60+ things to do in Canberra this August

Posted on 29 July, 2022

The last month of winter is here (hooray!) and there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about this August.

Here’s our jam-packed list of what’s on in Canberra—you’re gonna need more days to fit all this goodness in!

Looking for even more to do in Canberra? Check out our new What’s On section to find hundreds of events happening around town.

WHAT YOU CAN’T MISS…

Rutherglen in the City

Move over, winter—wine-ter is on the way with the long-overdue return of Rutherglen in the City on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August. Being held in Canberra for the first time since 2019, the insanely popular Rutherglen in the City is celebrating its return by taking things up a notch with two days of tastings and an elegant wine dinner at Pialligo Estate. It’s the perfect way to taste one of Australia’s most delicious wine regions without the road trip.

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August | Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | explorerutherglen.com.au/rutherglen-in-the-city-2022

Girl from The North Country

One of the most critically acclaimed, multi award-winning productions of the 21st century, Girl From the North Country has taken the theatrical world by storm—and now it’s coming to the Canberra Theatre Centre. Featuring 20 of Dylan’s songs beautifully reimagined and woven through the story, it’s a story of American life in 1934 Minnesota, where poverty, insecurity, desperation and fear for the future are all major motivators for the ensemble of 19 characters.

Read more about Girl From the North Country here.

Thursday 25 August – Saturday 3 September | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com

Mix 106.3 Give Me 5 Give Me Food!

Raising money for Give Me 5, some of Canberra’s best food vendors have gathered for the ultimate foodie experience: a delicious drive through. Give a small donation to gain entry and choose from Grease Monkey, Goodberrys, Short Eats, Mr Papa and Brazbecue. That’s Friday night dinner sorted.

Friday 12 August, 2 pm – 6 pm | Regatta Point Car Park | mix106.com

The Canberra Writers Festival

Ever wanted to know exactly what happened between Rachel Deloache Williams and Anna Delvey? What about Jimmy and Jane Barnes’ favourite recipes? Or why Trent Dalton sat on a street corner to talk about love?

Bringing the best of words, ideas, and debate (and the truth behind one of our favourite Netflix shows) to literary lovers, the Canberra Writers Festival is back with a bang. And with a stellar line-up of over 160 local, national, and international writers, journalists, commentators, and leading thinkers appearing across 70 events, you can expect an incredible program that explores the theme of power, politics, and passion.

Wednesday 10 –Saturday 14 August | Various locations | canberrawritersfestival.com

Oz Comic-Con Canberra

Whether you’re a Muggle, a Marshmallow, an Earper, a Jedi, a Whovian or someone who doesn’t understand a word we just said, this is a event everyone will love. Welcoming fans of all ages, interests and pop-obsessions, Oz-Comic Con is a truly immersive experience across two fun-filled days.

Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 August | Exhibition Park, Flemington Road, Mitchell | ozcomiccon.com

The Dancing Queen: Dining Experience

You can dance, you can jive, you can…visit a Mamma Mia inspired Restaurant in Canberra this August! Whilst being served a mouth-watering dinner in Niko’s Tavern, you will be serenaded by performers and immersed in a love story so real, that you will be begging for a man after midnight. The theatrical dining experience includes a theatrical performance, a two-course Mediterranean dinner and a disco that will have you sending out an S.O.S for some more appropriate dancing shoes.

Grab your dancing queens, and honey honey’s and go!

Friday 26 – Saturday 27 August | Saint Malo, 23 London Circuit | explorehidden.com

Truffle degustation dinner at Parliament House

Celebrate the Canberra Truffle Festival with a 6-course truffle degustation dinner in the Members and Guests Dining Room at Parliament House. Expand your culinary horizons with the carefully curated menu (including paired wines) which uses fresh local produce to highlight the unique flavour of truffles. It promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Friday 5 August | Parliament House | aph.gov.au

Prada Clutch’s: All-Drag Revue

Flanked by gorgeous men, Australia’s six-foot something songstress Prada Clutch & her ‘girls’ pay tribute to the history of Aussie drag – in concert. That’s right, sing along to classic disco hits and sashay into today with a celebration of chart-topping music icons that have inspired drag performers around the world, with Prada Clutch (one of Australia’s most in demand live-singing drag queens) headlining the show.

Saturday 20 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com

Deadly Dialogues with Rachel Maza

Sparked by their On Stage: Spotlight on Our Performing Arts exhibition, the National Library of Australia is bringing a free series of in-person conversations as part of their Deadly Dialogues series. Join Rachael Maza AM as she shares her journey with Rhianna Patrick: from being the daughter of the man who created the first Black Theatre company in Australia, to herself becoming Director of the longest established First Nations theatre company in Australia, Ilbijerri Theatre Company.

Monday 8 August | National Library of Australia | nla.gov.au

TEDxYouth Canberra

What is the difference between being revolutionary and being rebellious? TEDxYouth@Canberra 2022 is a revolutionary showcase exploring the youth who have taken action against the status quo with great ‘ideas worth spreading’. It’s not to be missed.

Sunday 7 August | Kambri, ANU | ted.com

National Science Week

Celebrate all things science across Canberra with fun events for all ages! Showcasing the amazing science happening right here in the nation’s capital, the week long series of events range from making DNA out of a balloon, to guided nature walks, to a sex on the beach science show and an expo to showcase STEM in gaming.

Saturday 13 – Sunday 21 August | Various locations | inspiringtheact.org

Scandinavian Film Festival

Showcasing the best new cinema from the Nordic region, the Carlsberg Scandinavian Film Festival returns this July with a line-up designed to warm the coolest of seasons. From comedies to crime thrillers there is something to tempt everyone to check out some of these international hits. Popcorn anyone?

Until Sunday 7 August | Palace Electric | palacecinemas.com

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 20 August | Tulips Cafe, Piallago | Facebook.com

Flazeda

Flazeda is running an open day with FREE classes all day! See what makes each class unique and how they’ll maximise your learning experience, with welcoming facilities and vibrant social spaces. There’s no better way to see firsthand what sets Flazeda apart from other performing arts schools. Why not make a day of it? There’ll be market stalls, drinks and food as well!

Sunday 21 August | Flazeda, Belconnen | flazedahub.com

The Resilience Project

Coming to the Canberra Theatre Centre, The Resilience Project’s previously sold-out Public Talks give everyone a chance to learn positive mental health strategies which help us become happier and more resilient.

Sunday 21 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com

Canberra International Film Festival

The Canberra International Film Festival has returned for another three-day gala. Celebrating the work of two Australian’s who flourished in Hollywood in the 1940’s and 50’s – Dame Judith Anderson and John Farrow. Plus, two glorious classics by the great Ernst Lubitsch!

Friday 26 – Sunday 28 August | National Film and Sound Archive | ciff.com.au

The Alice – An Immersive Cocktail Experience

Fall down the rabbit hole and come along on a 90-minute topsy-turvy journey into the magical realm of Wonderland. Brought to you by the interactive team behind The Wizard’s Den, Beyond Cinema, and A.K Wregg, this immersive cocktail adventure is the tea party to end all tea parties.

Join them for a theatrical, alternate reality experience that will take you down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass! Across 90 minutes you will create two bespoke Wonderland cocktails, solve riddles and challenges just like Alice, devour “Eat Me” cakes and cookies, paint the roses red and much, much more.

*Disclaimer – No flamingos will be hurt during the course of this adventure*

Until Saturday 31 Dec | Zoo Bar, London Circuit | Tickets $49.50pp via explorehidden.com

SPORT

Canberra MS Mega Swim

Love to swim? This month you can freestyle, backstroke, butterfly or doggy-paddle for 24 hours, to raise vital funds to support people living with MS. A fun swim relay, where teams of up to 15 swimmers are sponsored by family, friends and colleagues, swimmers of all ages and abilities are welcome – swim one lap or fifty, for ten minutes or four hours! You just need one team member in the pool at all times.

Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 August | Australian Institute of Sport | msmegachallenge.org

NRL: Raiders V Panthers

The Raiders will be taking on the reigning Panthers at GIO Stadium for one of the biggest games of the season. With a 5.30 pm kick off, it’s perfect for families who are looking for a way to enjoy their weekend. Soak up the atmosphere. Secure your tickets today.

Saturday 6 August | GIO Stadium | raiders.com

NRL: Raiders V Dragons

The Raiders will take a trip back in time during round 22 as they take on the St George-Illawarra Dragons at GIO Stadium. The Raiders played their first ever competition match against St George at the venue in 1990 and will mark the occasion as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations. The Sunday 2pm kick-off is sure to bring in a big crowd, so score your tickets and join in on the festivities!

Sunday 14 August | GIO Stadium | raiders.com

Capital to Coast 100km Multistage Trail Running Race

HerCanberra readers, you know how we love a good road trip to the coast. We’ve eaten, shopped, picnicked, and rambled from the ‘Berra to the sea many times over the years. But have you ever thought about what it would be like by foot?

The Capital to Coast Trail Race is a 100km multistage running event held from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon at various locations between Canberra and the South Coast of New South Wales. Enter as a team or, for a bit more of a challenge, as a soloist. Get your crew together and plan a weekend of exploring new trails and making new trail running buddies on the last weekend in August.

Friday 26 – Saturday 28 August | Various locations | capitaltocoast.com.au

MUSIC+ DANCE

BANGARANG!

Do you like to support local performers, in an inclusive, queer-friendly space? Do you like burlesque, drag, belly dance, live music, comedy and more? Do you enjoy supporting Australian charities with a cocktail in hand? Then you might enjoy Bangarang! Showcasing a group of incredible performers for a great cause, it’s the perfect way to spend a Friday night.

Friday 26 August | Flazéda, 68 Emu Bank, Unit 4, Belconnen | fb.me

Ben Portsmouth – This is Elvis

One of the best Elvis tribute artist in the world, Ben Portsmouth is returning to Australia in August 2022 to commemorate the 45th Anniversary since the death of Elvis Presley with a special tour. Loved across Australia for his flawless imitation of The King, it’s the closest you will ever see to Elvis Presley.

Sunday 14 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com

Tim Freedman

It has been 25 years since the Whitlam’s released their Aussie favourite album Eternal Nightcaps in 1997. Now iconic band member Tim Freedman is coming to Canberra to talk all things music and delve into his certified gold, then triple platinum album on the ARIA charts. It achieved critical acclaim and commercial success as it became the biggest-selling independent album in Australian history.

Friday 5 August | National Film and Sound Archive | Tickets via thewhitlams.com.au

Queen Forever – Break Free Tour

Queen Forever present a highly entertaining evening paying tribute to one of the top rock bands of all time – Queen and its legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury. Taking you back to the glory days of the 1970s and 80s when Queen rocked the world with their classic rock anthems, this very popular show generates an audience atmosphere that has to be seen to be believed. You will feel like you’re at a real Queen concert at Wembley Stadium as they play all the hits including ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘We Are The Champions’ and more.

Friday 5 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com

Intertwined

When the protagonist stumbles upon a mysterious colony, nothing could prepare her for how swiftly she was ensnared, nor how entangled she could be in their web and ways — especially when she meets their charismatic and commanding dictator.

Intertwined unveils an array of talent cultivated through Dance Central’s elite junior troupe program. This two-evening show is the perfect opportunity to indulge your senses!

Friday 5 and Saturday 6 August | Canberra College Performing Arts Centre | dance-central.com.au

A Taste of Gut

Our favourite lunchtime concerts are on again this month. Spice up your lunch break and head along to watch Early Music specialist, John Ma, who is newly returned to Canberra. Performing on historical instruments, where he will present a taster of works for solo Baroque Violin, Viola, and Viola d’amore.

Wednesday 3 August | Wesley Music Centre, Forrest | wesleycanberra.org

The Australian Bee Gee’s

After 25 years you can be guaranteed you are in for a good show. The Australian Bee Gees are coming to the Q for one night only. This performance which has two parts and features all of the hits in a nostalgic trip down memory lane in a multimedia concert event is a night not to be missed.

They’ve performed over 8,000 performances in over 60 countries, The Australian Bee Gees Show has evolved to become the definitive live celebration of the wonderful music written by the Brothers Gibb.

Thursday 4 August | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

Music in the Fields: Winter

Lovers of classical music and fine food rejoice!

Set in the idyllic Pialligo Estate wend your way to the Estate and be ushered through to our Fields pavilion where you will warm up with a Pialligo Spritz composed of Estate-grown ingredients or a glass of mulled wine, as trays of canapés do the rounds.

After this initial overture – and with the appetite well and truly awakened – enjoy a selection of choice charcuterie from the Estate’s award-winning Smokehouse before tucking into traditional Spanish paella. Listen on as the event climbs towards its crescendo, with a quartet of the CSO’s finest musicians taking to the stage for a performance of winter-themed chamber music. Guaranteed to stir the soul and send the spirits soaring!

Saturday 6 August | Pialligo Estate | cso.org.au

The Ten Tenors – Highway Men Tour

Following a 40 city return tour to the United States, The TEN Tenors are coming to Canberra with a new show – featuring new songs and fan favourites. This all new production will feature some of the greatest country music songs alongside fan favourites and classics that audiences know and love such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Nessun Dorma, Unchained Melody and other rock and pop classics. There will also be two exciting new medleys and some new Australian classics, as well as a collection of beautiful arias.

Saturday 6 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com

International Blues Music Day

Celebrating 25 years of Canberra Blues Society and International Blues Music Day with eleven acts on two stages, enjoy nine hours of Blues music—as well as speciality market stalls, raffle prizes and more.

Saturday 6 August | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | facebook.com/events

Connections – influence, revival and admiration

Head along to watch some amazing young musicians hit the stage in the second instalment of the Wesley Lunchtime series for August. Featuring three outstanding young students from the studio of Elena Nikulina performing inspirational piano works featuring music by Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin and Debussy. The performers range in age from 12 to 16 years old and have been studying with Elena from an early age.

Wednesday 10 August | Wesley Music Centre, Forrest | wesleycanberra.org.au

Jess Hitchcock Unbreakable

Join award-winning singer & songwriter Jess Hitchcock for a beautifully intimate acoustic concert of songs from her new album, Unbreakable.

Driven by her passion for music and her people, her original songs range from intimate soul ballads to upbeat rhythmic country pop songs, telling a story of resilience and hope despite seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Wednesday 10 August | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

Songs in the Key of Motown

This all-singing, all-dancing show pays tribute to the greats of Motown. Eight international award winning soul singers will transport you back to an era when music was life. Hear the harmonies of The Temptations and the Four Tops. Experience the incredible choreographed dance moves of The Jackson 5 and The Supremes. Feel the soul of Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye.

Thursday 11 August | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

Wannabe

Stop right now! Thank you very much. It’s time to Spice Up Your Life like it’s 1996.
Relive the 90s through the hits of the Spice Girls on this Spice World journey; all you have to do is Say You’ll Be There. Swing it, shake it, move it, make it down and if you think it’s all a bit Too Much, then really – Who Do You Think You Are?!

So, if you Wannabe my lover, you’ve got to go and see this show!

Wednesday 17 August | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

This is Now

Rising from the ashes of the Mallacoota Bushfires, a poignant album by Milena Luna (Cifali) is launching at Smiths Alternative. Highly regarded creative talent Milena Luna is an award winning singer-songwriter, poet, and author who lost her home, instruments, compositions and beloved parrots in the bushfires on New Year’s Eve 2019. Out of adversity, Milena has produced a heartfelt album, sharing her personal journey towards recovery. The album showcases Milena’s considerable song writing talents creating a stirring work. At its heart is the search for home and a never fading hope.

Saturday 20 August | Smith’s Alternative | smithsalternative.com.au

Eireborne

Following sold-out shows across Australia and Europe, Eireborne is coming to Canberra with their highly fuelled 100 per cent live rock-show production which celebrates the rebirth of Irish dance. With a contemporary twist like you’ve never seen before, 15 world-class Irish dancers from International Irish shows will fill the stage with a fusion of Irish dance, tap rhythms and beats, resulting in a stunningly new experience with a raw and traditional Irish flavour.

Saturday 20 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com

Opera Gala

Together with the National Capital Orchestra under the baton of Louis Sharpe, the National Opera Chorus will perform some of opera’s most famous choruses and lift the roof of Llewellyn Hall. With featured artist Eleanor Greenwood and associate artists Emma Mauch and Hannah Carter, it”s not to be missed.

Saturday 27 August | ANU Llewellyn Hall | nationalopera.org

Dolce Cantavi

The Luminescence Chamber Singers explore the perennial power of the female trio in myth and in music as they offer a contemporary take on this ancient trope, performing music for three female voices by Anne Cawrse, Alice Chance, Caroline Shaw, Gavin Bryars, and David Lang.

Sunday 28 August | Wesley Uniting Church, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | luminescence.org

STAGE+FILM

The Beanies Egg-Straordinary Day

As seen on ABC Kids, The Beanies’ new stage show examines parenting and its challenges using humour, music, and a whole lot of glitter! Laura, Mim and Michael are given the challenge of caring for a baby egg for a whole hour – how hard-boiled can it be?! The trio attempt to solve parenting woes such as discipline strategies, meal planning, Instagram, bedtime and of course sneaky robbers – only to discover they have no idea what they’re doing! Children will leave with a new appreciation for their own parents and a belly full of laughs.

Saturday 6 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour

The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour will be tearing up the freeways of Australia to bring the best of the 2022 Festival to Canberra! So call your pals and grab your tickets to the funniest night of entertainment—the Showcase will feature some of the Festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter.

Thursday 18 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com

The Year of Magical Thinking

An intimate, powerful and deeply personal story, The Year of Magical Thinking is a journey from the comfort and contentment of life into the surreal and dark world of grief, and beyond. Joan Didion’s celebrated memoir is brought to life by Green Room Award-winning actor Jillian Murray in a critically-acclaimed solo performance that reunites her with director Laurence Strangio.

Friday 5 August and Saturday 6 August | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

Romeo and Juliet

Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene….it’s the timeless story we all know and love and now William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is opening at the Canberra REP Theatre on Friday 29 July.

This tale of star-crossed lovers has endured—retold, re-imagined and played many ways since it was written – it remains powerful and relevant, filled with some of Shakespeare’s most memorable characters and poetry. And co-directors Kelly Roberts and Christopher Zuber, promise a production that’s fresh for those familiar with the text and thrilling for those coming to it new.

Until Saturday 13 August | Canberra REP Theatre, (Theatre 3), 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | Tickets here.

‘A Boy Called Sailboat’ film screening

Join for an unforgettable screening of the award-winning film “A boy Called Sailboat” with acclaimed guitarists, Slava and Leonard Grigoryan performing the soundtrack live.

This heart-warming movie was written and developed by Melbourne-based creative team Andrew Curry and Cameron Nugent (who will be available for a Q&A session after the film). Grab your popcorn and go.

Sunday 7 August | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au

Vika and Linda

Vika & Linda are set to embark on their biggest tour yet, celebrating their 2021 album The Wait, their first new album of original songs in 19 years. The tour will see Vika & Linda headline theatres for the very first time. With a full band behind them, this show is not to be missed!

Thursday 11 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Kav Temperley

It’s not every day you get to see an eight-time ARIA award winner in such an intimate venue like the Courtyard Studio. Eskimo Joe frontman Kav Temperley is off on a regional tour in support of his highly anticipated second solo release Machines of Love & Grace (out September 2022).

The tour will be Kav’s most ambitious solo endeavour yet, performing across the country armed with a bunch of new songs and a back catalogue full of radio hits from the beloved Eskimo Joe

Saturday 13 August | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Demented

Demented is the latest work by acclaimed ACT theatre-maker and published Playwright (Under My Bed) Ruth Pieloor, who, inspired by her deeply personal experience, turns her magic-realism trademark into an oddly comic, yet breath-taking and touching realisation of Dementia.

An exciting collaboration with local and regional artists, this unique production intercepts playful clowning, exquisite puppetry, dramatic dialogue, and an original score, to share a heroine’s captivating relationship with dementia. We meet Rachel, the mother, the daughter, the carer, the lover, the artist, and gently take her hand as she unravels new challenges in her family’s tapestry of memories, and the legacy it leaves in its wake.

Wednesday 17 August – Saturday 20 August | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

Harbhajan Mann- The Marvellous Tour

Canadian star of Punjabi Music and Cinema, Harbhajan Mann, is coming to Queanbeyan! He has been performing for decades, starting in the 80’s performing in local shows for the South Asian community while attending high school in Canada. His goal is to create music that will live for decades, and he has done just that.

Sunday 21 August | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

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.

My Fair Lady, is that rare musical by which all others are measured.

Tuesday 30 August – Sunday 25 September | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au

EXHIBITIONS

Perseverance Exhibition

Go and support some local student artists from the ANU School of Arts who are going to be exhibiting their works at Alliance Francaise. As winners of the Emerging Artist Supporting Scheme award, these artists will showcase paintings, photographs, glass works, furniture and more in the exhibition space at the Alliance.

‘Perseverance’ reflects on the artists’ resilience and patience, with a long time without exhibiting works, and also the power to create in a small space, with limited access to their usual tools.

Tuesday 2 August – Friday 19 August | Alliance Francaise of Canberra | afcanberra.com.au

Gardens Near and Far

The botanic gardens are welcoming a new exhibition for August. Gardens near and far feature artworks from Ruth Dodd. The exhibition depicts flora and landscapes inspired from visits to public, private and overseas gardens and from the artist’s local region of Yass, NSW.

Ruth’s art is representational, working from close observation and the use of colour to dramatise essential elements.

Wednesday 3 August – Thursday 28 August | Australian National Botanic Gardens | parksaustralia.gov.au

If not now, then when?

Remember those eery pinks skies of summer 2019/2020? Lisa Cahill is an international glass artist working from her studio in Fyshwick. Her new exhibition, If not now, then when? is a call for action in response to the 2019/2020 bushfires – a major event almost immediately obliterated by a pandemic. Her work is a testimonial to the smoke, devastation and trauma of living through that summer. Colour has always been integral to Lisa’s artwork and through vivid pinks, charcoal and black, Lisa calls us back to that time, reminding us of the skies, the smoke and the footage of ravaged landscapes. Her artworks are a visual form of advocacy for the damaged landscape.

Until Friday 19 August | COX Gallery, Kingston | coxarchitecture.com.au

Come Back, All is Forgiven

Inviting a selection of these now mid-career artists to return to where they first cut their teeth as fresh-faced graduates—the Canberra Contemporary Art Space—you can enjoy a slice of their work from then, and what they’re doing now. Featuring Justin Andrews, Stuart Bailey, Leah Bullen, Trevelyan Clay, Helen Shelley, Noël Skryzpczak and Bryan Spier, expect a beautiful range of art from the late nineties and the naughties.

Until Sunday 28 August | 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | ccas.com

Here’s looking at you Canberra

Spending the past two years locked into Canberra Val Johnson has created a stunning exhibition featuring the Canberra area through paintings and mosaics. The paintings are not photographic versions of the landscape but as she sees it- shape, colour and pattern, and she also uses linear lines which run through the composition. Val’s mosaics also follow her style of painting, to form works of places around Canberra. She calls her mosaics ‘freestyle’ as she uses a non-conventional way of working.

Until Sunday 21 August | Strathnairn Arts | strathnairn.com.au

Connection

Yes, that’s right, the creators and producers of the multi-sensory spectacular that was Van Gough alive are back and back with a vengeance. Connection is reinventing visual storytelling, giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists a voice through 360-degree, large-scale projections and cutting-edge light and sound technology. A powerful and captivating exhibition that seeks to bind together spiritual connections to land, water, sea and sky through a vibrant and multi-sensory symphony of sound, light, and colour, it’s an important and much-needed tonal shift that we all should be popping on the top of our must-see June lists.

Until Sunday 9 October | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au/whats-on/connection

The Darling Portrait Prize and National Photographic Portrait Prize

Head along to the National Portrait Gallery of Australia to view the 2022 Darling Portrait Prize and the National Photographic Portrait Prize. Your ticket gets you into both, so what are you waiting for?

Until Sunday 9 Oct | National Portrait Gallery | portrait.gov.au

Reception this way: motels – a sentimental journey with Tim Ross

Travel around Australia revisiting your memories of the classic Aussie motel, from family holidays and long road trips to continental breakfasts and mid-century mod-cons.

In a land where the car has provided us with the ultimate freedom to hit the road and explore, it is no surprise that Australians wholeheartedly embraced the American concept of the motel. When motels began springing up in the 1950s, they represented a new, stylish and sophisticated way to travel.

Join National Archives and Tim Ross on a driving holiday through the quintessential Australian experience of staying in a motel. And find out why these images are part of the National Archives’ collection.

This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.

Until Sunday 4 Sep 2022 | National Archives of Australia | naa.gov.au

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

On Stage: Spotlight On our Performing Arts

This exhibition brings Australia’s performing arts history into the limelight, also providing a backstage pass to the action behind the scenes, showcasing perspectives on stage direction, costume design, scripts, contracts and musical scores used by performers.

Presented together for the first time and drawing exclusively from the collections of the National Library, the exhibition features items that have never before been on display. Other highlights include the earliest surviving Australian printed document, selections from the JC Williamson theatre archives, and other contemporary live music and theatre posters.

Until 7 August | National Library of Australia | nla.gov.au

(in)tangible

Canberra Potters Gallery brings the (in)tangible works of five emerging artists who delve into the explorative themes of mental health and well-being, through the act of making. Each of the works aims to portray the emotional connect of normalising the ongoing impact and experience of mental health, opening the discussion and compassion toward the impact it causes. The pieces reflect the physical outcome, conveyed as a tangible viewpoint, challenging the perspectives of the outside world.

Until Thursday 7 August | Canberra Potters Gallery | canberrapotters.com

Every voice counts: suffrage in Australia

Want to learn more about the trailblazers who forged new pathways for women’s political participation? Parliament House is proud to present the Every voice counts: suffrage in Australia. In the exhibition you’ll explore suffrage in Australia, the role of the Federal Parliament in electoral reform and Australia’s influence on overseas suffrage campaigns. It’s a unique celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902.

Until Sunday 6 November | Parliament House | aph.gov.au

Kenneth Rowell: Designer for the Stage

Highlighting the work of Melbourne-born painter and designer Kenneth Rowell (1920-1999), characters and productions come alive through design at the National Library of Australia. While Rowell almost always designed both costume and set designs for a production, this exhibition showcases a selection of hand-drawn costume designs, as well as other items that give us a sense of his life in the theatre.

Until Sunday 11 December | National Library of Australia | nla.gov.au

Sidney Nolan: Search for Paradise

From 9 July until 22 October 2022, the important retrospective work of renowned Australian modernist Sidney Nolan can be seen for free at CMAG. From his nostalgia for St Kilda, his childhood heaven, to his explorations of the Australian landscape and restless travels abroad, Sidney Nolan: Search for Paradise examines one of the artist’s deepest impulses and the journey of self-discovery it engendered. It’s the only time that this astonishing exhibition can be visited outside of Victoria, so run, don’t walk.

Until Saturday 22 October | Cnr. London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City | cmag.com

Dean Cross: Sometimes I Miss The Applause

Presented in dialogue with Sidney Nolan: Search for Paradise, this newly commissioned installation by Dean Cross explores dual-channel moving image work that draws upon some of his most recognisable imagery (including his stylised Ned Kelly helmet). An artist of Worimi descent, born and raised on Ngunnawal/Ngambri Country with a background in contemporary dance and choreography, Cross’ cross-disciplinary practice often confronts the legacies of modernism, rebalancing dominant cultural and social histories.