The ultimate Canberra hit list: What to see, eat, and do this week
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Ready to make the most of your week, Canberra?
Whether you are looking to dance the afternoon away by the river at the Techno Picnic with D-Nox, celebrate community and kindness at The Compassionate Stakes Festival of Kind Living in Glebe Park, or catch the next generation of creative talent shine in Ausdance ACT’s Youth Dance Festival, your ultimate hit list is right here. Let’s dive into what makes our city so special this week!
Don’t miss…
The Golden Oar Festival
The Golden Oar is a regatta and festival presented by community rowing organisation Red Shed and Canberra Airport, now in its second year. Mixed crews from Australia and overseas, including Croatian Olympic gold medallists Martin and Valent Sinković, compete for more than $200,000 in prize money across 450-metre sprint, 1500-metre and 3-kilometre courses.
Onshore, the program includes live music from local artists and DJs, food vans, breweries and producers, handcraft markets, a family zone with arts and crafts, the YMCA Cardboard Boat Regatta, a Pro-Am race and a Wild Swim.
Friday 30 October–Sunday 1 November | Black Mountain Peninsula | goldenoar.com.au
Youth Dance Festival
Ausdance ACT presents the Youth Dance Festival, giving high school students from the ACT and surrounding region the chance to perform in a professionally produced show at the Canberra Theatre Centre. The 2026 program takes The Metaverse as its theme, with student-led dance, choreography, theatre and film pieces exploring 3D avatars, virtual reality and how digital worlds shape social connection and everyday life.
Tuesday 27 until Thursday 29 October | Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic | ausdanceact.org.au/youth-dance-festival
Techno Picnic with D-Nox
Embrace a brilliant day of open-air electronic music, sunshine, and community vibes by the picturesque Molonglo River. Bringing warehouse party energy into a relaxed afternoon setting, this all-ages outdoor gathering invites music lovers to kick back on the grass with blankets, snacks, and friends. Headlining the day is global melodic techno master D-Nox with an incredible four-hour set, supported by returning local favourite Waxlily. Enjoy delicious food, local wine, and refreshing cocktails while soaking up fantastic beats and a wonderful lakeside atmosphere without the heavy ticket price.
Sunday 1 November, 1 pm–7 pm | ACT Waterski Club, Waterski ACT, Campbell | technopicnic.com
Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival
The launch of Canberra’s month-long LGBTQIA+ pride festival. Running throughout November, the event program features the SpringOUT Fair Day at Glebe Park, the Pink Tennis Bush Dance, pride sports events, walks, arts exhibitions, and community breakfasts.
Saturday 31 October until Monday 30 November | Various locations across Canberra | springout.com.au
La Grande Fête 2026
Soak up the charm of a classic French village fair with a playful Halloween twist at La Grande Fête, Telopea Park School’s biggest community fundraiser of the year. This family favourite transforms the school grounds into a bustling festival packed with thrilling carnival rides, international food stalls, live music, games, and French-inspired cultural experiences. Kids can dress up in costume for spooky Halloween activities, while parents browse market stalls and delicious baked treats. All funds raised directly support educational programs and school resources, making it a heartwarming, fun-filled day out for all ages.
Saturday 31 October, 10 am–3 pm | Telopea Park School, Barton | telopeapsc.act.edu.au
Supporting breast cancer research with SoundCBR
Join the SoundCBR team for an active, empowering morning dedicated to raising vital funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. On Saturday, 31 October, participants can book into a lineup of signature classes for twenty-five dollars each, with all class proceeds directly supporting life-saving research. Beyond the mat, the event features stalls from local businesses, delicious snacks, entertainment, and a raffle with prizes valued at over seven hundred and fifty dollars. Whether taking a class or simply stopping by to show support, every contribution helps make a difference.
Saturday 31 October | SoundCBR Practice, Unit 175 44 Macquarie Street Barton | Book via mindbodyonline.com
The Compassionate Stakes Festival of Kind Living
Celebrate World Vegan Day and the launch of Compassion 2 Action Month with a joyful, family-friendly festival at Glebe Park. Organised by Little Oak Sanctuary, the event features the much-loved inflatable costume races with unicorns and dinosaurs on the start line, alongside the Grand Final, kids’ races, and a lively Dino Dance Off hosted by Faux Née Phish. Visitors can enjoy delicious vegan street food, plant-based cheese workshops, a community clothing swap, children’s activities, and informative stalls from animal rescue and environmental groups.
Sunday 1 November, 10 am–3 pm | Glebe Park, Canberra City | festivalofkindliving.org
ACT Packing Party
Gather for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to supporting women in our community who need a helping hand this holiday season. Hosted at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, guests enjoy sparkling wine and canapés while hearing from remarkable change-makers, including Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay, Communities at Work CEO Lesly Jordan, and ACT Woman of the Year Lauren Cannell. Attendees will directly support the It’s in the Bag drive by packing essential items and bonus luxuries into bags for women supported by Communities at Work.
Sunday 1 November, 5.30 pm–11.30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden | trybooking.com
Powerful Women’s Exchange
Connect, share, and be inspired at the Powerful Women’s Exchange, proudly hosted as part of the Country to Canberra 2026 Power Trip. This empowering evening brings together passionate young women from regional Australia to exchange ideas, discuss leadership challenges, and celebrate the incredible impact of female changemakers. Fostering a supportive and welcoming space for open conversation, it is a brilliant opportunity to build confidence, hear diverse stories, and champion the voices driving positive futures across our communities.
Tuesday 24 November, 6 pm–9.30 pm | The Howling Moon, Braddon | events.humanitix.com
Blank Slate City documentary screening
Gutwrench Records presents a one-night screening of DIY Summer, a documentary about the impact of rising music venue closures. The film follows a musician who responds by taking the music outdoors, staging shows in unconventional locations to keep live performance alive. Centred on independent, do-it-yourself music-making, it considers how artists adapt when traditional spaces disappear and what it takes to sustain a local scene without them. The screening is followed by a Q&A with local filmmakers Georgia Arndell and Daan Steffens, who discuss the film and the stories behind it.
Monday 26 October, 6:30–9 pm | National Film and Sound Archive, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | events.humanitix.com
Halloween at the NFSA: The Lost Boys
A Halloween screening of Joel Schumacher’s 1987 cult vampire horror-comedy The Lost Boys at Arc Cinema. The evening starts with a pre-screening courtyard party featuring a live DJ spinning 80s tracks, costume prizes, and a complimentary drink.
Saturday 31 October, 7 pm–10 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Special Events + Festivals
Laughs on the Lake Comedy Cruise
A stand-up comedy experience cruising across Lake Burley Griffin. Guests can watch the moon rise while enjoying a lineup of local Canberra comedians, complete with on-board pizza from a dedicated oven and a licensed bar. Departs from the Love Boats jetty at Kingston Foreshore.
Thursday 29 October, 6.30 pm–9 pm | Love Boats, Kingston Foreshore Jetty 5, 8 Trevillian Quay, Kingston | trybooking.com
Into The Dark – Emoween
Mooseheads hosts an alternative Halloween party featuring back-to-back emo, pop-punk, metalcore, and alternative rock anthems. Attendees are encouraged to dress in dark or emo-inspired costumes. Ticket purchases enter attendees into a draw to win a double pass to Good Things Festival.
Friday 30 October, 9 pm–11.59 pm | Mooseheads, 105 London Circuit, City | mooseheads.com.au
Oktoberfest Canberra
A two-day celebration of traditional Bavarian culture at the Harmonie German Club. Highlights include authentic German cuisine, imported biers, traditional music, competitions, festive costumes, and family-friendly entertainment.
Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | harmonieclub.com.au
Spooktacular at the National Zoo and Aquarium
Celebrate Halloween with the whole family during a thrilling fundraising evening at the National Zoo and Aquarium. Presented by the conservation team to support vital native wildlife programs, the event features frighteningly fun games, a scary scavenger hunt, a devilish dancefloor, and plenty of sweet treats. Grown-ups can also enjoy a complimentary drink token at the special Bent’Spook’ Bar while exploring the grounds after dark. It is a wonderfully festive way to enjoy a spooky night out while contributing to meaningful animal conservation efforts.
Friday 30 October, 5.30 pm–8.30 pm | The National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston | nationalzoo.com.au
Gungahlin Halloween Bike Party
Organised by Canberra by Bike and Pedal Power, this night ride invites families to dress up in Halloween costumes for a relaxed, guided cycle around Yerrabi Pond. Featuring music, light displays, and flat paths, the event wraps up with pizza at Bronx Pizzeria.
Saturday 31 October, 7 pm–9 pm | The Pavilion, Yerrabi Pond, Wunderlich Street, Gungahlin | hello@canberrabybike.au
Henry’s Spook-tacular Halloween Parties
Family-friendly Halloween celebrations hosted across Canberra Southern Cross Club venues. Woden features an interactive ticketed potion-and-slime experience with dinner included, while Tuggeranong and Jamison host free events with best-dressed competitions, glitter tattoos, and arts and crafts.
Saturday 31 October, 5.30 pm–8.30 pm | CSCC Woden, Tuggeranong and Jamison | cscc.com.au
ACT Rescue and Foster Trivia Night 2026
ACT Rescue and Foster (ARF) celebrates its 25th anniversary and over 3,800 dog rescues with its annual HOWL-oween trivia night hosted by Larry Appley. Attendees can enter as individuals, small groups, or teams of 10 for a night of trivia, games, a silent auction, and a raffle, alongside a physical donation drive for dog toys, leads, and treats. Costumes are strongly encouraged.
Saturday 31 October, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Labor Club, 51 Chandler Street, Belconnen | eventbrite.com.au
Halloween at 88mph
Halloween gets gloriously dark and neon-lit at 88mph with an unforgettable evening of spooky seduction, drag artistry, and high-energy party tunes. The venue plays host to award-winning burlesque performer Eros Storm alongside high-flying drag powerhouse Nadya Business, delivering jaw-dropping acrobatics and theatrical flair. Come dressed in your most terrifying or glamorous costume to compete for great prizes, dance the night away, and enjoy themed cocktail specials in the heart of Civic.
Saturday 31 October, 9 pm–11.59 pm | 88mph, 8-10 Hobart Place, Basement, Canberra | 88mph.bar
Ghosts in the City
Bring the whole family into the heart of Canberra’s Civic for a vibrant, free community Halloween festival organised by the Asia Australia Youth Association. Petrie Plaza and City Walk transform into a spooky wonderland featuring a haunted house, a themed carousel, interactive games, trick-or-treating, roaming costumed characters, and an exciting Monster Parade. Designed to support local businesses and enliven the city centre’s night-time economy, it offers a welcoming and immersive celebration for all ages.
Saturday 31 October, 4 pm–10 pm | Ghosts in the City, City Walk & Petrie Plaza, Canberra | inthecity.com.au
Chakradance™–7 keys to freedom
This Chakradance™ session, 7 Keys to Freedom, is a guided evening of movement, music and meditation focused on the body’s seven chakras. Facilitator Lilaea van der See leads participants through a practice that combines chakra-resonant music, free-flowing dance and mandala artwork, creating space for self-discovery. Participants are encouraged to move intuitively and in their own way, so no previous dance experience is required. The practice invites participants to deepen their connection with themselves through movement, sound and creative expression. The session allows time to slow down, reconnect and explore the rhythms of the body.
Saturday 31 October, 7–8.30 pm | Flow & Food, Lyneham | events.humanitix.com
Ollies’ Garage
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled day celebrating Australian motorsport history with a special showcase of Bathurst legend cars and iconic Brock Commodores. Hosted by Ollies’ Garage and the Canberra Showroom of The Sir Henry Royce Foundation, the event invites car enthusiasts of all ages to view rare performance vehicles up close. Visitors can admire legendary touring cars, classic Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, unique memorabilia, and even the world’s largest pushbike while celebrating the enduring legacy of racing greats like Peter Brock.
Saturday 31 October, 9 am–12 pm | Ollies’ Garage, 72 Gladstone Street, Unit 1, Fyshwick | olliesgarage.com.au
Canberra Art Biennial
Contemporary art meets the natural beauty of Kamberri/Canberra as the Canberra Art Biennial returns for its sixth edition. Spanning public outdoor spaces across the city with a central hub along Lake Burley Griffin, this festival invites Australian and international artists to create site-specific works that spark conversation. Stroll along the foreshore to discover thought-provoking installations exploring connection, history, and life on Country. Honouring Canberra’s long history as a gathering place for sharing knowledge, it is a wonderful excuse to rug up, explore our designed landscape, and view familiar spaces through a fresh creative lens.
Until Saturday 31 October, times vary | Central Hub at Lake Burley Griffin, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | canberraartbiennial.com
Murder Mystery Evening at Southbound
An interactive Halloween dinner event where guests solve a murder mystery while enjoying shared food platters and drinks. Features prizes for “Best Detective” and “Best Costume”.
Saturday 31 October, 7.30 pm–9 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong, Greenway | cscc.com.au
Canberra Brick Show – LEGO Fan Event
A two-day exhibition showcasing over 300 tables of custom LEGO builds by Australian creators.
There will be a massive train layout, dozens of LEGO vehicles, a great ball contraption, Technic displays, mosaics, Star Wars displays, LEGO Robotics, historic collections and custom designed my own creations (MOCs).
Check out the displays, interactive activities, LEGO retailers of new and rare sets and great food!
Saturday night will embrace the spooky halloween theme with an exclusive “After Dark” session – featuring exhibits with awesome lighting and glow in the dark features.
Proceeds from the show will go to local charities who provide support to families in need and ACT specialty schools.
Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November | Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Budawang Building, Lyneham | canberra.brickshow.au
Day of the Dead Fiesta
Celebrate life, memory, and Mexican culture during a colorful, free weekend festival at Poppyfield Commons in Dickson. Marking over a decade of traditions in Canberra, the fiesta brings Día de los Muertos to life with live Latin folk music, energetic samba percussion, vibrant dance performances, and a spectacular street parade. Visitors can contribute photographs to a traditional community ofrenda altar, enjoy sugar skull workshops, browse artisan market stalls, and feast on delicious authentic food across the weekend.
Saturday 31 October to Sunday 1 November | Poppyfield Commons, Poppyfield Street, Dickson | events.humanitix.com
Rose Gardens Guided Tours at Old Parliament House
Step back in time and wander through a living horticultural masterpiece with guided tours of the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens. Established in 1927 as a tranquil retreat for politicians and their families, the stunning grounds now feature over five hundred varieties across four thousand rose bushes, including rare blooms sourced from Persia and China. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating tales of the gardens’ history, design evolution, and botanical significance. It is a peaceful, beautiful seasonal escape that celebrates Canberra’s rich heritage in full floral bloom.
Sunday 1 November to Sunday 29 November (Check venue for daily tour times) | Statue of Dame Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons, Old Parliament House Rose Gardens, King George Terrace, Parkes | eventbrite.com.au
Food + Drink
The Champagne Experience
Treat yourself to an extraordinary celebration of fine wine and gastronomy hosted by Red Hill Wine Club at the prestigious Royal Canberra Golf Club. Inspired by a recent tasting adventure, this bespoke event offers three ways to indulge: wander through the beautiful rose gardens for an afternoon Champagne tasting with canapés, sit down for a curated multi-course Champagne dinner, or combine both for the ultimate evening. Dress in your smartest neat-casual attire and raise a glass to exceptional bubbles, exquisite food, and good company.
Wednesday 28 October, 5.30 pm–11 pm | Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla | events.humanitix.com
Stargazing Dinner at Lanyon Homestead
Combine fine gastronomy with astronomy for a truly unforgettable evening at the historic Lanyon Homestead. The experience begins with a delightful two-course dinner set inside the homestead’s charming heritage surroundings, accompanied by an introduction to the wonders of the southern night sky. Following the meal, guests head outside alongside expert astronomers from the Mount Stromlo Observatory to explore planets, stars, and distant celestial objects through powerful telescopes. Set away from city lights, it offers a magical night out for couples, families, and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Friday 30 October, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | historicplaces.com.au
Sandoochie and Spitfire Pizza
Sandoochie teams up with Stefan from Spitfire Pizza for a mouth-watering collaboration pairing expertly stretched dough, ovens, and technique with hearty, ham-fisted toppings. Enjoy three incredible pizzas accompanied by fresh salad, stellar beer from heaven, and fantastic wine selections from RBE Wines. Designed to be the ultimate lunch or dinner material, Stefan’s crispy-bottomed slices promise a scrumptious feast for pizza lovers looking to kick back and enjoy a great community afternoon.
Sunday, 1 November, 11 am–8 pm | Shop 8 No Name Lane, City | @sandoochie
The Spritz Club
Escape to the sun-drenched deck at Capitol Bar & Grill for the ultimate Riviera ritual this season. The Spritz Club invites you to leave your responsibilities behind and enjoy an ice-cold, bittersweet prosecco infusion. Guests can choose between a classic Aperol or a refreshing Hugo Spritz, paired perfectly with high-low aperitivo bites like crisp chicken tenders and molten mozzarella sticks. Gather your friends, put on your oversized sunglasses, and soak up the Mediterranean vibes right in the city. Consider yourself a member of Canberra’s newest sun-soaked tradition – because a great drink should never be enjoyed alone.
Until Saturday 14 November | Capitol Bar & Grill, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | qthotels.com
Spring High Tea at Australian Parliament House
Soak up sweeping views of our bush capital in bloom with a seasonal high tea at Queen’s Terrace Café. Perfectly timed for your Floriade outing, this high tea experience showcases exceptional Australian produce across a delicious array of sweet and savoury treats. Guests can sip on artisan teas, barista-made coffee, or upgrade to a glass of sparkling wine for a true spring celebration. Make the most of your visit by pairing your afternoon tea with a wander through Parliament House’s courtyards, architecture, and world-class exhibitions. It is an unforgettable way to experience Canberra’s most iconic landmark this season.
Until Sunday 29 November | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | aph.gov.au
Weekend Buffet at the Yacht Club
Looking for a relaxed, generous feast to kick off your weekend? The Yacht Club in Yarralumla is putting on a mouth-watering buffet spread every Saturday and Sunday. Diners can tuck into freshly carved roast meats, cold seafood straight off the ice, hot pasta, hearty seasonal soup, and a whole table of indulgent desserts. It is the ultimate dining experience for families and friends gathering along the water’s edge. Plus, kids receive complimentary chicken nuggets and chips with the purchase of an adult buffet, making it a stress-free weekend treat that caters to every appetite.
Until Sunday 29 November | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
Markets & Expos
Odoo Business Show
Explore a smarter, more sustainable way to streamline and scale your enterprise operations during an informative evening showcase with Odoo. Designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, and managers, the session demonstrates firsthand how unified software solutions can eliminate administrative friction and free up valuable time for growth. Attendees will learn practical strategies to optimize workflows while networking with local professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment. Registration is essential for this free event.
Tuesday 27 October, 5.30 pm–8 pm | Rydges Canberra, 17 Canberra Avenue, Forrest | odoo.com
Hartley Hall Markets
Escape to the historic Hall Showground for a delightful morning of shopping, fresh air, and community spirit. Set beneath a canopy of shady trees, the beloved Hartley Hall Markets feature vibrant stalls brimming with locally grown produce, artisan crafts, homewares, and delicious baked goods. Grab lunch, enjoy live entertainment, and explore unique handmade gifts while supporting a wonderful local cause. Proudly run by Hartley Lifecare, every purchase helps empower people with disability right here in Canberra. It is a fantastic family-friendly way to spend your Sunday.
Sunday 1 November, 9 am–2 pm | Hall Showground, Victoria Street, Hall | hartley.org.au
Capital Region Farmers Market
This farmers’ market is iconic for a reason.
Go along to sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra and speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
It will make you appreciate your Saturday morning shopping trip in a whole new way.
Saturdays, 7 am-11:30 am | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building, you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. The sheer variety means you’ll discover something unexpected every visit, whether that’s a piece of pottery that speaks to you, a stunning necklace, or the perfect vintage find. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
Sundays, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta, pet treats and more.
Sundays, 7 am -11.30 am | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com/SouthsideFarmersMarketCanberra
Haig Park Village Markets
Another local favourite, spend your Sunday morning browsing delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities.
It’s the kind of market where you can linger over breakfast, discover a new artist, and stock up on fresh produce all in one lovely morning, making it the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Stage
Pritish Narula Live in Canberra
Comedian Pritish Narula brings his high-energy stand-up show to The Street Theatre. Known for his sharp observational humour, bold storytelling, and Punjabi cultural commentary, Narula delivers an engaging live performance celebrating identity and everyday life. Please note: This performance is conducted in Hindi and Punjabi.
Thursday 29 October, 7.30 pm–9 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Daniel Connell: Prairie Dog
Australian stand-up comedian Daniel Connell (Have You Been Paying Attention?) performs his dry, observational comedy show live at The Street Theatre.
Saturday 31 October, 7.30 pm–8.30 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City| alist.com.au
Lawrence Mooney – Full Moon Party
Comedian Lawrence Mooney brings a cast of impressions and original characters to the stage (including Dr Tyler Wall, Jean Le Camembert, Malcolm Turnbull, and Russell Crowe) in a live stand-up show.
Saturday 31 October, 8 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | alist.com.au
Greg Davies – Full Fat Legend
British comedian and actor Greg Davies (Taskmaster, The Inbetweeners, Man Down) brings his debut Australia and New Zealand stand-up tour to Canberra for a night of storytelling.
Saturday 31 October, 7 pm–10.30 pm | Royal Theatre, 31 Constitution Avenue, City | nccc.com.au
Around the World in 80 Days
Honest Puck Theatre presents Mark Brown’s fast-paced, comedic stage adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure novel. Five actors take on dozens of characters as Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout race against time (and Detective Fix) across continents, oceans, and railways. Filled with theatrical quick-changes and inventive staging, it offers an engaging show for families and theatregoers of all ages.
Until Saturday 31 October | Perform Australia Theatre, 12/38 Reed Street North, Greenway | honestpuck.com.au
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Chaika Theatre presents Picnic at Hanging Rock, Tom Wright’s stage adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s novel, directed by Caitlin Baker, at ACT Hub’s Causeway Hall in Kingston from 23 October to 7 November. Set on a Valentine’s Day in 1900, the story follows a group of schoolgirls from Appleyard College whose picnic at Hanging Rock ends when several girls and a teacher vanish without explanation. Five young women later attempt to reconstruct events, as shifting memories blur the line between fact and myth. The production runs 80 minutes with no interval and features Jessi Gooding, Karina Hudson, Thea Jade, Breanna Kelly and Paris Scharkie.
Until Saturday 7 November, various times | ACT Hub, Causeway Hall, Kingston | acthub.littleboxoffice.com/
Screen
Russell Hobbs British Film Festival
Celebrate the finest storytelling, humour, and drama from across the UK as the British Film Festival returns to Palace Electric Cinema. Cinema enthusiasts can look forward to a rich, month-long program featuring eager awards contenders, captivating period dramas, hilarious comedies, and compelling documentaries starring Britain’s top talent. From sweeping romances to suspenseful thrillers, the festival offers an authentic taste of British cinema culture paired with fine wines and choc tops. Grab your tickets early to catch exclusive premieres and restored classic screen gems right here in the capital.
Wednesday 28 October until Sunday, 29 November, various times | Palace Electric Cinema, Acton | britishfilmfestival.com.au
Science. Art. Film.
Science. Art. Film. returns to Arc Cinema with a gripping screening of the post-apocalyptic thriller The Girl with All the Gifts. Exploring a world transformed by a fungal pandemic, the evening asks whether the film’s vision is unsettling because of its biological plausibility or because it challenges how we view health, evolution, and our place in nature. Following the screening, an expert panel will discuss the science, cultural imagination, and infectious disease realities behind the story, examining how popular culture shapes our understanding of future survival.
Wednesday, 28 October, 6 pm–9 pm | Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Girl For A Day (Un jour fille)
Screened in partnership with A Gender Agenda to mark Intersex Awareness Day, Girl For A Day tells the historical drama of Anne Grandjean, an intersex individual in 18th-century France struggling for identity and self-determination. The screening provides a historical lens on modern themes of bodily autonomy, identity, and resilience in the face of societal rigidities.
Thursday 29 October, 7 pm–9 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Lights Out Horror Film Festival
Celebrate Halloween with a fright on the big screen as the Lights Out Horror Film Festival brings a stellar collection of homegrown horror shorts to Verity Lane Market. Head upstairs to Louie Louie for an evening celebrating local scare talent, featuring thrills, chills, and plenty of atmosphere. Costumes are strongly encouraged, with a special prize up for grabs for whoever wears the best-dressed outfit of the night. It promises an unforgettable evening of local horror, provided you don’t mind leaving with the lights on.
Thursday 29 October, 7 pm–11 pm | Louie Louie, upstairs at Verity Lane Market, 50 Northbourne Avenue, City | tickets.oztix.com.au
Disaster Fridays
Think your week has been challenging? Test your nerve against epic storms, raging tsunamis, and world-ending cataclysms during a thrilling cinematic screening series at Arc Cinema. Disaster Fridays unleashes a whirlwind of high-stakes survival stories and seismic shocks, proving that magnificent chaos is always more entertaining to watch safely from the comfort of a plush velvet seat. Grab your popcorn and settle in for edge-of-your-seat entertainment celebrating Hollywood’s most spectacular and memorable catastrophe blockbusters.
Friday 30 October, 7 pm–9 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
A Day at the Movies – Dementia-friendly screenings
An inclusive cinema experience designed specifically for people living with dementia and their carers. Held in a supportive environment with lower volume levels, low room lighting, an intermission, dedicated quiet zones, and complimentary refreshments.
Saturday 31 October, 10.30 am–2 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Life in the Great Barrier Reef 360° VR Documentary
Submerge yourself in a breathtaking underwater world without leaving the inner north. Premiering at the National Museum of Australia, Life in the Great Barrier Reef is an immersive 35-minute cinematic documentary utilising custom-built 8K 360° virtual reality technology. Guided by leading scientists, reef stewards, and Traditional Owners, audiences are transported to the depths of two UNESCO World Heritage sites to encounter manta rays, whales, and rare coral spawning events, while gaining a deeper understanding of current conservation efforts.
Ongoing, session times vary | National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au
NFSA Spring Film Series
Enjoy the NFSA’s curated program of recent releases and revived classics, from high art to guilty pleasures. There’s something for everyone!
Follow the pull of earth, water, fire and air in the Spring Film Series at Arc Cinema. From epic river journeys and windswept adventures to stories of passion, change and survival, these films reveal the forces that shape our world and ourselves.
Step into these elemental worlds and discover stories that move, challenge and transform.
Until Monday 30 November | NFSA Acton, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au/whats-on
Sport and Wellness
Fitness in The Park
Fitness class for all levels of fitness for the whole community. Join Ginninderry local Vince as he takes you through a group fitness class in the fresh air at Paddys Park.
Every Wednesday, 7.30 am to 8.30 am, Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn | ginninderry.com
Yoga at Ginninderry
Get bendy on Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle, and comfy clothes.
Every Thursday, 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | ginninderry.com
The Canberra Times Run Canberra
Lace up your running shoes and join thousands of participants bringing incredible energy to the streets of the capital. Whether you are chasing a personal best on a fast, flat AIMS-certified course or crossing a finish line for the very first time, there is a distance for everyone. Choose from the half marathon, 10K, and 5K events, or bring the little ones along for the fun-filled Kids Dash past iconic landmarks. After crossing the line, celebrate your achievement and unwind with friends in the lively event village featuring food stalls, coffee, and entertainment.
Sunday 1 November, 5.30 am–11.30 am | Rond Terrace, Parkes, Parkes Way, Acton | solemotive.com
Music
Resonance
Distinguished jazz improviser-composers Sandy Evans (saxophone), Andrea Keller (piano), Michelle Nicolle (vocals), and Jenny Barnes (vocals) unite at The Street Theatre to present Resonance. This original suite reflects on the personal, social, and creative realities faced by mid-career and elder women in music. The performance features newly commissioned lyrics by Australian poets alongside standard literature set to modern jazz compositions.
Wednesday 28 October, 7.30 pm–9.30 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
We Giggle with Jam
Take a refreshing musical break with the Kompactus Youth Chamber Choir during an uplifting lunchtime concert at the Wesley Music Centre. Celebrating the joy, curiosity, and unexpected delights of singing together, the program explores a diverse array of vocal moods—from the bright energy of Heart Sutra and the relaxed charm of Capybara to the playful nonsense of Bagels and Biscuits. Expect plenty of personality, moments of deep reflection, and perhaps even some giggling and jam along the way.
Wednesday 28 October, 12.40 pm–1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, ACT | trybooking.com/DIJJK
Peking Duk ‘Paradise’ Album Tour
ARIA Award-winning electronic duo Peking Duk perform a live concert at UC Refectory celebrating their debut studio album, Paradise. Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles bring an all-new immersive production featuring fresh tracks alongside multi-platinum hits like “High,” “Stranger,” and “Take Me Over”.
Friday 30 October, 7.30 pm–11.30 pm | UC Refectory, 11 Kirinari Street, Building 1, Bruce | moshtix.com.au
Hindley Street Country Club
Adelaide-born musical collective Hindley Street Country Club brings their international tour to the Canberra Theatre Centre. Created by Constantine Delo, the elite ensemble reconstructs classic pop, rock, and soul hits of the 1970s and 80s with world-class live musicianship.
Friday 30 October, 7.30 pm–9.50 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Exploding Universe of Ed Kuepper
Australian music icon Ed Kuepper marks 50 years as a recording artist with a career-spanning full-band tour. Joined by Mark Dawson, Peter Oxley, Alister Spence, and Eamon Dilworth, the concert tackles material ranging from The Saints and Laughing Clowns to his award-winning solo catalogue.
Friday 30 October, 8 pm–10 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Men At Work – Live in Concert
Frontman Colin Hay brings his LA-based band to Canberra to celebrate 45 years since the creation of Men At Work’s landmark debut album Business As Usual. The concert features era-defining global hits including Down Under, Who Can It Be Now, and Be Good Johnny.
Friday 30 October, 6 pm–9 pm | National Convention Centre Canberra, 31 Constitution Avenue, City | nccc.com.au
Talks, Tours and Workshops
Nature Play at the Arboretum
Designed for young children (ages 18 months to five years) and their carers, this outdoor-only program encourages child-led play, imagination, and seasonal exploration within the forests of the National Arboretum. Led by outdoor educators, children build confidence, social skills, and environmental awareness through natural craft, sensory activities, and unstructured forest play.
Monday 26 October, 10 am–12 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Launching Fit to Print with Mike Bowers
Join renowned photojournalist and media commentator Mike Bowers in conversation with Michaela Kalowski for an exclusive book launch event at the National Library. Bowers dives back into the Fairfax Photo Archive to present an expanded deluxe second edition of Fit to Print, featuring over 150 remarkable images spanning the 1890s to the 1940s. Hear fascinating stories behind the beginnings of Australian photojournalism, the materiality of historical glass plate negatives, and why these timeless visual records continue to resonate today.
Tuesday 27 October, 6 pm–7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Suzanne Bellamy and the Australian Women’s Liberation Movement
2026 National Library Fellow Catherine Dwyer (writer and director of Brazen Hussies) presents her research into the life, archives, and enduring impact of Australian feminist, artist, and scholar Suzanne Bellamy (1948–2022). Supported by the Stokes Family, this presentation explores Bellamy’s legacy in documenting the Australian women’s movement and reflects on how grassroots activism shapes modern cultural moments.
Thursday 29 October, 12.30 pm–1.30 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Drawing the Line: Geoff Pryor and David Pope in conversation
The Canberra Times presents Geoff Pryor and David Pope, with Sally Pryor, as they compare experiences, debate the impact of changing tools, and explore what remains at the heart of political cartooning.
Geoff Pryor created political cartoons in black-and-white on cardboard, often with ink on his fingers. His successor, David Pope, works with sophisticated software and a digital tablet. The job title may be the same, but how has the craft, technology and daily life of a political cartoonist changed from one generation to the next?
Join Geoff and David for a lively conversation as they compare experiences, debate the impact of changing tools, and explore what remains at the heart of political cartooning
Thursday 29 October, 6–7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Learn Astrophotography in the Dark Skies of Canberra
An introductory evening workshop combining classroom theory with hands-on practice in photographing stars, landscapes, and the Milky Way. Suitable for participants using DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, or modern smartphones with tripods.
Saturday 31 October, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm | Various Canberra locations | ianwilliamsphotography.com
Matcha and ceramic painting with Noa Matcha
Unwind and tap into your creative side during a delightful two-hour workshop combining Japanese tradition with hands-on artistry. Hosted across welcoming community spaces in Canberra, this relaxed session teaches participants how to properly sift and whisk ceremonial-grade matcha to create a delicious latte. Following the tasting, guests will choose a ceramic mug or bowl to paint using simple, step-by-step techniques with all materials provided. No prior experience is necessary, and you get to take your unique hand-painted ceramic piece home.
Saturday 31 October, 10 am–12 pm | Various locations, Canberra | noamatcha.com
Learn Astrophotography
Discover how to capture stunning shots of the stars and Milky Way during a comprehensive, hands-on workshop tailored for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Combining theoretical guidance with practical fieldwork in scenic local landscapes, participants learn the essential techniques needed to photograph the night sky using digital cameras or smartphones paired with a tripod. Led by an experienced photographer, the session offers expert tips on exposure, composition, and equipment handling. Weather-dependent practical sessions include flexible backup dates at no extra cost.
Saturday 31 October, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm | Various locations, Canberra | ianwilliamsphotography.com
Slow Sketch Sunday at Wakefield’s
Slow things down and settle into your artistic practice with a relaxed afternoon life drawing session at Wakefield’s Bar and Wine. Designed for creators seeking a calmer rhythm, the session opens with quick warm-up poses before transitioning into longer, more sustained poses of up to thirty minutes. Participants are encouraged to observe deeply and build form within a welcoming, low-pressure neighbourhood bar environment. Drawing materials are provided, or artists can bring their own preferred mediums while enjoying regular breaks for food, drinks, and conversation.
Sunday, 1 November, 12.30 pm–3 pm | Wakefield’s Bar & Wine, 1 Wakefield Gardens, Shop 2, Ainslie | tipsysketching.club
Exhibitions
Quiet Places
Escape the rush of everyday life with Quiet Places, a collaborative exhibition hosted by The Gallery Next Door. Featuring ethereal landscape paintings by Penny Deacon alongside earthy ceramic forms by Amy Beggs-French, this peaceful show offers visitors a quiet sanctuary of art and reflection. Showcasing the talent of two local, emerging artists, the exhibition celebrates natural textures, soft tones, and subtle beauty. The gallery is fully accessible, free to enter, and provides a welcoming atmosphere to support Canberra’s creative talent. Pop in for a tranquil break and discover lovely handmade art in the heart of Duffy.
Until Sunday 1 November | The Gallery Next Door, Duffy Place, Shop 4, Duffy | thegallerynextdoor.com.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.
Until Sunday 1 November | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Canberra Potters Members Exhibition
Discover contemporary ceramic art at the Canberra Potters Members Exhibition, held at the Watson Arts Centre. As the region’s major pottery event of the year, this showcase features stunning works created by local members over the past twelve months. The exhibition highlights creative trends across functional vessels, sculptural forms, and decorative pieces. Key awards including the prestigious $5000 Doug Alexander Award, recognise artistic excellence within the local pottery community. It is a wonderful opportunity to support local makers and admire exceptional craft.
Until Sunday 1 November | Canberra Potters, Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | canberrapotters.com.au
Kris Ancog: Yearning to breathe free
Kris Ancog presents Yearning to Breathe Free, a solo exhibition of paintings titled after Emma Lazarus’ poem The New Colossus. Inspired by refugees travelling towards safety and rebuilding their lives in unfamiliar lands, the works also reflect the life-changing moments many people encounter. Drawing on the compositional harmony and restrained palettes of Renaissance and Rococo painting, Ancog reworks the classical tradition as contemporary abstraction. Viewed up close, the canvases read as expressive brushwork, colour and light, while from a distance, scenes gradually emerge as though recalled from memory. Light runs through the series as a metaphor for resilience, offering hope without denying struggle.
Until Sunday 8 November | Aarwun Gallery, Shop 11, Federation Square, Nicholls | aarwungallery.com.au
Bespoke Utopia | Exhibition
An art and design exhibition highlighting regional artists whose practices prioritise craftsmanship, slow design, and sustainability as an alternative to mass production.
Until Sunday 15 November | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
Future Feature: Teen artists from studioMAP
Step into the inspiring world of young creative talent with the upcoming Future Feature exhibition at M16 Artspace in Griffith. Showcasing the diverse perspectives of emerging teenage artists, this thoughtful collection offers a fascinating glimpse into their artistic journeys as they build confidence and step toward future maturity. It is a wonderful chance for local art lovers to support the next generation of creatives, celebrate fresh local talent, and witness the hopeful, imaginative visions shaping the future of our arts community right here in the heart of the capital.
Until Sunday 15 November, 10 am–4 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light
Questacon presents an interactive exhibition exploring the science of light through 13 hands-on exhibits. Visitors can experiment with light refraction, colour blending, shadow manipulation and reflection across multiple activity stations. The exhibition demonstrates how light travels, reflects and refracts, alongside displays of tools humans have developed to harness light. Activities include bending light, using sensors to create music, and working with lenses. The exhibition is designed for hands-on engagement with scientific concepts. Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is a Museums Victoria Touring Exhibition running until November 2026.
Until Sunday 22 November | Questacon–The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Hop In! – An Immersive World of Play
Turn the familiar family home inside out at Hop In!, a hands-on exhibition designed for children aged three to 12 and their families. Rooms shift in scale to encourage active play, letting little ones crawl under oversized furniture, stretch beneath cloud-filled skies, and wander through reimagined backyards and kitchens. At the heart of the space is artist Beci Orpin’s Bunny Dearest, a gentle companion guiding children through these imaginative spaces. Created for open-ended discovery, this interactive experience sparks curiosity, builds creative confidence, and offers families a wonderful opportunity to connect through shared play in the heart of the city.
Until Sunday 22 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
Exhibitions at Belconnen Arts Centre
Belconnen Arts Centre opens six diverse new exhibitions showcasing regional talent across textiles, printmaking, ceramics, digital imagery, and painting:
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Animal Portraits: Brenda Runnegar presents composite digital works reimagining domestic pets as majestic figures in early American folk art.
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Occupying Space: Helen Heslop explores South Coast landscapes, colonial history, and Yuin Country through intricate art quilts and collages.
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Passions, Journeys and Imaginings: Christine Upton uses carved bird figures, patterns, and abstract blossoms to explore nature and personal memory.
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Phases: Staff and collaborators from the UC Faculty of Art and Design reflect on global transition, change, and harmony.
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Colour Through My Eyes: Visually impaired artist Lien To shares vibrant Copic marker and collage works reflecting her imaginary safe spaces.
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Histories & Habitats: Fenja T. Ringl combines archaeology, palaeo-ecology, and printmaking on paper and ceramic forms.
Until Sunday 29 November | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
60 Years – Canberra Spinners and Weavers
A retrospective exhibition showcasing contemporary textile works by members of the Canberra Spinners and Weavers to mark 60 years of local craft heritage.
Until Saturday 12 December | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’ celebrates the year’s best political cartoons.
Featuring established and emerging cartoonists from across Australia, this exhibition highlights the significant contribution they make to cultural and political debates through witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings.
This year our Behind the Lines theme is the cinema, acknowledging that, like some of our favourite movies, 2025 has been full of thrills and spills, romance and heartbreak, with plenty of unexpected plot twists. Australia’s cartoonists and illustrators have tackled many of the issues that made news, including the federal election, the cost of living, energy policy, interest rates, housing security, the economy, climate change and stories from overseas.
Until December 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Gurindji Freedom Banners
A powerful new exhibition commemorating the pivotal 1966 Wave Hill Walk-off opens at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Gurindji Freedom Banners: Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla–From the darkness into the light unites all ten hand-painted banners for the first time in years, telling the story of when Gurindji and neighbouring peoples, led by Vincent Lingiari AM, walked off Wave Hill Station on 23 August 1966.
Their demands for fair working conditions and return of traditional lands sparked landmark change, leading to the first handback of Aboriginal land in 1975 and paving the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976. The textile banners were created in 2000 by 35 Gurindji people, many walk-off participants, with one recently recreated after going missing.
Now showing until late 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Wangka Wakaṉutja: the story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre
Between 1979 and 1990, the Papunya Literature Production Centre produced hundreds of illustrated bilingual books–funny, moving, extraordinary documents of Pintupi-Luritja language and culture, guided by community Elders who were also pioneers of the Western Desert art movement. Many of those books have been held in the National Library’s collections ever since, and this landmark new exhibition finally brings them to life. Featuring stories, drawings, photographs, manuscripts, and oral histories drawn from multiple collections, it’s a profoundly significant celebration of Aboriginal literary culture, collective creativity, and the remarkable human effort to keep language alive across generations.
Until Saturday, 31 January | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/wangka-wakanutja
RELICS: A New World Rises
Step into an extraordinary, imagined future where vintage objects become homes for intricate miniature worlds built from LEGO® bricks. Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS: A New World Rises features over 15 large-scale installations set in a world abandoned by humanity. Discover a refrigerator turned cryogenic resort or a grandfather clock transformed into a time machine. Packed with hidden details, humor, and nostalgia, this immersive exhibition playfully explores sustainability, consumer culture, and human creativity. Designed to captivate visitors aged 0–99, it is a wonderful reminder to slow down and embrace curiosity.
Until Sunday 31 January 2027 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
David Hockney: Portraits in Print
David Hockney: Portraits in Print opens at the National Gallery of Australia, drawing on the gallery’s own collection, the largest holding of Hockney’s work in the country. The display brings together more than 60 prints spanning almost 30 years, tracing the artist’s portraits of family, friends and collaborators across Los Angeles, Paris and London in the 1970s and 80s. Works include etchings, lithographs and photocollages, alongside experimental processes such as mylar sheets and faxes.
Until Sunday 14 February 2027, free | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Rosalie Gascoigne
Opening at the National Gallery of Australia, this major exhibition celebrates the career of Rosalie Gascoigne (1917–1999), one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Famous for transforming discarded, weathered items—such as retro-reflective road signs, wooden crates, and feathers—into poetic assemblages, her works reflect the light, color, and texture of the surrounding Kamberri/Canberra landscape.
Until Sunday 14 February | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Yarning: Sharing Stories, Celebrating Culture
Explore Yarning, a vibrant new exhibition at Australian Parliament House showcasing the creative voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from across the nation. Featuring artworks from over 70 young artists, the display showcases entries from the Yarning competition exploring themes of Country, identity, family, and reconciliation—including the three winning pieces. Located in the public area on the Level 1 Senate side, this inspiring collection offers a powerful platform for young First Nations storytellers.
Open daily until February 2027 | Australian Parliament House, Capital Hill | aph.gov.au
Tamara Lalayan Gallery Exhibition
Immerse yourself in a world of color and imagination with Tamara Lalayan’s latest art showcase, currently on display in the elegant Howard Lounge. Inspired by memory, movement, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments, Tamara’s expressive works invite viewers into richly layered landscapes. Each piece captures the subtle emotions and natural wonder found so effortlessly in our surrounding environment. Set within the historic surrounds of Hyatt Hotel Canberra, this peaceful exhibition offers art lovers and visitors a tranquil space to reflect and appreciate local creative talent. Pop in for a quiet moment of inspiration during your next city outing.
Until 28 February 2027 | Howard Lounge, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom
The Royal Australian Mint’s exhibition Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom draws on never-before-seen objects from the National Collection to explore the rich symbolism of flowers on coins from around the world. The exhibition traces how floral designs struck into metal carry stories of national identity, cultural heritage and remembrance — from Australia’s kangaroo paw and the South African protea to the Western Samoan Teuila.
Decorative motifs such as laurel, olive and oak wreaths, used for centuries as symbols of victory, peace and strength, also feature. Commemorative coins in the exhibition show how flowers have honoured significant historical moments and individuals across cultures.
Until March 2027 | Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures
Step into a vibrant, near-future Australia where once-impossible technologies transform how we live, work, and play. Questacon’s latest immersive gallery, Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures, makes the complex world of quantum physics accessible, playful, and incredibly fun.
Developed in collaboration with Canberra illustrator Paul Summerfield, the exhibition brings tomorrow’s tech to life through colourful, highly detailed illustrations, giant airborne sculptures, and a mesmerising cloud chamber that reveals the invisible world of tiny particles. Along the way, visitors can meet the pioneering Australian researchers who are harnessing the unique behaviours of quantum objects to solve some of the world’s most critical challenges. From un-hackable communications and personalised medicine to ultra-responsive prosthetics, you’ll discover how a quantum future promises to make ordinary lives extraordinary.
Open daily through 30 June 2027 | Gallery 8, Questacon, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
National Library of Australia Treasures Gallery
The National Library has millions of books, and the Treasures Gallery answers the frequently asked question, ‘Where are they’. They also collect other items. From maps and manuscripts to photographs and paintings, the Treasures Gallery is where you can find highlights from their vast physical and digital collections. Behind-the-scenes videos, pages from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio, a cedar bookcase carved by Dorothea Mackellar, photographs from the nation’s photo album, and a display of The Wiggles’ websites from 1997 to today from the Australian Web Archive are among the new additions.
Until December 2030 | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years is a permanent portrait exhibition celebrating 50 years of women as residents at John XXIII College. Featuring fifty alumni, the exhibition pairs portraiture with personal reflections to capture the evolving experience of women across five decades. Photographed by ANU School of Art graduate Bronte Morel across Australia and internationally, each work is set in a location of personal significance. Together, the collection forms an intergenerational narrative of leadership, identity and community, recognising the enduring contribution of women to the College and beyond.
Permanent exhibition, open 9 am–5 pm daily | Front foyer, John XXIII College, 51 Daley Road, Australian National University, Canberra | johnxxiii.anu.edu.au
