What’s on this weekend? Here are 30+ things to do in Canberra
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This weekend take a road trip to the NSW south coast for the ultimate art festival, stop and smell the flowers at Floriade and enjoy the first day of The Little Burley Market!
Read on for the best things to do in Canberra—including a sexy Simpsons-themed drag cabaret (yes, really).
Special events + festivals
Viewfinder: Photography from the 1970s to Now
Viewfinder: Photography from the 1970s to Now takes a unique look at the journey of Australian documentary photography over the last five decades, from black and white images to the vibrant high definition images of today.
Drawing exclusively from the vast photography collection at the National Library of Australia, the 125 images in this exhibition reveal a changing Australia. Images of what were traditionally quintessential Australian figures – shearers, dancers, diggers, knitters, sporting heroes and bronzed bodies on the beach – are present, but these characters and images are now part of a much bigger, and far more inclusive, picture, now featuring winged angels at Mardi Gras, the lives of migrants and the joy of family life.
Viewfinder also focusses on the evolving nature of photography as a way of recording our lives and highlights the significant technological advances and increasing diversity of styles, approaches and techniques utilised by photographers over the past five decades.
Just as your photo albums, whether physical or digital, tell your story, documentary photographers capture images that help us to understand a place and its people, and to plot our way forward in an uncertain world.
Friday 16 September – Monday 13 March 2023 | National Library of Australia | nla.gov.au
Floriade
It’s time to stop and smell the flowers! Floriade is back to its former glory at Commonwealth Park this month. It’s been a few years since Canberran’s have had the chance to stroll through the sun, enjoy the stunning displays of flowers and fill our Insta feeds with pops of colour. The iconic Ferris wheel is also back to help you connect the dots on what patterns the flowers make—and of course, you can’t skip the food stands, activities, rides and more that will be available throughout the park.
The gates are open from 9 am- 5 pm and Floriade is free to attend.
Saturday 17 September – Sunday 16 October |Commonwealth Park, Parkes | floriade.com
Great Southern Land
Discover the story of the vast, vibrant Australian continent in the new Great Southern Land gallery at the National Museum of Australia.
Explore stunning objects and rich multi-sensory experiences as you walk through majestic bunya pine sculptures and interact with our 3D animated platypus.
National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Canberra | nma.gov.au
Floriade yarn bomb
A group of Canberra crafters have come together to create a Floriade inspired yarn installation, known across the world as a ‘yarn bomb’—and it’ll be on display on Sunday 18 September at the little Holt Shops, when they officially launch the installation with a celebration starting from 12 pm. Expect botanical gourmet ice cream, live music and (of course) lots of colour, flowers and bees!
Sunday 18 September | Holt Shops, off Beaurepaire Crescent | facebook.com/events
River of Art Festival
The River of Art Festival is the leading arts festival for the NSW south coast. It features all forms of art from paintings and sculpture through to music and theatre performances.
As well as the River of Art Prize and range of open studios, galleries and performances, we will feature a spectacular laser and light show called Luminous: Art After Dark. Luminous will feature an internationally recognised show set to music with vivid colours and imagery erupting over the beautiful Moruya River.
Festivities will be complemented by an artisans and local produce marketplace, performing artists including street performers and live bands, themes feature lights throughout the parkland and a kids zone. Luminous will provide a colourful and fun focal point in the heart of the Eurobodalla to close the Festival. It will celebrate place and highlight the rich creative arts offering and produce of the region.
Take a tour through the coastal region known for its spectacular beauty whilst enjoying the festivities and the vibrant NSW coast arts scene.
Friday 16 until Sunday 25 September | Eurobodalla Region | riverofart.com.au
Thai Food and Cultural Festival
The annual Thai Food and Cultural Festival is back! This year is even more special as Thailand and Australia celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations.
The Festival will showcase the best experiences of Thailand you could ever have in Canberra. The event will include grand drum procession featuring traditional dances and costumes, authentic Thai food, dessert and drinks, stalls selling imported Thai products, cultural performances, Muay Thai demonstration, live band, kids activities and a prize draw!|
10 am – 4 pm Sunday 18 September | Royal Thai Embassy, 111 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla | aust-thai.org.au
Drag Cabaret: Sexy Simpsons!
Yep, you read that right. Drag Cabaret is bringing Springfield to Smith’s with a stupid sexy cast doing drag, burlesque, circus, live music and more to parody one of the most iconic cartoons ever. Expect a paraody of your favourite characters, moments and memes and there will even be prizes for best dressed, even if you wear something that feels like ‘Nothing at all, nothing at all, NOTHING AT ALL.’
Friday 16 September | 76 Alinga St, Canberra | Tickets here.
2022 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival
The ST. ALi Italian Film Festival showcases a superb selection of the best new films from Italy as well as a retrospective honouring one of Italy’s greatest filmmakers. Head along for an adventurous escape to Italy.
Until Wednesday 12 October | Palace Electric, New Acton | italianfilmfestival.com.au
Marymead Garage and Plant Sale
Love plants, homewares, books, clothes, accessories and toys? Then you need to go along to the Marymead Garage and Plant Sale. With all proceeds going to Marymead to support their programs and services, it’s a great way to support the local community (and environment).
Saturday 17 September | 225 Goyder Street, Narrabundah | facebook.com/events
Your Local Wedding Guide Expo
Planning a wedding? Then you need to check out Canberra’s biggest wedding expo at Exhibition Park. Load up on inspiration and explore cars, beauty, gowns, cakes, photographers, entertainment and much, much more.
Sunday 18 September | Flemington Road, Budawang Pavilion, Mitchell | weddingguide.com.au
Choices in Childbirth
Are you expecting? Have you considered a doula? The Canberra Doulas are holding monthly information sessions for all those expecting to find out more about what a doula is and all that they can offer during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Learn how a doula can support you in preparation for your birth and how they can also assist you once you bring your baby home.
Saturday 17 September | Tulips Cafe, Piallago | Facebook.com
Food + Wine
Signature Experience Tour at Parliament House
Discover exclusive behind-the-scenes access to rarely-seen private, official and ceremonial spaces in Parliament House, along with a traditional high tea with a contemporary twist.
Visit behind-the-scenes functions that support parliament every day—including private courtyards, and the Press Gallery—and finishing off your experience with a high tea service with matching refreshments (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Bookings are essential.
Until Monday 7 November | Australian Parliament House | aph.gov.au
Spring High Tea
Spoil yourself with an unforgettable high tea at Pialligo Estate! Feast on savoury options, including smoked salmon, crème fraîche and roe tartlets, lamb and harissa pies, chopped prawn buns, and piccalilli scrolls, then indulge your sweet tooth with an array of delicate mini-masterpieces including housemade rhubarb cheesecake!
With homemade raisin scones and freshly brewed quality teas (as well as a glass of sparkling or a seasonal garden spritz), this promises to be a high tea experience to treasure.
Sunday 18 September | Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | thepialligoestate.com.au
Music
The Irish and Celtic Music Festival
The Irish and Celtic Music Festival is back! Celebrating Irish, Celtic and Australian arts all weekend, you can expect music, poetry, dance, Celtic markets and more in the gorgeous rural valley of Yass. Road trip anyone?
Until Sunday 18 September | 259 Comur St, Yass | irishcelticmusicfestival.com
Attune—a concert celebrating 70 years of music-making
Join the Canberra Choral Society (CCS) for their 70th anniversary celebratory concert ‘Attune’, featuring the world premiere of two exciting new works by Australian composers Ella Macens and Michael Dooley! Embracing the themes of renewal and celebration, and drawing upon imagery from the natural world, sit back and enjoy as three of G F Handel’s rousing Coronation Anthems are performed.
Saturday 17 September | Canberra Girls Grammar School Hall, 48 Melbourne Avenue, Deakin | Tickets here.
Celebrations: Wesley Music Centre 20th Anniversary
In this celebration of the Wesley Music Centres 20th Anniversary, there are two can’t-be-missed events to attend. On Saturday at 7.30 pm, enjoy distinguished Australian soprano Miriam Allan and one of Australia’s foremost exponents of the fortepiano, Erin Helyard, as they perform songs and piano works by Haydn, Mozart, Josepha Auernhammer and Franz Schubert. Then, on Sunday, head along to a Masterclass for advanced students of classical voice/voice-piano duos hosted by Miriam and Erin.
Open to audience members go along and support these young performers and watch two of the best work with them. Hear the performances, the feedback and how they respond—you will be amazed.
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Tickets here.
Stage + screen
Swan Lake
The Royal Czech Ballet will visit Australia for the first time with Swan Lake… the most loved classical ballet of them all! This masterpiece ballet is presented in two acts and follows the original storyline with traditional choreographic revisions by Marius Pepita.
Sunday 18 – Tuesday 20 September | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Great Expectations
It is a classic for a reason and this re-telling will have you going in with great expectations and leaving with them met. Adapted by Kirsty Zane and directed by Rhys Hekimian, the production offers a punchy, sixty-minute adaptation of the 1861 novel which originally ran to over 500 pages. With characters like the terrifying convict Magwitch, abused orphan Pip, jilted bride Miss. Havisham, and her cold ward Estella, it’s a haunting love story and a fierce critique of the classist society Charles Dickens knew.
Until Saturday 17 September | Belconnen Theatre, Belconnen | buddingentertainment.com
The Barber of Seville
Beyond haircuts and beard trims, this canny barber is the city’s matchmaking maestro! Almaviva is wealthy, stealthy and head over heels. Rosina is witty, pretty and just as smitten. She’s also inconveniently betrothed. They need a plan. Time to call on: Fi-ga-ro! Figaro! Figaro!
The stage is set for comic chaos. Our enterprising barber Figaro has wits and tricks as sharp as his razors. It takes all of his clever disguises, subterfuge and scheming to wrangle a romantic encounter for the would-be lovers.
Until Saturday 17 September | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Disenchanted: A Cabaret of Twisted Fairy Tales
Why was the wolf in Grandma’s bed? Did Sleeping Beauty consent? Were the Ugly Sisters’ feet really that big? And how does a goose inspire a revolution? To find out, be transported to a 17th-century Parisian Salon hosted by vivacious, real-life (with a splash of artistic licence) Madame d’Aulnoy, where disgruntled fairy tale side-characters assemble to tell you the truth and nothing but the twisted truth.
Sunday 18 September | The Street Theatre | thestreet.org
Simon Taylor—Epic
Looking for a night of laughs? Come to Comedy at The Basement to see Simon Taylor following a stunning American TV debut on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
Sunday 18 September | 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen | thebasementcanberra.oztix.com.au
Our Country’s Good
First performed at the Royal Court, London and winner of the Olivier Play of the Year Award in 1988, this is the story of the first piece of western theatre performed in Australia. Set in 1789 in the rudimentary penal colony that became Sydney, a young lieutenant works with convicts to bring Farquhar’s The Recruiting Offcer to life under the eye of Governor Phillip. Facing opposition from colleagues and disruptions from his motley crew of actors, one of whom is about to be hanged, Lt Clark and his riotous charges learn more about the redemptive power of theatre than they ever imagined.
Until Saturday 24 September | Naoné Carrel Auditorium, Canberra REP Theatre | canberrarep.org
My Fair Lady
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady is one of the most beloved musicals in show business. It tells the tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady by phonetics professor Henry Higgins.
Eliza Doolittle is a young flower seller with an unmistakable Cockney accent which keeps her in the lower rungs of Edwardian society. When Professor Henry Higgins tries to teach her how to speak like a proper lady, an unlikely friendship begins to flourish.
Until Sunday 25 September | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
Sport
The Y Canberra Region Sailing Club 60th Anniversary Race
Want to spend a day by the lake? Dozens of brightly coloured sailing boats are expected to adorn Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Y Canberra Region Sailing Club. Up to 60 sailors and 30 sailing boats will race from the Clubhouse to Tarcoola Reach, before making their way to the classic triangle of the original permanent markets—Acton, Deepwater, Yarralumla. But the best bit? Following the race there will be a presentation of the Y Sailing Club 21/22 sailing season prizes and a sausage sizzle.
Saturday 17 September | YMCA Jetty at the Sailing Club. 35 Alexandrina Drive, Yarralumla | ymcacanberra.org.au
Exhibitions
GOST: The Originals
The Gallery of Small Things is turning five! And to celebrate, they have a special show: The Originals—showcasing the original artists that began with GOST in 2017. Opening on Thursday 15 September, the exhibition will run Thursdays to Sundays, 11 am to 4 pm.
Until Sunday 2 October | 27 Wade St, Watson | galleryofsmallthings.com
Fake News
Reflecting on the power of spreading fake and misleading information, visit the Alliance Francaise of Canberra to explore their Fake News exhibition. Graphic designers from around the world have designed posters reflecting on media, social media, misinformation and its consequences. Over 40 posters will be displayed!
Until Friday 14 October | 66 McCaughey St, Turner | afcanberra.com.au
The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize
A compelling display of science and art seen through the eyes of internationally celebrated artists, the 2022 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is coming to National Archives of Australia in Canberra.
Originally created to commemorate the birth of the South Australian Museum’s first curator, Frederick George Waterhouse, over the years the competition has become a much-loved fixture on the arts calendar, allowing artists and audiences to explore natural science through a range of creative outlets.
Until Thursday 13 November | National Archives of Australia | naa.gov.au
Un/known
Featuring works created during PhotoAccess’ Concept to Exhibition 2022 workshop, Un/known brings together a diverse range of artists exploring, confronting and sharing personal stories. Over the last nine months—mentored by 2021 National Photographic Portrait Prize finalist Marzena Wasikowska—the exhibiting artists have ventured beyond their creative comfort zones. Bringing varying levels of skill and experience to the workshop, each artist has developed their photographic voice and produced new work expressing their unique approach to image-making.
The exhibition will be formally opened on Thursday the 15 of September at 6pm.
Until Saturday 8 October | Manuka Arts Centre, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Patterning: surface design by Annie Trevillian
Head along to Megalo Print Studio to enjoy the work of established Kamberri/Canberra-based textile designer Annie Trevillian. The exhibition brings together a range of surface design projects—highlighting, in particular, the Dhulwa and Gawanggal community design projects—as well as recent studio-based fabric works that draw inspiration from the landscape, motifs and patterns from the natural world.
Join Megalo Print Studio on Thursday 1 September for the opening and then head back later in the month for a special two-day workshop.
Until Saturday 8 October | 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | megalo.org
Carved: Thor’s Hammer + Megalo
Collaborating with Megalo Print Studio and running at The Mixing Room Gallery at Thor’s Hammer, the artists exhibiting in Carved were invited to explore a range of salvaged and recycled timbers to develop new works in print media. Expect to see a thoughtfulness to the environment (both natural and built) and demonstrate innovative printmaking responses.
Until Saturday 17 September | The Mixing Room Gallery, Thor’s Hammer, 10 Mildura Street, Griffith | thors.com
Nurture: Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre annual members exhibition
Feeling craft-y? The Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre annual members exhibition will showcase contemporary expressions of craft and design uniting time-honoured techniques with modern interpretations. Demonstrating the trends in contemporary craft and design in Australia by practitioners from the ACT and surrounding region, this can’t be missed.
Until Saturday 22 October | Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit | craftact.org.au
Fuse
The Fuse Glass Prize finalists will come to Canberra Glassworks in an exhibition that showcases the skill and creativity of glass making today. The Prize is a non-acquisitive biennial prize for Australian and New Zealand glass artists and the richest in Australasia. It provides a platform for artists to push themselves and their work to new limits and focuses public attention on the importance of glass as a medium for contemporary artistic expression.
Until Sunday 25 September | Canberra Glassworks, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
An Aboriginal Culinary Journey
See First Nations objects from the National Museum of Australia’s collection alongside a newly commissioned range of appliances featuring stunning designs from contemporary artists in An Aboriginal Culinary Journey: Designed for Living.
Part of the Breville Art Series, this exhibition is a partnership between First Nations peoples, Breville and the National Museum of Australia, producing objects for the heart of the home that celebrate contemporary design and reflect 65,000 years of ongoing Indigenous culture.
Until Sunday 18 September | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au
Lindy Lee: Moon In A Dew Drop
Lose yourself in the work of influential Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee as she explores her experience of living between two cultures. Using a spectacular array of processes which include flinging molten bronze, burning paper and allowing the rain to transform surfaces, Lee draws on her Australian and Chinese heritage to develop works that engage with the history of art, cultural authenticity, personal identity and the cosmos.
Until Saturday 3 December | Canberra Museum and Gallery, Cnr London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City | cmag.com.au
Markets
The Little Burley Market
The team from Local Village Markets, who revitalised Haig Park with their farmers and foodies market are launching The Little Burley Market, a bespoke market by the lake. Launching on the opening day of Floriade, the market will offer a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisan bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats and much more. See you there?
Every Saturday, 9am – 1.30pm from 17 September | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
The Canberra Fashion, Food and Wine Market
Back again to help you discover new and pre-loved fashion (as well as food and wine), this market is great for those keen on supporting a sustainable lifestyle, who want to reduce waste by recycling quality, or find stylish fashion that is too good to discard.
Sunday 18 September | Fitters Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | canberramarkets.net.au
Sutton Village Markets
A new farmers market has entered the Canberra region. Located only thirty minutes away in Sutton, take a Sunday drive to enjoy some entertainment and the chance to explore a little slice of the countryside. The fresh and local produce is also a plus!
Fortnightly from Sunday 4 September | Corner of Camp and Victoria Street, Sutton | suttonvillagecountrymarkets.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
With more than 100 stalls (including your old favourites), you’ll have the chance to shop for a brilliant variety of Australian-made, handcrafted and premium products. Sneak a walk around the foreshore while you’re down there.
9.30 am – 2.30 pm Sunday | Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Capital Region Farmers Markets
With more than 100 stallholders each week, the Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC Park has endless options when it comes to freshly picked, grown and handcrafted produce.
Fill the garden using their great selection of native and landscape plants, fruit trees, seedlings and shrubs or fill your stomach with freshly baked bread, cakes, macarons and croissants.
7 am–11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra | capitalregionfarmersmarket.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 and pet treats.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
Feature image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism
