Your social calendar just got seriously upgraded with 80+ things to do in Canberra
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Ready to ditch the Netflix binge? Good, because Canberra is serving up some serious cultural gold this week.
We’re talking impromptu Shakespeare with actual laughs, uranium-infused art that glows under blacklight (yes, really), bestie brunches with podcast royalty, and puppet shows that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about wisdom. Plus, there’s wine, truffles, and enough live music to soundtrack your entire week. Time to get out there and live a little.
Don’t miss
Gem and Revs Live at Canberra Outlet – Bestie Brunch!
Join Gem and Revs from the hit podcast We Don’t Have Time For This for a live Bestie Brunch at Canberra Outlet! It’s the ultimate get-together for mums who need a break, a laugh, and a good chat about parenting, life, relationships and of course, shopping.
Connect with your besties. Meet the podcast stars in person. Enjoy exclusive outlet deals and treats.
Spaces are limited, so book your tickets now for this feel-good, fun-filled event made just for mums (and their besties!).
Friday 22 August, 10.30 am | Canberra Outlet, Iron Knob Street, Fyshwick | canberraoutlet.com.au
Inferno by Mikaela Stafford at the NFSA
Preview the immersive installation by internationally recognised Australian artist Mikaela Stafford before it opens to the public. This free audiovisual experience blends monumental 3D motion graphics, kinetic sculpture and dynamic lighting with a powerful soundscape by composer Kate Durman.
The sci-fi-infused world explores identity, memory and matter through a hyperreal journey anchored by a large-scale resin sculpture emerging from a 12-metre digital screen.
Friday 22 August to 16 November | NFSA Gallery & Courtyard | nfsa.gov.au
Light Source Performance Evening
Experience the phenomenological power of expanded cinema at this unique performance evening celebrating light, projection, and abstract film. In conjunction with the Drill Hall Gallery’s Light Source exhibition, four artists present short improvised performances exploring light’s ability to illuminate and abstract.
Friday 22 August, 6–7.30 pm | Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Acton | dhg.anu.edu.au
H.E.R. Dance Day
A full day celebrating dance, community and female empowerment with workshops, prizes and much more, Canberra’s newest girls dance community day celebrates everything about H.E.R.
Learn diverse dance styles in choreography-based workshops including Bachata Ladies Styling with Lana, Jazz Funk with Chloe, Salsa Ladies Styling with Maddie, Heels with Amelia, Femme Fusion with Tanima, and Zouk Ladies Styling with Bobbi and Valen.
All tickets include one raffle entry to win prizes from MoveMe Studios, Dance Til Dawn, and Kmotion Dance Studio, with the first 10 bookings receiving three free raffle entries.
Saturday 23 August, 11.45 am–6.45 pm | ilLustrious Dance, East Row | trybooking.com
Dragon Dreaming Festival Warehouse Warm-Up Party
Dragon Dreaming returns to its Canberra roots with a one-night warehouse experience before the main festival. This massive warm-up party celebrates creativity, connection and community with immersive art installations, live performances, lifestyle offerings and world-class production. Join the passionate Dragon Dreaming community for an unforgettable night of counting down to this year’s festival on the sacred lands of the Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri people.
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August | The Vault, Dairy Road Precinct | thevault.place
Kingsford-Smith School’s Formal Op Shop
Help make formal season affordable and sustainable at this special op shop selling second-hand formalwear for just $3-$5 per item. Now expanded to all Year 10-12 northside students, find everything needed for the big night including dresses, suits, shirts, ties, shoes and bags. Supported by Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn, all funds raised will be divided between The Junction Canberra and Vinnies.
Saturday 23 August | Kingsford Smith School Primary Gym, 100 Starke Street, Holt | Free entry
High Tea for Karinya House
Genevieve Jacobs and Bernadette Bryant are raising funds for Karinya House as part of the 2025 Walk for Hope, supported by ByCath and Cuppacumbalong with a beautiful high tea in the historic Cuppacumbalong dining room. Enjoy five savoury bites, scones with homemade jam and five sweet treats served to your table with fresh flowers, white linen and barista service.
Your experience begins with sparkling on arrival, with barista-made tea and coffee throughout. BYO other refreshments welcome with no corkage (no additional drinks for purchase). Dietary requirements can be included in booking, with Cath doing her best to accommodate. The afternoon features guest speakers, raffles and time to explore the gardens. All proceeds support Karinya House’s vital work providing accommodation and support for pregnant women and mothers with babies experiencing homelessness.
Sunday 24 August, 11.30 am | Cuppacumbalong, 21 Naas Rd, Tharwa | bycath.com.au
National Capital Orchestra Community Play Day
Experience the rare joy of playing with a full symphony orchestra! The National Capital Orchestra invites local musicians aged 16+ to join their annual Community Play Day at the historic Albert Hall. This unique opportunity allows amateur musicians to play alongside professionals under guest conductor Shilong Ye, performing Tchaikovsky’s thrilling 1812 Overture and Miriam Hyde’s Village Fair: A Ballet for Orchestra.
The day includes morning and afternoon rehearsals, culminating in a public concert at 4pm followed by an after-party reception. Last year over 100 musicians participated in this vibrant, joyful community event. Musicians must book by Friday 22 August, while audience members are welcome to attend the concert.
Sunday 24 August, 10 am–5 pm, concert 4 pm | Albert Hall, Canberra | Book at trybooking.com
Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington
Meet beloved puppet Mr Squiggle and iconic characters in this free exhibition exploring 40 years of Australian children’s TV history and creative magic.
Until 13 October | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
1975: Living in the Seventies
Step back 50 years and immerse yourself in the unforgettable year that was 1975! The National Library of Australia’s fascinating new exhibition explores what it was truly like to live in the seventies, from the dramatic political upheaval of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal to the cultural phenomena that defined the decade.
Discover iconic fashion like flared jeans and platform shoes, relive the magic of Countdown’s glam rockers Skyhooks and ABBA’s infectious pop, and explore groundbreaking Australian films like Picnic at Hanging Rock. This colourful celebration brings together objects exploring politics, conflicts, popular culture, food, fashion, and sport in iconic seventies design, revealing a complex story beyond Baby Boomer nostalgia.
Until Saturday 1 February 2026 | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra | library.gov.au
Food and Wine
Winter Wine Series
Warm up with complimentary fireside wine tastings every Friday in Hyatt Hotel Canberra’s historic Griffin’s lounge. Discover stories behind the vines while sipping incredible drops from Eden Road, Collector Wines, Nick O’Leary, Lark Hill and Bremerton Wines. Unwind, discover, and sip. No bookings required.
Every Friday | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
Contentious Comedy Debate – When Life Gives You Sour Grapes, It’s Time To Wine
Mix great wine, delicious food and raucous laughter at the fourth Contentious Comedy Debate in partnership with Canberra Comedy Festival. Watch quick-thinking debaters trade hilarious lines while you enjoy a two-course dinner with wine. Features comedy stars including mother-daughter team captains Joanna and Jacqui Richards. Arrive early for afternoon drinks, stay for the entertainment and optional desserts.
Saturday 23 August | Building 4, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | contentiouscharacter.com.au
High Tea in the Atrium
Enjoy an elegant afternoon in the leafy setting of the Pavilion’s Atrium. Sample delectable treats, bottomless prosecco and soothing teas in a beautiful afternoon experience. The perfect setting for a sophisticated catch-up with friends or special celebration.
Saturday 23 August | Atrium Restaurant and Bar, 242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson | atriumrestaurantandbar.com.au
Truffle Infused Winter Tastings at Mount Majura Vineyard
It’s truffle season again! And Mount Majura Vineyard knows the most delicious way to enjoy truffles is with their wines. Fresh truffle from neighbour Jayson at The Truffle Farm is used to infuse a deliciously rich triple-cream brie-style cheese. With this, they pour a flight of three 80ml glasses matched to the truffled brie. Hungry yet?
Until Sunday 31 August | Mount Majura Vineyard, 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | mountmajura.com.au
Bubbles with Bite
If you like your sips sparkly and snacks sophisticated, then pull up a seat for some knock-out Champagne pairings with Perrier-Jouët at QT Canberra. The refreshing crispness of Champagne combined with the rich lusciousness of caviar is pure indulgence, while the French fry crunch adds that perfect comfort food kicker. It’s the smart-casual snack your suit and sneaker combo demands – luxe and laid-back, just the way we like it. Choose from a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut ($22), or go all out with bottles paired with fries and caviar. As always, QT promises to keep the posh playful.
Until Sunday 31 August | QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, City | qthotels.com
Markets
Capital Region Farmers Market
Sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra. Speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
Saturdays, 7 am-11:30 am | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Haig Park Village Markets
Browse delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
Sundays, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Stage and Screen
The Big Bike Film Night
Saddle up for a cinematic celebration of cycling! This globally acclaimed film festival rolls into Canberra with eight mesmerizing short films showcasing cycling adventures from Pakistan’s exotic landscapes to New Zealand’s breathtaking peaks. Experience thrilling tales of endurance, community, and the transformative power of two wheels. From Matt Fairbrother’s epic unsupported mountain bike rally journey to inspiring stories of adventure and resilience, these carefully curated films prove that bikes are vehicles for extraordinary human stories. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or cinema lover, prepare for an evening that will inspire you to get out and ride.
Monday 18 August | Kambri at ANU, Tangney Road, Cultural Centre Building 153, Acton | bigbikefilmnight.nz
$8 Collection Selection at Arc Cinema
The NFSA’s accessible film series showcases compelling Australian films Petersen and Blessed from the national collection. Experience significant works from Australian cinema history at an affordable price point this winter.
Thursday 21 August | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
The Drawer Boy – Mockingbird Theatre Company
Experience Canada’s multi-award winning modern classic in this brilliantly touching and often hilarious production. When young city actor Miles moves in with aging bachelor farmers Morgan and Angus to research a new play, he discovers more than he bargained for.
Intrigued by Angus, who suffered brain damage during WWII, and gently tormented by Morgan for his rural ignorance, Miles attempts farm life with varying success. But when he includes an overheard story in his play, he unwittingly breaks open the fragile pattern of the farmers’ lives. This elegant testimony to fiction’s transcendent nature and truth’s healing power has earned rave reviews and major awards including the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama.
Thursday 21 to Saturday 30 August, 7:30 pm (plus Saturday 2 pm matinee) | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank | belcoarts.com.au/drawer-boy
Shakenspeare: Faketh till you maketh
You’ve never seen The Bard like this before. Lightbulb Improv returns to Canberra Theatre Centre with their beloved comedy show that creates two fully improvised Shakespearean masterpieces based on a single audience suggestion. Nothing is planned or written in advance–all dialogue is devised on the spot and characters created as you watch. Each performance opens with a classic comedy of love and lightness before ending with a tragedy that inevitably slides into side-splitting comedy.
Created by Shakespearean actor and director Heidi Silberman, this spontaneous theatre showcases timeless storytelling fundamentals with modern flair. Expect the unexpected as Canberra’s premier improv troupe delivers comedy gold through the unpredictable art of “faketh till you maketh”.
Friday 22 until Sunday 24 August, various times | Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
We Don’t Have Time For This: Who Is She?
After two sold-out tours, the hit podcast girls return with an all-new musical comedy show. Gem and Revz deliver high-energy comedy, music and audience interaction exploring millennial motherhood, relationships and womanhood in 2025. Expect big laughs, raw honesty and signature no-filter chats about life with kids, friendships and partner drama.
Saturday 23 August| Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Shakenspeare: Faketh till you maketh
You’ve never seen The Bard like this before. Lightbulb Improv returns to Canberra Theatre Centre with their beloved comedy show that creates two fully improvised Shakespearean masterpieces based on a single audience suggestion. Nothing is planned or written in advance–all dialogue is devised on the spot and characters created as you watch. Each performance opens with a classic comedy of love and lightness before ending with a tragedy that inevitably slides into side-splitting comedy.
Created by Shakespearean actor and director Heidi Silberman, this spontaneous theatre showcases timeless storytelling fundamentals with modern flair. Expect the unexpected as Canberra’s premier improv troupe delivers comedy gold through the unpredictable art of “faketh till you maketh”.
22–24 August, various times | Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Der Rosenkavalier
The National Opera presents a fast-paced, thoughtfully condensed version of Richard Strauss’s beloved opera in under 90 minutes. This accessible adaptation features a poignant love triangle between the worldly Marschallin, young Octavian, and innocent Sophie. Experience the charm, emotional nuance and elegance of this enduring work, exploring themes of time, passion, and letting go.
Saturday 23 until Sunday 31 August | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
The Chosen Vessel By Dylan Van Den Berg
Award-winning Palawa playwright Dylan Van Berg presents this bold reimagining of Barbara Baynton’s Australian classic. A young Aboriginal woman living in the bush faces her fears when a white Swagman arrives seeking food and water. This gothic horror, directed by Kalkadoon woman Abbie-lee Lewis and featuring Meriam/Badulaig woman Laila Thaker and Craig Alexander, asks audiences to reflect on what they choose to see and wilfully ignore. Content Warning: Mature themes including domestic violence, sexual assault, racism, colonial violence.
Until Sunday 24 August | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Music
From Beethoven to the Beatles
The Wesley Music Centre Lunchtime Concert series welcomes talented young musicians from Canberra Girls Grammar School, who will perform music by Mozart, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Handel, Leavitt, McCartney and Bayer-Sager.
Wednesday 20 August| Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | trybooking.com/CYREM
Edith Pageaud, Guitar Virtuoso
Child prodigy turned international star, Pageaud earned her Diplôme d’Études Musicales by age 14. Her program opens with Philip Glass and Heinrich Biber, features emotive Schubert arrangements, Messiaen’s transcendental soundscapes, virtuosic Scriabin and Rachmaninov, sultry Piazzolla tango, and concludes with Tansman’s rhythmic Passacaille. An evening of profound artistry and technical brilliance.
Wednesday 20 August | Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | concertsaustralia.com
Australian Haydn Ensemble presents Haydn’s Miracle
The Australian Haydn Ensemble performs Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart with convincing spirit and sophistication. This concert features Haydn’s Miracle Symphony and Fantasia Quartet alongside Schubert’s Rosamunde Quartet and Purcell’s Fantasia No. 8. All pieces are performed on period instruments, bringing audiences as close as possible to the sound-world the composers themselves knew and loved.
Thursday 21 August | Wesley Music Centre, 22 National Circuit, Forrest | australianhaydn.com.au
Russell Morris
Australian music icon Russell Morris embarks on his Farewell Tour in spectacular style with Australia’s finest musicians, lush strings and a smokin’ hot band. Hear all classic hits from The Real Thing and Sweet Sweet Love to his celebrated blues trilogy. This ultimate showcase of an incredible musical journey could be your last chance to see Russell perform these legendary songs live.
Thursday 21 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Haydn’s Miracle
The Australian Haydn Ensemble performs with “convincing spirit and sophistication,” featuring Haydn’s “Miracle” Symphony and “Fantasia” Quartet, Schubert’s “Rosamunde” Quartet and Purcell’s Fantasia No. 8. All played on period instruments, bringing you as close as possible to the sound-world the composers knew and loved.
Thursday 21 August | Wesley Music Centre, 22 National Circuit, Forrest | australianhaydn.com.au
Exhibitions
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
HARD/SOFT
Four artists to watch expand what we think about printmaking in this ground-breaking exhibition. Fergus Berney-Gibson, Annabelle McEwen, Linda Sok and Maddison Wandel showcase experimental approaches including 3D prints, textiles and clay, pewter casts of architectural details and image transfers onto athletic socks.
Curated by Sydney collective More Than Reproduction, the exhibition explores contradictions in printmaking, focusing on the interplay between materials and the tension when hardness and softness converge, repel and transform.
This latest exhibition offers Canberra audiences an exciting chance to engage with contemporary Australian printmaking that transcends traditional works on paper.
Opening Friday 22 August, 5.30 pm; curator talk Saturday 4 October, 2pm | Megalo Print Studio, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | megalo.org
Rising Tide (marea crescente)
Sydney and Canberra-based artist NOT transforms the Riverbend Room with an unsettling meditation on environmental crisis and historical memory. This striking installation features Murano glass vessels infused with uranium that glow with toxic luminosity under blacklight, creating an otherworldly aquatic landscape. Drawing inspiration from Venice’s sinking foundations and ancient lagoon debris, the fluorescent aqua forms swirled with bronze and Italian marble speak to humanity’s complex relationship with both beauty and destruction, hope and responsibility.
Friday 22 August until Sunday 19 October | Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Acton | dhg.anu.edu.au
HARD/SOFT
This thought-provoking exhibition explores printmaking’s inherent contradictions through the lens of four emerging artists. Curated by More Than Reproduction, the show examines the medium’s constant negotiation between opposing forces—positive and negative, rigid and flexible, presence and absence. Artists Fergus Berney-Gibson, Annabelle McEwen, Linda Sok, and Maddison Wandel push printmaking boundaries through diverse conceptual and material investigations, creating works where hardness and softness converge, repel, and transform in fascinating ways.
Saturday 23 August until 4 Thursday October | Megalo Print Studio, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | megalo.org
Exhibition: 10 years of NAIDOC in the North
Celebrates a decade of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture presentations, showcasing special moments captured through performance, creativity and community engagement.
Until Sunday 24 August | The Window Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre | belcoarts.com.au
Djinindira (Ginninderra) by Bradley Mapiva
This exhibition reflects the Ngunnawal meaning “sparkling ray of light”, capturing the cultural significance of Ginninderra through patterns echoing riverlines, pathways and shimmering reflections.
Until Sunday 24 August | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre | belcoarts.com.au
Footsteps Through Country by Wilay Designs
This exhibition celebrates connection, growth and cultural strength through personal and collective journeys shaped by Country, guided by Old People and inspired by lived experiences.
Until Sunday 24 August | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre | belcoarts.com.au
Home by Dominika Cady, Shawnah Cady, Hannah Langford & Eva-Lee Williams
Explore the varied meanings of “home” through four aspiring CIT Cultural Arts students’ interpretations ranging from physical spaces to childhood memories.
Until Sunday 24 August | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre | belcoarts.com.au
In Harmony with Nature
Strathnairn Arts presents a vibrant exhibition by The Magic of Artistry Group—Canberra artists Irina Bastrakova and Galina Amelina. This heartfelt showcase explores emotional connections between people and nature through photography, painting, and intricate gemstone artworks. The duo captures fleeting moments of beauty, stillness, and transformation, inviting viewers to pause and reconnect with nature and themselves. From Irina’s serene landscapes to Galina’s shimmering jewelry crafted from raw minerals, the exhibition celebrates the subtle wonders of our environment and everyday joy.
Until Sunday 24 August | Strathnairn Arts, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information here.
Landscapes of Motherhood
This is a solo exhibition of acrylic and mixed media paintings reflecting the ongoing experience of early parenthood. Kelsie White explores motherhood’s emotional and transformative nature through dreamlike landscapes, offering candid and resonant portrayal that invites viewers to contemplate their own emotional landscapes and experiences of change.
Until Sunday 31 August | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com
In Awe
Daniel Allam draws inspiration from coastal regions and landscape life during daily walks around Eurobodalla Shire. Through painting, he invites viewers to share his awe as a reminder to embrace and be embraced by nature. This solo exhibition celebrates the natural world and our connection to it through artistic expression.
Until Sunday 31 August | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com
Testamur 7
The 7th annual exhibition presents artworks created in or inspired by CAW workshops, courses, and art groups. Featuring drawing, painting, pastel, mixed media, printmaking, and sculpture, Testamur 7 celebrates boundary-pushing artworks and showcases the educational journey of CAW artists. A diverse display of creative growth and artistic exploration.
Until Sunday 31 August | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com
Veiled Reflections by Elise Stanley
Veiled Reflections is an introspective exhibition by early-career artist Elise Stanley and includes a series of drawings and screen prints exploring the tension between fragility and strength, visibility and concealment. Centring on self-portraiture, Elise reflects on evolving perceptions of the fat, female body, shaped by lived experience and personal memory. This body of work continues her broader exploration of femininity, vulnerability, and autonomy through printmaking and drawing.
In challenging dominant narratives around the body, the exhibition reclaims space for softness, scale, and self-representation outside of normative ideals. Through materially sensitive and emotionally honest processes, the artist’s body — veiled, mutable, and powerful — is witnessed on its own terms.
Until Sunday 31 August | Platform, 19 Furneaux St, Manuka | canberracontemporary.com.au
Wandering: Near & Far – Millie Black
Discover the profound connection between people and the natural world through emerging artist Millie Black’s captivating solo exhibition. Based on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, Black is a painter and textile artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores atmosphere and ground through painterly brushstrokes. Her works—at once quiet and monumental—reimagine landscapes both near and distant as sites of care, reverence, and shared belonging.
Hovering between the real and sublime, these pieces invite reflection on our relationship to wilderness, encouraging viewers to recognize these places not just as scenic, but as part of who we are. Join the artist for opening drinks and explore this research-led practice that blends environmental inquiry with poetic material expression.
Until Sunday 31 August – opening drinks Saturday 2 August, 3–5 pm | Suki & Hugh Gallery, 38A Gibraltar Street, Bungendore | sukihugh.com.au
The Camera Unrepair Shop
The Camera Unrepair Shop combines installation, cyanotype process and performance to reflect on the nature of photography, its evolution, and the unseen labour behind film-based imagery. UK Frederick dismantles cameras, creating blueprints of their anatomy, subverting the usual production-to-waste narrative. This experimental work provokes contemplation about the current state of photography amid emerging technologies.
Until Saturday 13 September | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circuit, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
The Texans 1972-73
Unseen for over fifty years, these photographs capture 1970s Texas, revealing the tenor of American life in its most quirky and telling moments. Shot on a 35mm Leica, they offer an early glimpse into the practice of a filmmaker who would go on to become a pioneer of observational documentary.
The images sometimes resemble movie stills, marked by a constant interplay between stillness and movement, between formal composition and an inquisitive, roving eye.
Judith MacDougall brought a fresh perspective to the lives of horse-fanciers, promoters, cowhands, diner workers, bodybuilders, conventioneers, and car enthusiasts across the state.
Until Saturday 13 September | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circuit, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
holy arm gauntlet
Tom Campbell’s recent work positions embroidery as a location for disagreement, exploring how the act of disagreeing both forges and fractures connection. Through textiles and poetry, the Kadazan/Scottish artist traces muscle memories across his lineages, investigating how poetry might navigate the bodily sensation of being ‘in disagreement.’
Until Wednesday 20 September | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Material Transformations
Emma Bingham, Svenja Kratz and Sarah Stubbs explore how the body holds and sheds material memories through making. Working with paper, clay, thread, cell and surface, they investigate how physical matter can highlight emotional residues and deeply personal utterances, asking what transformation means to our physical and emotional bodies.
Until Wednesday 20 September | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie
Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie marks the first time works from this internationally significant collection will be seen in Australia. The exhibition presents a journey through the dynamic changes in European and Australian art in the twentieth century. Don’t miss it.
Until Saturday 21 September | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Her Parts
Play and create in The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Her Parts, a dedicated interactive space created by artist Sanné Mestrom. Building on artistic dialogues initiated by the exhibition Cézanne to Giacometti, Mestrom transforms abstract cubist forms into a playable adventure.
Until Saturday 21 September | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
PARADISE*
This exhibition investigates the idea of the Pacific region still being thought of as a ‘paradise’, and the complex underbelly that actually exists. Through ceramics, painting, installation and photography, the artists included in this exhibition interrogate identity, queerness, connection, representation, and what it means to be Pasifika in today’s context of globalism, diaspora, migration and diversity. Ultimately, Paradise* is a vehicle for Pasifika/Australian artists to explore living between two (or three, or multiple) worlds, and is about (re)indiginisation, cultural revival, and strength in community.
Curated by Dan Toua and featuring work by Tivien Andrews-Homerang, Grace Hasu Dlabik, Sione Monū, Alexander Sarsfield, and Tearia Teaiwa Mortimer, Nicholas Mortimer & Katerina Teaiwa.
Until Sunday 4 October | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | canberracontemporary.com.au
Four New Exhibitions at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Discover four compelling exhibitions exploring art, mental health, and creative expression opening at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. “Patternmakers” features Vivienne Binns, Richard Blackwell, Ham Darroch, and Al Munro investigating pattern as visual phenomena and cognitive tool for processing complex problems.
EASS Award winner Melanie Olde presents “Forest Growth,” woven artworks exploring emergence through plant growth algorithms and human-technology connections. Hank Reynolds’ debut solo show “Remedies” (curated by Christian Sirois) showcases his creative process as catharsis and mental health management tool. Vijaya Sen’s “Presence of Mind” features therapeutic works on paper including poetry, watercolour, and drawings from memory and dreams supporting her mental health recovery journey.
Until Saturday 11 October | Tuggeranong Arts Centre | tuggeranongarts.com
Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington
Meet beloved puppet Mr Squiggle and iconic characters in this free exhibition exploring 40 years of Australian children’s TV history and creative magic.
Until 13 October | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
Camel trains to steel wheels
Explore a colourful chapter of Australia’s history at National Archives’ exhibition Camel trains to steel wheels: life on the Trans-Australian Railway.
This exhibition features fascinating archival records, photos and footage that captured the events and challenges from the railway’s first 60 years, including its impact on First Nations people.From the construction effort and its diverse workforce to the unique lives of communities that sprang up along the line, this is a must-see exhibition for those who revel in Australia’s railway history through time and place.
Until 19 October | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Outer Space: Stromlo to the Stars
Celebrating 100 years of Mount Stromlo Observatory, this interactive exhibition highlights groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and the vibrant community of scientists and families behind them. Features immersive installations, historical objects, and interactive activities perfect for all ages.
Until 16 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
Maree Clark: Seeing the Invisible
Showcasing supersized Reed Necklaces by Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke. These monumental works honour cultural strength while calling attention to beauty and deep loss. Clarke’s practice draws on extensive research into cultural materials, grounded in community, connection to Country, and cultural revival.
Until Sunday 23 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
Australia’s Home Front: 1939-1945
Explore everyday Australians’ vital role during WWII on the home front, from “make do and mend” to war bonds and women’s auxiliary work. Features unique objects and stories from Canberra and beyond, including the city’s surprising Manhattan Project connection. Presents resilience, innovation, and quiet heroism of those who supported the war effort, marking 80 years since the conflict’s end.
Until 1 February 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Canberra | cmag.com.au
Taglietti: Life in Design
Discover the world of The Global Architect, Enrico Taglietti (1926–2019), a visionary whose design principles shaped modern Australian architecture and left an indelible imprint on Canberra, the city he and his wife Franca chose to call home. Celebrating the centenary of Taglietti’s birth, Taglietti: Life in Design explores the life, philosophy, and legacy of one of Australia’s most original architects.
Until Sunday 22 February 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
A Total Work of Art: Sidney Nolan and the Stage
Celebrate 50 years of Nolan’s cultural legacy with the Canberra Museum and Gallery’s year-long program of exhibitions, concerts, talks, and a symposium. A Total Work of Art: Sidney Nolan and the Stage showcases Sidney Nolan’s dynamic stage designs for opera, ballet, and theatre. You’ll discover costumes, set designs, and the iconic “Lyrebird” costume from The Display, 1964.
Until 8 March 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
In Bloom
In Bloom explores the beauty and symbolism of flowers. Featuring more than 50 portraits from the National Portrait Gallery collection, new acquisitions and selected loans, you will discover how flowers have long been used in art to express emotion and convey messages of personal, cultural and religious significance.
The show is a weird and wonderful floral extravaganza that includes much-loved and lesser-known works from the collection. See socialites, chefs, musicians, actors, doctors and politicians who are all unified by their accompanying floral markers.
Until Sunday 19 April 2026 | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Reflection: 50 Years of the Australian Honours System
Discover the remarkable story of Australia’s honours system through a fascinating exhibition at the Royal Australian Mint. “Reflection” celebrates five decades of recognizing extraordinary Australians, featuring original medal sketches by Stuart Devlin, finished medals, and commemorative coins from the National Coin Collection.
Explore the journey from design concept to final recognition, including the 2003 Volunteers Fine Silver Proof Set, Afghanistan Medal displays, and stunning wattle-themed collectibles. This free exhibition honors over 500,000 Australians who have contributed to our nation’s spirit.
Now open | Royal Australian Mint, Deakin | Free entry | ramint.gov.au
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay showcases two of Australia’s leading fashion designers: Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee, in conversation with international, multidisciplinary artist Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979).
The iconic and vibrant early designs of Kee and Jackson from the 1970s and early 1980s were directly inspired by the dynamic legacy of Delaunay, who was a member of the School of Paris and co-founder of Orphism, an art movement noted for its use of intense colours and abstract, geometric forms. As well as working in traditional mediums such as painting and printmaking, Delaunay’s practice also included textile, fashion, and theatre design.
For Jackson and Kee, who were beginning their shared journey in creating clothes as works of art, the discovery of Delaunay was revolutionary. This powerful display feature a rarely-seen collection of Kee and Jackson’s garments from their archives and are shown with the National Gallery’s collection of Delaunay’s prints, drawings, textiles and costumes.
Showing now | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington
Meet beloved puppet Mr Squiggle and iconic characters in this free exhibition exploring 40 years of Australian children’s TV history and creative magic.
Until 13 October | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
1975: Living in the Seventies
Step back 50 years and immerse yourself in the unforgettable year that was 1975! The National Library of Australia’s fascinating new exhibition explores what it was truly like to live in the seventies, from the dramatic political upheaval of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal to the cultural phenomena that defined the decade.
Discover iconic fashion like flared jeans and platform shoes, relive the magic of Countdown’s glam rockers Skyhooks and ABBA’s infectious pop, and explore groundbreaking Australian films like Picnic at Hanging Rock. This colourful celebration brings together objects exploring politics, conflicts, popular culture, food, fashion, and sport in iconic seventies design, revealing a complex story beyond Baby Boomer nostalgia.
Until Saturday 1 February 2026 | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra | library.gov.au
Sport and Wellness
NBL Blitz Canberra
Get ready for five days of non-stop action as all 10 NBL teams make final preparations in the pre-season tournament. Professional men’s basketball returns to Australia’s capital for the first time since 2003, featuring five nights of double-headers and high-level competition as teams fine-tune for the season ahead.
Wednesday 27 until Sunday 31 August | AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | More information here.
Workshops
Mosaic Art Classes Canberra: Turkish Lamp Workshop
Unleash your artistic potential in Australia’s first Turkish mosaic lamp workshop. Learn 500-year-old techniques, lay tiles with precision, create geometric patterns and craft your own Turkish mosaic lamp in just over two hours. Expert instructors guide you while enjoying Turkish tea service with homemade shortbread cookies. Gift vouchers available.
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August | Fitters’ Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | artmasterclass.com.au
Shadow Puppetry Workshop for Kids
Watch imagination come alive as children’s drawings transform into moving characters on stage! This hands-on workshop with experienced puppeteer Jenny Ellis guides young creators through designing, crafting, and animating their own shadow puppets. Working in collaborative small groups, participants will learn professional puppeteering techniques before culminating in their very own shadow puppet performance. It’s a magical introduction to storytelling through shadow and light that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and theatrical wonder.
Friday 23 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Little Wing Puppets: The Owl’s Apprentice
Join young owl Poot Poot on his journey to discover wisdom in this delightful interactive show combining shadow puppetry, hand puppetry, and storytelling. When Poot Poot struggles at Owl School and embarks on a quest to a distant library, he encounters Australian animals who share their unique wisdom. This engaging performance explores the 16 Habits of Mind while teaching children that wisdom comes in many forms. When bushfire threatens the forest, will Poot Poot’s newfound knowledge save the day?
Friday 23 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Talks and Programs
Jane Austen and her legacy – 250 glorious years at the National Library
Susannah Fullerton OAM, President of Jane Austen Society of Australia, delivers a lecture marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. Explore why her novels are globally adored, how she changed literary history, where to find Jane Austen societies worldwide, and why readers return to her books again and again. Perfect for admirers of the world’s favourite female novelist.
Wednesday 20 August | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Book launch: Stillwater
Celebrate the launch of doctor-turned-author Tanya Scott’s debut novel with special guest Chris Hammer. Stillwater is a dark, gripping and character-driven thriller that cuts deep and doesn’t let go.
The evening will feature readings, discussion and the opportunity to meet both authors in an intimate bookshop setting. Perfect for thriller fans and those who appreciate Australian crime fiction, this launch promises insights into the writing process and the transition from medicine to literature.
Thursday 21 August, 6 pm | The Book Cow Bookshop, Kingston | events.humanitix.com
Culture and Creativity Seminar Series
Investigating the relationship between social culture and creative production through scholarly papers, artist talks and practitioner reports. Topics include architecture and time, AI-generated musicianship, Australia’s nuclear heritage, gender barriers in construction, and First Nations collaborative research. Can be attended in person or online.
Until Thursday 23 October | Theatrette 1A21, Mizzuna, 1A21, Bruce | canberra.edu.au
