Capital Film Festival, a Birdsnest pop-up, the Canberra Nara Candle Festival and 100 things to do this week
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This week our city is turning on the charm with an incredible lineup of events to fill your calendar.
Whether you are looking to watch inspiring international cinema, soak up the serene glow of thousands of flickering lanterns at the much-loved Canberra Nara Candle Festival, or explore dozens of local markets, workshops, and community celebrations, we have rounded up the very best ways to make the most of your week. Grab your diary and let’s dive right in!
Don’t miss…
Capital Film Festival 2026
Film lovers, rejoice—the ACT’s premier international screen event is back with an expanded festival lineup! Returning for its fifth year, the Capital Film Festival expands its footprint across two iconic cultural hubs: founding home Dendy Cinemas and new venue partner, the National Film and Sound Archive. Curated by Festival Director Karina Libbey, the 2026 program delivers a world-class selection of acclaimed international features, thought-provoking documentaries, special guest Q&As, and exclusive red-carpet premieres. It is an unmissable five-day celebration designed to spark conversation, surprise audiences, and bring film enthusiasts together.
Wednesday 21 until Sunday 25 October, various times | Dendy Cinemas and NFSA, City and Acton | canberra.dendy.com.au/capital-film-festival
Birdsnest Canberra pop-up store
birdsnest’s Canberra pop-up returns this October with a new home, new-season styles and a warm welcome for outfit lovers across Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounds. A much-loved fixture on the local events calendar, birdsnest’s Canberra pop-up returns at a new home in the newly opened South Jerrabomberra Community Centre in Tralee. Opening at 9 am Thursday, the four-day event will showcase new-season spring/summer fashion from birdsnest’s nine exclusive brands, designed at its Cooma headquarters. With sizes 8–22/24, versatile styles for every personality and occasion – including the festive season ahead – and a friendly team on hand to help shoppers find their perfect style match, there really is something for everyone
Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 October, opens 9 am Thursday | South Jerrabomberra Community Centre, Tralee | birdsnest.com.au
Circus in the City
Canberra City is coming alive with vibrant energy as the Capital Performing Arts Warehouse and City Renewal Authority launch an exciting series of free workshops, stunning shows, and roving entertainment. Spanning iconic local spots from Garema Place to Glebe Park, this community celebration features incredible performances and family-friendly activities delivered by professional street artists alongside local favorites like Warehouse Circus and the Hand to Hand Academy. It is the perfect opportunity to indulge your Civic pride, catch some world-class street theatre, and experience our city in a whole new and playful way.
Thursday 23 October, 6.30 pm–8.30 pm | Canberra City, Garema Place, City | cpaw.au
Tennis for Resilience – Season 2
Running for Resilience is launching season two of Tennis for Resilience, a free weekly tennis program open to players of all experience levels, from complete beginners to regulars. Sessions run across two Canberra venues, Turner Tennis Club and Melba Tennis Club, with equipment provided for both traditional tennis and POP Tennis. The program is framed around building mental wellbeing through movement and social connection, alongside weekly giveaways and an end-of-season prize pack. No experience required – just rock up and have some fun!
Until Friday 23 October, 4:45–6 pm weekly | Turner Tennis Club, 49 Condamine Street, Turner and Melba Tennis Club, Brownlee Place, Melba | runningforresilience.com
Canberra Nara Candle Festival
Celebrating peace, goodwill, and Canberra’s long-standing sister city relationship with Nara, Japan, this annual cultural festival transforms Lennox Gardens. The Canberra Nara Peace Park is illuminated by thousands of flickering candles, creating a backdrop for an evening filled with authentic Japanese cuisine, musical performances, traditional dance, and cultural art demonstrations.
Saturday 24 October | Canberra Nara Peace Park, Flynn Drive, Capital Hill | events.canberra.com.au
Spring/Summer event wear styling workshop with Fiona Keary
Stylist Fiona Keary leads a Spring/Summer event wear styling workshop at Canberra Centre’s Centre Court on Saturday 24 October. The session covers seasonal trends and practical styling advice for events including Floriade, spring racing, weddings and end-of-year celebrations, drawing on pieces from Canberra Centre’s fashion retailers. Keary will address silhouettes, accessories and building outfits suited to a range of occasions and budgets. The workshop includes a glass of sparkling wine and a spring-themed snack board on arrival.
Saturday 24 October, 11 am | Centre Court, Canberra Centre | canberracentrespringstylingworkshop.eventbrite.com.au
The Charlotte Open Day
A new address made for living, with views and wellness on your doorstep. The Charlotte invites you to step inside DOMA’s newest residential address in the heart of Phillip.
Tour beautifully furnished display apartments, experience the views, explore the dedicated wellness level, complete with a 25m heated pool, state-of-the-art Technogym, residents lounge and outdoor entertainment spaces. Enjoy coffee, Three Mills Bakery, and a chance to win the Lucky Door Prize.
Whether you’re buying your first home, downsizing or simply curious, come and see what life at The Charlotte feels like. This is your opportunity to experience the quality first-hand and speak with the team for on-the-spot advice. Residents move in this December.
Saturday 24 October, 9 am–12 pm | 34 Furzer Street, Phillip | Walk-ins welcome, or register at THE CHARLOTTE OPEN DAY.
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
K:NOVA K-Pop showcase
Get ready for an electrifying night of rhythm, stellar choreography, and serious stage energy as K:NOVA brings the capital’s finest K-pop dancers together for one unforgettable showcase. Brought to you by Espeon, KCT, and ANU Kpop, the evening highlights amazing routines performed by your favourite local dance crews. Whether you are a dedicated fan of the genre or simply looking to soak up some vibrant local talent, grab your friends and head down to the Kambri Cultural Centre for a high-energy celebration of dance and community spirit.
Saturday 24 October, 5.30 pm | Kambri Cultural Centre, Theatre 2, Level 2, Acton | trybooking.com
Festival of Tennis
Tennis ACT presents the Festival of Tennis, a free community day marking the start of the Summer of Tennis. Coaches lead Hot Shots sessions for children aged three to ten and older, while Cardio Tennis demonstrations cater to all abilities and fitness levels. Other activities include POP Tennis, the POP 1 Point Slam, pickleball and a speed serve challenge. The first 200 children receive a free racquet. Away from the courts, there is a photobooth, face painting and glitter tattoos, prizes and giveaways, and a live DJ. Food and drink options include bubble tea, slushies, acai bowls and Brazilian barbecue. Comfortable clothes, a water bottle and a hat are recommended.
Sunday 25 October, 10 am–12 pm | Canberra Tennis Centre, Lyneham | tennis.com.au
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
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
Special Events + Festivals
Plant giveaway
Give your home jungle or garden a free green refresh with the City Renewal Authority’s latest community plant giveaway in Braddon. As part of an ongoing initiative to keep our public spaces vibrant, hundreds of seasonal plants are up for grabs to be repurposed and given a loving new home. There is an initial limit of two plants per person to ensure everyone can share in the greenery, with extra foliage available if stocks last. It is a fantastic, sustainable way to brighten up your living space while celebrating the beautiful public flora that makes our city so special.
Wednesday 21 October, 11.30 am–1 pm | Corner of Mort and Elouera Street, Braddon, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | inthecity.com.au
Friends Trivia at Southbound
Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong gives its weekly free Wednesday night trivia a Friends-themed makeover. Test your knowledge across multiple rounds of questions covering Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, featuring classic quotes, plotlines, and Central Perk trivia. Entry is free, with prizes up for grabs for winning teams.
Wednesday 21 October, 7 pm–9 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong, Greenway | cscc.com.au
BDAA National Festival of Design 2026
Architecture enthusiasts and design lovers are invited to explore the future of built environments as the National Festival of Design comes to Canberra. Bringing together top industry experts—including Dr Saul Griffith and Jim Penman—the four-day event tackles pressing topics like sustainable housing, climate-resilient homes, and artificial intelligence in design. The festival opens with a free public trade show at Dairy Road, features insightful keynote conferences at the National Gallery, and concludes with an exclusive guided architectural tour of Canberra. It is a fascinating look at cutting-edge Australian design and sustainable living.
Thursday 22 until Sunday 25 October, various times | Various locations, Fyshwick and Parkes | nationalfestivalofdesign.com.au
Spooky Stories 2
Celebrate the shadow side of local storytelling as Canberra’s vibrant writing community gathers for a night of spine-tingling horror and dark fiction. Coinciding with Samhain and the lead-up to Halloween, Spooky Stories 2 showcases five local authors (Chelsea Fritzlaff, John Lombard, C. H. Pearce, S. R. Undershultz, and Imogen Wall) reading excerpts of their haunting prose and poetry. The evening also doubles as the official launch of Issue 04 of Lost Souls Magazine. To wrap up the night, local musician Connor Whyte will perform a soulful, ghost-inspired acoustic set, making it an essential autumn gathering for lovers of the macabre.
Thursday 22 October | Gang Gang Café, Downer | events.humanitix.com
Oktoberfest at Mooseheads
A themed club night featuring Bavarian decor, guest DJs, themed drinks, giveaways, and late-night entertainment.
Saturday 24 October 2026, 9 pm–11. 59 pm | Mooseheads, 105 London Circuit, City | mooseheads.com.au
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
Get ready to raise a stein because Australia’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration is returning to Canberra for a massive Bavarian-style garden party. Taking over Patrick White Lawns, this vibrant spring festival brings a huge selection of authentic German biers, wines, and ciders alongside mouthwatering food stalls serving up fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and traditional treats. Complementing the brews is a jam-packed entertainment lineup featuring brass bands, roaming performers, thrill rides, and live DJs. Round up your crew, dust off your dirndls or lederhosen, and enjoy an unforgettable, sunshine-filled afternoon along the lake.
Saturday 24 October, 1 pm–9 pm | Patrick White Lawns, Parkes | oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au
Bosom Buddies 2026 Annual Dinner and Fundraiser
Gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a deeply meaningful evening supporting local individuals and families navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. For over 30 years, Bosom Buddies ACT has provided compassionate peer support, care packages, and vital connection across our region. Staged at the Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden, this warm fundraising gala features a delicious three-course dinner, live entertainment, lucky door prizes, and exciting live and silent auctions. Every ticket purchased directly helps ensure these essential community support services continue thriving. Put on your favorite cocktail attire and join in making a lasting difference together.
Saturday, 24 October, 6:30 pm doors | Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden | 2026-annual-fundraising-dinner.raiselysite.com
Sunday Funday
Head to Viking Park in Wanniassa for a community sports and family day. Kids can try out equipment across various local sports codes, meet Tuggeranong sports teams, and participate in free outdoor activities. Afterwards, families can head down the road to Erindale Vikings for lunch with kids’ meal specials.
Sunday 25 October, 10 am–2 pm | Viking Park, 4 Amsinck Street, Wanniassa | vikings.com.au
Grandparents Day at Tuggeranong
Celebrate Grandparents Day with a family meal at Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong. When spending $30 or more in a single transaction, grandparents receive a free dessert and children under 12 receive a free soft-serve ice cream.
Sunday 25 October, 11 am–9 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong, Greenway | cscc.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
Food + Drink
Spend the Evening with Australia’s First Female Sake Samurai
Japanese restaurant KOTO hosts an exclusive sake celebration led by Yukino Ochiai, Director of Deja Vu Sake Company and Australia’s first female Sake Samurai. Priced at $215 per person, the event pairs eight premium Japanese sakes with a bespoke seven-course menu crafted by Executive Chef Shinya Nakano.
Wednesday 21 October | KOTO, King George Avenue, Parkes | kotoway.com.au
Arabian Night Buffet Dinner & Show
Immerse yourself in Middle Eastern dining and entertainment at Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison. The evening features a buffet packed with traditional Arabic mezze, charcoal-grilled meats, a whole carved lamb station, and authentic Middle Eastern sweets, accompanied by live belly dance performances throughout the night.
Friday 23 October, 6.30 pm–8 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club, Macquarie | cscc.com.au
St Hallett Wine Dinner at the Yacht Club
A four-course dinner crafted by Executive Chef Trung Pham, paired with premium wines from Barossa winery St Hallett.
Friday 23 October, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
Intensive Cheesemaking Workshop
Spend a full day learning the craft and science of home dairy production at Merici College. Led by dairy industry expert Graham (drawing on international experience across France, Italy, the UK, and Australia), this hands-on beginner workshop teaches participants how to culture, press, and age artisan cheeses. Attendees hand-craft Farmhouse Cheddar, Creamy Brie, Quark, Marinated Feta, French Lactic Cheese, and Buttermilk Ricotta to take home, along with recipe guides for future home batches.
Saturday 24 October, 8 am–4.30 pm | Merici College, Limestone Avenue, Braddon | cheesemaking.com.au
Make Art – Eat Cake: Sculpt your pet!
Combine art instruction with coffee and cake in a relaxed, beginner-friendly sculpting session led by artist and visual arts teacher Marianne Mettes. Hosted at The Front Cafe, this edition guides participants step-by-step in creating a custom, pet-inspired sculpture. All sculpting tools and materials are provided alongside cafe treats and drinks. Designed for adults (ages 16 and up welcome).
Saturday 24 October, 3 pm–5.30 pm | The Front Cafe and Gallery, 84 Wattle Street, Lyneham | accessartacademy.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
Canberra Caravan Lifestyle Expo
A three-day outdoor leisure exhibition featuring over 120 exhibitors showcasing caravans, motorhomes, camping gear, holiday destinations, and outdoor accessories.
Friday 23 October until Sunday 25 October | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Road, Mitchell | caravanexpo.com
Canberra Psychic Fair
Ainslie Football and Social Club hosts a weekend dedicated to spiritual wellness, holistic healing, and esoteric arts. Browse stallholders selling raw crystals, handcrafted jewellery, Wicca items, candles, and natural scents. Visitors can book personal sessions with psychics, mediums, aura readers, wax art readers, and Reiki practitioners operating throughout the weekend.
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October | Ainslie Football and Social Club, Wakefield Street, Ainslie | canberrapsychicfair.com.au
Dairy Road spring picnic and market
Embrace the weekend with a delightful mix of fresh florals, sweet treats, and outdoor fun at the Dairy Road Precinct. House de Fleurs is teaming up with Teddy’s Matcha, Dumplinlins, and Gelato Drops to host a charming pop-up market complete with lawn games, delicious bites, and beautiful blooms. Grab a friend, pick your favourite order first, and settle in for a leisurely Saturday surrounded by good food, great company, and vibrant spring energy in one of Canberra’s most creative urban spaces.
Saturday, 24 October, 11 am–2 pm | Dairy Road Precinct, Kingston | @house_de_fleurs
Canberra Food Co-op 50th birthday community market
Celebrate half a century of the Canberra Food Co-op alongside Sly Fox Coffee at a vibrant, heart-filled community market and time capsule release for their new cookbook, Food for People. Gather with family and friends to browse handmade arts and crafts, community stalls, second-hand clothes, books, games, and delicious local food. Whether you are an established maker, a musician, or a passionate local, it is the ultimate way to support homegrown talent and connect with your community. Stall holder applications and volunteer enquiries are warmly welcomed online.
Saturday 24 October, 9 am–2 pm | 10 Bagot Street, O’Connor | slyfoxcommunitymarket@gmail.com
Women’s Festival
Celebrate community and empowerment at the historic Fitters Workshop during the Women’s Festival. Organised by the Canberra Circle of Women, this uplifting community event brings together a vibrant showcase of women-owned businesses, women-led organisations, and community groups dedicated to supporting and celebrating women across the region. Visitors can wander through market stalls, connect with inspiring local leaders, and discover fantastic initiatives that make a difference locally and globally. It is a warm and inclusive morning out designed to foster meaningful connections, highlight female entrepreneurship, and empower women throughout our city.
Sunday 25 October, 9.30 am–2 pm | Fitters Workshop, Kingston | canberracircleofwomen.org
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
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.
Saturday 23 October until Saturday 7 November, various times | ACT Hub, Causeway Hall, Kingston | acthub.littleboxoffice.com/
Nappies and Comedy
A baby-friendly, judgment-free stand-up comedy show designed specifically for parents who need a laugh without worrying about finding a babysitter. Held at Coffee Guru Amaroo, the venue offers space to park prams, lay out blankets for tummy time, and feed or tend to infants without hassle. Featuring a lineup of local Canberra comedians, the material is strictly adult-oriented (best suited for babies who aren’t yet repeating words!), and bubs attend for free.
Saturday 24 October, 3 pm–4 pm | Coffee Guru Amaroo, 11 Pioneer Street, Amaroo | trybooking.com
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.
Saturday 24 until Saturday 31 October | Perform Australia Theatre, 12/38 Reed Street North, Greenway | honestpuck.com.au
Screen
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap
Drag artist Venus Mantrap hosts a cult movie night featuring a live pre-screening drag performance followed by a film screening in Arc Cinema.
Friday 23 October, 8 pm–10 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
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
ACT PGA Seniors Golf Championship
Fairbairn Golf Club hosts the ACT PGA Senior Golf Championship, bringing top Legends Tour professionals (including Andre Stolz, Brad Burns, Terry Price, and Mike Harwood) to Canberra. The two-day tournament features a conjoint Pro-Am for local amateurs and a Pro Shootout on the par-3 14th hole on Thursday evening, complete with a raised spectator viewing platform.
Thursday 22 until Friday 23 October | Fairbairn Golf Club, 35 Laverton Avenue, Canberra Airport | fairbairngolfclub.com.au
WXV Global Series – Wallaroos v Scotland Women
The Australian Wallaroos close out their home Test season in an international rugby match against Scotland at GIO Stadium.
Friday 23 October, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | premier.ticketek.com.au
Twilight Flow and Live Music
Ainslie Arts Centre hosts an immersive, 90-minute wellness event combining yoga movement, live music, and sound bath therapy. The session begins with a dynamic Yin & Yang yoga flow set to responsive live instrumentation, including handpan, didgeridoo, saxophone, and synths. As darkness falls, the space transitions into a 30-minute meditative sound bath featuring crystal bowls and ambient light displays, concluding with herbal tea and community connection.
Sunday 25 October, 6.30 pm–8.30 pm | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | movement-music-medicine.com
Cypher Fight Sessions: UFC 333
Catch all the action of UFC 333 live on the big screen at Cypher Brewing Co., hosted alongside professional MMA athlete Danielle Drop Bear Curtis. Following the headline bout, Danielle will break down technical analysis, answer audience questions, and meet supporters as part of the official launch of her road to the UFC sponsorship. Enjoy great food, coffee, and local brews while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Entry is free with an official RSVP, and all confirmed attendees on site go into the draw to win a pair of signed gloves.
Sunday 25 October, 5 am AEDT | Cypher Brewing Co., Unit 3/35 Hinder Street, Gungahlin | cypherbrewing.com.au
Breathwork and Sound Healing Journey
Soma Woman’s Wellness hosts a 75-minute relaxation and recalibration session in Dickson. Beginning with 15 minutes of guided breathwork techniques to settle the nervous system, the experience leads into an extended sound bath using didgeridoos, crystal bowls, shamanic drums, Rav Vast, and Koshi chimes designed to release tension and encourage deep meditation. Attendees are asked to bring their own mat, blanket, and pillow.
Sunday 25 October, 6 pm–7.15 pm | Soma Woman’s Wellbeing, 3 Dickson Place, Suite 2/3, Dickson | lawenhealingrituals.com
Flow and Food Ayurveda Cooking Spring Workshop
Guided by Ayurveda Health Advisor Tracey Murray, this full-day interactive workshop introduces the foundational health principles, digestive philosophies, and culinary techniques of Ayurvedic cooking. Participants work as a group to prepare a balanced seasonal meal featuring dal, spiced rice, stovetop breads, fresh chutneys, and vegetable dishes. Includes a recipe booklet and introductory reference handbook.
Sunday 25 October, 10 am–3 pm | Flow and Food, 253 Northbourne Avenue, Lyneham | flowandfood.com.au
GEC Sound Bath at East Hotel
Escape the rush of everyday life and restore your inner balance with a soothing, peaceful Sound Bath hosted by Good Energy Club. Held inside the stylish surroundings of East Hotel, this gentle morning session is guided by practitioner Sal H and designed to encourage deep rest, mindfulness, and quiet stillness. Participants are invited to lie back, relax, and immerse themselves in resonant auditory vibrations that ease tension and quiet the mind. It is a lovely, restorative wellbeing ritual for local women seeking a calming mid-weekend pause alongside a warm, welcoming community.
Sunday 25 October, 7.45 am for 8 am start | East Hotel, Kingston | activelocals.app.link/XOSgq7Lb95b
Recharge in nature
Escape the daily rush and deeply nourish your mind, body, and spirit with an immersive three-hour forest therapy session at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Based on the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, this slow, sensory experience invites you to connect deeply with the natural world through guided observations and mindful activities. Unlike a standard hike, the intimate group—capped at just ten participants—moves gently before concluding with a peaceful reflection circle, a shared snack, and a simple tea ceremony to ground your senses.
Sunday 25 October, 10 am–1 pm | Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River | latitude55.com.au
Poetry of Spring: Guided Forest Walk
Experience the forests of the National Arboretum through a uniquely poetic and botanical lens as they awaken from their winter slumber. Inspired by the classic E.E. Cummings verse, this two-hour guided walk invites you to appreciate the beauty of the trees while soaking in the refreshing seasonal atmosphere. Please note that the route features unsealed tracks with variable and moderately steep terrain, so a moderate level of fitness and sturdy walking shoes are required for participants aged 12 years and over.
Sunday 25 October, 12.30 pm–2.30 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Visitors Centre, Molonglo | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Music
A Retro Spectrum – Mike Rudd
Australian rock veteran Mike Rudd (frontman of seminal 1970s bands Spectrum, Ariel, and Indelible Murtceps) performs an intimate retrospective concert at the Harmonie German Club. Audiences will hear live renditions of classics like I’ll Be Gone, alongside hidden gems, paired with Rudd’s personal stories and behind-the-scenes memories from the peak of Australia’s psychedelic rock era.
Wednesday 21 October, 7 pm–10 pm | The Zeppelin Room, Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | events.humanitix.com
TISM: No Mistakes Tour
Infamous, anonymous, balaclava-clad alt-rock group TISM return to the stage for their first national headline tour in over 30 years. Known for their satirical lyrics, dance-pop synth hooks, and chaotic live performances, the ARIA Award-winning group promises a completely different setlist of fan favourites and deep cuts every single night of the tour.
Wednesday 21 October, 7 pm–11.59 pm | Fortitude Music Hall, London Circuit, City | davidroywilliams.com
Brahms and Boyd
Pianist Edward Neeman performs Brahms’ Klavierstücke, Op. 76, and Anne Boyd’s Book of the Bells as part of the Wesley Lunchtime Concert series. Op. 76 is a set of short piano pieces by German Romantic composer Johannes Brahms, while Boyd is an Australian composer whose Book of the Bells is written for solo piano. The program pairs two bodies of solo piano writing from different centuries.
Wednesday 21 October, 12.40–1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, Forrest | trybooking.com/DIJJK
JET – The Rumblin’ Regional Revue
ARIA Hall of Fame inductees JET head to the UC Refectory on Part Two of their Rumblin’ Regional Revue Tour. Celebrating 25 years as a band, the Australian rock group will perform iconic hits from their multi-platinum catalogue, including anthems from Get Born. Rising Sydney alt-rock group Liquid Zoo provides support for the evening.
Thursday 22 October, 8 pm–11.30 pm | UC Refectory, 11 Kirinari Street, Building 1, Bruce | moshtix.com.au
The High Kings: The Rocky Road Tour 2026
Acclaimed Irish folk quartet The High Kings bring their signature harmonies, traditional instrumentation, and energetic stage show to the Canberra Theatre. Performing traditional ballads alongside modern folk arrangements, the group celebrates Irish heritage and storytelling on their 2026 world tour.
Thursday 22 October, 8 pm–11.59 pm | Canberra Theatre, London Circuit, City | davidroywilliams.com
The Eagles Greatest Hits
A two-hour tribute concert led by David Thompson and Jethro Andrews celebrating the music of The Eagles, featuring live renditions of classics like Hotel California, Desperado, and Take It To The Limit.
Friday 23 October, 8 pm–10.40 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Japan Jazz Nights: STEREO CHAMP
Experience an enchanting fusion of international sound, light, and culture as the annual Canberra Nara Candle Festival hosts a special live performance by Japanese jazz outfit STEREO CHAMP. Set against the serene backdrop of the Canberra Nara Peace Park, the evening transforms the precinct into a glowing wonderland illuminated by thousands of twinkling candles. Music lovers can settle on the lawn to enjoy smooth, contemporary jazz rhythms alongside authentic Japanese food, cultural demonstrations, and family activities. Entry is completely free, making it one of the most magical, atmospheric evenings on our local calendar.
Saturday 24 October, 4 pm–9 pm | Canberra Nara Peace Park, Yarralumla | canberranaracandlefestival.com.au
Music from the Big Screen: Live concert by the Ginninderra Wind Orchestra
Celebrate beloved music from some of the world’s most iconic films as the Ginninderra Wind Orchestra presents a free community concert at the Lyneham Performing Arts Centre. Conducted by Debbie Masling OAM and Ben Green, this vibrant 60 to 80 piece wind, brass, and percussion ensemble will perform unforgettable soundtracks spanning Star Wars, James Bond, The Sound of Music, and more. Bringing live music to the capital since 1987, it is a wonderful, warm, and welcoming afternoon out for families, friends, and music lovers of all ages.
Saturday 24 October, 2 pm–3 pm | Lyneham Performing Arts Centre, 61 Goodwin Street, Lyneham | facebook.com
The Billy Joel Experience
Anthony Mara and his seven-piece live band bring the music of global icon Billy Joel to the stage for a two-hour concert. Featuring high-calibre musicianship alongside full production lighting and sound, the tribute event showcases Joel’s legendary five-decade discography, delivering classic hits, radio anthems, and fan favourites with energy and passion.
Saturday 24 October , 7.30 pm–9.40 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Phantom: A Tribute to Michael Crawford
Australian vocalist Keith McNamara pays homage to West End and Broadway legend Michael Crawford in this premier concert tribute. Highlighting Crawford’s transition from TV comedy star to his Tony Award-winning portrayal of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original Phantom, the 90-minute show features showstoppers including The Music of the Night, Love Changes Everything, Memory, and All I Ask of You.
Saturday 24 October, 2 pm–3.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City| canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Quentin Angus & MSFS: Time Cycles Album Launch
International jazz guitarist and composer Dr. Quentin Angus brings ensemble MSFS to The Street Theatre on their Australia & New Zealand tour. Featuring New Zealand MC Mazbou Q, US vocalist Zoe Sparks, bassist Moto Fukushima, and drummer Kenneth Salters, the quintet crosses boundaries between contemporary jazz, hip-hop, and singer-songwriter styles. The performance showcases collaborative compositions, complex rhythms, and intricate improvisation from their album Time Cycles.
Saturday 24 October, 7.30 pm–9.20 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Olivia Chindamo & Matthew Sheens: Putting It Together
New York-based Australian jazz musicians Olivia Chindamo (vocalist) and Matthew Sheens (pianist) return home to launch their collaborative album Putting It Together. Performing at The Street Theatre, the duo delivers inventive arrangements of Great American Songbook standards, reimagined classical pieces, and original jazz compositions honed across years in the US music scene.
Sunday 25 October, 7 pm–8.20 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Talks, Tours and Workshops
Launch of The Luna Kit
Join the Canberra Circle of Women at the Fitters Workshop for the official launch of The Luna Kit, a groundbreaking initiative designed to help end period poverty globally. Created by Carol Mead and the Canberra Circle of Women, this reusable period kit will be handcrafted by local sewing teams and distributed to women and girls around the world. The kits will also be available for commercial purchase, with funds directly supporting the creation of more kits to extend their impact. Head along to learn more about this vital community initiative and support a powerful local movement making a real difference.
Saturday 24 October, 9.30 am–2 pm | Fitters Workshop, Kingston | canberracircleofwomen.org
In Conversation: Courtney Act and Paul Yore
To celebrate a newly commissioned portrait at the National Portrait Gallery, drag personality and performer Courtney Act joins artist Paul Yore for an exclusive live discussion. Facilitated by Gallery Director Bree Pickering, the talk delves into the creative process behind Yore’s detailed art, identity, and the collaborative story of subject and artist. Ticket holders gain after-hours access to view the new portrait inside the gallery after the discussion.
Saturday 24 October, 5.30 pm–7 pm | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Legends of Lanyon with Tim the Yowie Man
Discover the fascinating stories and hidden corners of Lanyon Homestead on an exclusive after-hours tour led by renowned local storyteller Tim the Yowie Man. Uncover remarkable history in areas rarely accessible to the public, including a secluded convict-built stone hut by the Murrumbidgee River, the iconic windmill, and scar trees. Enjoy Tim’s trademark humour before concluding the evening in the historic barracks with a candlelit supper of traditional pumpkin soup and fresh bread. A 2 to 3 kilometre walk over uneven terrain is required.
Saturday 24 October, 5 pm–8 pm | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | historicplaces.com.au
Make Art, Eat Cake: Sculpt your pet
Have your cake and sculpt it too during this fun, relaxed creative workshop at The Front Café and Gallery. Join award-winning artist and visual arts teacher Marianne Mettes to craft your very own unique, pet-inspired sculpture while enjoying professional tuition, all necessary art materials, and delicious coffee and cake. Perfect for beginners and budding artists alike, this welcoming session offers a wonderful opportunity to flex your creative muscles in one of Lyneham’s favorite community spaces. Suitable for adults and young creatives aged 16 and over.
Saturday 24 October, 3 pm–5.30 pm | The Front Cafe and Gallery (Two Before Ten), 84 Wattle Street, Lyneham | accessartacademy.com
Play Pinyin: your first step in Mandarin
Learnese presents Play Pinyin, a card-game workshop introducing absolute beginners to pinyin, the system used to read, type and pronounce Mandarin. Participants play games built around the three building blocks of a syllable: initials such as b, zh and x, finals such as ao, ing and üe, and the four tones. Combining the right cards and saying the sound aloud forms a real Mandarin syllable. The workshop covers sounds that often challenge beginners, including zh, x, q and ü, and explains how tones change a word’s meaning. No prior Mandarin is needed. Bilingual hosts guide each round, with small groups allowing everyone to play and speak.
Saturday 24 October, 2–4 pm | The Griffin Centre, 20 Genge Street, Canberra | eventbrite.com.au/
Cloud Studies closing event: Artist talks and workshop
Join the final day celebrations of Cloud Studies at Photo Access with a special program of artist talks and a hands-on cyanotype workshop. Start your morning with insights from exhibiting artists Rebecca Beardmore, Leah Beeferman, Yvette Hamilton, and Anna Madeleine Raupach in the gallery. Afterwards, head into the photo access gardens to transform your own cloud images into cyanotypes on fabric and paper, helping to stitch together a collaborative community sky installation. All materials and light refreshments are provided for this free public event.
Saturday 24 October, 11 am–2 pm | Photo Access, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Storytime with the Story Dogs
The National Library of Australia hosts Storytime with the Story Dogs, a monthly reading program held in partnership with Story Dogs. Trained volunteers and their accredited dogs create a relaxed space for children to enjoy stories, aiming to build confidence and a lifelong love of reading. Children aged seven to twelve are invited to read aloud to a volunteer and their dog, while younger children can listen to stories and pat the dogs under parental supervision. Sessions take place in the Library’s foyer, just outside the Bookshop, on the last Sunday of each month. No bookings are required, with the session running for approximately one hour from 11 am.
Sunday 25 October, 11 am–12 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Sandcasting with Hot Glass
Discover the fundamentals of hot glass sandcasting inside the studios of the Canberra Glassworks. Led by artists Nadina Geary and Olivia Gates, students learn how to press objects into damp sand, carve custom designs into molds, and watch as molten glass is ladled into their creations to form a finished glass sculpture.
Sunday 25 October, 1 pm–4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Mission 101: Plan your Halloween weekend in Mandarin
Learnése presents Mission 101, a Mandarin speaking session for beginners who can read pinyin. Participants work in teams to plan a Halloween weekend entirely in Mandarin. Each person holds a secret piece of the plan, so the group must talk to complete the task.
The session opens with introductions and a warm-up of key phrases, shown in Chinese characters and pinyin. Two team game rounds follow, with a surprise twist in the second. Participants then use the same phrases to make real plans for Saturday 31 October and share them with the group.
Groups of six to 16 take part, with bilingual hosts running the game.
Sunday 25 October, 2–4 pm | The Griffin Centre, Canberra City | eventbrite.com.au
Exhibitions
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.
Thursday 22 October until Sunday 15 November, 10 am–4 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
Bespoke Utopia | Exhibition
An art and design exhibition highlighting regional artists whose practices prioritise craftsmanship, slow design, and sustainability as an alternative to mass production.
Friday 23 October until Sunday 15 November | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
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.
Friday 23 October until Saturday 12 December | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
Takeaway: Tales from the Flavour Superhighway
Explore ecological networks, food sovereignty, and decolonial cultural practices at Canberra Contemporary’s latest exhibition. Curated by Denise Thwaites and Mariam Ella Arcilla, Takeaway: Tales from the Flavour Superhighway features works by artists like Marley Dawson and James Tylor as part of the Canberra Art Biennial 2026. Delving into the regenerative stories underpinning how we eat and cultivate food, the project includes knowledge-trading sessions, talks, food demos, and tours. Visitors can also enjoy a pop-up reading area by Magenta House. It is a thoughtful exploration into community nourishment, waste economies, and the fraught histories of land and water.
Until Saturday 24 October | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | canberracontemporary.com.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.
Saturday 24 October until Sunday 14 February | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
GR’AFT
Canberra Glassworks presents GR’AFT, a new exhibition by Thirroul-based artist Lynda Draper, developed in partnership with Sullivan + Strumpf. Created over two years, the exhibition marks Draper’s first major body of work in bronze and glass, following four decades as a leading figure in Australian ceramics. GR’AFT draws on the ancient horticultural practice of grafting, joining separate elements into a single living form, as a method and metaphor for transformation. Draper worked alongside glass artists Annette Blair and Spike Deane, and Nick Stranks of Carwoola Casting, bringing glass, ceramics and bronze together across three ancient material practices.
Until Sunday 25 October, Wed–Sun 10 am–4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
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 | info@thegallerynextdoor.com.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
Penelope Boyd – Surrender
Surrender is an exhibition of paintings by Canberra realist painter Penelope Boyd, centred on Artemis, the goddess associated with the wilderness, young girls, animals and the hunt. Boyd’s masked young women appear in imagined, moody landscapes, a device she links to Ovid’s retelling of the story of Artemis and Actaeon. Her approach draws on the traditional techniques of the Old Masters and on pre-industrial Western art. Boyd won the Cliftons Art Prize in 2014 and has been a finalist in the Shirley Hannan Portrait Prize and the Yen Female Art Award.
Until Sunday 1 November | Grainger Gallery, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Narelle Zeller – All of the delicate things
All of the Delicate Things is an exhibition of oil paintings by Canberra-based representational painter Narelle Zeller. The works bring together flowers, insects and the human figure, drawing on the floral still lifes of the Dutch Masters. A recent trip to the Netherlands, where Zeller viewed paintings by Rachel Ruysch and Jan van Huysum, informed the series. Born in Taree in 1978 and largely self-taught, Zeller has been a finalist in competitions including the Darling Portrait Prize and the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award. The exhibition opens on 15 October, with gallery hours of Thursday to Sunday, 11 am–4 pm.
Until Sunday 1 November | Grainger Gallery, Fyshwick | graingergallery.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
‘Byproducts II’ by Anie Nheu
‘Byproducts II’ began in 2024 with Nheu’s transformation of found materials. Attentive to their histories, functions and uses, their reassembly draws them into new relations guided by their inherent attributes.
Together, elements generate unexpected, sometimes clumsy encounters, neither fully planned nor resolved. The result is not a finished object but a record of transformation: an ongoing negotiation between construction and deconstruction, stability and flux.
Until Sunday 8 November | Platform, 19 Furneaux Street, Forrest | canberracontemporary.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
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
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
David Hockney: Portraits in Print
David Hockney: Portraits in Print opens at the National Gallery of Australia, drawing on the gallery’s own collection, the largest holding of Hockney’s work in the country. The display brings together more than 60 prints spanning almost 30 years, tracing the artist’s portraits of family, friends and collaborators across Los Angeles, Paris and London in the 1970s and 80s. Works include etchings, lithographs and photocollages, alongside experimental processes such as mylar sheets and faxes.
Until Sunday 14 February 2027, free | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures
Step into a vibrant, near-future Australia where once-impossible technologies transform how we live, work, and play. Questacon’s latest immersive gallery, Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures, makes the complex world of quantum physics accessible, playful, and incredibly fun.
Developed in collaboration with Canberra illustrator Paul Summerfield, the exhibition brings tomorrow’s tech to life through colourful, highly detailed illustrations, giant airborne sculptures, and a mesmerising cloud chamber that reveals the invisible world of tiny particles. Along the way, visitors can meet the pioneering Australian researchers who are harnessing the unique behaviours of quantum objects to solve some of the world’s most critical challenges. From un-hackable communications and personalised medicine to ultra-responsive prosthetics, you’ll discover how a quantum future promises to make ordinary lives extraordinary.
Open daily through 30 June 2027 | Gallery 8, Questacon, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
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
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
Yarning: Sharing Stories, Celebrating Culture
Explore Yarning, a vibrant new exhibition at Australian Parliament House showcasing the creative voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from across the nation. Featuring artworks from over 70 young artists, the display showcases entries from the Yarning competition exploring themes of Country, identity, family, and reconciliation—including the three winning pieces. Located in the public area on the Level 1 Senate side, this inspiring collection offers a powerful platform for young First Nations storytellers.
Open daily until February 2027 | Australian Parliament House, Capital Hill | aph.gov.au
RELICS: A New World Rises
Step into an extraordinary, imagined future where vintage objects become homes for intricate miniature worlds built from LEGO® bricks. Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS: A New World Rises features over 15 large-scale installations set in a world 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
Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom
The Royal Australian Mint’s exhibition Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom draws on never-before-seen objects from the National Collection to explore the rich symbolism of flowers on coins from around the world. The exhibition traces how floral designs struck into metal carry stories of national identity, cultural heritage and remembrance — from Australia’s kangaroo paw and the South African protea to the Western Samoan Teuila.
Decorative motifs such as laurel, olive and oak wreaths, used for centuries as symbols of victory, peace and strength, also feature. Commemorative coins in the exhibition show how flowers have honoured significant historical moments and individuals across cultures.
Until March 2027 | Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
Tamara Lalayan Gallery Exhibition
Immerse yourself in a world of 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
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
