
The gentleman adventurer returns with an astonishing tale combining the finest elements of Sherlock Holmes, Oscar Wilde soirée and intimate passion. Hearts flutter, monocles plummet, corsets strain in this ripping yarn sumptuously told. Christopher Samuel Carroll’s alter-ego makes Canberra premiere following successful seasons at Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne and Edinburgh Fringe.
Friday 12 until Sunday 14 September | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Confetti and Chaos
You’re invited to a complete stranger’s wedding turned pandemonium! Secrets spill as uninvited family members bust in, bust up and bust a move. This is a totally immersive improvised comedy where audiences become guests caught in crossfire. It also includes a three-course meal with charming calamity and tenderness from an overly friendly mother-in-law to the wildcard best man.
Saturday 13 September | The Mercure Canberra, Braddon | interactivetheatre.com.au
Law and Marauder – Interactive Murder Mystery
Dread Fred’s bar hosts two pirate crews chasing the same treasure with unresolved issues. You’re assigned a unique pirate character with a shady backstory and secret goals. Dive into scheming, suspicion and salty chaos where someone will lie, yell and make bad decisions. Includes character role, arrival drink, canapés and prizes for best dressed detective.
Sarurday 13 September | Tuggeranong Homestead, Richardson | odysseytheatre.com.au
Damien Power
Three-time Melbourne International Comedy Festival Most Outstanding Show nominee and Pinder’s Prize Winner. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most talented comedians, don’t miss this chance to catch one of the country’s best live in Canberra. Recommended age 16+ due to adult themes and coarse language.
Saturday 13 September | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Screen
Spring into Cinema at the NFSA: A Season of Stars, Stories and Spectacle
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
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.
Sunday 14 September | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
Focus on Ability Short Film Festival
Now in its 17th year, this inspiring festival showcases remarkable films from 283 finalists across 25 countries, celebrating ability and filmmaking. Presented by NOVA Employment, the free screening features drama, documentary, and animation offering unique perspectives on inclusion, diversity, and human connection. Audiences can meet filmmakers and engage in discussions about representation in the film industry.
Friday 12 September | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Register online here.
Puffs of Smoke at the NFSA
This is a live musical performance pairing curated silent films (mostly pre-1920) with an original score by Phillip Johnston. Blending dramatised poems, newsreels, bushranger melodrama, advertisements and magic lantern slides, creating fantasia exploring Australian silent cinema history. Accomplished saxophonist Johnston brings the silent era vividly to life through captivating live music.
Friday 12 September | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
Korean Film Festival in Canberra
Experience Korea on screen in this three-day celebration of Korean cinema, culture, and storytelling across diverse genres. The festival showcases the rich cinematic tradition and contemporary innovations of Korean filmmakers in an immersive cultural experience at Palace Electric Cinema.
Friday 12 until Sunday 14 September | Palace Electric Cinema, New Acton | koffia.com.au
NFSA Restores Films for Spring
Two landmark Australian films return in pristine digital restorations. The Sentimental Bloke (1919), Raymond Longford’s adaptation of C.J. Dennis’ verse novel with new ARIA-winner Paul Mac score, follows Bill’s romance against real Sydney locations. Plus Jane Campion’s debut Sweetie (1989) in 4K restoration, starring Karen Colston in this darkly comic family drama.
Saturday 13 September | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
Music
Songs Without Words
Virtuoso SSO Associate Concertmaster Alexandra Osborne and renowned SSO Principal Cellist Catherine Hewgill join pianist Kathryn Selby in this September concert tour of remarkable superabundance of song and melody.
“Unapologetically melodic and lyrical” is how Australian composer Anne Cawrse has described her piano trio Songs Without Words which opens our concert. Commissioned by the ABC in 2020, this is a beautiful tribute to the eponymous songs by Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn which reflects on the special relationship between the Mendelssohn siblings.
Featured in the program is the only piano trio composed by a teenaged Chopin, and the concert ends with Schubert’s monumental final piano trio composed in the year of his early death.
Friday, 12 September, 7 pm | The Chapel, Charles Sturt University | selbyandfriends.com.au
Billy Ocean
The platinum-selling Grammy winner returns to Australia performing global number one hits including Caribbean Queen, When the Going Gets Tough, Get Outta My Dreams, Love Really Hurts Without You, Suddenly and more. The British soul icon with over 30 million records sold worldwide and MBE for services to music promises to get audiences on their feet.
Saturday 13 September | Royal Theatre, 31 Constitution Avenue, City | nccc.com.au
Emma Pask Trio
A chance to catch one Australia’s finest voices up close and personal, in this beautifully intimate setting of voice and piano. Award-winning vocalist Emma Pask is sure to delight as she interweaves storytelling through timeless swinging jazz standards, upbeat latin rhythms, tender ballads and of course some raucous blues. With soulful delivery, soaring range and magnetic stage presence, Pask is at the height of her powers as a singer. The trio format allows her extraordinary talent to shine in this perfect intimate venue for jazz appreciation.
13 September, 7 pm | Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo | eventbrite.com.au
A Musical Awakening–Australian Chamber Orchestra
Your moment to pause, disconnect with the outside world and immerse yourself in a sublime musical journey featuring music by Max Richter, Hildegard von Bingen, Beethoven, Vivaldi and more. One of the most influential composers of his generation, Max Richter is renowned for transporting listeners through his evocative solo works, collaborations and numerous film and television scores.
The Australian Chamber Orchestra will perform his captivating work for strings, On the Nature of Daylight, alongside Beethoven’s deeply moving Holy Song of Thanksgiving and visionary hymns of 12th-century abbess Hildegard. Directed by Principal Cello Timo-Veikko Valve and featuring beloved Australian recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey, this unforgettable concert promises to nourish your soul and awaken your spirit.
Saturday 13 September, 7.30pm | Llewellyn Hall, ANU William Herbert Place, Acton | aco.com.au
The Song Company: Pairings & Odd Couples
Curated by Guest Director Huw Belling, this unique program places composers in a fascinating dialogue across centuries and continents. Experience the striking contrast of Estonian chant with Irish modernism and explore the enduring influence of J.S. Bach. The program also features the World Premiere of Belling’s Fuego Y Agua, offering a fresh response to Flecha’s El Fuego.
From early chant to contemporary works by living composers like Finsterer and Pärt, Pairings & Odd Couples reveals surprising connections between seemingly disparate musical worlds. Join them for this transcontinental conversation through time!
Sunday 14 September, 3 pm | Wesley Music Centre | the.song.company
Meiwa
Join Meiwa at Smith’s Alternative in Ngambri/Canberra this Sunday 14 September to celebrate the release of her powerful new album Surface Tension, with special guests Skÿe and Anna Ransom. Vinyl records will be available.
Known for her thoughtful lyrics, genre-blending Folk/R&B sound and a voice that radiates compassion, Meiwa brings to life songs of love, loss, resilience and renewal.
She’ll be joined by Melbourne songwriter, vocalist and producer Skÿe, whose soaring vocal range underpins his emotionally charged, boundary-defying compositions, and Anna Ransom, a captivating folk artist whose tender debut Tides reveals understated storytelling and disarming honesty.
Doors open at 5:30 pm for an evening of raw, heartfelt music from three distinctive voices.
Sunday 14 September | Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga St, Canberra City | facebook.com
Sport and Wellness
AFLW – GIANTS v Western Bulldogs
The AFLW returns to Canberra for a Saturday afternoon blockbuster at Manuka Oval. Perfect family day out with GIANTS Stomping Ground featuring giveaways, face painting, inflatables and kick-to-kick post-game. Support the GIANTS AFLW team in their 10th season with plenty of entertainment for kids in the nation’s capital.
Join them when the ACT takes a national stage in round five, for Live and Local Round, where they shine a light on Canberra from junior sports through to local performers.
ELITE Dance Studio will hit the ground ahead of the match before Lucy Sugerman joins us for a half-time performance.
Canberra’s junior clubs will be on show in the Junior Club March, with the All-Girls competition participants given a lap of honour, as well as thanking the Auskick and Women and Girls coordinators who make footy happen in Canberra.
Grab two-for-one tickets below, with kids going free!
Saturday 13 September | Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka | premier.ticketek.com.au
Workshops, Talks and Programs
Creative Maker Business Skills with Lea Durie
Artist Lea Durie guides participants through basic steps of launching or building a creative business over three evenings. Sessions cover building a maker business, going to market, and opening your studio. Perfect for those with groundwork wanting to upskill with individual sessions and prepare for specialist events.
Wednesday 10 September | Various venues | events.humanitix.com
The Great Debate 2025: That Australian history unites us at the National Library
Join six of Australia’s premier academics for compelling debate tackling whether Australia’s history unites us. Thought-provoking evening packed with engaging discussions and audience participation opportunities. Presented by the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia and the National Library, this debate promises to challenge perspectives and ignite curiosity.
Tuesday 9 September | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Ray Mathew Lecture: Christos Tsiolkas at the National Library
Award-winning author Christos Tsiolkas delivers the 2025 Ray Mathew Lecture exploring ‘Fence-sitting’ and its place in the modern world. Free entry with essential bookings. Light refreshments served after lecture. Available online via livestream and YouTube channel. Generously supported by the Ray Mathew and Eva Kollsman Trust.
Thursday 11 September | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Evening with the Stars
Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast invite you to meet the Women in Astronomy Scholarship 2025 recipient who will talk on her PhD thesis.
Mingle with astronomers and gaze through the outreach telescopes.
Friday 12 September, 6–9 pm | ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Mount Stromlo Observatory, 233 Mt Stromlo Road, Weston Creek | events.humanitix.com
Sketching the Nullarbor: wildflower journaling workshop
Step into creativity during Floriade with artist Julia Landford from NatureArt Lab. This eloquent blend of archival themes and botanical artistry draws inspiration from the Trans-Australian Railway exhibition. Sketch iconic and endemic species across the Nullarbor while gaining valuable artistic skills and ecological insights. All materials provided, including your sketching journal to keep.
Saturday 13 September | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Stories from the Wetlands: Australia and Chile Paper Toy Workshop
Celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Chile through wetlands exploration. Discover iconic species from Latham’s Snipe to Atacama Toad through presentations, then create wildlife paper toys. Choose from four Chilean and Australian animals to colour, cut, fold, and take home as biodiversity reminders.
Saturday 13 and 20 September | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, City | events.humanitix.com
Celebrating 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s independence
Celebrate PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary with a lively community day. Start with speeches and performance at NAA, followed by morning tea. Explore original records, curator-led talks and demonstrations. Continue to the National Gallery for a special performance marking the Bilong Papua New Guinea display opening, then visit the National Library’s 1975: Living in the Seventies exhibition.
Saturday 13 September | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Exhibitions
The Essence of Canberra
On 11 September 1945, a meeting was held in the then 2CA Theatrette in Civic. It decided to form the Canberra Photographic Society. To celebrate the Society’s 80th anniversary, an exhibition of members’ images on the theme of The Essence of Canberra. There will be 40 framed prints by current members and a video showing historical images of Canberra by current and past members.
The exhibition will be officially opened by ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr at 2 pm on Thursday 11 September (exactly 80 years from the society’s first meeting). All are welcome to attend. Free admission. No tickets required.
Thursday 11 September to Saturday 11 October | Civic Library, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra City | cpsgallery.smugmug.com
Elliot Fox’s Saint Grey
When art meets advocacy, something truly special happens – and that’s exactly what Canberrans will experience at the highly anticipated opening of Elliott Fox’s ‘Saint Grey’ exhibition. Following a spectacular sold-out Sydney debut that drew over 100 people and 11 greyhounds, this powerful collection arrives at Q Gallery in Ainslie, showcasing greyhounds as the sentient, loving family members they truly are.
Local artist Elliott Fox, who lives in Canberra with his rescue greyhound and artistic muse Adam Barker, has created something far beyond pretty pictures. His sculptures, paintings and screen prints use layered, multi-dimensional techniques to engage audiences emotionally and intellectually, transforming how we see these gentle giants. The exhibition’s centrepiece – the awe-inspiring ‘Saint Grey’ sculpture – serves as both artistic triumph and beacon of hope for greyhounds worldwide.
Friday 12 to Thursday 25 September | Q Gallery, Ainslie | q-gallery.com.au
Back to Burgmann Artist Residency Exhibition
Celebrated visual artist Julian Twigg returns to Burgmann College this September, bringing his distinctive style back to where his artistic journey began. Known for capturing the ever-changing moods of Port Philip Bay through simplified forms, bold colour palettes, and gestural brush techniques, Twigg used his artist residency at Burgmann College earlier this year to explore more tranquil scenes and sights around Canberra, the ANU, and Burgmann College, using blocking compositions in watercolour pencil on-site and painting in the studio with the impression still fresh on his mind.
This intimate exhibition offers Canberrans a rare opportunity to experience Twigg’s work up close, showcasing his art residency at Burgmann College that stretched and expanded his technique repertoire beyond his familiar maritime themes and plein air paintings. His technique of building up paint in thick, expressive layers creates a sculptural quality that photographs cannot capture.
The afternoon promises genuine insights into Twigg’s creative process, plus the chance to enjoy traditional afternoon tea while discussing art with fellow enthusiasts.
Monday 15 September, 3–4 pm | Burgmann College AR Main Room, 52 Daley Road, Acton | Register at burgmann.anu.edu.au by Thursday, 11 September
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
Tracing the Sky: Celebrating the Wetlands of Chile and Australia
Art, ecology and cultural connection celebrating wetlands through sculpture, paintings, audiovisual works and augmented reality. This exhibition explores the shared importance of wetland ecosystems and migratory journeys, marking 80th anniversary of Chile-Australia diplomatic relations and highlighting the interdependence between nature, culture and movement across landscapes.
Until Saturday 20 September | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, 1, 180 London Circuit, City | craftanddesigncanberra.org
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
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?
Until Sunday 5 October | Suki & Hugh Gallery, Bungendore | sukihugh.com.au
Wildflowers
Rowdy’s powerful solo exhibition of all-new original paintings exploring the wild, messy, magnetic energy of growth. Bold, unfiltered, emotionally rich floral works pushing boundaries of beauty and chaos through colour and movement. Full evening affair with lavish food and drink selection, creating a memorable experience in the heart of Canberra.
Friday 12 September | Canberra Art Gallery, Fyshwick | cag.art
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
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
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
Whirlygig and the Book by Heidi Smith
This is an experimental project consolidating multiple aspects of Smith’s art making, generating interconnected textiles, drawings and sculptural objects. The exhibition resembles an uncanny loom weaving ideas, tatterdemalion costumes and expressing the experience of advanced illness and disability. Viewers consider creative pursuits’ benefits for wellbeing, mental health support and regenerative interactions through multidisciplinary making.
Until Sunday 12 October | The Window Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
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 | More information here.
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 | More information here.
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 | More information here.
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
Light Source
Phenomenological experience of expanded cinema meets the immersive possibilities of light projection. The utopian opportunities opened up by Len Lye’s 1935 hand-painted film A Colour Box are taken up with gusto by a multi-generational pool of artists including Len Lye, Dirk de Bruyn, Mike Leggett, Joan Brassil, Taree Mackenzie, Deirdre Feeney, Ellis D Fogg, Pia van Gelder, Hannah Gason, Ross Manning, Nicci Haynes and Teaching and Learning Cinema.
Together these artists celebrate the role of light, projection and performance in connection to the history and continuity of abstract and expanded cinema.
Curated by Associate Professor Martyn Jolly and Tony Oates.
Until Sunday 19 October | Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Acton | dhg.anu.edu.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 crescent)
In conjunction with Light Source, the Riverbend Room will feature rising tide (marea crescente), by NOT.
In his 2025 installation rising tide (marea crescente), the coloured glass that has made Murano famous since the Renaissance is infused with uranium. When lit with blacklight, the work glows with a petrochemical luminosity suggesting something toxic at play beneath its watery surface.
The city of Venice is famously sinking. In its fluctuating lagoons is a world of human debris linking to the earliest examples of human settlement in the region – all forming the basis of rising tide. In blown fluorescent aqua vessels swirled with specks of bronze and Italian marble clinging to ancient forms, the artist dredges up memory and plumes of hope.
Until Sunday 19 October | Riverbend Room, 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.
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
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
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
