Admit it, we’ve all been there – stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible, and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you want to know about the secrets of career success. This week, we sit down with Sarah Ahmed, the newly appointed CEO of Women’s Health Matters, to talk leadership, vulnerability, and why carving your own path is always better than following a blueprint.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do?
Sarah Ahmed – mum of two, sister, daughter, friend, and CEO of Women’s Health Matters. By day I am neck-deep in gender equity and governance papers; by night you’ll find me three episodes deep into a trashy reality show with a podcast queue I’ll never actually clear.
Let’s go back to when you were a kid, have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
Not even close. I wanted to be an employment lawyer, or maybe a defence attorney. Clearly the “help people” gene was there early; I just thought it came with a wig and a courtroom. Life took the scenic route instead, and I have ended up somewhere better, working directly with people, for causes I actually care about.
Tell us about when you were first starting out, what set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
Early on, I worked for a First Nations organisation in the Northern Territory, and it rewired me. Seeing the scale of inequity First Nations communities carry, and how little of it is accidental, is what set the fire. I decided then that my career would be in service of underprivileged communities, and that hasn’t changed since.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in; what did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
Honestly, never really had a “chuck it all in” moment. There’s frustration, and the odd short, sharp bout of despair, but never a genuine “I am out.” The work is too rewarding for that. What gets me through the hard patches is having a solid crew of peers, friends, and mentors around me, people who will tell you the truth and then buy you a coffee.
What was your biggest break?
I have had my fair share of lucky breaks, but the big one was landing my first CEO role at Hepatitis ACT. The board took a genuine leap of faith. I’d never been a CEO before, and they hired me at a genuinely precarious time for the organisation. That role rewired how I think about leadership. Turns out vulnerability isn’t the opposite of strength. It’s a leadership tool if you are brave enough to use it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Just because you feel useless doesn’t mean you are worthless.” My ten-year-old son said that to me. He caught me at a low point, on the phone to a friend, freshly diagnosed with a chronic illness, and telling her I felt like I was failing at every aspect of life. Out of the mouths of babes.
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
The sense of community and camaraderie. This sector runs on people who genuinely show up for each other. What makes me want to scream into a pillow is that we are still fighting for basics: genuine gender equity in health and wellbeing isn’t remotely achieved yet. Women are still struggling to access gender-informed, inclusive healthcare and reliable information to make good decisions about their own bodies. In 2026. It’s maddening how far we still have to go.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’, what media do you consume?
I have mostly stopped watching the news. I genuinely don’t think humans are wired to consume the sheer volume of information we are exposed to these days. Real-time news, reels, podcasts 24/7, isn’t good for our brains, and there’s so much grief in the world right now that the repetitive nature of the reporting isn’t doing anyone’s mental health any favours. Staying informed matters, but I think we all need to get better at consuming it in moderation. I’d rather be useful than doom-scroll into paralysis.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I am not really a beyond-three-years planner. But I know, with total certainty, that whatever I am doing will still involve helping people and community in some form. The job title might change, but the purpose won’t.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
They shouldn’t. I mean that as encouragement, not a brush-off. There’s real beauty in everyone carving their own path. If I’d stuck to the one I thought I was meant to follow – lawyer, courtroom, the whole plan – I wouldn’t be anywhere near here. Life has a funny way of turning out better than you expected when you follow what you are actually passionate about instead of what you think you are supposed to do.
What advice would you give your past self?
Stop worrying about what other people think, and put that energy into self-compassion, growth, and actually being present in your own life.
Bunny Beans is ready to provide you with your late-night caffeine kick. Open from 5 pm – 11 pm, try their Japanese-style desserts, savoury snacks, and, most importantly, the People’s Choice award-winning coffee. Bunny Beans cosy vibes make it the perfect late-night study spot.
Kita has attracted a regular clientele of emergency services shift workers, making it widely known as “Cop Cafe”. Why? Thanks to its unusual opening hours:
Open from 6 pm to 6 am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 12 am to 6 am on Sundays and 6 pm to 12 am on Tuesdays. However, it’s not just cops who enjoy what Kita has to offer; as a family-run cafe, it has an incredibly welcoming atmosphere and is a great spot to take a friend, get some studying in, and most importantly, have a peruse of their Indo-fusion menu.
Adore Tea’s high tea dining experience offers a selection of award-winning tea-infused food and beverages. Their late closing time has earned them a place on this list, open until 6 pm on weekdays and 5 pm on weekends. Adore Tea is the perfect place to treat yourself after a long day, and if you have places to be, don’t worry, they do take away!
Expect a welcoming and calm environment when visiting Leaf Cafe & Co. Its proximity to the Phillip CIT and daily 10 pm closing time make it the perfect spot for a late-night study session. While you’re here, treat yourself to a specialty coffee – roasted in Sydney and crafted by their passionate baristas – or pick from a variety of juices, smoothies, kombuchas and teas.
You might be wondering why there’s a fish and chips store on this list. After trying one of Flatheads coffees, you will understand. Customers rave about Flatheads brew, making it a highly recommended late-night caffeine stop. Go get a coffee from Flatheads right up until 9 pm every night!
Around since 1984, Tilley’s is not only a cafe; it’s a bar, restaurant, and live music venue. Tilley’s has poured the same Segafredo Organic coffee blend since 1986, making it a very trusted brew. This is the perfect spot for a night out and, of course, your late-night caffeine kick! Head in on Thursday, Friday or Saturday before close at 9 pm, or Wednesday before close at 8 pm!
Corner of Brigalow Street and Wattle Street, Lyneham | tilleys.com.au
Open late, baked goods and coffee – how could it get any better? Head to Bite & Savor to pair your coffee with a delicious baked good from their Japanese and French-inspired menu. Make sure to get there before 7 pm Monday through Thursday, or for a later visit, Bite & Savor is open until 9 pm every Friday and Saturday!
Whether you’re in a rush or looking to dine in, Cafe Momo has you covered, open until 9 pm every night. Grab an ONA coffee and choose from one of their many ready-to-go meals, or take a seat and enjoy one of their farm-to-table meals.
Fix your late-night caffeine needs with Canberra Cafe & Burgers signature brew. Open until 12 am, it’s the perfect spot to stop and study or to get an energy booster before a night shift. Canberra Cafe & Burgers – as its name suggests – has what customers describe as “hearty” burgers, but coffee and burgers aren’t all they have to offer. Browse the multitude of options on their menu and while you’re there, give their Biscoff latte a try!
Via Dolce is open until 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 pm Friday and Saturday, serving cakes, ice cream, and most importantly coffees right up until closing time. Via Dolce is great for a celebration, a catch-up with friends or stopping for a quick caffeine fix.
106 Bunda Street, Corner of Garema Place, Civic | viadolce.com.au
From a city-wide celebration of creativity at the Craft + Design Canberra Festival to the colourful chaos of La Fiesta, a weekend of sustainable fashion and a dance party celebrating the queens of Latin music, Canberra has plenty to keep you busy this week.
Add live music, theatre, markets and opportunities to get hands-on, and your calendar is looking pretty full. Here are the events worth making time for from Monday 2 to Monday 9 November.
With so many events to make your way through, here are some jump links to take you straight to the section you’re interested in:
Looking for even more to do in Canberra? Check out our What’s On section to find hundreds of events happening around town.
Don’t miss…
2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival
Celebrate Canberra as a thriving creative capital during the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival, showcasing the work of over 500 creatives across the community. Centred around the powerful theme of Dissent, this 10-day festival advocates for creativity as a tool to question and reshape societal norms while exploring sustainability, environmental impact, accessibility, and the enduring value of the handmade. Across 10 days and more than 120 activations, the program features symposiums, talks, open studios, design markets, and innovative performances in fashion, dance, and theatre, complemented by exhibitions across the city’s public spaces.
Discover a joyful rebellion against fast fashion during a vibrant weekend festival connecting sustainability, performance, and circular design. Presented by Australian Dance Party, Kelli Donovan, and Canberra Institute of Technology, the event opens with a glamorous evening showcase of sustainable design brought to life through electric live dance. Daytime activities feature hands-on workshops, clothing swaps, installations, and panel discussions designed to inspire meaningful action toward sustainable textile practices.
Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November | CIT Woden Campus, 36 Bradley Street, Phillip | australiandance.party
Craft + Design Canberra Festival Launch
Kick off 10 days of creative celebration as the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival officially opens its doors. Join local artists, designers, and community members in the gallery and Civic Square for an inspiring evening featuring official speeches and the unveiling of four major exhibitions. Explore thought-provoking works responding to this year’s powerful theme of dissent, which champions creativity as a tool for shaping society. With over five hundred creatives involved across the capital, it is a brilliant opportunity to support local makers and immerse yourself in Canberra’s vibrant design culture.
The sights, sounds, and flavours of Latin America take over Canberra’s city centre for La Fiesta, a vibrant, free community celebration. Visitors can wander through Latin American Plaza to enjoy live music performances, colourful dance showcases, interactive cultural workshops, and delicious street food vendors. Designed for all ages, the festival transforms the urban precinct into a lively street party celebrating rich Latin heritage, dance rhythms, and community connection in the heart of the city.
Saturday 7 November, 1 pm–10 pm | Latin American Plaza, 38 Childers Street, City | inthecity.com.au
2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival Open Studios + Organisations Open Day Weekend
Go behind the scenes of Canberra’s thriving creative community during the Open Studios weekend, presented as part of the Craft + Design Canberra Festival. Local artists, sculptors, jewellers, and design organisations open their working studios to the public across two days. Supported by home.by.holly, this event offers visitors a rare opportunity to meet local makers, observe traditional and contemporary craft techniques, and purchase one-of-a-kind artworks directly from the creators.
Ritmo Collective’s Dance Fitness Fiesta: Latin Queens
Ritmo Collective presents Latin Queens, the first event in its new Ritmo Fiesta series of dance fitness parties. Each Fiesta runs for 90 minutes, longer than a regular class, and brings the whole Ritmo Collective instructor team together on one dance floor.
Latin Queens celebrates women in Latin music, with a playlist featuring Shakira, Karol G, Jennifer Lopez, Anitta, Becky G, Selena and Celia Cruz, among others. Everyone is welcome.
Celebrating ‘The Art of Snail Mail’ with Martina Calvi and Scrap Society
About: Join author Martina Calvi and Scrap Society for a crafty celebration of the new book, The Art of Snail Mail. Guests can slow down and create handmade snail mail for loved ones, themselves or strangers, enjoy a Q&A session with the author, and take photos in the dedicated photobooth. The event features a Swedish candy bar, complimentary drinks, and a variety of crafty materials. Every guest receives a copy of the hardcover book and a lip glaze.
Sunday 8 November, Session 1: 10 am–12:30 pm, Session 2: 3 pm–5:30 pm | Ainslie Arts Centre, Canberra | events.humanitix.com
Canberra Open Homes | Australian Institute of Architects
Explore award-winning local architecture as the Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter) opens landmark civic buildings and sustainable residential homes to the public. Presented in partnership with the Craft + Design Canberra Festival, the open home tours highlight how local and national architects challenge conventional design to shape Canberra’s built environment. Discover innovative spatial concepts, sustainable building materials, and creative residential retrofits across multiple suburban sites.
Celebrate the vibrant diversity, creativity, and spirit of the region during Canberra’s premier month-long pride festival. Throughout November, the annual SpringOUT program transforms Canberra with a dynamic lineup of inclusive events, ranging from the popular Fair Day at Glebe Park to the eagerly anticipated Pink Tennis Bush Dance. Explore exciting sports matches, arts exhibitions, theatrical performances, and community gatherings designed to champion equality and connection. With plenty of free and low-cost activities scattered across the city, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience Canberra’s welcoming community spirit.
Step back in time and wander through a living horticultural masterpiece with guided tours of the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens. Established in 1927 as a tranquil retreat for politicians and their families, the stunning grounds now feature over five hundred varieties across four thousand rose bushes, including rare blooms sourced from Persia and China. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating tales of the gardens’ history, design evolution, and botanical significance. It is a peaceful, beautiful seasonal escape that celebrates Canberra’s rich heritage in full floral bloom.
Until Sunday 29 November (Check venue for daily tour times) | Statue of Dame Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons, Old Parliament House Rose Gardens, King George Terrace, Parkes | eventbrite.com.au
Innovation Showcase
Bring your curiosity and join Canberra’s thriving entrepreneurial community for an inspiring afternoon at UNSW Canberra City. The annual Innovation Showcase unites local and national minds, offering a welcoming space to hear real stories from trailblazing entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Whether you are launching a startup, seeking fresh inspiration, or simply looking to connect with people who move the region forward, this free-flowing event is designed for everyone. Step into an engaging setting where ideas spark and future collaborations begin over great conversations.
Creative Play is a weekly session at Q Gallery for children aged 18 months to 6 years who are not yet at school. Led by educator Charlotte, who holds a Diploma in Visual Arts and has taught with ArtKids Australia, the sessions give children hands-on activities to explore colours, textures and imaginative play. Parents and carers can take a short break while children craft and create.
Thursdays weekly, 9.30–11.30 am | Q Gallery Art Hub, Ainslie | eventbrite.com.au
Lyneham High School P&C Trivia Night
Everyone is welcome – parents, locals, and friends alike – to join the Lyneham High School P&C’s major annual fundraiser. Embrace the ‘Revival’ theme and support public education by helping raise funds for seating, shading, and landscaping for the school’s internal courtyards.
Friday 6 November, doors open 6 pm, first question 6:30 pm | Lyneham High School Hall, 61 Goodwin Street, Lyneham | trybooking.com
Providore Foodie Market Day at Merchant Campbell
Merchant Campbell’s Providore Foodie Market Day returns to Yass for its third year, filling the shop’s car park with regional producers. Expect honey from Boorowa Bees, Hillman Bros gin, wine from Intrepidus, Vineyard 1207, and Rosnay Organic Wines, Crafty Cider from Batlow, Murrumbateman Chocolate Co, and smallgoods from Bungendore Country Butchery, taking Christmas ham orders.
There’ll also be Seed Food With Love with Jane’s handmade seasonal jams, chutneys, sauces and cordials, plus free range fresh-as-a-daisy local eggs and the Dandelion Lady with her apothecary of fabulous lotions and potions made from locally harvested plants, including dandelions!
Two makers work on the day: Jim Hutton of Made From Fallen Wood carving spoons, and Helen of Good Hope Pottery hand-coiling vases. There’s a solar-powered coffee cart and treats for dogs.
Free entry. Rain, hail or shine, an hour from Canberra.
Set the tone for a massive weekend of celebration as Highball hosts the official Fuego Pre-Fiesta party for Canberra’s La Fiesta Fringe Program. Delivering an electrifying soundtrack of reggaeton and Latin hits courtesy of local DJ Nat, the venue brings the vibrant energy of Latin nightlife straight to the city. Gather with friends for a late-night celebration filled with dancing, rhythms, and community spirit to start your festival weekend in style.
Friday 6 November, 10 pm–11.59 pm | Highball, 77 London Circuit, Level 1, City | highball.bar
Back to 2016 at Mooseheads
Dust off your chokers, lace up your Adidas Superstars, and charge your phone for a gloriously nostalgic throwback party at Mooseheads. Dedicated to the chaotic aesthetic and viral hits that raised a generation, this 18+ event features an all-night anthem lineup ranging from Drake and Justin Bieber to The Chainsmokers and Ariana Grande. Embrace the ultimate Tumblr soft-grunge energy, break out your best festival fits, and relive the soundtrack of an unforgettable era.
Friday 6 November, 9 pm–11.59 pm | Mooseheads, 105 London Circuit, Mooseheads Pub, City | mooseheads.com.au
Canberra Kinetic Sculpture Race
Witness an extraordinary spectacle of human-powered ingenuity at the National Carillon during the Canberra Kinetic Sculpture Race. Part vehicle and part moving art, these imaginative kinetic sculptures navigate a challenging tri-terrain course spanning land, sand, and water. Visitors can watch the machines splash into Lake Burley Griffin, explore the designs up close, and chat with the artists behind the inventions. Blending pageantry, engineering, and humor, this free community event celebrates the capital’s creative design spirit.
Saturday 7 November, 11 am–4 pm | National Carillon, Lake Burley Griffin, Queen Elizabeth II Island, Parkes | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
St Joseph’s Primary School Fete
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family at the St Joseph’s Primary School Fete in O’Connor. Visitors can indulge in a wide selection of food and drinks, including woodfired pizza, a sausage sizzle, doughnuts, milkshakes, coffee, fairy floss, and home-baked treats at the cake stall. Entertainment and activities include a colourful Colour Run, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, sideshow alley games, a photo booth, lucky dip, wine tombola, and a raffle. A Cozy Corner craft and colouring area is also available. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the Macarthur Avenue light rail stop.
The ACT Scale Modellers’ Society presents ScaleACT 2026, a comprehensive scale modelling convention and public display hosted at Thoroughbred Park. Featuring one of Australia’s largest scale model competitions, the two-day event showcases intricate displays, swap-and-sell stalls, modelling supplies, and expert workshops led by renowned international modellers. With hands-on building activities for kids and on-site catering, it provides a fantastic, family-friendly weekend outing for hobbyists and curious visitors alike.
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November | Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham | actsms.asn.au
BITCH!
Join hosts Loren and Amy from the homegrown podcast We Prescribe Alanis for BITCH!, an empowering and candid perimenopause support group with a twist. Set within The Bordella, this interactive session offers a welcoming space to vent, laugh, swap practical wellbeing tips, and navigate the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause alongside supportive women. Complete with music, light refreshments, and plenty of humor, attendees leave feeling connected, informed, and reassured that they are not alone.
Music Theatre Projects presents a fundraising concert, Singing for their future, to help engage professional local artists for its 2027 production. The charity launched its PATH program (Performing After Training Hard) in 2025 to create clearer industry pathways for young performers in the region. The 2027 show will focus on golden age Hollywood musicals, with live music from local professionals.
Sunday 8 November, 3 pm | The Street Theatre, Canberra | thestreet.org.au
Food + Drink
Casper’s Coming Home to Lazy Su
MasterChef top five contestant Casper Kenworthy returns to where his hospitality career began for SOUR GRAPES, a one-night-only collab with Lazy Su. Inspired by an infamous MasterChef challenge, the evening features a grape-focused seven-course menu, including dessert.
Indulge in an extraordinary four-course dining experience celebrating the capital’s emerging culinary talent at the Yacht Club Canberra. This special evening highlights up-and-coming chefs who showcase exceptional creativity, technical skill, and flavour across a carefully curated menu. Each course is thoughtfully paired with premium wines from the Canberra region, creating a sophisticated event that champions both local winemakers and the next generation of kitchen leaders. Secure your seat early for a memorable night of fine food and wine.
Experience an incredible feast of authentic Latin American flavours cooked over an open fire as part of the vibrant La Fiesta Latin American Festival. Peruvian chef Julio from Bar Outro joins forces with Terra to serve up mouth-watering culinary treats in the heart of the city. Set against the lively festival atmosphere, it is a wonderful opportunity to indulge in exceptional smoky barbecue creations, celebrate rich cultural traditions, and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon and evening of great food and community spirit.
Saturday 7 November, 1 pm–10 pm | La Fiesta, 38 Childers Street, City | terracanberra.com.au
Brahms, Bach and High Tea at Lanyon Homestead
Enjoy an intimate morning of classical music and culinary indulgence inside the historic 1860s drawing room at Lanyon Homestead. Featuring Canberra Symphony Orchestra Kingsland Fellows Jojo Yuen on piano, Chloe Law on cello, and Jacob Aziz on violin, the uplifting program showcases Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 1 alongside works by Saint-Saëns and Bach. Following the performance, guests retreat to the marquee for a handcrafted high tea featuring savoury treats, finger sandwiches, house-made sweets, and sparkling wine.
Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets and Plonk are hosting Beer Day Out, with brewery stalls set up throughout the Markets. Breweries from Canberra and across Australia are taking part, including Bentspoke Brewing, Capital Brewing, Cypher Brewing, Jindabyne Brewing, Powder Monkey and Bridge Road Brewing. Entry is free, as are samples for those aged 18 and over. Beers can be purchased at Plonk.
Soak up sweeping views of our bush capital in bloom with a seasonal high tea at Queen’s Terrace Café. Perfectly timed for your Floriade outing, this high tea experience showcases exceptional Australian produce across a delicious array of sweet and savoury treats. Guests can sip on artisan teas, barista-made coffee, or upgrade to a glass of sparkling wine for a true spring celebration. Make the most of your visit by pairing your afternoon tea with a wander through Parliament House’s courtyards, architecture, and world-class exhibitions. It is an unforgettable way to experience Canberra’s most iconic landmark this season.
Until Sunday 29 November | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | aph.gov.au
Weekend Buffet at the Yacht Club
Looking for a relaxed, generous feast to kick off your weekend? The Yacht Club in Yarralumla is putting on a mouth-watering buffet spread every Saturday and Sunday. Diners can tuck into freshly carved roast meats, cold seafood straight off the ice, hot pasta, hearty seasonal soup, and a whole table of indulgent desserts. It is the ultimate dining experience for families and friends gathering along the water’s edge. Plus, kids receive complimentary chicken nuggets and chips with the purchase of an adult buffet, making it a stress-free weekend treat that caters to every appetite.
Until Sunday 29 November | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
The Spritz Club
Escape to the sunny deck at Capitol Bar & Grill for The Spritz Club, a relaxed aperitivo experience featuring ice-cold infusions of Aperol or Hugo Spritz paired with crisp chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks. Designed as an effortless Riviera-inspired ritual, guests can unwind with oversized sunglasses and zero urgency, enjoying bittersweet prosecco cocktails in a stylish inner-city setting.
Until Saturday 30 January| Capitol Bar & Grill, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | qthotels.com
Markets + Expos
The Little Burley Fashion Fest
Slow fashion takes centre stage by the lakeside as The Little Burley Fashion Fest returns to Queen Elizabeth Terrace. This exciting community celebration showcases incredible local talent, featuring a diverse array of stalls dedicated to sustainable apparel, custom accessories, handmade jewellery, designer wear, and even adorable puppy couture. Visitors can explore ethical style innovations while enjoying delicious gourmet foods and beverages from local producers. It is a fantastic morning out supporting creative change and emerging designers in the capital.
Saturday 7 November, 9 am–2 pm | The Little Burley Market, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
For Purpose Markets
Support local social enterprises and community initiative businesses on the first Saturday of each month in Dickson. The For Purpose Markets showcase Canberra’s purpose-driven vendors, ensuring every purchase generates positive community impact. From empowering refugees and migrants to supporting environmental conservation, mental health services, and LGBTQI+ programs, this vibrant market lets you shop mindfully while discovering unique handcrafted goods, foods, and artisan products.
Experience a massive festival of style, music, and community as Fashion Thrift Society takes over the Coorong Building at EPIC. Bringing together handpicked vintage garments, pre-loved fashion, and local independent designers, the event offers a vibrant thrift marketplace. Beyond sustainable fashion browsing, visitors can enjoy live DJ sets, food trucks, photo booths, piercing and tattoo stations, henna, and custom jewellery crafting in an inclusive, electric atmosphere open to all ages.
Slow fashion takes centre stage along Lake Burley Griffin as The Little Burley Fashion Fest returns to the shoreline. Highlighting sustainable style and regional talent, the market features a curated selection of stalls offering locally designed clothing, handcrafted jewellery, children’s fashion, original art, and unique puppy couture. Visitors can browse sustainable garments, sample gourmet local food and beverages, and connect with creative designers working to make a positive impact within the fashion industry.
Saturday 7 November, 9 am–2 pm | The Little Burley Market, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Capital Region Farmers Market
This farmers’ market is iconic for a reason.
Go along to sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra and speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
It will make you appreciate your Saturday morning shopping trip in a whole new way.
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building, you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. The sheer variety means you’ll discover something unexpected every visit, whether that’s a piece of pottery that speaks to you, a stunning necklace, or the perfect vintage find. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta, pet treats and more.
Another local favourite, spend your Sunday morning browsing delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities.
It’s the kind of market where you can linger over breakfast, discover a new artist, and stock up on fresh produce all in one lovely morning, making it the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Embrace a cheeky, adult-centric twist on the chaotic art shows of the 1990s during an interactive comedy experience at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre. Created by Timothy Christopher Ryan, this judgment-free evening encourages audiences to ditch perfectionism and dive into playful, messy art-making. From noodle-inspired self-portraits to irreverent life drawing and UV body painting, the show celebrates spontaneity, silliness, and self-expression. It guarantees plenty of laughter, genuine connection, and delightfully ridiculous artworks to take home.
Thursday 6 November, 7 pm–9 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
ALTER at Belco Arts
Experience a groundbreaking double bill of contemporary dance exploring the intersection of body, identity, and virtual innovation at Belco Arts. Created by renowned Canberra choreographer Liz Lea in collaboration with leading ASEAN artists from Kuala Lumpur, ALTER utilises metaverse design tools to project real-time visual environments driven by human movement. Drawing inspiration from Canberra’s brutalist architecture and natural topography, this thought-provoking performance bridges physical and virtual realms.
Bring the little ones along for an enchanting visual theatre experience based on Mem Fox and Judy Horacek’s beloved children’s book. Blending delightful puppetry with charming animation, the production follows three farmers on an imaginative quest to find the elusive green sheep amongst blue, red, and bath-loving sheep. Co-created with student voices, this engaging family show resonates deeply with young audiences.
Grab your butterfly clips and low-rise pants for a hilarious, nostalgia-fuelled drag parody prequel starring an all-star cast including Art Simone and Thomas Jaspers. Fountain Lakes: Y2k delivers wickedly sharp comedy, iconic ’90s references, and fabulous camp tunes as beloved characters navigate pre-millennium chaos. Following sellout success wherever it travels, this fast-paced theatrical comedy promises an unmissable night of laughter.
Chaika Theatre presents Picnic at Hanging Rock, Tom Wright’s stage adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s novel, directed by Caitlin Baker, at ACT Hub’s Causeway Hall in Kingston from 23 October to 7 November. Set on a Valentine’s Day in 1900, the story follows a group of schoolgirls from Appleyard College whose picnic at Hanging Rock ends when several girls and a teacher vanish without explanation. Five young women later attempt to reconstruct events, as shifting memories blur the line between fact and myth. The production runs 80 minutes with no interval and features Jessi Gooding, Karina Hudson, Thea Jade, Breanna Kelly and Paris Scharkie.
Until Saturday 7 November, various times | ACT Hub, Causeway Hall, Kingston | acthub.littleboxoffice.com/
Khaled Khalafalla
Prepare for a night of sharp wit, reflection, and continuous laughter as acclaimed comedian Khaled Khalafalla brings his national tour to The Street Theatre. Following a string of sold-out shows across Australia, Khalafalla returns with a fresh performance that brilliantly weaves unspoken thoughts and relatable truths into captivating stage stories. Honest, clever, and deeply funny, his unique comedic style leaves audiences both thoroughly entertained and thoughtfully engaged long after the curtain falls. Early booking is strongly recommended for this popular event.
Saturday 7 November, 6.30 pm–8.30 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
One-Take Musical
Experience an unscripted theatrical event as four talented improvisers and a live pianist create an original musical completely from scratch at Smith’s Alternative. Directed by Mike NL, One-Take Musical combines spontaneous comedy, original storylines, and improvised songs created live in front of the audience. Every single performance delivers a unique, non-repeatable musical comedy experience starring local performers Chonnie, Damian, Inez, Matt, and pianist Jessica.
Gather for an inclusive and vibrant evening of LGBTIQA+ cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive. Queer Flicks offers a welcoming space to unwind, connect, and share memorable movie moments with fellow film enthusiasts. Kick off the night with delicious drinks from Dom’s deli and bar, live entertainment, and plenty of time to mingle before the screening begins. Designed as much for community gathering as it is for great storytelling, it promises a wonderful atmosphere in the heart of Acton.
Thursday 5 November, 7 pm–9 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Special guests at the NFSA
Step behind the scenes of some of the season’s most captivating films with exclusive Q and A sessions at the National Film and Sound Archive. Audiences will hear directly from talented creators, including local filmmaker Rob Nugent, artist and director Jonathan Zawada, musician Mark Pritchard, and director Josh Collins. These engaging post-screening conversations offer unique insights into artistic collaboration, creative processes, and the compelling stories brought to life on screen. It is an unmissable opportunity for film lovers to connect more deeply with contemporary cinema.
Thursday 5 November and Saturday, 21 November | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Paul Thomas Anderson at the NFSA
Celebrate the visionary work of acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson with an immersive double feature at Arc Cinema. The evening begins with the quirky, heartfelt romance of Punch-Drunk Love, followed by the sweeping ambition and dark power struggles of the Oscar-winning epic There Will Be Blood. Exploring profound themes of love, obsession, and loneliness, this cinematic showcase offers film lovers a rare chance to experience these modern masterpieces back-to-on-screen.
Friday 6 November, 6 pm–9 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Irish Film Festival
Experience the richness of contemporary Irish culture, language, and storytelling during the largest film festival program hosted at Palace Electric Cinemas in twelve years. Featuring star-studded features, comedies, historical dramas, and folk horror, the festival includes exclusive Q and A sessions with visiting filmmakers and stars. Kick off the celebration with the famous opening night party and state premiere hosted by the Irish Embassy.
Friday 6 November, 6 pm–10.30 pm | Palace Electric Cinemas, 2 Phillip Law Street, City | irishfilmfestival.com.au
Life in the Great Barrier Reef 360° VR Documentary
Submerge yourself in a breathtaking underwater world without leaving the inner north. Premiering at the National Museum of Australia, Life in the Great Barrier Reef is an immersive 35-minute cinematic documentary utilising custom-built 8K 360° virtual reality technology. Guided by leading scientists, reef stewards, and Traditional Owners, audiences are transported to the depths of two UNESCO World Heritage sites to encounter manta rays, whales, and rare coral spawning events, while gaining a deeper understanding of current conservation efforts.
Ongoing, session times vary | National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au
NFSA Spring Film Series
Enjoy the NFSA’s curated program of recent releases and revived classics, from high art to guilty pleasures. There’s something for everyone!
Follow the pull of earth, water, fire and air in the Spring Film Series at Arc Cinema. From epic river journeys and windswept adventures to stories of passion, change and survival, these films reveal the forces that shape our world and ourselves.
Step into these elemental worlds and discover stories that move, challenge and transform.
Until Monday 30 November | NFSA Acton, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au/whats-on
Sport + Wellness
Fitness in The Park
Fitness class for all levels of fitness for the whole community. Join Ginninderry local Vince as he takes you through a group fitness class in the fresh air at Paddys Park.
Every Wednesday, 7.30 am to 8.30 am, Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn | ginninderry.com
Yoga at Ginninderry
Get bendy on Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle, and comfy clothes.
Every Thursday, 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | ginninderry.com
Salsa on Saturday
Dance the night away at Ainslie Arts Centre with Salsa on Saturday, Canberra’s premier long-running monthly Latin dance party. Commencing with an introductory one-hour dance workshop, the evening welcomes dancers of all experience levels to enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with salsa, bachata, and Cha-Cha-Cha. Featuring resident DJs and a spacious dance floor, it offers a friendly community space to socialise, learn new moves, and experience Latin dance culture.
Saturday 7 November, 7.30 pm–11.30 pm | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | salsaonsaturday.square.site
Come and Try Jump Rope day
Jump Rope ACT holds its first Come and Try Jump Rope day, a free community session introducing rope skipping to people of all ages and skill levels. Coaches, including current Team Australia members, lead participants through fundamental skills, with instruction adapted to individual pace and movement needs. Skipping ropes are provided, and live demonstrations show more advanced techniques, including single-rope skills and dynamic manoeuvres. Jump Rope ACT works to grow the sport across the Australian Capital Territory, offering accessible pathways to build agility, coordination and cardiovascular fitness. Every participant goes home with a goodie bag. Registration is through an online form.
Stay active, connected, and involved in the game with Capital Football’s Walking Football summer season at Hawker Football Centre. Designed for adults of all fitness and skill levels, this low-impact competition focuses on fun, social interaction, and movement without the physical strain of traditional matches. Mixed teams compete on Thursday evenings, offering a welcoming environment for newcomers or past players returning to sport. It is an ideal, inclusive format to maintain health, make new friends, and enjoy social sport.
Until Thursday 25 March, 6.20 pm–8.10 pm | Hawker Football Centre, Walhallow Street, Hawker | capitalfootball.com.au
Music
America
Acclaimed songwriter Fred Smith presents America, a hilarious and insightful musical safari exploring the political, cultural, and social complexities of modern United States history. A former US Marine Corps medal recipient who spent years living across America, Smith combines tracks from his acclaimed albums Texas and Great with sharp yarns and comedic observations. Backed by a stellar band of Melbourne musicians, the performance offers a nuanced, thought-provoking journey into a complex nation, making it a must-see for music and storytelling fans alike.
Tuesday 3 November, 7.30 pm–9.30 pm | The B, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
Haydn’s Oxford
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking sound-world of the classical era with a brilliant all-Haydn program at the National Gallery of Australia. Performed up close by seven superb musicians on historical instruments, the Australian Haydn Ensemble brings grand orchestral arrangements into an intimate chamber setting. Audiences will experience the thrilling textures, nuance, and emotional depth that composers like Haydn and Beethoven originally knew and loved. Prepare to be amazed by the exceptional artistry and passionate execution of musicians who breathe new life into historical masterpieces right here in our national capital.
Thursday 5 November, 7 pm–9 pm | Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, 30 Parkes Place East, Parkes | australianhaydn.com.au
Number Junky
Danish-Australian jazz trio Number Junky performs live at McGregor Hall to launch their third studio album, Composure. Led by acclaimed guitarist Kristian Borring alongside bassist Zac Grafton and drummer Peter Evans, the trio is celebrated for blending intricate rhythms and unusual time signatures with lyrical melodies. Audiences will enjoy an evening of original compositions, improvised jazz interplay, and modern arrangements of classical hymns.
Celebrate over fifty years of legendary rock history as the Kevin Borich Express takes to the stage at the Harmonie German Club. Featuring special guest support from James Southwell, this high-energy performance brings one of Australia’s most enduring guitar greats to Narrabundah. Having shared stages with international icons like Santana, Elton John, and AC/DC, Kevin Borich delivers a powerhouse live show packed with blistering blues-rock energy. It is an unmissable night out for blues enthusiasts and rock fans alike.
Kick off the La Fiesta weekend at The Street Theatre with an intimate evening of live music and rich cultural conversation. Acclaimed musicians from Chile, Cuba, Argentina, and Australia step away from festival ensembles for stripped-back performances spanning Afro-Cuban percussion, flamenco, Latin American folk, and contemporary sounds. Hosted by Frank Madrid, the evening features engaging discussions about tradition, heritage, and carrying those sounds into life in Australia.
Thursday 6 November, 7 pm–10 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra | thestreet.org.au
Diamond to a King
Experience an unforgettable tribute to music royalty as the Canberra Southern Cross Club hosts an incredible evening celebrating Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley. Backed by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, international artists Peter Byrne and Damian Mullin deliver timeless hits ranging from Sweet Caroline to Suspicious Minds. Every ticket directly supports life-changing Parkinson’s research through the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, blending heartfelt live entertainment with a wonderful charitable cause.
Melbourne instrumental band Gusto Gusto perform music from their second album, Tyrannosauroborus, in an early dance party set. The group blends accordion, trumpet, clarinet and a rock rhythm section across funk, afrobeat, djent and Celtic music. Over the past two years, they have played Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom, Dark Mofo in Tasmania and Port Fairy Folk Festival in Victoria, and shared bills with Skerryvore, Snarky Puppy and Sex On Toast. The 13-track album includes the singles Sunday Scaries, Split Second, Astro 9 and Down Below. Australian folk artist and fingerstyle guitarist Alec Randles joins the bill. Doors open at 6 pm.
Lamia Yared & Efren Lopez – From Minho to Euphrates
Lebanese-born vocalist Lamia Yared and Spanish multi-instrumentalist Efrén López present an exquisite musical journey across the Arab world and medieval Iberia at The Street Theatre. Drawing on Yared’s Syriac-Maronite heritage, the performance blends fourth-century Syriac hymns, medieval Iberian songs, Aleppine Muwashahāt, and Sufi poetry. Played on historical modal instruments, this intimate concert highlights how sacred traditions, courtly melodies, and ancient musical cultures continue to converse across history.
Saturday 7 November, 7.30 pm–8.45 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Go West, With Love
Canberra Qwire presents Go West, With Love, an inspiring concert celebrating geography, community, and human connection at The B in Queanbeyan. Performed by one of Australia’s premier LGBTQIA+ choral ensembles, the program features fan-favourite tracks alongside two major world premieres: I Will by Cloud Tan and Find Your People by Alex Palmer. This special performance showcases the strength and diversity of choral music before Qwire represents the ACT at the 2026 Out & Loud Choral Festival in Perth.
Saturday 7 November, 5 pm–6.30 pm | The B, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
80s Synth Anthem Voxneon
Relive the unforgettable energy of 80s electronica with Voxneon’s high-energy live show, Synth Anthems, at the Zeppelin Room. Armed with synthesisers, keytars, Simmons electronic drums, and synchronised visuals, the band delivers a passionate celebration of synth-pop and new wave classics. Fans can dance along to timeless hits from Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, New Order, Eurythmics, Pet Shop Boys, and Tears for Fears. It promises an immersive night of pulsing rhythms, retro nostalgia, and 80s euphoria in Narrabundah.
Ami Williamson’s live show has been described by a Sydney Morning Herald music critic as “forceful, funny, powerful and poetic – a singer-songwriter like no other!”
Ami’s celebrated “One Woman Show” has been performed at major festivals and venues in Australia and abroad including Port Fairy Folk Festival, Woodford Folk Festival and The National Folk Festival. ”Ami Williamson is my favourite Australian act!” (International Folk Icon Judy Collins)
Ami Williamson’s show is a “roller coaster of fun”. Her songs are wicked, poignant and sometimes downright hilarious – matched by her brilliant, versatile voice and flamboyant stage presence.
Introduce young children to classical music with a relaxed, informal thirty-minute pre-concert performance presented by Apeiron Baroque. Tailored for inquisitive young minds who may find full-length concerts challenging, this session features instrumental show-and-tell alongside accessible short works. Guest artists Adam Masters on oboe, Tim Willis on violin, and Ben Hoadley on bassoon provide an engaging, family-friendly musical experience at Wesley Uniting Church.
Apeiron Baroque concludes its 2026 concert season with a vibrant double-reed showcase featuring leading Australian early music specialists. Guest artists Adam Masters on oboe and Tim Willis on violin join bassoonist Ben Hoadley to perform baroque masterworks on historical period instruments. The rich chamber program explores works by Castello, Graun, Janitsch, Corette, and Graupner inside the acoustic surrounds of Wesley Uniting Church.
The National Capital Orchestra concludes its 2026 RESONATE season under the baton of Artistic Director Louis Sharpe with Classical Pops: Let’s Dance! at Snow Concert Hall. Celebrating rhythm, energy, and movement, this vibrant concert features audience-favourite orchestral works including Tchaikovsky’s dance suites, Khachaturian’s iconic Adagio from Spartacus, and Ravel’s hypnotic Boléro. It promises a joyful, high-energy afternoon of classical masterworks showcasing Canberra’s award-winning community orchestra live on stage.
Sunday 8 November, 3 pm–5 pm | Snow Concert Hall, Canberra Grammar School, 40 Alexander Street, Red Hill | nco.org.au
Talks, Tours + Workshops
Travel sketching
Kirsten Pitot leads a four-class introduction to travel sketching, a method of capturing the world around you in quick, impressionistic drawings. The course is aimed at beginners, and experienced artists can also pick up new approaches. Classes run on Monday mornings over four weeks and are capped at eight students to allow plenty of individual attention.
Unleash your creative potential during an immersive, hands-on workshop led by renowned glass artist Kirstie Rea. At the Canberra Glassworks, participants will dive deep into the technical and expressive possibilities of kilnforming thick glass. Using Bullseye glass, powders, and stringers, you will design and construct a solid layered glass slab while learning expert techniques in depth, transparency, and colour manipulation. Whether you are expanding your artistic practice or exploring glass for the first time, this is a unique chance to learn from a master.
Delve into the fascinating world of birds during an exclusive evening with the Friends of the National Library of Australia. This special collection viewing begins with an engaging presentation by renowned ornithologist and author Dr Penny Olsen, who expertly curated the library’s display materials. Following the talk, guests can examine rare treasures up close, chat with knowledgeable staff, and enjoy light refreshments while mingling with fellow literature and nature lovers. Come and marvel at the incredible diversity and beauty of birds as they have been captured throughout history within the national collection.
Wednesday 4 November, 5.30 pm–7.30 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Number Junky Odd Meter Workshop
Musicians, composers, and improvisers can expand their rhythmic skills during a ninety-minute odd meter masterclass hosted by jazz trio Number Junky. Held in the ANU Big Band Room, members Kristian Borring, Zac Grafton, and Peter Evans demonstrate techniques for performing, composing, and improvising in complex time signatures. Featuring live demonstrations and practical exercises, participants are encouraged to bring their instruments for an engaging, hands-on workshop.
Wednesday 4 November, 5 pm–6.30 pm | Big Band Room, Peter Karmel Building, ANU, 4 Childers Street, City | music.cass.anu.edu.au
Sketching and sipping at Contentious Character
Unwind on the Kingston Foreshore with an inviting evening of life drawing, fine wine, and good company presented by The Tipsy Sketching Club. Set inside the intimate wine bar at Contentious Character, this relaxed session welcomes artists of every skill level to sketch live models through a series of timed poses. Enjoy quality local wines and chat during regular breaks designed to foster creative confidence in a low-pressure environment. Drawing materials are supplied for convenience, or participants are welcome to bring their own favourite tools to capture the evening.
Alice Tay Lecture 2026–Preventing generated futures: Indigenous resistance to artificial intelligence (AI)
Dr Tamika Worrell, Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Critical Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University, presents the 2026 Alice Tay Lecture, hosted by the ANU Freilich Project. Her family is from Gamilaroi Country, and her research focuses on artificial intelligence and Indigenous perspectives. The lecture examines how AI can function as a form of algorithmic settler colonialism, considering how emerging technologies reinforce existing systems of power and shape the way knowledge is created, shared and valued. Dr Worrell also discusses how these dynamics are emerging in higher education and classrooms. A drinks reception with light refreshments follows. Entry is free, with bookings required, and an online option is available.
Thursday 5 November, 5.45–8 pm | Common Room, University House, Acton | events.humanitix.com
Designing Currency
Marking sixty years of decimal currency, the Royal Australian Mint presents an exclusive in-conversation event with coin designers Neve Foxcroft and Lydia Ashe. Attendees will gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the craft of coin design, exploring how traditional sketching tools and modern technologies merge to tell Australian stories. Discover the collaborative, sustainable, and safety-focused processes behind the production facility while learning how currency connects design with community.
Friday 6 November, 10 am–11 am | Royal Australian Mint, 62 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
Lynn Petersen–Radical joy
Artist and educator Lynn Petersen presents Radical Joy, an exhibition forming part of the Craft + Design Canberra Festival 2026. Lynn also hosts two free puppet-making workshops inspired by the exhibition on Saturday 14 November, at 10.30 am and 1 pm. Using simple felt-making techniques, participants create a protest finger puppet while reflecting on the exhibition’s themes. They consider how humour and creativity can express a personal story, hope or an act of resistance. Each puppet becomes a small gesture of protest and optimism, responding to the challenges and concerns shaping communities and the world.
Friday 6 until Wednesday 18 November | Q Gallery Art Hub, Ainslie | q-gallery.com.au
Introduction to Night Sky Photo and Aurora Forecasting Tharwa
Discover the unexpected opportunity to photograph the Aurora Australis and master general landscape astrophotography in the dark skies near Canberra. While solar activity peaked around 2025, excellent imaging opportunities are expected through 2027. Combining a theory session with a practical night-time field session, instructor Ian Williams provides expert tuition on monitoring solar flares, geomagnetic activity, and configuring camera or smartphone settings to capture stunning starscapes and auroral displays.
Matcha and Ceramic Painting Workshop by Noa Matcha Canberra
Unwind and tap into your creative side during a delightful two-hour workshop combining Japanese tradition with hands-on artistry. Hosted across welcoming community spaces in Canberra, this relaxed session teaches participants how to properly sift and whisk ceremonial-grade matcha to create a delicious latte. Following the tasting, guests will choose a ceramic mug or bowl to paint using simple, step-by-step techniques with all materials provided. No prior experience is necessary, and you get to take your unique hand-painted ceramic piece home.
Saturday 7 November and Saturday 14 November | Various locations, Canberra | noamatcha.com
Book launch: Bird Park
Introduce young readers to the wonder of Australian birds during the official book launch of Bird Park at the National Library of Australia. Author Julie Murphy and illustrator Annie White share a lively reading of their new picture book in the library foyer, followed by an interactive outdoor wildlife presentation by the Canberra Walk in Aviary featuring real feathered friends. Tailored for children aged three to five, this engaging morning event combines rhythmic storytelling with hands-on nature discovery.
Saturday 7 November, 10 am–11 am | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Quietly Seething | A Panel Discussion
Canberra Contemporary hosts an engaging panel discussion exploring themes of power, rage, politics, and craft as part of the Craft + Design Canberra Festival. Featuring exhibiting artist and craftivist Dr Tal Fitzpatrick alongside MoAD curator Stephanie Pfennigwerth and moderator Raquel Ormella, the panel examines the intersection of feminist activism and creative making. Centred on Fitzpatrick’s installation Quietly Seething: Fate, Fury and Transmutation, the conversation invites audiences to reflect on dissent and collective storytelling.
Immerse yourself in Latin American music, dance, and cultural traditions during a full day of hands-on workshops presented as part of the La Fiesta Fringe Program. Featuring visiting artists from SENES Flamenco, Suns of Mercury, and iLe iLu, the sessions span flamenco dance, Cuban percussion, Afro-Cuban batá and rumba, pandeiro, and Brazilian samba rhythms. Each extended session pairs practical movement and musical instruction with rich historical and cultural context.
Sunday 8 November, 10 am–4.15 pm | Blank Cultural Platform, 131 City Walk, City | events.humanitix.com
Moving Semangat Forward: The Semangat Body
Discover movement as a living force of memory, endurance, and renewal in a two-hour workshop led by Aida Redza. Drawing from Redza’s Penjaga (guardian) practice, participants explore the shifting physical states of the storyteller, warrior, and healer using breath, rhythm, and sensory scores. No prior dance background is required for this inclusive BOLD Festival session focused on listening to the body’s natural expressions and stories.
Sunday 8 November, 10.30 am–12.30 pm | Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | theboldfestival.com.au
Moving Freely – An Inclusive Sensory Movement Workshop
Led by Aida Redza as part of The BOLD Festival, Moving Freely provides a safe, welcoming sensory movement space tailored for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, and varied learning or physical abilities. Through somatic practices, rhythm, breath, and sensory tools like scarves and fans, participants explore bodily memory and coordination. The workshop encourages self-expression, communication, and confidence through gentle, guided creative movement.
Sunday 8 November, 1 pm–2.30 pm | Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | theboldfestival.com.au
Exhibitions
A very merry Christmas
Gallery of Small Things (GOST) closes its 2026 program with A Very Merry Christmas, a group exhibition responding to the festive season. Gallery Director Anne Masters invited 11 artists, mostly from interstate, to create a small series of works for the compact gallery. Ceramicists Tamsin Ainslie, Ginny Lagos and Lucy Ings present circus friends, sculptural figures and baubles, while Fiona Chandler, Sally Browne and Simon Palmer contribute abstract paintings. Cleo Higgins shows embroidered brooches, Lisa Cahill presents glass coral sculptures, and Gwenyth Macnamara offers printed cushions. Eggpicnic and Outer Island add bird art prints, cards and decorations.
Until Sunday 20 December, 11 am–4 pm | Gallery of Small Things, 27 Wade Street, Watson | galleryofsmallthings.com
Filotimo Charity Art Exhibition
Discover powerful works of art with a profound purpose at Kambri’s Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre. Some of Australia’s most talented Greek-Australian artists have united for a bold AHEPA Australia fundraising exhibition, showcasing stunning paintings, sculptures, photography, and illustrations deeply rooted in Hellenic heritage. Every artwork purchased directly supports vital medical research at the ANU Centre for Personalised Medicine, giving back to the community that shaped these creators. It is a wonderful chance to acquire exceptional contemporary art while contributing to meaningful health breakthroughs that benefit people across the nation.
Thursday 5 November to Sunday, 15 November (Check venue for daily hours) | Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, University Avenue, Level 2 The Gallery Kambri ANU, Canberra | filotimoart.com
Raw and Refined
Presented as part of the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival, Canberra-based contemporary jeweller Phoebe Porter presents Raw and Refined, a thought-provoking exhibition exploring the tensions between raw and worked, natural and cultural, and material and meaning. Responding to the festival’s theme of Dissent, Porter’s work challenges traditional ideas around value, preciousness, and craft. Set in the Canberra Airport Departure Lounge, the display contrasts raw Australian gold, native copper, uncut sapphires, and meteorite fragments with precision-crafted structures—celebrating deliberate craftsmanship as an act of creative dissent.
Funny Peculiar, Not Funny ‘Ha Ha’: Solo Exhibition by Erin Dickson
Immerse yourself in a striking new body of work by British artist Erin Dickson, marking her first Australian solo exhibition. Hosted at the Canberra Glassworks, this irreverent and maximalist showcase fuses endangered craft traditions like glass gilding with digital technologies, contemporary signage, and internet memes. The exhibition boldly explores the friction between high and low culture while navigating complex themes of humour, grief, anger, and isolation. By colliding British and Australian cultural references, Dickson challenges conventional gallery standards and redefines the boundaries of modern craftsmanship.
Thursday 5 November to Sunday, 31 January | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Enough? Enough! ENOUGH
Canberra Potters presents Enough? Enough! ENOUGH, an exhibition bringing together artists Kara Wood, Raquel Ormella, and Zoe Brand to explore activism, labor, and women’s power. Featuring Wood’s large-scale installation of raw, unfired clay vessels crafted in collaboration with local potters using reclaimed clay, the exhibition combines textile art, wearables, and ceramics to reflect on collective strength, remembrance, and social change.
Friday 6 to Sunday 29 November | Canberra Potters, Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | canberrapotters.com.au
Inke Falkner: Round and Round
CMAG on the Square presents a major contemporary sculptural work by biologist-turned-artist Dr Inke Falkner. Created following her success at the 2025 Lanyon Art Prize, Round and Round uses the traditional 17th-century technique of straw marquetry on a monumental scale to depict the organic succession and microhabitats of an ant mound. Dyed, split, and flattened by hand, the reflective geometric straw patterns contrast with and mirror the intricate patterns of ecological growth and change.
Saturday 7 November 2026 to Sunday, 13 June 2027 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 180 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
POWER – The Future is Here
Canberra Contemporary presents POWER – The Future is Here, a collaborative exhibition between First Nations artist Dennis Golding and Torres Strait Island students from Alexandria Park Community School. Developed through Solid Ground, the exhibition displays handcrafted superhero capes featuring cultural iconography and personal narratives. The capes empower young creators while offering a sharp critique of social and cultural representations of contemporary First Nations experiences.
Saturday 7 November to Saturday, 30 January | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
Quietly Seething: Fate, Fury and Transmutation
Explore an immersive textile and audio installation by artist Dr Tal Fitzpatrick at Canberra Contemporary. Quietly Seething: Fate, Fury and Transmutation features intricate appliqué and embroidery crafted from upcycled materials, surrounding visitors as they listen to headphones playing anonymous confessions of feminine rage from sixty female-identifying individuals. Presented as part of the Craft + Design Canberra Festival, the exhibition creates a gentle yet powerful space reflecting on emotion and gender.
Saturday 7 November to Saturday 30 January, 11 am–5 pm | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
ASOC Spring Exhibition
The Art Society of Canberra (ASOC) presents its 84th annual Spring Exhibition, featuring nearly 300 works by more than 70 local artists. Independent judges will award prizes across nine categories, including Best in Show, Abstract, Flora/Fauna/Still Life, Landscape and Portrait/Figure, while visitors vote for the People’s Choice. ACT Minister for Arts Michael Pettersson will open the exhibition on Saturday 7 November at 6 pm. Founded in 1927, ASOC is one of Canberra’s oldest cultural organisations. Entry is free.
Kris Ancog presents Yearning to Breathe Free, a solo exhibition of paintings titled after Emma Lazarus’ poem The New Colossus. Inspired by refugees travelling towards safety and rebuilding their lives in unfamiliar lands, the works also reflect the life-changing moments many people encounter. Drawing on the compositional harmony and restrained palettes of Renaissance and Rococo painting, Ancog reworks the classical tradition as contemporary abstraction. Viewed up close, the canvases read as expressive brushwork, colour and light, while from a distance, scenes gradually emerge as though recalled from memory. Light runs through the series as a metaphor for resilience, offering hope without denying struggle.
Until Sunday 8 November | Aarwun Gallery, Shop 11, Federation Square, Nicholls | aarwungallery.com.au
‘Byproducts II’ by Anie Nheu
‘Byproducts II’ began in 2024 with Nheu’s transformation of found materials. Attentive to their histories, functions and uses, their reassembly draws them into new relations guided by their inherent attributes.
Together, elements generate unexpected, sometimes clumsy encounters, neither fully planned nor resolved. The result is not a finished object but a record of transformation: an ongoing negotiation between construction and deconstruction, stability and flux.
Step into the inspiring world of young creative talent with the upcoming Future Feature exhibition at M16 Artspace in Griffith. Showcasing the diverse perspectives of emerging teenage artists, this thoughtful collection offers a fascinating glimpse into their artistic journeys as they build confidence and step toward future maturity. It is a wonderful chance for local art lovers to support the next generation of creatives, celebrate fresh local talent, and witness the hopeful, imaginative visions shaping the future of our arts community right here in the heart of the capital.
An art and design exhibition highlighting regional artists whose practices prioritise craftsmanship, slow design, and sustainability as an alternative to mass production.
Questacon presents an interactive exhibition exploring the science of light through 13 hands-on exhibits. Visitors can experiment with light refraction, colour blending, shadow manipulation and reflection across multiple activity stations. The exhibition demonstrates how light travels, reflects and refracts, alongside displays of tools humans have developed to harness light. Activities include bending light, using sensors to create music, and working with lenses. The exhibition is designed for hands-on engagement with scientific concepts. Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is a Museums Victoria Touring Exhibition running until November 2026.
Until Sunday 22 November | Questacon–The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Hop In! – An Immersive World of Play
Turn the familiar family home inside out at Hop In!, a hands-on exhibition designed for children aged three to 12 and their families. Rooms shift in scale to encourage active play, letting little ones crawl under oversized furniture, stretch beneath cloud-filled skies, and wander through reimagined backyards and kitchens. At the heart of the space is artist Beci Orpin’s Bunny Dearest, a gentle companion guiding children through these imaginative spaces. Created for open-ended discovery, this interactive experience sparks curiosity, builds creative confidence, and offers families a wonderful opportunity to connect through shared play in the heart of the city.
Until Sunday 22 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
Exhibitions at Belconnen Arts Centre
Belconnen Arts Centre opens six diverse new exhibitions showcasing regional talent across textiles, printmaking, ceramics, digital imagery, and painting:
Animal Portraits: Brenda Runnegar presents composite digital works reimagining domestic pets as majestic figures in early American folk art.
Occupying Space: Helen Heslop explores South Coast landscapes, colonial history, and Yuin Country through intricate art quilts and collages.
Passions, Journeys and Imaginings: Christine Upton uses carved bird figures, patterns, and abstract blossoms to explore nature and personal memory.
Phases: Staff and collaborators from the UC Faculty of Art and Design reflect on global transition, change, and harmony.
Colour Through My Eyes: Visually impaired artist Lien To shares vibrant Copic marker and collage works reflecting her imaginary safe spaces.
Histories & Habitats: Fenja T. Ringl combines archaeology, palaeo-ecology, and printmaking on paper and ceramic forms.
Until Sunday 29 November | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
60 Years – Canberra Spinners and Weavers
A retrospective exhibition showcasing contemporary textile works by members of the Canberra Spinners and Weavers to mark 60 years of local craft heritage.
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’ celebrates the year’s best political cartoons.
Featuring established and emerging cartoonists from across Australia, this exhibition highlights the significant contribution they make to cultural and political debates through witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings.
This year our Behind the Lines theme is the cinema, acknowledging that, like some of our favourite movies, 2025 has been full of thrills and spills, romance and heartbreak, with plenty of unexpected plot twists. Australia’s cartoonists and illustrators have tackled many of the issues that made news, including the federal election, the cost of living, energy policy, interest rates, housing security, the economy, climate change and stories from overseas.
Until December 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Gurindji Freedom Banners
A powerful new exhibition commemorating the pivotal 1966 Wave Hill Walk-off opens at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Gurindji Freedom Banners: Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla–From the darkness into the light unites all ten hand-painted banners for the first time in years, telling the story of when Gurindji and neighbouring peoples, led by Vincent Lingiari AM, walked off Wave Hill Station on 23 August 1966.
Their demands for fair working conditions and return of traditional lands sparked landmark change, leading to the first handback of Aboriginal land in 1975 and paving the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976. The textile banners were created in 2000 by 35 Gurindji people, many walk-off participants, with one recently recreated after going missing.
Now showing until late 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Wangka Wakaṉutja: the story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre
Between 1979 and 1990, the Papunya Literature Production Centre produced hundreds of illustrated bilingual books–funny, moving, extraordinary documents of Pintupi-Luritja language and culture, guided by community Elders who were also pioneers of the Western Desert art movement. Many of those books have been held in the National Library’s collections ever since, and this landmark new exhibition finally brings them to life. Featuring stories, drawings, photographs, manuscripts, and oral histories drawn from multiple collections, it’s a profoundly significant celebration of Aboriginal literary culture, collective creativity, and the remarkable human effort to keep language alive across generations.
Until Saturday, 31 January | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Rosalie Gascoigne
Opening at the National Gallery of Australia, this major exhibition celebrates the career of Rosalie Gascoigne (1917–1999), one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Famous for transforming discarded, weathered items—such as retro-reflective road signs, wooden crates, and feathers—into poetic assemblages, her works reflect the light, color, and texture of the surrounding Kamberri/Canberra landscape.
Until Sunday 14 February | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
David Hockney: Portraits in Print
David Hockney: Portraits in Print opens at the National Gallery of Australia, drawing on the gallery’s own collection, the largest holding of Hockney’s work in the country. The display brings together more than 60 prints spanning almost 30 years, tracing the artist’s portraits of family, friends and collaborators across Los Angeles, Paris and London in the 1970s and 80s. Works include etchings, lithographs and photocollages, alongside experimental processes such as mylar sheets and faxes.
Until Sunday 14 February 2027, free | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures
Step into a vibrant, near-future Australia where once-impossible technologies transform how we live, work, and play. Questacon’s latest immersive gallery, Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures, makes the complex world of quantum physics accessible, playful, and incredibly fun.
Developed in collaboration with Canberra illustrator Paul Summerfield, the exhibition brings tomorrow’s tech to life through colourful, highly detailed illustrations, giant airborne sculptures, and a mesmerising cloud chamber that reveals the invisible world of tiny particles. Along the way, visitors can meet the pioneering Australian researchers who are harnessing the unique behaviours of quantum objects to solve some of the world’s most critical challenges. From un-hackable communications and personalised medicine to ultra-responsive prosthetics, you’ll discover how a quantum future promises to make ordinary lives extraordinary.
Open daily through 30 June 2027 | Gallery 8, Questacon, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Yarning: Sharing Stories, Celebrating Culture
Explore Yarning, a vibrant new exhibition at Australian Parliament House showcasing the creative voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from across the nation. Featuring artworks from over 70 young artists, the display showcases entries from the Yarning competition exploring themes of Country, identity, family, and reconciliation, including the three winning pieces. Located in the public area on the Level 1 Senate side, this inspiring collection offers a powerful platform for young First Nations storytellers.
Open daily until February 2027 | Australian Parliament House, Capital Hill | aph.gov.au
RELICS: A New World Rises
Step into an extraordinary, imagined future where vintage objects become homes for intricate miniature worlds built from LEGO® bricks. Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS: A New World Rises features over 15 large-scale installations set in a world humanity has abandoned. Discover a refrigerator turned cryogenic resort or a grandfather clock transformed into a time machine. Packed with hidden details, humor, and nostalgia, this immersive exhibition playfully explores sustainability, consumer culture, and human creativity. Designed to captivate visitors aged 0–99, it is a wonderful reminder to slow down and embrace curiosity.
Until Sunday 31 January 2027 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom
The Royal Australian Mint’s exhibition Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom draws on never-before-seen objects from the National Collection to explore the rich symbolism of flowers on coins from around the world. The exhibition traces how floral designs struck into metal carry stories of national identity, cultural heritage and remembrance — from Australia’s kangaroo paw and the South African protea to the Western Samoan Teuila.
Decorative motifs such as laurel, olive and oak wreaths, used for centuries as symbols of victory, peace and strength, also feature. Commemorative coins in the exhibition show how flowers have honoured significant historical moments and individuals across cultures.
Until March 2027 | Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
Tamara Lalayan Gallery Exhibition
Immerse yourself in a world of colour and imagination with Tamara Lalayan’s latest art showcase, currently on display in the elegant Howard Lounge. Inspired by memory, movement, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments, Tamara’s expressive works invite viewers into richly layered landscapes. Each piece captures the subtle emotions and natural wonder found so effortlessly in our surrounding environment. Set within the historic surroundings of Hyatt Hotel Canberra, this peaceful exhibition offers art lovers and visitors a tranquil space to reflect and appreciate local creative talent. Pop in for a quiet moment of inspiration during your next city outing.
Until 28 February 2027 | Howard Lounge, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
National Library of Australia Treasures Gallery
The National Library has millions of books, and the Treasures Gallery answers the frequently asked question, ‘Where are they’. They also collect other items. From maps and manuscripts to photographs and paintings, the Treasures Gallery is where you can find highlights from their vast physical and digital collections. Behind-the-scenes videos, pages from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio, a cedar bookcase carved by Dorothea Mackellar, photographs from the nation’s photo album, and a display of The Wiggles’ websites from 1997 to today from the Australian Web Archive are among the new additions.
Until December 2030 | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years is a permanent portrait exhibition celebrating 50 years of women as residents at John XXIII College. Featuring fifty alumni, the exhibition pairs portraiture with personal reflections to capture the evolving experience of women across five decades. Photographed by ANU School of Art graduate Bronte Morel across Australia and internationally, each work is set in a location of personal significance. Together, the collection forms an intergenerational narrative of leadership, identity and community, recognising the enduring contribution of women to the College and beyond.
Permanent exhibition, open 9 am–5 pm daily | Front foyer, John XXIII College, 51 Daley Road, Australian National University, Canberra | johnxxiii.anu.edu.au
There’s a certain chorus from Meredith Brooks’ 1997 song Bitch that always has women singing along at the top of their lungs: ‘I’m a bitch, I’m a lover, I’m a child, I’m a mother, I’m a sinner, I’m a saint, I do not feel ashamed.’
It’s been 29 years since the song first came out, but it still stands the test of time – so much so that two local women have created a perimenopause support group inspired by the lyrics. After all, nothing says surviving perimenopause like screaming the words “I’m your Hell, I’m your dream, I’m nothing in between.”
Founded and hosted by Loren Merriman and Amy Arbery from Canberra podcast We Prescribe Alanis, the session will take place on Sunday 8 November at The Bordella in Fyshwick. Amy says they decided to start the group because – to put it simply – “perimenopause is a hell of a ride”.
They’re inviting women to go along to vent, laugh, cry and share.
“I’ve certainly been on that journey in the last couple of years and have found for a lot of women my age, there’s a sense of overwhelm and confusion about what’s happening,” she explains.
“We’re lucky that it is a conversation happening now – I have new sympathy for my mum who would have gone through it without really any conversation happening around her. This has been something that keeps coming up across our friendship groups and our families.”
Loren and Amy first met and became friends when their daughters were in Kindergarten, and have navigated a lot of life’s challenges side-by-side. From pram walks to studying counselling at the University of Canberra, they decided to launch a podcast together toward the end of their degree.
“Loren and I were talking about it one day, and we were thinking that we’d love to do something together, but we weren’t quite ready to make the massive leap to set up private practice. We thought, ‘Well, why don’t we just have a go at a podcast?’” explains Amy.
“I think of it as like my little knitted tea-cosy handicraft. We don’t make money from it or anything like that; it’s just that we really love to create together and put out into the world.”
Using the duo’s counselling skills and mutual love of music, We Prescribe Alanis takes listener issues, offers therapeutic insight and then “prescribes” a song or two to help – usually a ‘90s classic.
“Loren and I both really bonded about music and being Gen X…I had done my internship, and as part of my internship, I ran some sessions with some mental health patients around the benefits of music,” explains Amy.
This love of music is also why they named their perimenopause support group “BITCH!”.
“I wanted something a little bit fun, and to sum up the tone, which will be, ‘This is a safe space to have a bitch about what we’re experiencing, where we can be bitches and take that word and own it’,” says Amy.
The session will run across two hours and talk about everything from hot flushes to brain fog, rage, insomnia, chin hair and mood swings. There will also be plenty of opportunities for listening, sharing, and validation.
“It’s not about fixing, and we are certainly not doctors,” says Amy.
“We want women to walk away with is a feeling of validation that we all have a different, unique journey, but there’s a lot that we share in that. I would love it if women walk away with a few ideas for how they might try to manage this phase of their life, and above all, that feeling of community.”
There will, naturally, be plenty of music. Promising women they’ll leave feeling “a little smarter, a little calmer and a lot less alone on this wild hormonal rollercoaster”, tickets to BITCH! cost $22.50 and include refreshments. With only 15 spots available, Amy and Loren hope to use this event as a test run for future sessions.
And for those looking to support someone going through perimenopause, Amy has some sound advice: “Don’t try and fix it.”
“The last thing a perimenopausal woman needs is someone mansplaining perimenopause to them. Listen to understand, look at the opportunities to give her space and give her time to do what she needs to do at that time in her life.”
“Do your own research, just so that you’ve got an understanding of what that woman is going through.”
The Craft + Design Canberra Festival is finally here, and there’s plenty to fill your days.
Showcasing the work of more than 500 artists, makers, designers and creative thinkers from Thursday 5 to Sunday 15 November, this year’s program is overflowing with things to do. With so much happening, we’ve decided to break down the top seven unmissable events that deserve a spot in your calendar.
But this is only a glimpse into 130 activations taking over Canberra.
Check out the full program to explore the events, exhibitions, markets, open studios, performances, public artworks, symposiums, talks, tours and workshops happening across the city!
2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival Launch + Exhibition Openings
The official kick-off for the festival not only marks the beginning of the 10-day program, but also includes the opening of six exciting exhibitions.
NEST | Design for a Displaced Future is a major public art commission bringing together a series of individual sculptural works exploring the universal instinct to nest, connect and belong. Soft Matter presents ceramic artworks that challenge social and material hierarchies, crossing boundaries between craft, sculpture and still life, while EMERGENCY: Signal, Repair, Adapt examines what it means to make objects in a time of disruption.
The National Robert Foster Metal Prize showcases outstanding contemporary metalwork – highlighting how imagination, skilled making, thoughtful design and material exploration can shape the ways we see and engage with the world around us – and Small Rituals | Hand Carved, Handheld is all about the power of slow making. Finally SIGNS OF DISSENT | Graphic Interventions brings site-responsive artworks into Canberra’s urban landscape, exploring the Festival theme of Dissent through colour, imagery and visual storytelling.
Thursday 5 November, 6 pm – 9 pm | Civic Square and Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, City | Register here.
Dissent by Design Symposium
This exciting event features the voices of Alison Page, Tal Fitzpatrick, Anna Madeleine Raupach, Rob Hopkins, Mammalian Diving Reflex (Isabel Ahat + Fjoralba Qerimaj), and Tamzin Nugent and is facilitated by Jenny Edwards.
Exploring creativity as a form of dissent, Dissent by Design will look at the way artists, designers, activists and storytellers use their practice to resist, imagine and rebuild.
The talks and conversations take place across an afternoon asking how the work of designing, building, making and imagining becomes a powerful response to climate pressure, social injustice and unsustainable systems and how making itself can be an act of witness and resistance.
Friday 6 November, 1 pm – 4.30 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Canberra Open Homes – CIT Woden Tour
Ever wondered how the CIT Woden Campus and Transport Interchange became one of Canberra’s most remarkable contemporary buildings?
This tour will take you through the 22,500 square metre, 6 Star Green Star education precinct, exploring everything from the Callum Street façade to the Level 5 Sky Country student commons.
Led by Australian architecture and design practice Gray Puksand, it’s a unique insight into the award-winning project.
Nightwalks with Teenagers marks the inaugural collaboration of acclaimed international performance company Mammalian Diving Reflex and Canberra Youth Theatre.
The walking performance will take to the streets across three nights, unveiling a hidden side to Canberra and inviting audiences to surrender control, follow unfamiliar routes, and experience the city through perspectives they may not usually encounter.
Empowering young people as public storytellers, you’ll dance, laugh, run, walk and parkour your way through Canberra’s urban playground.
Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November | Civic, meeting in Glebe Park and ending in Haig Park | Book here.
Wing It! A Children’s Atelier for Hatchlings of Change
This one is for the families. Wing It! is an immersive children’s atelier that celebrates creativity as an act of Dissent, designed to help young ‘hatchlings’ ready to test boundaries and reimagine possibilities.
Inviting children to experiment with UV paint, recycled car parts, splatter tools, loose construction materials, light, motion and sound in a dynamic, open-ended studio, it will embrace their natural inclination to push, test, question, break apart, rebuild and transform materials.
Thursday 12 November 10 am – 11.30 am and 1 pm – 3.30 pm | The Learning Nest Co., Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Canberra Open Homes – War Memorial Tour
This exclusive guided tour is hosted by architect Edward Salib, one of the minds behind the Australian War Memorial’s New Entrance.
The tour will explore how contemporary architecture can honour heritage (while also creating a more accessible and welcoming experience), offering insights into the design thinking behind the new entrance and Oculus.
Touching on everything from the interplay of natural light and materiality to the careful integration of new spaces within one of Australia’s most significant cultural landmarks, go along to experience the project through the perspective of its architect.
Saturday 14 November, 2.30 – 3.30 pm | Australian War Memorial Treloar Crescent, Campbell | Book here.
Closing Party | Dance of Dissent
Send out the Craft + Design Canberra Festival with a bang by spending an evening filled with dance and celebration under the night sky.
Curated by acclaimed dance artist Liz Lea, the Dance of Dissent will bring the festival theme to life through the human body. The evening will open with a series of solo performances by leading female dancers, with each distinct act of creative resistance shown through movement, costume, and presence.
It will close with an ensemble work by the Chamaeleon Collective – don’t miss Yolanda Lowatta’s acclaimed solo ESSOR, presented in partnership with Australian Dance Party.
Saturday 14 November, 6 pm – 8 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
In this jam-packed edition, you’ll learn exactly where YoChi is opening in Canberra, the story about Bar Outro’s possible closure, and more. Our advice? Don’t read this while hungry, because you’ll be salivating for more.
Fro-Yo fans, we’ve found it. In case you didn’t hear, we recently broke the news that Yo-Chi is heading to Bunda Street in Civic.
With Yo-Bar and Fricken’s gluten-free froyo right across the street, we’re calling it now: this stretch of Civic is about to become prime territory for anyone with a sweet tooth. As for an opening date? We understand that the two-storey venue is expected to open by Christmas!
View our reel here to find out exactly where it will be.
Three wineries, a few secrets and good times come together in Bungendore
There’s a new wine destination opening in Bungendore, and it sounds like one worth keeping under your hat. Don’t Tell Mel – Cellar Door & Wine Bar opens on Friday 30 October, bringing together three wineries and a wine bar with a few secrets up its sleeve.
Meet the Canberra locals who cracked the 2027 Good Food Guide Awards
In a list full of auspicious names on the national dining scene in this year’s Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide awards, two Canberra locals have been recognised for their personal impact.
Anand Kumar Ramakrishna from AK’s Diner was named Critic’s Pick of the Year for his tiny Malaysian kitchen in NewActon, while Venus Vinifera’s Caitlin Baker was named Cultural Change Champion for her feminist approach to the wine industry.
That’s on top of a healthy crop of local restaurants snagging themselves a hat or two.
Is this the prettiest food truck to roll into town?
Technically it’s located across the border in Queanbeyan, but close enough.
Tomari Sachi has rolled in to bring lovers of Japanese cuisine a whole new dining experience. Serving classic dishes like karaage chicken and ramen as well as street food favourites like octopus balls and Japanese ice cream, keep an eye out for the minimalist truck as it drives around town.
For location and hours updates, follow them on Instagram.
Southside coffee lovers, rejoice! Café da Greenway is here
Greenway has a new café! Located in South.Point, Café da Greenway is all about good coffee and delicious food. Open from 8 am until 4 pm seven days a week, you can grab a cake from the cabinet, baked scones, toasties and more!
Find it on the Ground Floor of South.Point, near Adairs.
Kingston to welcome Asian Noodle House
WIN News recently reported that the much-loved Asian Noodle House has signed a lease in Giles Street and is preparing to open a new restaurant.
We’ll keep you posted as to opening date!
Are Bar Outro and Pizzeria Officina closing?
Consider this your sign to make your way to Lonsdale Street before Monday 16 November. Bar Outro recently posted on Instagram to announce that the original lease has expired and they will be meeting with its landlord to learn the fate of the building. Currently, it’s set to be demolished, but that is yet to be confirmed.
They’re also looking at opening in a new location, so keep an eye out to see what happens!
Unit 3/9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
FEASTS, FESTIVALS AND MORE: DELICIOUS FOODIE EXPERIENCES
Forget Yum-Cha, this is Run-Cha
Planning on participating in the Canberra Times Marathon on Sunday 1 November? OHNO! has the perfect post-run recovery: bottomless boozy yum-cha.
It’s priced at $55 per person with the option to add a bottomless beverage package for an extra $35 per person. Book yourself a seat between 11 am and 4 pm here.
On the drinks list, you’ll find Hanoi Cloud, a Hanoi-style egg coffee served hot or cold; Salty Hue, a salted cream coffee; Saigon Drip, iced coffee with condensed milk; Dalat Velvet, an avocado and coconut blend; and Chimwag, a Vietnamese lemon iced tea.
For snacks, there are sunflower seed crack-ups, crème caramel, Vietnamese-style beef jerky, assorted fried snacks and Saigon Medley rice paper salad rolls.
There’s more to the experience than what’s on the menu, too. Customers can challenge each other to Vietnamese jacks, try plaster painting or take a chance on the fortune shaker for instant prizes, including a special Viet coffee candle, key chain and free voucher. There’s also a major draw, with registered customers entered for the chance to win a $100 gift card.
Saturday 14 and 21, and Sunday 15 and 22 November, 11 am – 4 pm. Monster Phin & Street Bites, Shop G06/2 Batman Street, Braddon.
Big Box Barbeque is taking over this local taproom
Because what else goes better together than beer and BBQ? From Friday 6 November, you’ll be able to find Big Box Barbeque in a new location: Capital Brewing taproom’s beer garden.
Rolling in a smoker every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they’ll be dishing out Texas-style Wagyu brisket, sticky ribs, enormous platters and more. Only available throughout the summer, it’s a delicious way to spend an afternoon.
3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick
The pairing nobody expected (and everyone loved) has returned
Last year Leyla Bar taught us an important lesson: fried chicken and champagne were a match made in flavour heaven.
Now they’ve brought back their unique pairing for another session, starting from Saturday 7 November. Priced at $99 per person, you’ll enjoy three exceptional Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Champagnes with three delicious fried chicken flavours – southern fried, sweet and spicy and snowy.
Over 10 breweries are gathering in Fyshwick for Beer Day Out at the Fyshwick Markets. Including the likes of Bentspoke Brewing, Powder Monkey, Capital Brewing, Jindabyne Brewing and more, you’ll be able to try some of the best sips from Canberra and across Australia.
The best part? Entry is free and so are the samples! Book here.
36 Mildura Street, Fyshwick
This is your sign to have a night with Collector Wines
One night, one long table and some of the finest wines in the region. Highroad is partnering with Collector Wines on Saturday 28 November for a five-course dinner matched with six wines (including sparkling on arrival).
Wine N’ Dine is back for another progressive long lunch
Pop Saturday 5 December into your calendar. Wine N’ Dine is once again coming to Canberra for a self-guided long lunch that promises to take you on a mouthwatering tour of the neighbourhood’s hottest venues.
Taking you to Amici, Curiosa, Mrs Wang and VICE, each will serve a signature dish paired with a glass of wine from an exceptional local winemaker.
From Olympic rowing champions hitting the water at The Golden Oar Festival to open-air techno by the Molonglo River, Halloween parties, a very French celebration, Pride celebrations and a whole lot of live music, Canberra is serving up some very good reasons to get out and about this weekend.
Here are the events to put in your diary this week – including the ones you won’t want to miss.
Looking for even more to do in Canberra? Check out our What’s On section to find hundreds of events happening around town.
The Golden Oar is a regatta and festival presented by community rowing organisation Red Shed and Canberra Airport, now in its second year. Mixed crews from Australia and overseas, including Croatian Olympic gold medallists Martin and Valent Sinković, compete for more than $200,000 in prize money across 450-metre sprint, 1500-metre and 3-kilometre courses.
Onshore, the program includes live music from local artists and DJs, food vans, breweries and producers, handcraft markets, a family zone with arts and crafts, the YMCA Cardboard Boat Regatta, a Pro-Am race and a Wild Swim.
Until Sunday 1 November | Black Mountain Peninsula | goldenoar.com.au
Techno Picnic with D-Nox
Embrace a brilliant day of open-air electronic music, sunshine, and community vibes by the picturesque Molonglo River. Bringing warehouse party energy into a relaxed afternoon setting, this all-ages outdoor gathering invites music lovers to kick back on the grass with blankets, snacks, and friends. Headlining the day is global melodic techno master D-Nox with an incredible four-hour set, supported by returning local favourite Waxlily. Enjoy delicious food, local wine, and refreshing cocktails while soaking up fantastic beats and a wonderful lakeside atmosphere without the heavy ticket price.
Canberra’s largest LGBTIQA+ community event, Fair Day is part of the Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival. The program features drag performers including Stella Eve, Etcetera Etcetera, Tina Cox and Venus Mantrap, alongside Qwire, So Samba Canberra, Mama MadB and the Deadly Deities, and DJ sets from DJ Maestrou and DJ CandyCane. Around 80 market stalls offer artisan, community and business wares, with food trucks serving wraps, noodles, sweet treats, ice cream and coffee. A kids’ zone includes face painting, songs and stories, and the day also includes a pet parade.
Soak up the charm of a classic French village fair with a playful Halloween twist at La Grande Fête, Telopea Park School’s biggest community fundraiser of the year. This family favourite transforms the school grounds into a bustling festival packed with thrilling carnival rides, international food stalls, live music, games, and French-inspired cultural experiences. Kids can dress up in costume for spooky Halloween activities, while parents browse market stalls and delicious baked treats. All funds raised directly support educational programs and school resources, making it a heartwarming, fun-filled day out for all ages.
Join the SoundCBR team for an active, empowering morning dedicated to raising vital funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. On Saturday, 31 October, participants can book into a lineup of signature classes for twenty-five dollars each, with all class proceeds directly supporting life-saving research. Beyond the mat, the event features stalls from local businesses, delicious snacks, entertainment, and a raffle with prizes valued at over seven hundred and fifty dollars. Whether taking a class or simply stopping by to show support, every contribution helps make a difference.
Celebrate World Vegan Day and the launch of Compassion 2 Action Month with a joyful, family-friendly festival at Glebe Park. Organised by Little Oak Sanctuary, the event features the much-loved inflatable costume races with unicorns and dinosaurs on the start line, alongside the Grand Final, kids’ races, and a lively Dino Dance Off hosted by Faux Née Phish. Visitors can enjoy delicious vegan street food, plant-based cheese workshops, a community clothing swap, children’s activities, and informative stalls from animal rescue and environmental groups.
Gather for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to supporting women in our community who need a helping hand this holiday season. Hosted at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, guests enjoy sparkling wine and canapés while hearing from remarkable change-makers, including Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay, Communities at Work CEO Lesly Jordan, and ACT Woman of the Year Lauren Cannell. Attendees will directly support the It’s in the Bag drive by packing essential items and bonus luxuries into bags for women supported by Communities at Work.
A Halloween screening of Joel Schumacher’s 1987 cult vampire horror-comedy The Lost Boys at Arc Cinema. The evening starts with a pre-screening courtyard party featuring a live DJ spinning 80s tracks, costume prizes, and a complimentary drink.
Saturday 31 October, 7 pm–10 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Special Events + Festivals
Oktoberfest Canberra
A two-day celebration of traditional Bavarian culture at the Harmonie German Club. Highlights include authentic German cuisine, imported biers, traditional music, competitions, festive costumes, and family-friendly entertainment.
Saturday 31 October | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | harmonieclub.com.au
Gungahlin Halloween Bike Party
Organised by Canberra by Bike and Pedal Power, this night ride invites families to dress up in Halloween costumes for a relaxed, guided cycle around Yerrabi Pond. Featuring music, light displays, and flat paths, the event wraps up with pizza at Bronx Pizzeria.
The launch of Canberra’s month-long LGBTQIA+ pride festival. Running throughout November, the event program features the SpringOUT Fair Day at Glebe Park, the Pink Tennis Bush Dance, pride sports events, walks, arts exhibitions, and community breakfasts.
Saturday 31 October until Monday 30 November | Various locations across Canberra | springout.com.au
Henry’s Spook-tacular Halloween Parties
Family-friendly Halloween celebrations hosted across Canberra Southern Cross Club venues. Woden features an interactive ticketed potion-and-slime experience with dinner included, while Tuggeranong and Jamison host free events with best-dressed competitions, glitter tattoos, and arts and crafts.
ACT Rescue and Foster (ARF) celebrates its 25th anniversary and over 3,800 dog rescues with its annual HOWL-oween trivia night hosted by Larry Appley. Attendees can enter as individuals, small groups, or teams of 10 for a night of trivia, games, a silent auction, and a raffle, alongside a physical donation drive for dog toys, leads, and treats. Costumes are strongly encouraged.
Halloween gets gloriously dark and neon-lit at 88mph with an unforgettable evening of spooky seduction, drag artistry, and high-energy party tunes. The venue plays host to award-winning burlesque performer Eros Storm alongside high-flying drag powerhouse Nadya Business, delivering jaw-dropping acrobatics and theatrical flair. Come dressed in your most terrifying or glamorous costume to compete for great prizes, dance the night away, and enjoy themed cocktail specials in the heart of Civic.
Bring the whole family into the heart of Canberra’s Civic for a vibrant, free community Halloween festival organised by the Asia Australia Youth Association. Petrie Plaza and City Walk transform into a spooky wonderland featuring a haunted house, a themed carousel, interactive games, trick-or-treating, roaming costumed characters, and an exciting Monster Parade. Designed to support local businesses and enliven the city centre’s night-time economy, it offers a welcoming and immersive celebration for all ages.
Saturday 31 October, 4 pm–10 pm | Ghosts in the City, City Walk & Petrie Plaza, Canberra | inthecity.com.au
Chakradance™–7 keys to freedom
This Chakradance™ session, 7 Keys to Freedom, is a guided evening of movement, music and meditation focused on the body’s seven chakras. Facilitator Lilaea van der See leads participants through a practice that combines chakra-resonant music, free-flowing dance and mandala artwork, creating space for self-discovery. Participants are encouraged to move intuitively and in their own way, so no previous dance experience is required. The practice invites participants to deepen their connection with themselves through movement, sound and creative expression. The session allows time to slow down, reconnect and explore the rhythms of the body.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled day celebrating Australian motorsport history with a special showcase of Bathurst legend cars and iconic Brock Commodores. Hosted by Ollies’ Garage and the Canberra Showroom of The Sir Henry Royce Foundation, the event invites car enthusiasts of all ages to view rare performance vehicles up close. Visitors can admire legendary touring cars, classic Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, unique memorabilia, and even the world’s largest pushbike while celebrating the enduring legacy of racing greats like Peter Brock.
Contemporary art meets the natural beauty of Kamberri/Canberra as the Canberra Art Biennial returns for its sixth edition. Spanning public outdoor spaces across the city with a central hub along Lake Burley Griffin, this festival invites Australian and international artists to create site-specific works that spark conversation. Stroll along the foreshore to discover thought-provoking installations exploring connection, history, and life on Country. Honouring Canberra’s long history as a gathering place for sharing knowledge, it is a wonderful excuse to rug up, explore our designed landscape, and view familiar spaces through a fresh creative lens.
Until Saturday 31 October, times vary | Central Hub at Lake Burley Griffin, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | canberraartbiennial.com
Murder Mystery Evening at Southbound
An interactive Halloween dinner event where guests solve a murder mystery while enjoying shared food platters and drinks. Features prizes for “Best Detective” and “Best Costume”.
A two-day exhibition showcasing over 300 tables of custom LEGO builds by Australian creators.
There will be a massive train layout, dozens of LEGO vehicles, a great ball contraption, Technic displays, mosaics, Star Wars displays, LEGO Robotics, historic collections and custom designed my own creations (MOCs).
Check out the displays, interactive activities, LEGO retailers of new and rare sets and great food!
Saturday night will embrace the spooky halloween theme with an exclusive “After Dark” session – featuring exhibits with awesome lighting and glow in the dark features.
Proceeds from the show will go to local charities who provide support to families in need and ACT specialty schools.
Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November | Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Budawang Building, Lyneham | canberra.brickshow.au
Day of the Dead Fiesta
Celebrate life, memory, and Mexican culture during a colorful, free weekend festival at Poppyfield Commons in Dickson. Marking over a decade of traditions in Canberra, the fiesta brings Día de los Muertos to life with live Latin folk music, energetic samba percussion, vibrant dance performances, and a spectacular street parade. Visitors can contribute photographs to a traditional community ofrenda altar, enjoy sugar skull workshops, browse artisan market stalls, and feast on delicious authentic food across the weekend.
Saturday 31 October to Sunday 1 November | Poppyfield Commons, Poppyfield Street, Dickson | events.humanitix.com
Rose Gardens Guided Tours at Old Parliament House
Step back in time and wander through a living horticultural masterpiece with guided tours of the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens. Established in 1927 as a tranquil retreat for politicians and their families, the stunning grounds now feature over five hundred varieties across four thousand rose bushes, including rare blooms sourced from Persia and China. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating tales of the gardens’ history, design evolution, and botanical significance. It is a peaceful, beautiful seasonal escape that celebrates Canberra’s rich heritage in full floral bloom.
Sunday 1 November to Sunday 29 November (Check venue for daily tour times) | Statue of Dame Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons, Old Parliament House Rose Gardens, King George Terrace, Parkes | eventbrite.com.au
Looking for something to do this Halloween? You can find our fa-boo-lous guide here.
Food + Drink
Sandoochie and Spitfire Pizza
Sandoochie teams up with Stefan from Spitfire Pizza for a mouth-watering collaboration pairing expertly stretched dough, ovens, and technique with hearty, ham-fisted toppings. Enjoy three incredible pizzas accompanied by fresh salad, stellar beer from heaven, and fantastic wine selections from RBE Wines. Designed to be the ultimate lunch or dinner material, Stefan’s crispy-bottomed slices promise a scrumptious feast for pizza lovers looking to kick back and enjoy a great community afternoon.
Sunday, 1 November, 11 am–8 pm | Shop 8 No Name Lane, City | @sandoochie
The Spritz Club
Escape to the sun-drenched deck at Capitol Bar & Grill for the ultimate Riviera ritual this season. The Spritz Club invites you to leave your responsibilities behind and enjoy an ice-cold, bittersweet prosecco infusion. Guests can choose between a classic Aperol or a refreshing Hugo Spritz, paired perfectly with high-low aperitivo bites like crisp chicken tenders and molten mozzarella sticks. Gather your friends, put on your oversized sunglasses, and soak up the Mediterranean vibes right in the city. Consider yourself a member of Canberra’s newest sun-soaked tradition – because a great drink should never be enjoyed alone.
Until Saturday 14 November | Capitol Bar & Grill, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | qthotels.com
Spring High Tea at Australian Parliament House
Soak up sweeping views of our bush capital in bloom with a seasonal high tea at Queen’s Terrace Café. Perfectly timed for your Floriade outing, this high tea experience showcases exceptional Australian produce across a delicious array of sweet and savoury treats. Guests can sip on artisan teas, barista-made coffee, or upgrade to a glass of sparkling wine for a true spring celebration. Make the most of your visit by pairing your afternoon tea with a wander through Parliament House’s courtyards, architecture, and world-class exhibitions. It is an unforgettable way to experience Canberra’s most iconic landmark this season.
Until Sunday 29 November | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | aph.gov.au
Weekend Buffet at the Yacht Club
Looking for a relaxed, generous feast to kick off your weekend? The Yacht Club in Yarralumla is putting on a mouth-watering buffet spread every Saturday and Sunday. Diners can tuck into freshly carved roast meats, cold seafood straight off the ice, hot pasta, hearty seasonal soup, and a whole table of indulgent desserts. It is the ultimate dining experience for families and friends gathering along the water’s edge. Plus, kids receive complimentary chicken nuggets and chips with the purchase of an adult buffet, making it a stress-free weekend treat that caters to every appetite.
Until Sunday 29 November | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
Markets & Expos
Hartley Hall Markets
Escape to the historic Hall Showground for a delightful morning of shopping, fresh air, and community spirit. Set beneath a canopy of shady trees, the beloved Hartley Hall Markets feature vibrant stalls brimming with locally grown produce, artisan crafts, homewares, and delicious baked goods. Grab lunch, enjoy live entertainment, and explore unique handmade gifts while supporting a wonderful local cause. Proudly run by Hartley Lifecare, every purchase helps empower people with disability right here in Canberra. It is a fantastic family-friendly way to spend your Sunday.
Sunday 1 November, 9 am–2 pm | Hall Showground, Victoria Street, Hall | hartley.org.au
Capital Region Farmers Market
This farmers’ market is iconic for a reason.
Go along to sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra and speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
It will make you appreciate your Saturday morning shopping trip in a whole new way.
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building, you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. The sheer variety means you’ll discover something unexpected every visit, whether that’s a piece of pottery that speaks to you, a stunning necklace, or the perfect vintage find. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta, pet treats and more.
Another local favourite, spend your Sunday morning browsing delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities.
It’s the kind of market where you can linger over breakfast, discover a new artist, and stock up on fresh produce all in one lovely morning, making it the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Australian stand-up comedian Daniel Connell (Have You Been Paying Attention?) performs his dry, observational comedy show live at The Street Theatre.
Saturday 31 October, 7.30 pm–8.30 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City| alist.com.au
Lawrence Mooney – Full Moon Party
Comedian Lawrence Mooney brings a cast of impressions and original characters to the stage (including Dr Tyler Wall, Jean Le Camembert, Malcolm Turnbull, and Russell Crowe) in a live stand-up show.
Saturday 31 October, 8 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | alist.com.au
Greg Davies – Full Fat Legend
British comedian and actor Greg Davies (Taskmaster, The Inbetweeners, Man Down) brings his debut Australia and New Zealand stand-up tour to Canberra for a night of storytelling.
Saturday 31 October, 7 pm–10.30 pm | Royal Theatre, 31 Constitution Avenue, City | nccc.com.au
Around the World in 80 Days
Honest Puck Theatre presents Mark Brown’s fast-paced, comedic stage adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure novel. Five actors take on dozens of characters as Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout race against time (and Detective Fix) across continents, oceans, and railways. Filled with theatrical quick-changes and inventive staging, it offers an engaging show for families and theatregoers of all ages.
Until Saturday 31 October | Perform Australia Theatre, 12/38 Reed Street North, Greenway | honestpuck.com.au
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Chaika Theatre presents Picnic at Hanging Rock, Tom Wright’s stage adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s novel, directed by Caitlin Baker, at ACT Hub’s Causeway Hall in Kingston from 23 October to 7 November. Set on a Valentine’s Day in 1900, the story follows a group of schoolgirls from Appleyard College whose picnic at Hanging Rock ends when several girls and a teacher vanish without explanation. Five young women later attempt to reconstruct events, as shifting memories blur the line between fact and myth. The production runs 80 minutes with no interval and features Jessi Gooding, Karina Hudson, Thea Jade, Breanna Kelly and Paris Scharkie.
Until Saturday 7 November, various times | ACT Hub, Causeway Hall, Kingston | acthub.littleboxoffice.com
Screen
Russell Hobbs British Film Festival
Celebrate the finest storytelling, humour, and drama from across the UK as the British Film Festival returns to Palace Electric Cinema. Cinema enthusiasts can look forward to a rich, month-long program featuring eager awards contenders, captivating period dramas, hilarious comedies, and compelling documentaries starring Britain’s top talent. From sweeping romances to suspenseful thrillers, the festival offers an authentic taste of British cinema culture paired with fine wines and choc tops. Grab your tickets early to catch exclusive premieres and restored classic screen gems right here in the capital.
Think your week has been challenging? Test your nerve against epic storms, raging tsunamis, and world-ending cataclysms during a thrilling cinematic screening series at Arc Cinema. Disaster Fridays unleashes a whirlwind of high-stakes survival stories and seismic shocks, proving that magnificent chaos is always more entertaining to watch safely from the comfort of a plush velvet seat. Grab your popcorn and settle in for edge-of-your-seat entertainment celebrating Hollywood’s most spectacular and memorable catastrophe blockbusters.
Friday 30 October, 7 pm–9 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
A Day at the Movies – Dementia-friendly screenings
An inclusive cinema experience designed specifically for people living with dementia and their carers. Held in a supportive environment with lower volume levels, low room lighting, an intermission, dedicated quiet zones, and complimentary refreshments.
Saturday 31 October, 10.30 am–2 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Life in the Great Barrier Reef 360° VR Documentary
Submerge yourself in a breathtaking underwater world without leaving the inner north. Premiering at the National Museum of Australia, Life in the Great Barrier Reef is an immersive 35-minute cinematic documentary utilising custom-built 8K 360° virtual reality technology. Guided by leading scientists, reef stewards, and Traditional Owners, audiences are transported to the depths of two UNESCO World Heritage sites to encounter manta rays, whales, and rare coral spawning events, while gaining a deeper understanding of current conservation efforts.
Ongoing, session times vary | National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au
NFSA Spring Film Series
Enjoy the NFSA’s curated program of recent releases and revived classics, from high art to guilty pleasures. There’s something for everyone!
Follow the pull of earth, water, fire and air in the Spring Film Series at Arc Cinema. From epic river journeys and windswept adventures to stories of passion, change and survival, these films reveal the forces that shape our world and ourselves.
Step into these elemental worlds and discover stories that move, challenge and transform.
Until Monday 30 November | NFSA Acton, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au/whats-on
Sport and Wellness
Chakradance™–7 keys to freedom
This Chakradance™ session, 7 Keys to Freedom, is a guided evening of movement, music and meditation focused on the body’s seven chakras. Facilitator Lilaea van der See leads participants through a practice that combines chakra-resonant music, free-flowing dance and mandala artwork, creating space for self-discovery. Participants are encouraged to move intuitively and in their own way, so no previous dance experience is required. The practice invites participants to deepen their connection with themselves through movement, sound and creative expression. The session allows time to slow down, reconnect and explore the rhythms of the body.
Lace up your running shoes and join thousands of participants bringing incredible energy to the streets of the capital. Whether you are chasing a personal best on a fast, flat AIMS-certified course or crossing a finish line for the very first time, there is a distance for everyone. Choose from the half marathon, 10K, and 5K events, or bring the little ones along for the fun-filled Kids Dash past iconic landmarks. After crossing the line, celebrate your achievement and unwind with friends in the lively event village featuring food stalls, coffee, and entertainment.
Sunday 1 November, 5.30 am–11.30 am | Rond Terrace, Parkes, Parkes Way, Acton | solemotive.com
Talks, Tours and Workshops
Learn Astrophotography in the Dark Skies of Canberra
An introductory evening workshop combining classroom theory with hands-on practice in photographing stars, landscapes, and the Milky Way. Suitable for participants using DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, or modern smartphones with tripods.
Unwind and tap into your creative side during a delightful two-hour workshop combining Japanese tradition with hands-on artistry. Hosted across welcoming community spaces in Canberra, this relaxed session teaches participants how to properly sift and whisk ceremonial-grade matcha to create a delicious latte. Following the tasting, guests will choose a ceramic mug or bowl to paint using simple, step-by-step techniques with all materials provided. No prior experience is necessary, and you get to take your unique hand-painted ceramic piece home.
Discover how to capture stunning shots of the stars and Milky Way during a comprehensive, hands-on workshop tailored for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Combining theoretical guidance with practical fieldwork in scenic local landscapes, participants learn the essential techniques needed to photograph the night sky using digital cameras or smartphones paired with a tripod. Led by an experienced photographer, the session offers expert tips on exposure, composition, and equipment handling. Weather-dependent practical sessions include flexible backup dates at no extra cost.
Slow things down and settle into your artistic practice with a relaxed afternoon life drawing session at Wakefield’s Bar and Wine. Designed for creators seeking a calmer rhythm, the session opens with quick warm-up poses before transitioning into longer, more sustained poses of up to thirty minutes. Participants are encouraged to observe deeply and build form within a welcoming, low-pressure neighbourhood bar environment. Drawing materials are provided, or artists can bring their own preferred mediums while enjoying regular breaks for food, drinks, and conversation.
Escape the rush of everyday life with Quiet Places, a collaborative exhibition hosted by The Gallery Next Door. Featuring ethereal landscape paintings by Penny Deacon alongside earthy ceramic forms by Amy Beggs-French, this peaceful show offers visitors a quiet sanctuary of art and reflection. Showcasing the talent of two local, emerging artists, the exhibition celebrates natural textures, soft tones, and subtle beauty. The gallery is fully accessible, free to enter, and provides a welcoming atmosphere to support Canberra’s creative talent. Pop in for a tranquil break and discover lovely handmade art in the heart of Duffy.
Until Sunday 1 November | The Gallery Next Door, Duffy Place, Shop 4, Duffy | thegallerynextdoor.com.au
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay showcases two of Australia’s leading fashion designers: Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee, in conversation with international, multidisciplinary artist Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979).
The iconic and vibrant early designs of Kee and Jackson from the 1970s and early 1980s were directly inspired by the dynamic legacy of Delaunay, who was a member of the School of Paris and co-founder of Orphism, an art movement noted for its use of intense colours and abstract, geometric forms. As well as working in traditional mediums such as painting and printmaking, Delaunay’s practice also included textile, fashion, and theatre design.
For Jackson and Kee, who were beginning their shared journey in creating clothes as works of art, the discovery of Delaunay was revolutionary. This powerful display feature a rarely-seen collection of Kee and Jackson’s garments from their archives and are shown with the National Gallery’s collection of Delaunay’s prints, drawings, textiles and costumes.
Until Sunday 1 November | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Canberra Potters Members Exhibition
Discover contemporary ceramic art at the Canberra Potters Members Exhibition, held at the Watson Arts Centre. As the region’s major pottery event of the year, this showcase features stunning works created by local members over the past twelve months. The exhibition highlights creative trends across functional vessels, sculptural forms, and decorative pieces. Key awards including the prestigious $5000 Doug Alexander Award, recognise artistic excellence within the local pottery community. It is a wonderful opportunity to support local makers and admire exceptional craft.
Until Sunday 1 November | Canberra Potters, Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | canberrapotters.com.au
A very merry Christmas
Gallery of Small Things (GOST) closes its 2026 program with A Very Merry Christmas, a group exhibition responding to the festive season. Gallery Director Anne Masters invited 11 artists, mostly from interstate, to create a small series of works for the compact gallery. Ceramicists Tamsin Ainslie, Ginny Lagos and Lucy Ings present circus friends, sculptural figures and baubles, while Fiona Chandler, Sally Browne and Simon Palmer contribute abstract paintings. Cleo Higgins shows embroidered brooches, Lisa Cahill presents glass coral sculptures, and Gwenyth Macnamara offers printed cushions. Eggpicnic and Outer Island add bird art prints, cards and decorations.
Saturday 31 October–Sunday 20 December, 11 am–4 pm | Gallery of Small Things, 27 Wade Street, Watson | galleryofsmallthings.com
Kris Ancog: Yearning to breathe free
Kris Ancog presents Yearning to Breathe Free, a solo exhibition of paintings titled after Emma Lazarus’ poem The New Colossus. Inspired by refugees travelling towards safety and rebuilding their lives in unfamiliar lands, the works also reflect the life-changing moments many people encounter. Drawing on the compositional harmony and restrained palettes of Renaissance and Rococo painting, Ancog reworks the classical tradition as contemporary abstraction. Viewed up close, the canvases read as expressive brushwork, colour and light, while from a distance, scenes gradually emerge as though recalled from memory. Light runs through the series as a metaphor for resilience, offering hope without denying struggle.
Until Sunday 8 November | Aarwun Gallery, Shop 11, Federation Square, Nicholls | aarwungallery.com.au
Bespoke Utopia | Exhibition
An art and design exhibition highlighting regional artists whose practices prioritise craftsmanship, slow design, and sustainability as an alternative to mass production.
Step into the inspiring world of young creative talent with the upcoming Future Feature exhibition at M16 Artspace in Griffith. Showcasing the diverse perspectives of emerging teenage artists, this thoughtful collection offers a fascinating glimpse into their artistic journeys as they build confidence and step toward future maturity. It is a wonderful chance for local art lovers to support the next generation of creatives, celebrate fresh local talent, and witness the hopeful, imaginative visions shaping the future of our arts community right here in the heart of the capital.
Questacon presents an interactive exhibition exploring the science of light through 13 hands-on exhibits. Visitors can experiment with light refraction, colour blending, shadow manipulation and reflection across multiple activity stations. The exhibition demonstrates how light travels, reflects and refracts, alongside displays of tools humans have developed to harness light. Activities include bending light, using sensors to create music, and working with lenses. The exhibition is designed for hands-on engagement with scientific concepts. Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is a Museums Victoria Touring Exhibition running until November 2026.
Until Sunday 22 November | Questacon–The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Hop In! – An Immersive World of Play
Turn the familiar family home inside out at Hop In!, a hands-on exhibition designed for children aged three to 12 and their families. Rooms shift in scale to encourage active play, letting little ones crawl under oversized furniture, stretch beneath cloud-filled skies, and wander through reimagined backyards and kitchens. At the heart of the space is artist Beci Orpin’s Bunny Dearest, a gentle companion guiding children through these imaginative spaces. Created for open-ended discovery, this interactive experience sparks curiosity, builds creative confidence, and offers families a wonderful opportunity to connect through shared play in the heart of the city.
Until Sunday 22 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
Exhibitions at Belconnen Arts Centre
Belconnen Arts Centre opens six diverse new exhibitions showcasing regional talent across textiles, printmaking, ceramics, digital imagery, and painting:
Animal Portraits: Brenda Runnegar presents composite digital works reimagining domestic pets as majestic figures in early American folk art.
Occupying Space: Helen Heslop explores South Coast landscapes, colonial history, and Yuin Country through intricate art quilts and collages.
Passions, Journeys and Imaginings: Christine Upton uses carved bird figures, patterns, and abstract blossoms to explore nature and personal memory.
Phases: Staff and collaborators from the UC Faculty of Art and Design reflect on global transition, change, and harmony.
Colour Through My Eyes: Visually impaired artist Lien To shares vibrant Copic marker and collage works reflecting her imaginary safe spaces.
Histories & Habitats: Fenja T. Ringl combines archaeology, palaeo-ecology, and printmaking on paper and ceramic forms.
Until Sunday 29 November | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
60 Years – Canberra Spinners and Weavers
A retrospective exhibition showcasing contemporary textile works by members of the Canberra Spinners and Weavers to mark 60 years of local craft heritage.
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’ celebrates the year’s best political cartoons.
Featuring established and emerging cartoonists from across Australia, this exhibition highlights the significant contribution they make to cultural and political debates through witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings.
This year our Behind the Lines theme is the cinema, acknowledging that, like some of our favourite movies, 2025 has been full of thrills and spills, romance and heartbreak, with plenty of unexpected plot twists. Australia’s cartoonists and illustrators have tackled many of the issues that made news, including the federal election, the cost of living, energy policy, interest rates, housing security, the economy, climate change and stories from overseas.
Until December 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Gurindji Freedom Banners
A powerful new exhibition commemorating the pivotal 1966 Wave Hill Walk-off opens at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Gurindji Freedom Banners: Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla–From the darkness into the light unites all ten hand-painted banners for the first time in years, telling the story of when Gurindji and neighbouring peoples, led by Vincent Lingiari AM, walked off Wave Hill Station on 23 August 1966.
Their demands for fair working conditions and return of traditional lands sparked landmark change, leading to the first handback of Aboriginal land in 1975 and paving the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976. The textile banners were created in 2000 by 35 Gurindji people, many walk-off participants, with one recently recreated after going missing.
Now showing until late 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Wangka Wakaṉutja: the story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre
Between 1979 and 1990, the Papunya Literature Production Centre produced hundreds of illustrated bilingual books–funny, moving, extraordinary documents of Pintupi-Luritja language and culture, guided by community Elders who were also pioneers of the Western Desert art movement. Many of those books have been held in the National Library’s collections ever since, and this landmark new exhibition finally brings them to life. Featuring stories, drawings, photographs, manuscripts, and oral histories drawn from multiple collections, it’s a profoundly significant celebration of Aboriginal literary culture, collective creativity, and the remarkable human effort to keep language alive across generations.
Until Saturday, 31 January | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
RELICS: A New World Rises
Step into an extraordinary, imagined future where vintage objects become homes for intricate miniature worlds built from LEGO® bricks. Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS: A New World Rises features over 15 large-scale installations set in a world abandoned by humanity. Discover a refrigerator turned cryogenic resort or a grandfather clock transformed into a time machine. Packed with hidden details, humor, and nostalgia, this immersive exhibition playfully explores sustainability, consumer culture, and human creativity. Designed to captivate visitors aged 0–99, it is a wonderful reminder to slow down and embrace curiosity.
Until Sunday 31 January 2027 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | cmag.com.au
David Hockney: Portraits in Print
David Hockney: Portraits in Print opens at the National Gallery of Australia, drawing on the gallery’s own collection, the largest holding of Hockney’s work in the country. The display brings together more than 60 prints spanning almost 30 years, tracing the artist’s portraits of family, friends and collaborators across Los Angeles, Paris and London in the 1970s and 80s. Works include etchings, lithographs and photocollages, alongside experimental processes such as mylar sheets and faxes.
Until Sunday 14 February 2027, free | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Rosalie Gascoigne
Opening at the National Gallery of Australia, this major exhibition celebrates the career of Rosalie Gascoigne (1917–1999), one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Famous for transforming discarded, weathered items—such as retro-reflective road signs, wooden crates, and feathers—into poetic assemblages, her works reflect the light, color, and texture of the surrounding Kamberri/Canberra landscape.
Until Sunday 14 February | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Yarning: Sharing Stories, Celebrating Culture
Explore Yarning, a vibrant new exhibition at Australian Parliament House showcasing the creative voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from across the nation. Featuring artworks from over 70 young artists, the display showcases entries from the Yarning competition exploring themes of Country, identity, family, and reconciliation—including the three winning pieces. Located in the public area on the Level 1 Senate side, this inspiring collection offers a powerful platform for young First Nations storytellers.
Open daily until February 2027 | Australian Parliament House, Capital Hill | aph.gov.au
Tamara Lalayan Gallery Exhibition
Immerse yourself in a world of color and imagination with Tamara Lalayan’s latest art showcase, currently on display in the elegant Howard Lounge. Inspired by memory, movement, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments, Tamara’s expressive works invite viewers into richly layered landscapes. Each piece captures the subtle emotions and natural wonder found so effortlessly in our surrounding environment. Set within the historic surrounds of Hyatt Hotel Canberra, this peaceful exhibition offers art lovers and visitors a tranquil space to reflect and appreciate local creative talent. Pop in for a quiet moment of inspiration during your next city outing.
Until 28 February 2027 | Howard Lounge, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom
The Royal Australian Mint’s exhibition Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom draws on never-before-seen objects from the National Collection to explore the rich symbolism of flowers on coins from around the world. The exhibition traces how floral designs struck into metal carry stories of national identity, cultural heritage and remembrance — from Australia’s kangaroo paw and the South African protea to the Western Samoan Teuila.
Decorative motifs such as laurel, olive and oak wreaths, used for centuries as symbols of victory, peace and strength, also feature. Commemorative coins in the exhibition show how flowers have honoured significant historical moments and individuals across cultures.
Until March 2027 | Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures
Step into a vibrant, near-future Australia where once-impossible technologies transform how we live, work, and play. Questacon’s latest immersive gallery, Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures, makes the complex world of quantum physics accessible, playful, and incredibly fun.
Developed in collaboration with Canberra illustrator Paul Summerfield, the exhibition brings tomorrow’s tech to life through colourful, highly detailed illustrations, giant airborne sculptures, and a mesmerising cloud chamber that reveals the invisible world of tiny particles. Along the way, visitors can meet the pioneering Australian researchers who are harnessing the unique behaviours of quantum objects to solve some of the world’s most critical challenges. From un-hackable communications and personalised medicine to ultra-responsive prosthetics, you’ll discover how a quantum future promises to make ordinary lives extraordinary.
Open daily through 30 June 2027 | Gallery 8, Questacon, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
National Library of Australia Treasures Gallery
The National Library has millions of books, and the Treasures Gallery answers the frequently asked question, ‘Where are they’. They also collect other items. From maps and manuscripts to photographs and paintings, the Treasures Gallery is where you can find highlights from their vast physical and digital collections. Behind-the-scenes videos, pages from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio, a cedar bookcase carved by Dorothea Mackellar, photographs from the nation’s photo album, and a display of The Wiggles’ websites from 1997 to today from the Australian Web Archive are among the new additions.
Until December 2030 | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years is a permanent portrait exhibition celebrating 50 years of women as residents at John XXIII College. Featuring fifty alumni, the exhibition pairs portraiture with personal reflections to capture the evolving experience of women across five decades. Photographed by ANU School of Art graduate Bronte Morel across Australia and internationally, each work is set in a location of personal significance. Together, the collection forms an intergenerational narrative of leadership, identity and community, recognising the enduring contribution of women to the College and beyond.
Permanent exhibition, open 9 am–5 pm daily | Front foyer, John XXIII College, 51 Daley Road, Australian National University, Canberra | johnxxiii.anu.edu.au
After decades behind a fence, the historic Yarralumla Brickworks is being carefully restored by DOMA Group as the centrepiece of an ambitious new neighbourhood.
For generations, the towering stacks and cavernous kilns of the Yarralumla Brickworks have stood as reminders of the industry that helped build Canberra.
Soon, the gates will open on a very different future with expressions of interest being taken for five bespoke homes and the release of 31 townhomes to a private VIP list. Meanwhile, a new display suite will open onsite next month through private appointments.
DOMA Group is transforming the 16-hectare site into a new residential, hospitality and wellness precinct, while retaining the brickworks’ extraordinary industrial heart. The old buildings are not being treated as decorative relics but shaping what the development will become.
The townhomes being constructed
Inside structures once used to fire Canberra’s bricks, visitors will find a bathhouse, recovery facilities, a day spa and skin clinic. Other heritage spaces are planned for restaurants, bars, cafés, offices and gathering places. Around them will sit new homes, landscaped public areas and a park where the quarry formally sat.
The romance of the vision belies the scale of the work. While some walls and arches have survived since construction in 1913, bringing them into public use has required extensive structural intervention. Sections have been stabilised, reinforced and, where deterioration was too severe, carefully rebuilt.
Original archways are being reset. Historic steel cladding has been removed so compliant walls can be constructed, then reapplied to preserve the industrial character. Timber roof trusses have been craned away for repair before their return. Underground flues, once used to draw heat and smoke from the kilns towards their stacks, have also had to be protected.
From historic kilns to future luxury spa treatment rooms
It is painstaking work, but it reveals the ingenuity of the original brickmakers who spent long days moulding, firing and eventually transporting enough bricks to build the capital.
Doma Group Managing Director Jure Domazet said “It’s a unique site, not just in Canberra, but also Australia. So we were very attracted to it from the outset. It’s up to us as custodians of this site now to create something which is really quite special and leans into that industrial heritage. It’s very hard to create these sorts of things from scratch, so it’s an incredible opportunity and one that I don’t know that we would ever come across again.”
Ensuring the development protects the historic integrity of the site has taken years of intricate planning, mountains of documentation and added considerable costs to the project. But for Jure, it was an opportunity to create something unique, by local and international standards.
“The history of the site is very important for Canberra. It actually contains some of the oldest buildings in Canberra and the genesis of a lot of the buildings in Canberra starts at the brickworks with the bricks that were formed there. For us there’s a special connection as Canberra locals – there is a special connection with the Canberra red, the bricks which were used to build the original Parliament House and so many of the heritage homes across the city.”
Perhaps the most striking transformation will take place within the kilns themselves. A series of intimate brick chambers are intended to become treatment rooms for the day spa, turning spaces once defined by extreme heat into quiet places of recovery.
One side of the wellness precinct is planned for wet recovery, including magnesium pools, cold plunges and saunas. The other will focus on dry recovery, with proposed facilities such as hyperbaric and cryotherapy chambers and infrared day beds. A gym, yoga and Pilates spaces, heated outdoor pools, tennis and padel facilities will complete the broader lifestyle offering.
Elsewhere, long kiln halls are being prepared for hospitality and what is destined to become one of the city’s most iconic dining rooms – think a cavernous, long bricked arch. New kitchens and service areas will sit in contemporary additions so the historic interiors can remain open and expressive. The plans envisage restaurants, a wine bar, casual dining and potentially a bakery or pizza offering, all threaded through pedestrian courtyards and landscaped spaces.
The contrast is part of the appeal. Rough brick, weathered steel and monumental stacks will meet glass, landscaping and contemporary interiors, with the new work designed to support rather than imitate the old.
The wider development is expected to include a mix of freestanding homes, townhouses and low-rise apartments, with apartment buildings limited to three storeys. DOMA Group is preparing an initial release of 31 townhomes to a private VIP list, while expressions of interest are being taken for five bespoke homes.
A display suite within one of the restored buildings is due to open to the public next month, introducing visitors to the precinct through physical and digital models, while offering a first close look at the restored fabric.
Parts of the hospitality and wellness offering are slated to open towards the end of 2027, with residents expected to begin arriving in 2028. The program remains subject to construction progress and market conditions.
There is a pleasing symmetry to the brickworks’ next chapter, where a place that once supplied the material for a growing capital will again help shape how Canberra lives. This time, its kilns will not be hidden behind fences but will become rooms to gather in, recover in, dine in and explore.
You can read more about the Brickworks development here.
