When former Wallabies and Brumbies prop Ben Alexander co-founded Running for Resilience in 2019, he never thought it would grow into a weekly movement that unites the local community.
In fact, it was only meant to be a one-off mental health run. But seven years later, Running for Resilience (R4R) has become one of the biggest community initiatives in Canberra, promoting mental health and social connection through free physical activity. At its core, it’s so much more than a run club.
Aiming to make the ACT suicide-free by 2033 by reducing stigma around mental health and creating supportive community spaces, R4R now hosts a range of free weekly events including walking, jogging, running, and even specialised spin-offs like Strolling for Resilience.
The movement spans various physical activities and Ben says it has evolved to focus on connecting people through exercise in whatever form it takes.
“Wherever you are in Canberra on any day, if you’re not in a great place there’s an event doing something that you like so you can rock up, participate and have a good chat within a welcoming community,” he explains.
“I truly believe that exercising with someone is one of the best ways to bring people close together.”
It’s no secret that exercise improves and strengthens mental health, but science also shows that community is one of the most powerful motivators for staying active. That’s why Tennis ACT CEO Mark La Brooy approached Ben about starting another event series: Tennis for Resilience.
“We thought it was a really cool concept, a great way to get people active in the community and work towards the big goal of a suicide-free Canberra by 2033,” he explains. “We wanted to connect with him to see how tennis could help.”
“We always see high-performance athletes playing on the big stage, but really tennis at a community level provides an opportunity for people to get out, be active, and socialise, which is obviously another key part of the recipe to keeping people connected and improving mental health.”
Following a successful launch in March 2026, season two of the free weekly tennis program has just kicked off in time for spring.
Open to players of all experience levels – including complete beginners and regulars – the sessions will run across two Canberra venues, with equipment provided for both traditional tennis and POP Tennis.
Taking place at Turner Tennis Club and Melba Tennis Club on Friday afternoons from 4.45 pm, Mark says Tennis ACT hopes to reach even more members of the Canberra community this season.
“The sessions are designed to engage people through the range of formats played. Traditional tennis obviously is great and welcomes those who love the game in its pure form. Alongside this Cardio tennis and POP tennis are great formats for ensuring people of all skill levels can have fun playing together. Both these formats of the sport are also great for those wanting to interact and connect with people while they play.”
With no registration required – a deliberate choice by R4R to lessen the mental load of attending – Tennis for Resilience is open for all ages and abilities.
Complete with weekly giveaways, Ben hopes attendees not only get a “bit of a sweat on,” but also build lasting connections while looking after their mental wellbeing.
“People resonate with the message, and there’s still a long way to go. There’s been some positive improvements in suicide rates, but it’s still very little comfort to the 30 plus families that will lose someone to suicide this year,” he says.
“We still have much more work to go.”
For more information about Tennis for Resilience or other R4R sessions, join the community WhatsApp chat here.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Tennis for Resilience
When: Every Friday until 23 October, 4.45 pm – 6 pm
Where: Brownlee Place, Melba and Condamine Street, Turner
Web: runningforresilience.com
Imagine this: you’ve just finished a meeting. Everyone has agreed on a sensible way forward and you think, “Phew, case closed! It’s sorted.”
The next day, an email lands in your inbox. It’s polite, professional, even constructive in tone. But as you read it, you get that familiar sinking feeling – the decision you thought was final is being quietly reopened. What seems like a simple request for clarification or extra input really has the power to destabilise everything and force you to revisit discussions, defend choices, and start all over.
Local leadership coach, Dr Kim Vella, says this cycle of agreeable behaviour in meetings followed by the re-prosecution of ideas is very common in Canberra, and the unfortunate result is that good ideas can go nowhere.
“It’s that typical email that opens with ‘Just revisiting this…’,” says Kim. “It doesn’t seem like disagreement; however, to those in the know, it’s often the start of a decision loop that keeps teams caught in motion without ever gaining momentum.”
“It happens because in complex policy environments, there are many leaders who don’t like to be direct and say no. So they indirectly circle the issue, deferring to process or requests for more advice before anything can progress. Over time, teams start to lose track of what has been decided, until they realise nothing has. Then they grow increasingly frustrated and fatigued by how little is actually being accomplished.”
Kim says that while saying ‘no’ can feel very uncomfortable – especially in workplaces where collaboration and consensus are highly valued – it’s a critical step in staying able to execute and deliver.
In his book, Never split the difference, author Chris Voss draws on his experience as a hostage negotiator to show that splitting the difference (compromising too quickly or meeting the other side halfway) typically leads to weak outcomes. Instead, saying ‘no’ can be an important starting point as it creates space for a meaningful conversation rather than a rushed compromise.
“This pattern is common in workplaces where saying no is seen as too disruptive, so it gets avoided. Leaders treat ‘no’ as the end of a negotiation, rather than the beginning. Yet no is really the perfect place to start. It allows you to create space for constructive conversations that examine risks and options,” writes Chris.
“It helps to realise that the ‘no’ never actually goes away. Just because you push it somewhere incognito doesn’t mean your omission won’t reappear later and with more severe consequences due to the level of inaction.”
Kim suggests taking a leaf from Bernie Mayer’s book Staying with Conflict, which reinforces Voss’s point that saying ‘no’ can serve as a key starting point in negotiation. Leaders might approach the challenge by asking themselves:
Why is the idea being rejected? Are you worried about unintended consequences, protecting a personal interest, or lacking trust in the team?
Why is saying no so difficult? Is it the emotional discomfort, or concern about the impact on relationships?
What type of leader do I want to be? Do you want to be someone who struggles to articulate decisions, create clarity, or have the important conversations needed to deliver results?
“Saying no may cause a little constructive conflict, which is usually short-lived and necessary to reach a resolution that prompts productive action. It’s the opposite of never-ending decision loops that go nowhere and compromise a leader’s capability, and eventually their reputation,” explains Kim.
“The next time you’re tempted to stay quiet in a meeting and unravel a decision with a polite email later on, remember what it says about your leadership style. If you don’t want to move forward with something, say so. Then say why, and open the floor for discussion so you can get to a yes you can stand behind.”
To learn more about leadership coaching and public sector leadership workshops with Kim, visit Kim Vella Coaching.
There’s something wonderfully Canberra about a performance that serves up dance, storytelling and actual cake – especially when it arrives in early spring, just as the city starts to shake off its winter chill.
This September and October, movement artist Vivienne Rogis brings The Whole Caketo the ACT for the very first time, a decade after its original debut in Melbourne – and this time, it’s been completely reimagined for a new moment, a changed body and a community ready to savour something heartfelt.
If you’re new to Viv’s work, imagine a dance‑theatre experience that feels part confessional, part celebration and part communal kitchen table; the kind where stories are shared, crumbs are left behind, and the atmosphere feels both tender and quietly electric. The Whole Cake leans into that spirit. It’s warm, intimate, and shaped by the layered realities of women’s lives, exploring how identity shifts and stretches across time.
When the show first premiered back in 2016, Viv had plans to tour and develop it further. But life, as it tends to do, rose in unexpected ways. Kids grew up. Cities shifted. A pandemic reshaped everything. Her creative practice expanded. And her body – now navigating an autoimmune condition – began speaking a different physical truth. Returning to the work ten years later, she realised this wasn’t a simple remount.
“To keep the show as real life as it was ten years ago, I must perform the present,” she says.
“But the now includes the then. It is still in my body. It is still relevant.”
So she rebuilt it. Slice by slice.
Working with local favourite Sweet Bones Café in Scullin, Viv has crafted six new “cakes of life,” each one inspired by a facet of lived experience: sharpness, sweetness, heaviness, nourishment, celebration and those surprising flavours that appear when you least expect them. These cakes aren’t just props – they’re choreographic anchors, shaping vignettes that explore family, identity, work, community and the ongoing negotiation of self. And yes, audiences really do get served all six slices.
Canberrans will have four chances to catch the performance: Sunday 27 September at the Hall Pavilion with shows at 11 am and 2.30 pm, and Sunday 4 October at Badimara Scout Hall in Fisher, also at 11 am and 2.30 pm. With strictly limited seats available at both venues, these community‑centred spaces offer that quintessential Canberra charm: intimate settings where art feels close enough to touch.
What makes The Whole Cake feel so special is its honesty. Viv doesn’t shy away from the complexities of returning to a work that once belonged to a different version of herself. Instead, she leans in, inviting audiences to taste what has changed, what remains, and what it means to carry your past into your present with generosity.
If you’re craving a thoughtful, flavour‑filled performance that celebrates the layers of women’s lives – and you don’t mind a little lemon cutting through the sugar – this is one to mark on your calendar.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: The Whole Cake by Vivienne Rogis When: Sunday 27 September, 11 am and 2.30 pm and Sunday 4 October, 11 am and 2.30 pm Where: Hall Pavilion, opposite 21 Gladstone Street, Hall and Badimara Scout Hall, 198 Badimara Street, Fisher Tickets + more information:events.humanitix.com
As Karinya House prepares for Walk for Hope 2026, Senator David Pocock says every step is a public statement that vulnerable mothers and babies in Canberra are not alone.
For Senator Pocock, the work of Karinya House is simple to describe and almost impossible to overstate – it’s love in action at one of the most vulnerable moments in a woman’s life.
Karinya House is a residential support service with a proud history of 29 years of life-changing support for local mums and their babies.
A team of professionals works to seamlessly deliver wrap around support, including case work, 24/7 safe accommodation, health advice, practical assistance and goods and much more to women who are pregnant or parenting a newborn while facing homelessness, family violence, isolation or crisis.
And on Sunday 13 September, Senator Pocock is encouraging Canberrans to show up for those women and babies by joining Karinya House’s Walk for Hope, a community walk and fundraiser along Lake Burley Griffin that asks participants to take either 4.5km or 9km steps towards safety, hope and a stronger future for local families.
Senator Pocock has walked in support of Karinya House before, and says the organisation fills a vital gap in Canberra’s service system.
“They’re one of those extraordinary organisations that meet people where they’re at,” he says. “They provide a really unique support and service for women who are at their most vulnerable point – pregnant, with a new baby, and facing homelessness or family domestic violence, whatever it might be.”
That support does not end with emergency accommodation. Karinya House works alongside women as they rebuild – helping them find longer-term housing, connect with services, explore job prospects, build confidence and move forward with someone firmly in their corner.
“They provide a safe place to stay, and then all the wrap around supports to ensure that these women can get through it, but then come out stronger on the other side,” Senator Pocock says.
As a federal politician representing the ACT, Senator Pocock says he often hears Canberra described as affluent, comfortable and free of serious need. But Canberrans know the truth is more complicated with pockets of severe disadvantage.
“There are people who desperately need our support,” he says. “Canberrans want to live in a city, in a jurisdiction, where there is support for people who need it. Karinya House really fills a gap and provides a level of care and attention to detail that I think is really impressive.”
For many women, pregnancy and early motherhood unfold against a backdrop most of us would struggle to imagine – trying to protect a baby while navigating unsafe housing, violence, financial stress, trauma or isolation. Karinya House’s message is that no woman should have to do that alone.
Senator Pocock says becoming a parent has deepened his understanding of what safety can mean at that point in life. He and his wife Emma welcomed their first child in 2024, and Emma is pregnant with their second.
“As men, we can’t imagine what it’s like to be growing a human and everything that does to you physically and emotionally,” he says. “As a husband, you want to be there to care for her and ensure she has everything she needs.”
“I can’t imagine how scary it would be doing that alone or to have your supports crumbling around you at the same time that you’re desperately trying to give your newborn, or your future child, the very best start in life. That would weigh very heavily on you.”
More broadly, Senator Pocock believes raising money and awareness of the work of Karinya spreads the vital message that family violence is not only a women’s issue.
Senator Pocock says there is growing awareness of family and domestic violence across Australia, but awareness must become action – including from men.
“This isn’t a women’s issue,” he says. “This is also a men’s issue. We need to be stepping up. But this is a societal issue.”
That means funding frontline services, supporting prevention and behaviour-change work, and being willing to have uncomfortable conversations. But it also means taking public action, such as joining a walk that tells women experiencing vulnerability and children they are seen and not stigmatised.
“I think it’s a great statement from the community,” Senator Pocock says. “I may never know what it’s like, but I want to publicly say that I’m part of this. You’re part of our community. We want to look after you.”
As anyone who follows our local Senator – a former Wallaby who maintains a rigorous fitness schedule and loves being outdoors – knows, there is no better way to spend a Sunday.
Walk for Hope 2026 will begin and end at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club in Yarralumla, with registration from 7.45 am and the walk/run starting at 9 am. Participants can choose between a 4.5km route – representing the one in four women who experience domestic or family violence – or a 9km route reflecting the nine months of pregnancy.
The event is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly, with walkers, runners, children, prams, wheelchairs and dogs all welcome. It is a morning for community, movement and meaning – and, as Senator Pocock puts it, “a great community day”.
“It’s a beautiful walk,” he says. “A lot of Canberrans getting out there with kids, grandparents, all walking with a purpose.”
It is also a vital step for Canberrans to take in order to help Karinya maintain its operational viability.
Like many frontline charities, Karinya House is facing growing demand at a time when funding remains uncertain and the cost of delivering care continues to rise. That makes community support urgent.
“So many frontline service organisations that are doing work Canberrans would say they deeply value and want to be available in this city are struggling, they can’t keep up with demand.”
Senator Pocock says government should take primary responsibility to fund the services communities rely on – but where gaps remain, the community has a role too.
“As a community we can be part of funding the gap,” Senator Pocock says. “We know that while we may not be in that situation today, in life, it can be just a few twists of fate away. Things happen to you, and you never know when you will need to rely on the community for help.”
And a Canberra without Karinya House is a bleak proposition to consider.
“We’d have a huge gap supporting women who are pregnant or have a newborn and are homeless, fleeing family domestic violence, or have a lot of uncertainty around where they’re going to live and what they’re going to do,” he says.
Most of all, he says, Karinya House offers something every woman deserves at the beginning of a child’s life.
“There’s no judgement,” Senator Pocock says. “It’s just pure love and support, and really doing everything they can to help women who clearly are going through a really tough time.”
And that is worth getting out of bed for early on a Sunday, grabbing friends and family, and strapping on your walking shoes.
Selfie of David Pocock and his wife Emma
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Karinya House Walk for Hope 2026
When: Sunday 13 September, registration from 7.45 am, walk/run from 9 am
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Yarralumla
Web: Karinya House Walk for Hope
Australian food royalty is coming to Canberra, with Floriade announcing five of the country’s best-known chefs, food personalities and authors as part of the Feast of Flowers program.
Karen Martini, Mindy Woods, Justine Schofield, Stephanie Alexander and Simon Bryant will appear in the month-long celebration of food, flowers and seasonal produce running throughout Floriade from 12 September to 11 October.
Across four weeks, visitors will enjoy demonstrations, conversations, workshops and meet-and-greet opportunities with some of the personalities who have helped shape the nation’s food culture.
Ross Triffitt, Executive Branch Manager, Events ACT, said the program reflects this year’s celebration of food, flowers and community.
“This year we’re bringing some of Australia’s most recognised chefs, authors and food voices to the heart of Floriade. Visitors will be able to hear directly from people they’ve watched on television, followed for years and cooked from at home, all surrounded by more than a million spring blooms.”
Opening weekend will feature renowned chef, author and television personality Karen Martini alongside chef, restaurateur and MasterChef Australia finalist Mindy Woods, with live demonstrations, conversations and audience meet-and-greet opportunities.
“There is something magical about cooking with the season right in front of you. Floriade’s Feast of Flowers is the perfect backdrop for celebrating what spring puts on our plates,” says Martini
Later in the week, celebrated chef, educator and author Stephanie Alexander will join the festival as she marks the 30th anniversary of The Cook’s Companion, a cookbook that has shaped generations of Australian home cooks.
Chef, television personality and author Justine Schofield will headline the second weekend of the festival, sharing her approach to fresh, seasonal cooking through a series of live appearances. She says she is looking forward to joining the festival in Canberra.
“Spring in Canberra is something special, and cooking surrounded by a million blooms at Floriade is about as good as it gets. I cannot wait to share some of my favourite seasonal recipes.”
Known for his advocacy of sustainable food systems, Simon Bryant, of ABC’s The Cook and the Chef, will join the festival during the school holidays for a series of demonstrations and audience meet-and-greet sessions.
Floriade runs from 12 September to 11 October 2026 at Commonwealth Park, Canberra. For more information, visit floriadeaustralia.com.
What do footy, musicians, politicians, and friendly competitiveness all have in common? They’re all the main ingredients for the annual Reclink Community Cup, bringing together grassroots AFL, live music and plenty of friendly rivalry to raise funds for the most vulnerable in our community.
On Sunday 13 September, Boomanulla Enclosed Oval in Narrabundah will host one of Canberra’s most community-minded footy matches. The Noise, a team made up of local media personalities, will take on The Limestones, a team of local musicians, with a few local politicians getting involved.
After two months of training, both teams are ready to hit the field – and if previous Community Cup events are anything to go by, there will be plenty of laughs, competitive spirit and questionable sporting decisions along the way.
The Community Cup raises vital funds for Reclink Australia, an organisation that uses sport and recreation to support some of the ACT’s most vulnerable people.
Reclink has been working in the ACT for more than 15 years, supporting people experiencing disadvantage, isolation and complex challenges. Funds raised through the Community Cup help sustain that work, including support for people living in social housing.
This year’s event promises to keep the whole family entertained. Alongside the charity football match, there will be live music and entertainment, a kids’ zone, coffee van and licensed bar, and a true blue Aussie barbeque.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for those aged 12 and over, with kids under 12 free.
Whether you’re there for the footy, the music, the people-watching or simply to support an organisation doing important work in our community, it’s a pretty easy way to spend a Sunday. Grab the family, round up your mates and head to Narrabundah for a day of music, footy, community and change.
THE ESSENTIALS
WHAT: Reclink Community Cip WHEN: Sunday 13 September, from 11 am WHERE: Boomanulla Enclosed Oval, Kyeema Street, Narrabundah. WEB: fundraise.reclink.org
Spring has officially arrived in Canberra, bringing sunnier days, longer light, and a calendar packed full of local goodness.
From buzzing local markets and fresh food pop-ups to the anticipation building right before Floriade kicks off, we’ve gathered the very best events to keep you entertained. Here are the very best events happening in Canberra this week!
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…
Members’ Bar Friday Night Drinks
Unwind at the end of the week with a special edition of Friday Night Drinks inside the cosy, iconic Members’ Bar at Old Parliament House. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of fine wines and seasonal cocktails alongside elegant bar bites, including charcuterie boards, artisanal bread platters, baked brie, and gourmet fries. No reservations are needed, with walk-ins welcome throughout the evening.
Friday 11 September, 4 pm – 9 pm | Members’ Bar, Old Parliament House (Access via white footbridges on Queen Victoria Terrace), Parkes | moadoph.gov.au
UC Open Day Fest 2026
Discover your future while enjoying a festive atmosphere at the University of Canberra’s Open Day Fest 2026! Whether you’re planning your next study move, assisting a prospective student, or simply looking for a fun day out with family, the Bruce campus will be buzzing with activity. Explore study options, chat directly with academic staff, and get a real taste of campus culture. Beyond course advice, visitors can soak up live music, family-friendly entertainment, and delicious food offerings from favourite local vendors. Registration is completely free for this inspiring community event.
Saturday 12 September, 10 am–3 pm | University of Canberra, Bruce | canberra.edu.au
Floriade 2026
Australia’s premier spring celebration returns to Commonwealth Park with over one million flowers blooming in a spectacular display. Celebrating the theme Feast of Flowers, this year’s festival highlights the delightful connections between garden design, local produce, and community feasts. Wander through garden beds crafted like vibrant agricultural tapestries, enjoy live entertainment, sample delicious regional food, and drop into creative workshops. Families will love the interactive exhibits and weekend markets, while satellite displays across Canberra ensure spring color reaches every corner of our city. Pack a picnic and welcome the new season at our capital’s ultimate festival.
Saturday 12 September until Sunday 11 October, times vary | Commonwealth Park, Canberra | floriadeaustralia.com
Karinya House Walk for Hope
Karinya House holds its annual Walk for Hope, a 4.5km or 9km walk or run around Lake Burley Griffin, starting and finishing at the Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club in Yarralumla. The event raises funds for Karinya House, which has provided safety, accommodation and support to women in the ACT region facing domestic violence and homelessness during pregnancy and early parenting for almost 29 years. Don’t miss the Zumba warm-up with Ritmo Collective!
Sunday 13 September, registration from 7.45 am | Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club, Lotus Bay, Mariner Place, Yarralumla ACT | karinyawalkforhope.com.au
DESIRE | An Adult Dance + Performance Experience
Dance Central’s adult dance program, DC Fit Revue, presents DESIRE — an electric evening of dance, live vocals and unapologetic performance, featuring an all-adult cast.
Created through an immersive six-week performance program, DESIRE brings together adults of all backgrounds to train, create, step outside their comfort zones and take to the stage.
Across two shows, audiences can expect a dynamic mix of dance styles, gorgeous vocals, big energy and plenty of personality, celebrating what can happen when adults give themselves permission to try something new, perform and simply go for it.
Make a night of it: arrive early, meet your people and enjoy a pre-show drink, with the theatre bar open before the performance and during interval, including a specially created DESIRE cocktail for the occasion.
Celebrate Australian motoring heritage at the National Archives of Australia with a free family event tied to the Rear Vision: The Holden Collection exhibition. View classic Holden vehicles presented by the Canberra Classic Holden Club, take guided exhibition tours, listen to live music by Paverty Bush Band, and enjoy local food stalls, children’s crafts, and storytime sessions.
Saturday 12 September, 10 am – 2 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Tennis for Resilience – Season 2
Running for Resilience is launching season two of Tennis for Resilience, a free weekly tennis program open to players of all experience levels, from complete beginners to regulars. Sessions run across two Canberra venues, Turner Tennis Club and Melba Tennis Club, with equipment provided for both traditional tennis and POP Tennis. The program is framed around building mental wellbeing through movement and social connection, alongside weekly giveaways and an end-of-season prize pack. No experience required – just rock up and have some fun!
Every Friday until 23 October, 4.45–6 pm | Turner Tennis Club, 49 Condamine Street, Turner and Melba Tennis Club, Brownlee Place, Melba | runningforresilience.com
Canberra Queer Film Festival
Diversity ACT presents the Canberra Queer Film Festival, the first queer film festival organised locally in Canberra in three decades, screening at Kambri Cinema on the Australian National University campus. The program centres on stories written by and for the LGBTIQA+ community, including two international features and 14 short films from 13 countries, with more than 10 receiving their Australian premiere. Highlights include a tribute screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and a closing screening of the Canadian drama Montreal, My Beautiful, following its Australian premiere in Sydney.
Monday 14–Tuesday 15 September, 3.30 pm–10.30 pm | Kambri Cinema, Australian National University Cultural Centre, Kambri Precinct, ANU, Acton | events.humanitix.com/cbrqueerfilmfest
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
Special Events + Festivals
Canberra Art Biennial
Contemporary art meets the natural beauty of Kamberri/Canberra as the Canberra Art Biennial returns for its sixth edition. Spanning public outdoor spaces across the city with a central hub along Lake Burley Griffin, this festival invites Australian and international artists to create site-specific works that spark conversation. Stroll along the foreshore to discover thought-provoking installations exploring connection, history, and life on Country. Honouring Canberra’s long history as a gathering place for sharing knowledge, it is a wonderful excuse to rug up, explore our designed landscape, and view familiar spaces through a fresh creative lens.
Friday 11 September until Saturday 31 October, times vary | Central Hub at Lake Burley Griffin, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | canberraartbiennial.com
Tulip Top Gardens
Tulip Top Gardens, a seasonal display garden at Sutton, opens for its 2026 flowering season. The property presents fields of tulips alongside other spring-flowering bulbs, set across open rural grounds outside Canberra. Visitors can walk through the garden displays, and visit the on-site garden cafe or the coffee and pancake parlour, open on selected days.
Saturday 12 September–Sunday 11 October, 9 am–4 pm daily | Tulip Top Gardens, 20 Old Federal Highway, Sutton | tuliptopgardens.com.au
Wicked at the movies: a Pegasus fundraising night out
Palace Electric Cinemas hosts a fundraising screening of Wicked in support of Pegasus, the Canberra-based riding organisation that delivers programs for people with disability. Attendees watch the film adaptation of the long-running stage musical on the big screen, with a treat pack of popcorn, ice cream and a Pegasus-branded cookie included in the ticket price. Proceeds from the evening go toward the care of Pegasus’s horses and the continuation of its participant programs.
Wednesday 9 September, 6–9 pm | Palace Electric Cinemas, 2 Phillip Law Street, City | trybooking.com
Out of the Shadows Walk (Lifeline Canberra)
In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day, take part in the Out of the Shadows Walk to support Lifeline Canberra’s 24/7 crisis support services. Join a virtual fundraising team to walk 9km, 18km, or a distance of your choice along your favorite local routes, or support the cause through online donations to raise awareness for suicide prevention across the ACT.
Spring Courtyards of Parliament House Accessible Tour
Experience the hidden floral treasures of Parliament House on a special guided tour through its private, secluded courtyards. Normally closed to the general public, these peaceful garden spaces burst into vibrant colour every spring. Designed specifically with accessibility in mind, this tour moves at a relaxed, gentle pace, allowing plenty of time to admire blooming flowers, unique sculptures, and serene landscape architecture. Learn how native plants and formal gardens reflect the building’s grand design while enjoying quiet moments in nature. It’s a rare, inclusive opportunity to see the nation’s political heart from a fresh, floral perspective.
Friday 11 September, times vary | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | aph.gov.au
Spring Courtyards of Parliament House Tour
Spring has officially arrived at Parliament House, opening the doors to private courtyards usually hidden from public view. Join an expert guide for a scenic walking tour through these beautifully landscaped gardens, where vibrant spring blooms complement striking architectural lines and outdoor sculptures. Learn the fascinating design philosophy behind the building’s landscape art while soaking up the sunshine and seasonal blossoms. Running on Fridays and Saturdays throughout spring, it offers locals and visitors alike an exclusive, intimate peek into the capital’s most famous building. Don’t forget your camera for this delightful horticultural excursion.
Friday 11 September until Saturday, 3 October, times vary | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | aph.gov.au
Thread & Chain Pop-Up
Custom permanent jewellery brand Thread & Chain is taking over a special pop-up space at the Canberra Centre. Stop by across three days to pick your solid gold or sterling silver chain, add your favorite charms, and get welded with a custom piece crafted to stay.
Friday 11 until Sunday 13 September | Canberra Centre, City | @threadandchain_
Elka Collective spring arrivals event
Elka Collective celebrates its spring arrivals with an in-store event at David Jones Canberra. The Australian fashion label’s EC Concession Space will showcase new-season pieces throughout the day, with refreshments and styling advice available from midday.
From 5 pm, guests are invited to a champagne welcome alongside in-store offers and a raffle, with the prize to be revealed on the day. The event centres on Elka Collective’s latest seasonal range, presented within the David Jones store at Canberra Centre.
Friday 11 September, 12 pm–8 pm | David Jones, Canberra Centre, 260-262 Alinga Street, Canberra
Mint the First Coin of Floriade
Be among the first to mark the start of Floriade About Town at the Royal Australian Mint. One lucky visitor wearing a free numbered wristband will be randomly drawn to mint the very first Coin of Floriade, featuring an ACT bluebell privy mark in a display frame. Visitors can also explore the Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom exhibition, join floral-themed tours, or enjoy seasonal treats at the Mint Café.
Saturday 12 September, 7.30 am – 10 am | Royal Australian Mint, 62 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
A Black & Gold Affair: Hotel Kurrajong Centenary Gala
Step back into a century of local history as Hotel Kurrajong marks its 100th anniversary with an elegant gala evening. The celebration opens in the courtyard with caviar, canapés, and live jazz, followed by a multi-course dinner paired with premium beverages. Hosted by journalist Heather Ewart, the night features historic conversations, dancing to a 20-piece swing band, and performances by the Swing Katz. Indulge in an exquisite menu including Wagyu beef, lobster, and fine chocolates. Dress in black-tie elegance and raise a glass to 100 years of iconic Canberra hospitality.
Car enthusiasts of all ages can get up close with iconic Australian performance cars at Ollies’ Garage. This special showcase features historic Bathurst race cars alongside classic Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and high-performance vehicles, offering insights into the legendary makes and models that conquered Mount Panorama.
Saturday 12 September, 9 am – 12 pm | Ollies’ Garage, Unit 1, 72 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick | olliesgarage.com.au
Zoo in Bloom
The National Zoo and Aquarium kicks off spring with Zoo in Bloom, featuring vibrant floral displays, giant flower installations, and interactive educational activities focused on animal pollinators. Included with standard zoo admission, visitors can learn about the pollination habits of lemurs, birds, and insects while exploring the fauna exhibits, discovery trails, and adventure playgrounds.
Saturday 12 September until Sunday 11 October, 9 am – 4 pm | National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston | Included with admission | nationalzoo.com.au
GEC × She Walks CBR: Women Walk Together
Good Energy Club and She Walks CBR come together for a monthly walk as part of the Women Walk Together series, a shared initiative bringing women’s communities together through movement, connection and conversation. The relaxed walk creates space for women to meet, connect and enjoy some time outdoors, without the pressure of pace or performance. It’s a simple reminder of the power of moving side by side and building stronger community, one walk at a time.
Sunday 13 September, 8 am | Lake Burley Griffin | activelocals.app
Superheroes ACT Classic Cruise
Gear up for an action-packed family day out as the Superheroes ACT Classic Cruise takes to Canberra’s roads for a fantastic cause. Motoring enthusiasts are invited to polish up their classic cars, exotic rides, or motorbikes and join a vibrant convoy cruising toward the National Arboretum. Dress up as your favorite superhero and help raise vital funds for Camp Quality, bringing joy to kids facing cancer. At the finish line, wander through the Show ‘n’ Shine display, grab a bite from local food stalls, and enjoy family activities while admiring incredible vehicles.
Sunday 13 September, 10 am–1 pm | National Arboretum, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | classiccruise.com.au
Harry Potter Family Trivia at Tuggeranong
Ready your wands and test your wizarding knowledge at Harry Potter Family Trivia! Held at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong, this free-to-play afternoon event invites witches, wizards, and Muggles of all ages to compete for ultimate house pride. Questions cover everything from Hogwarts lore and magical creatures to spellcasting and Quidditch. Dress up in your favorite robes or magical costumes to add to the fun while enjoying delicious food and drinks from the bistro. Bookings are essential, so round up your cleverest family team and prepare for a spellbinding afternoon.
Celebrating 125 Years of Federation – Australian Parliament House Degustation Dinner
Celebrate Australia’s rich culinary heritage inside the iconic walls of Australian Parliament House. Hosted by the Presiding Officers, this special Australiana-themed degustation reimagines the famous 1901 Federation Banquet with contemporary flair. Indulge in a carefully curated menu celebrating native ingredients, seasonal regional produce, and prized local truffles, all matched with exquisite Australian wines. As you dine, enjoy engaging insights into our nation’s political history and culinary evolution over the last century and a quarter. It promises to be a memorable, highly delicious evening of history, hospitality, and fine dining at the capital’s premier address.
Gather around the table at Stepping Stone Dickson for a special Sudanese feast lovingly prepared by Amani and the Stepping Stone team. Across two evening seatings, guests will experience the rich flavors, comforting traditional dishes, and generous hospitality of Sudan while sharing food, stories, and community. Please note that many dishes on the featured menu contain peanuts, so guests with peanut allergies or dietary concerns should contact the team prior to booking.
Thursday 10 September, 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm (1.5-hour seatings) | Stepping Stone Dickson, 8 Hawdon Place, Dickson | cafesteppingstone.com
Spring High Tea at Australian Parliament House
Celebrate the arrival of the season with a spring-inspired High Tea at the Queen’s Terrace Café. Featuring a curated menu of sweet and savoury creations highlighting native Australian produce, guests can take in sweeping views of the bush capital in bloom while enjoying boutique teas, barista coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine.
Friday 11 September until Sunday 29 November | Queen’s Terrace Café, Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, City | Ticketed event | aph.gov.au
Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Floriade
Spring in the capital just got a fabulous upgrade with the return of the Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Commonwealth Park. Surrounded by vibrant blooms, this maximalist pop-up features oversized botanicals, glittering disco accents, and a custom menu of seasonal gin cocktails and refreshing mocktails. The star of the show is the signature Cocktail High Tea: a 90-minute experience featuring teapot cocktails, vintage teacups, and artisanal delicacies from L’épi Artisan Bakery. Whether you pop in for casual afternoon drinks or book a decadent high tea with friends, it’s the ultimate place to celebrate spring in style.
Saturday 12 September until Sunday 11 October, times vary | Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Parkes | undergroundspirits.com.au
Floriade High Tea at natural nine
Natural Nine inside Casino Canberra presents a modern Shanghainese twist on traditional High Tea. The savoury and sweet menu includes items such as steamed truffle chicken bao, duck filo cigars, cumin lamb skewers, Nutella spring rolls, and jasmine tea cream seared bao, alongside premium teas or optional handcrafted tea cocktails.
Weekends, Saturday 12 September until Sunday 11 October | Natural Nine, Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | casinocanberra.com.au
Parrilla Masterclass
An immersive, hands-on monthly masterclass in authentic South American fire cooking, led by Executive Chef Bradley Howden and Parrilla Chef Diego Escobar, who brings experience from grills across Latin America and Europe.
Gather family and friends for a monthly feast at the Atrium Restaurant & Bar. The Sunday spread includes fresh salads, cured meats, hot roast dishes, and an array of desserts served in a leafy, glass-encased indoor garden environment.
Combine lake views with Floriade festivities at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club. The Tipsy Tea experience offers bottomless Prosecco, seasonal cocktails, and an exclusive Floriade creation featuring Underground Spirits, alongside savoury finger sandwiches and sweet treats.
Indulge in a delightfully witty afternoon of Regency elegance at The QT Lounge. In partnership with Canberra Theatre Centre, QT Canberra presents a Pride & Prejudice-inspired QTea experience that blends classic manners with a touch of modern flair. Settle in for heirloom pumpkin and Persian feta quiches, tuna and fennel tartlets. Don’t skip the freshly baked scones with Chantilly cream and raspberry jam, and make sure to leave room for a Space Kitchen cake of your choice. A flowing chocolate fountain and a roaming Space Kitchen cake trolley add a decadent touch. It is the ultimate pre-matinee treat, offering picturesque city views and sophisticated treats that would satisfy even Mr Darcy himself.
Until Saturday 26 September, times vary | QT Lounge, Level 15, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra | qthotels.com
Pints and Produce
Capital Brewing Co. and Alpha Fresh present Pints and Produce, a new weekly Sunday market at Capital’s Fyshwick taproom. The pop-up combines seasonal produce with beer, food and live acoustic music. Central to the event is the $40 Alpha Box, filled with as much seasonal fruit and vegetables as customers can fit, provided the lid closes. Additional entertainment includes face painting and access to the nearby LESS garden. An hourly Harvest Raffle runs from 1 pm to 4 pm, open to anyone who buys an Alpha Box or spends over $20, with winners receiving an Alpha Fresh voucher and Capital merchandise.
Every Sunday, 12 pm–4 pm | Capital Brewing Co. Taproom, Building 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | capitalbrewing.co
Markets & Expos
The Little Burley Market
Start your weekend by the water at The Little Burley Market, returning to Lake Burley Griffin’s edge. This beautifully curated market offers an easygoing lakeside morning packed with fresh pastries, artisanal foods, and unique handmade goods from local makers. Grab a gourmet coffee, soak up sweeping lake views, and listen to acoustic tunes while kids enjoy free arts and crafts workshops. Whether you are picking up gourmet treats after a lap of the lake or meeting friends for lunch, it remains one of Canberra’s most charming Saturday traditions.
Start planning your next adventure at Canberra’s biggest travel event, returning to Exhibition Park. Featuring over 80 global travel brands, airlines, tour operators, and local travel advisors, the expo offers exclusive deals, destination presentations, food trucks, and a chance to win a $4,000 travel voucher.
Welcome the new season with European flair at the Harmonie German Club’s Spring Markets. Browse vibrant outdoor stalls packed with vintage records, handmade crafts, plants, clothing, and unique gift ideas. Step into the Keller for authentic German groceries, or head outside to the IMBISS food van for sizzling bratwurst, pretzels, and imported German biers. With live acoustic music in the Zeppelin Room and a free jumping castle to keep the kids entertained, it is a fantastic, free-entry Sunday outing for the whole family. Soak up the friendly community atmosphere and celebrate spring the German way.
Give your wardrobe a stylish, eco-friendly refresh at the Three Sixty Fashion Market. Held inside the historic Fitters’ Workshop, this dedicated pre-loved market focuses on sustainable fashion, quality vintage, and ethical style. Rummage through carefully curated stalls featuring high-end designer labels like Gucci, Dior, and Jimmy Choo alongside high-street favorites like Country Road and Decjuba. It’s the ultimate Sunday destination for fashion lovers who value ecological sustainability as much as unique style. Grab a hot coffee, explore gorgeous retro racks with friends, and discover hidden fashion gems protected from the elements.
Head to Fyshwick for a Sunday market filled with local makers, fresh blooms, and sweet treats. Featuring flower arrangements by Gracias Flower Studio, fresh-baked goods from Slug Eater Cookies and Smelly Buns Cinnamon Rolls, local craft stalls, a suitcase rummage, and Teddy’s Matcha, it’s a relaxed spot to pick up spring gifts and coffee.
Planning a wedding? Head to the Budawang Pavilion at EPIC for Canberra’s largest spring wedding expo. Meet leading regional suppliers, view floral and gown displays, sample cakes, listen to live entertainment, and enter competitions to win prizes to help design your big day.
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.
Las Vegas International School of Stand-up Comedy Canberra
Ever fancied trying your hand at stand-up comedy? The Las Vegas International School of Stand-up Comedy is bringing its famous three-hour workshop to the Griffin Centre. Designed for both locals and visitors, this fast-paced session offers insider tips on joke writing, stage presence, and comedic timing from experienced instructors. Best of all, participants get to put their new skills into practice with a fun stage performance. Whether you want to tick off a bucket-list goal or boost your public speaking confidence, it is an entertaining, supportive way to dive into comedy.
Mockingbird Too presents Job, Max Wolf Friedlich’s psychological thriller that had a recent season on Broadway, for a strictly limited five-performance season at Belconnen Arts Centre. The play follows Jane, suspended from work, who must undergo a mandatory assessment with a therapist determined to uncover the truth behind her suspension. Written by Friedlich and directed by Zac Bridgman, the 80-minute production examines online identity, cancel culture, surveillance and corporate accountability in a hyper-connected world. Richard Manning and Jayde Dowhy star.
Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 September, 7.30 pm (plus 2 pm Saturday) | The Studio, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au/job
Daisy Pulls It Off
Step back in time to the elite Grangewood School for Young Ladies with Canberra REP’s production of Denise Deegan’s hit comedy, Daisy Pulls It Off. Directed by Kate Blackhurst, this affectionate parody of classic “Girl’s Own” schoolyard adventures follows Daisy Meredith (the school’s very first scholarship student) as she navigates snobbish classmates, hockey matches, practical jokes, and a hidden school mystery. The season kicks off with a special preview night featuring a post-show Q&A with the director and cast.
Thursday 10 to Saturday 26 September | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Theatre Lane, City | canberrarep.org.au
Manhar Seth Live – Standup Comedy Show
Prepare for an evening of laughter, romance, and deep reflection as viral storyteller and spoken-word artist Manhar Seth brings his acclaimed show, Main Shayar Toh Nahi, to Belconnen Arts Centre. Blending clever observational stand-up with soulful shayari (poetry) and warm crowd interaction, Seth creates a uniquely intimate performance that bridges comedy and emotional storytelling. From relatable everyday moments to heartfelt tales of love and life, his performance offers something truly refreshingly different. Performed in Hindi, it promises an engaging, soul-stirring night out for fans of contemporary poetry, live storytelling, and smart humour.
Thursday 10 September, 6.30 pm–8.30 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Grease: The Musical
Grease is the word at Erindale Theatre as Canberra Philo brings the ultimate rock ’n’ roll musical back to the stage! Travel back to the high-energy 1950s and follow the summer romance of bad-boy Danny and sweet newcomer Sandy as they navigate the teenage drama of Rydell High. Packed with infectious choreography, bold personalities, and iconic hits like Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, and You’re the One That I Want, this electrifying production captures the nostalgia, friendship, and first loves of youth. Gather your crew and prepare for a joyful night out!
A Taste of Ireland – the Irish Music & Dance Sensation
Direct from Off-Broadway and London’s West End, A Taste of Ireland brings modern Celtic performance to life at Canberra Theatre Centre. Starring former World Irish dance champions and cast members from Lord of the Dance, this world-class production blends dramatic tap battles, melodic folk mash-ups, and charming storytelling. Backed by live vocals and traditional musicians, the show delivers a thrilling, high-energy spectacle packed with authentic Irish wit and soaring rhythms. Whether you love traditional folk music or jaw-dropping footwork, it’s an uplifting, unforgettable night out that will have your feet tapping long after the final bow.
Sunday 13 September, 4 pm–6 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco
Step into the decaying throne room of a crumbling empire as Mill Theatre Co-Production series brings Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist masterpiece to Fyshwick. Directed with dark comedy and poignant depth, the story follows King Bérenger I, who discovers he has only the duration of the play left to live. As his kingdom literally disintegrates around him, he desperately rails against the inevitable while his Queens guide him toward reality. It’s a powerful, deeply moving meditation on mortality, ego, and the human inclination toward denial. Don’t miss this brilliant revival in an intimate local setting.
Until Saturday 19 September, times vary | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | milltheatreatdairyroad.com
Screen
Sport and Wellness
Fitness in The Park
Fitness class for all levels of fitness for the whole community. Join Ginninderry local Vince as he takes you through a group fitness class in the fresh air at Paddys Park.
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
Powerful Energy Healing and Meditation
Pause the weekend rush with an introductory energy healing and guided meditation session at Poppyfield Commons. Designed to relieve tension and restore balance, the class offers accessible relaxation techniques suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Treat yourself to a thoughtfully curated, immersive day of health, education, and restorative experiences at Hotel Realm. The Hale Wellness Retreat features a RATIONALE Skin Masterclass on evidence-based skincare alongside guided Pilates, sound immersion, and meditation sessions. Guests will enjoy a wellness-inspired lunch and hear from an expert panel featuring Kailo Nutrition Founder Kristy Morris and Dr Jung Le Qui as they explore metabolic health and women’s wellbeing, with everyone taking home a luxury Hale gift bag.
Sunday 13 September, 8.30 am – 4 pm | Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton | retreats.halehealth.com.au
Awâre Conversation Circle
Break away from small talk and surface-level networking with Awâre, a free monthly community conversation circle held in the open air at Jack Ross Park. Designed to foster genuine human connection between total strangers, the structured two-hour session guides participants through lighthearted prompts to deeper, more meaningful questions about life, values, and shared experience. Newcomers to Canberra and long-term residents alike are welcome to join.
Sunday 13 September, 11 am – 1 pm | Jack Ross Park, Kingston | eventbrite.com.au
Music
Centenary Chamber Concert: CGGS
The Wesley Wednesday Lunchtime Concert series welcomes talented young musicians from Canberra Girls Grammar School for a special performance celebrating 100 years. The diverse chamber music program features works by Danzi, Boismortier, Gershwin, Joplin, Holzman, Luter, Abba, Perri, and Parker. Ticket price includes a concert program and post-performance refreshments.
Wednesday 9 September, 12.40 pm – 1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | trybooking.com
Boy & Bear – Tripping Over Time Regional Tour
Aussie indie-rock royalty Boy & Bear are hitting the Canberra Theatre stage as part of their massive Tripping Over Time regional tour. Following sold-out shows at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, the multi-ARIA award-winning band brings their lush harmonies, driving rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics to local music lovers. Fans can look forward to hearing fresh tracks from their latest album alongside timeless favourites like Feeding Line and Southern Sun. Renowned for their magnetic, polished live performances, the band delivers a brilliant night of live Australian music. Grab your tickets quickly before this special headline performance sells out completely.
Thursday, 10 September, 7.50 pm–10.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday
Get ready for a groovy, brass-filled journey through musical history as vocalist Annaliesa Rose joins forces with the ConneXion Big Band. Performing at Belconnen Community Theatre, this high-energy concert pays homage to the legendary genius of Stevie Wonder. Experience vibrant big band arrangements of his timeless catalog, from early Motown classics through to his progressive seventies hits that defined a generation. With soaring vocals and punchy horn lines, it’s a joyful, nostalgia-filled celebration of classic soul, funk, and pop. Round up your music-loving friends and enjoy a fantastic evening celebrating one of popular music’s greatest icons.
Friday 11 September, times vary | Belconnen Community Theatre, 23 Swanson Court, Belconnen | connexionbigband.wixsite.com
Rock Rhapsody – The Queen Show
Dust off your leather jacket and prepare to sing your heart out as Queen – The Show returns to Narrabundah for an epic tribute night. Featuring authentic costumes, spectacular lighting, and a massive two-hour stadium-style production, this acclaimed tribute brings Freddie Mercury’s legendary stage presence to life. Expect non-stop hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Radio Ga Ga, and Another One Bites the Dust. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply love classic rock anthems, it promises to be a high-energy, crowd-pleasing concert that will have the entire room rocking along.
Friday 11 September, times vary | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | events.humanitix.com
Fathom’s Guinness World Record Tour: Live at Pot Belly Bar
Eora/Sydney-based dream-rock duo Fathom are attempting the near-impossible: breaking the Guinness World Record for the most concerts in 12 hours across multiple cities. Aiming to play 9 shows in a single day—stretching from Singleton down to the capital—the tour culminates with a massive full-band celebration finale right here in Canberra at the Pot Belly Bar. Beyond the record attempt and a brand-new single release on the day, 50% of all ticket sales will be donated to Beyond Blue to support vital mental health services.
Experience the transformative power of live symphonic music as the National Capital Orchestra unveils its bold 2026 season, Resonate. Led by Artistic Director Louis Sharpe, this award-winning ensemble presents a compelling four-concert series designed to move, connect, and inspire Canberra audiences. The program opens with Echoes of Humanity, featuring Lucas Krupinski performing Rachmaninov’s passionate Piano Concerto No. 2 alongside Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 1 and a moving new Australian commission. Spanning classical masterworks, modern compositions, and game soundtracks, it’s an unmissable season celebrating the deep resonance of orchestral performance.
Experience a historic spring tradition as the historic bells of St John’s Anglican Church chime across Reid and Commonwealth Park. Visitors can explore Canberra’s oldest precinct—including the Rose Garden, the Platinum Jubilee Magnolia Elizabeth tree, the historic church interior, and the 1840s Schoolhouse Museum—while listening to spring peals and iconic movie soundtracks. All donations support St John’s Care.
Get ready for a fast, loud, and wildly infectious night of live music as high-energy blues and roots powerhouse 19-Twenty hits the Zeppelin Room stage. Renowned for their explosive stage presence, roaring grooves, and spontaneous crowd interaction, this dynamic trio delivers an unmissable performance where staying seated simply isn’t an option. Opening the night are feel-good favourites Sunday Lemonade, setting the perfect party atmosphere with their infectious acoustic sound. Gather your crew, grab a drink, and prepare for an unforgettable Saturday night packed with exceptional musicianship, dancing, and non-stop entertainment.
Step back in time as Australian blues original C.W. Stoneking brings his hypnotic, vintage sound to the Canberra Theatre stage. Armed with his guitar, raspy vocals, and inimitable style, Stoneking effortlessly blends jungle exotica, hokum blues, and old-time gospel into a performance that feels raw and utterly transportive. His unique storytelling and authentic retro charm create a live atmosphere unlike anything else on the national touring circuit. Whether you’ve followed his musical journey for years or love discovering genuine acoustic talent, this intimate concert promises a captivating, strange, and wonderful night out.
Saturday 12 September, 8 pm–10.15 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Echoes of Humanity: National Capital Orchestra Charity Concert
The National Capital Orchestra presents Echoes of Humanity, a special charity concert in partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society. Internationally acclaimed Polish pianist Lucas Krupinski joins the orchestra as guest soloist to perform Rachmaninov’s breathtaking Piano Concerto No. 2, followed by Mahler’s dramatic Symphony No. 1 conducted by Louis Sharpe. Proceeds from the afternoon will directly support Vinnies initiatives assisting locals experiencing hardship across the ACT and surrounding region.
Saturday 12 September, 3 pm | Llewellyn Hall, ANU, William Herbert Avenue, City | nco.org.au
Ensemble Offspring – Reich: Rejoice: Repeat
Celebrating iconic composer Steve Reich’s 90th birthday, Ensemble Offspring presents a joyous program highlighting Reich’s signature hypnotic rhythms and phase-shifting grooves. Joined by internationally acclaimed Maltese guest pianist Gabi Sultana, the ensemble delivers a selection of Reich classics including the Radiohead-inspired Radio Rewrite and the mesmerizing Piano Counterpoint.
Sunday 13 September, 6 pm (Pre-concert talk 5:10 pm) | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Standard $59 / Concession $55 | thestreet.org.au
Dear Seattle Regional Aus Tour 2026
Northern Beaches punk-rock outfit Dear Seattle are bringing their energetic regional tour to the UC Hub for a massive night of live music. Known for their anthemic hooks, emotional lyrics, and high-octane mosh pits, the band delivers a passionate performance that connects deeply with Aussie rock fans. Joining them on tour are special guests Seahaven, making their highly anticipated Australian debut all the way from California with their atmospheric alternative rock sound. Gather your crew, head to Bruce, and get ready for an unforgettable evening of heavy riffs, soaring choruses, and pure, heartfelt punk energy.
Sunday 13 September, 5 pm–11.30 pm | UC Hub, 11 Kirinari Street, Building 1, Bruce | moshtix.com.au
Talks, Tours and Workshops
Three Worlds Oak – Professor Tim Entwisle AO
Join the Friends of the National Library and the Australian Garden History Society for an illuminating annual joint lecture presented by botanist Professor Tim Entwisle AO. Centred around his forthcoming book, Three Worlds Oak, Professor Entwisle explores the surprising diversity of the humble oak tree. From knee-high desert shrubs to towering rainforest giants, discover how four hundred oak species shape global landscapes and cultures. Featuring botanical illustrations by Lynda Entwisle, this engaging talk invites listeners to see these iconic trees in a whole new light, followed by light refreshments with fellow garden lovers.
Monday 7 September, 6 pm–7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
125 Years of Federation: Our Parliament and its Presiding Officers Display
Step inside Parliament House to mark a monumental milestone in Australia’s democracy. This historical exhibition celebrates 125 years of Federation through a collection of significant paintings, historic documents, and unique parliamentary objects. Marvel at Tom Roberts’ famous masterpiece, The Big Picture, depicting the first Opening of Parliament, and discover portraits honoring pioneering leaders who broke new ground in national politics. It’s a fascinating, reflective journey through our country’s founding moments, early celebrations, and ongoing parliamentary evolution. Gather the family and explore the incredible heritage that shaped our nation right in the heart of Canberra.
Monday 7 September until Friday 4 December, times vary | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | aph.gov.au
ACT Threatened Species Awareness – Presentation Evening
Show your love for our local native wildlife at this inspiring presentation evening marking Threatened Species Awareness Day. Hosted by the Conservation Council at Verity Lane Market, the event brings together passionate experts who are actively working to protect precious local species. Hear uplifting stories of hope, scientific action, and practical conservation efforts surrounding the Gang-gang Cockatoo, Koala, Green and Golden Bell Frog, and Grey-headed Flying Fox. You don’t need to be an environmental scientist to attend—just a curious local wanting to make a positive impact. Learn how our community can work together to help these unique bushland neighbours thrive.
Tuesday 8 September, 6 pm–8.30 pm | Verity Lane – Juliet room, 50 Northbourne Avenue, City | conservationcouncil.org.au
Film Developing and Scanning Workshop
Step into the darkroom and unlock the timeless art of analogue photography at PhotoAccess. Designed for beginners, this hands-on evening workshop walks you step-by-step through developing your own black-and-white 35mm or 120 roll film. Learn the exact chemistry, timing, and techniques required to bring your physical negatives to life before receiving a detailed tutorial on high-resolution digital scanning. Plus, participants take home a complimentary roll of film to keep the creative momentum going. Once completed, members gain ongoing free access to the darkroom facilities, making it the perfect gateway for anyone ready to master traditional film processing.
Join the National Museum of Australia for an urgent, thought-provoking panel discussion on the changing state of the frozen continent. Antarctica may feel distant, but rapid environmental transformations in the far south directly impact our global climate and ocean systems. Hear from an impressive lineup of experts, including Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas, Rhonda Bartley, and Dr Indi Hodgson-Johnson, as they explore current scientific research, local environmental shifts, and global implications. It’s an essential, deeply insightful evening for anyone interested in climate action, polar science, and the future of our shared planet. Bookings are essential for this timely spotlight conversation.
Thursday 10 September, times vary | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
Community Garden Sessions
Free weekly gardening sessions focused on growing a biodiverse, productive and welcoming community garden in Harrison. Participants can get involved in practical gardening, learn new skills and help create habitat for pollinators and local wildlife.
Thursday 10, 17 and 24 September, 9:30–11 am | Canberra Environment Centre, Harrison | canberraenvironment.org
National Flag Day Celebration
Head to the Great Hall at Australian Parliament House for a fascinating, hands-on celebration of National Flag Day. Marking 125 years since the Australian National Flag was first flown in 1901, this special community event gives visitors a rare, up-close look at one of the massive flags that flies high above the building. Watch expert parliamentary staff demonstrate how these impressive flags are handled, unfurled, and maintained, and even lend a hand with the unfurling process yourself. It’s a wonderful, interactive morning of local history that families, history buffs, and curious visitors alike will thoroughly enjoy.
Thursday 10 September, times vary | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | events.humanitix.com
Skirt-suits and suffragists
Discover the courageous women who shaped Australian democracy on this insightful walking tour through the National Triangle. Starting at the National Archives, you’ll examine historical records and personal stories detailing the fierce battles for female suffrage, equal pay, and parliamentary representation. Afterwards, take a guided stroll past iconic national landmarks while learning about the trailblazing activists, politicians, and community leaders who paved the way. Slip on your walking shoes, grab a hat, and enjoy a lively, educational morning outdoors connecting with the inspiring female history etched right into our capital’s urban landscape.
Thursday 10 September, 10 am–11 am | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | eventbrite.com.au
Every Body Friday Night Life Drawing
Tuggeranong Arts Centre hosts its monthly life drawing session, welcoming artist-minded locals of all experience levels to sketch in a relaxed, social atmosphere. The class celebrates body diversity and creative expression in a stress-free environment, with guided support available from professional artist facilitators.
Friday 11 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Bloom with Pride: Hidden Orchids of Black Mountain
Join botanist Dr Ryan O’Donnell for a guided walk exploring the remarkable diversity, ecology and evolution of Canberra’s native orchids. The walk is part of Queer Trails & Tales, a new series celebrating nature through a queer lens. Ticket cost and bookings via Humanitix.
Combine science, nature, and creative photography in this hands-on workshop hosted by artist Simone Darcy at PhotoAccess. Discover the fascinating process of phytogram printing, using plant chemistry, sunlight, and eco-developers to create striking camera-less images directly onto photographic paper and film. Learn experimental darkroom techniques, digital scanning methods, and ways to scale your artworks into large hybrid prints. Participants will also receive a handy digital recipe booklet to continue experimenting at home. Feel free to bring along leaves, flowers, or herbs from your own garden for a truly personalized, sustainable artistic experience.
Learn how to capture stunning portraits in outdoor settings during an interactive photo tour with Apple Canberra. Guided by Apple Creatives, participants will head out on location to practise working with iPhone camera features, including Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting, to find flattering angles and frame subjects naturally. From taking self-portraits to photographing groups amidst spring settings, this hands-on session is suitable for all skill levels. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own iPhone or try the latest model during the session.
Saturday 12 September, 11.30 am – 1 pm | Apple Canberra, Canberra Centre, City | Free entry | apple.com
NYSF National Youth STEM Summit
The National Youth Science Forum brings together students and early-career scientists for a three-day summit focused on career pathways, professional skills, and networking within the science and technology sectors. Featuring panel discussions, skill workshops, and industry keynote speakers, the conference is designed to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.
Saturday 12 until Monday 14 September | ANU Research School of Physics, 60 Mills Road, Acton | nysf.edu.au
Exhibitions
Nature’s colours
Nine Canberra-based artists present a group exhibition exploring the colour and diversity of the natural world, working across mediums including pastels and oils. Subjects include flowers, fruit, insects, mammals and birds, with several works drawn from the artists’ travels across five continents, featuring both African and Australian wildlife. The exhibition reflects the group’s shared interest in nature and its conservation, touching on how garden and habitat choices can support urban wildlife.
Fridays to Sundays 11–13, 18–20 & 25–27 September, 10 am–4 pm | The Old Barn Gallery, 18 Beltana Road, Pialligo | pialligooldbarngallery.com
Garden of Threaded Delights
Step into a garden of fibre, thread and textiles re-imagined in an exhibition celebrating the vibrant beauty of the natural world. The ACT Textile Arts Association’s Grand Bazaar offers unique, handcrafted items for sale. Proudly part of Floriade About Town.
Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September | Queanbeyan Arts Society Gallery, 6 Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan | acttextiles.org.au
TAKEAWAY: Tales from the Flavour Superhighway
Presented as part of the Canberra Art Biennial 2026, TAKEAWAY opens at Canberra Contemporary to examine ecological networks, food sovereignty, and decolonial food practices. Curated by Denise Thwaites and Mariam Ella Arcilla, the exhibition features works by ACT and NSW artists alongside a pop-up library curated by Magenta House. Join the official launch on Friday evening, which double-functions as the opening event for the broader Canberra Art Biennial.
Influenced by Bauhaus architecture and early 20th-century Decorative Arts, Vessels of Dialogue presents whimsical ceramic sculptures by Sarit Cohen. Crafted from delicate porcelain clay, these serene, minimal forms use subtle linear rhythms and a muted color palette to explore architectural memories and space.
Until Saturday 12 September | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Correspondence: Jude Muduioa
Celebrating patience and sustained craft, Correspondence showcases Jude Muduioa’s exploration of ceramic accumulation. Each delicate element is individually shaped by hand before joining a larger structure. With restrained surfaces, the exhibition invites viewers to focus on rhythm, subtle detail, and the interplay of light and shadow.
Until Saturday 12 September | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Dwell: Suzanne Knight
Through intricately woven tapestry forms shaped like discarded plastic bottles, Suzanne Knight’s Dwell examines the complex interplay between migration, consumer culture, and ecological change. The exhibition reflects on how introduced materials and settler traditions have permanently reshaped Australian landscapes.
Until Saturday 12 September | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Fragile Structures: The Architecture of Decay
Step into a captivating collaborative exhibition by visual artists Madeline Cardone and Fran Romano. Working across glass and ceramics, the duo explores the built environment, ruins, decay, and architectural space through the deconstruction and abstraction of form. Their sculptural works examine dualities of strength and fragility, permanence and transience, creating a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
Until Saturday 12 September (Opening night & artist talks Thursday, 30 July from 5.30 pm) | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra | craftanddesigncanberra.org
Halfway Seen Halfway Home
Halfway Seen Halfway Home (半窥半归) opens in Gallery 3 at PhotoAccess, presenting the debut project by artist collective Guylieuzy. Formed by first-generation Chinese-Australians Ming Liew and Will Wang, the collective travelled to China to explore questions of identity and belonging. The moving-image exhibition features eight autoethnographic works, each reflecting an aspect of the artists’ perspective as both Chinese and Australian. The exhibition examines Chinese Australian hybrid identity, shaped by migration, memory and the ongoing negotiation between two worlds, and considers the liminality of the first-generation immigrant experience, where home remains both familiar and foreign, present yet out of reach.
Until Saturday | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
LUCKY ROCKET
LUCKY ROCKET presents new work by documentary photographer Yani Clarke, opening in Galleries 1 and 2 at PhotoAccess. The series comprises medium-format photographs of Bun Bang Fai, a traditional rain-making festival celebrated in Laos and Thailand’s Isan region, captured a decade apart. Clarke, based in Lismore, began the project after the 2022 Northern Rivers floods prompted her return home following ten years working elsewhere. The photographs form a visual diary revisiting the same festival twice, exploring themes of place, ritual and return. Clarke’s work has previously been published in VICE and F-Stop Magazine, and shortlisted for the Head On Portrait Prize.
Until Saturday | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Vulnerable
This exhibition explores what it means to be vulnerable in today’s world. Through textiles, painting, eco-printing, and mixed media, the artists examine themes of resilience, change, loss, and adaptation. Inspired by personal experiences and the natural world, the works reflect on the connections between people, communities, and the environment, offering different perspectives on issues such as environmental change and social issues to health, identity, and belonging.
8Studios is a group of artists from widely varying age groups, who are connected through friendship, shared creative interests, and a belief in the value of artistic community.
Until Saturday 19 September | Rusten House, 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan | qprc.nsw.gov.au
Land’s Edge: Sarah Ormonde & Jo Victoria
Land’s Edge brings together ceramicists and friends Sarah Ormonde and Jo Victoria, exploring the meeting point of cliffs and water, sand and rock along the coastal fringe that shapes their lives and practices. The exhibition combines Ormonde’s large sentinel forms with Victoria’s delicate porcelain fragments, reflecting the shifting, dynamic nature of the landscape. Ormonde turns her attention to the headlands, while Victoria is drawn to the surf, where air meets water and vision and touch become entwined. Together, the pair use the gallery to explore how their distinct practices, both grounded in landscape, evoke the passage of time.
Until Sunday 20 September | Canberra Potters, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | canberrapotters.com.au
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026
Marking the final chapter of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions, the 2026 prize features finalist works alongside a curated retrospective celebrating two decades of Australian portrait photography.
Since 2007, the Prize has celebrated the vitality and diversity of contemporary portrait photography from across the nation. From the joyful and playful to the strong, intimate and vulnerable, it has showcased the stories, people and moments that mattered.
To celebrate the remarkable photography and thank the community of artists, supporters and visitors who have cherished this prize over the years, the Gallery will present a curated retrospective alongside the 2026 finalists’ exhibition.
Until Sunday 11 October | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Hop In! an immersive world of play
Canberra Museum and Gallery launches one of its most delightful exhibitions this April–and it’s designed for the youngest visitors. Hop In! turns the familiar family home inside out, shifting rooms in scale and perspective to invite children aged 3–12 to move, build, crawl, splash, and imagine in surprising new ways. Stretch out beneath a sky of clouds, create secret worlds under oversized furniture, or wander through reimagined kitchens and backyards where creativity has completely taken over. At the heart of the experience is Bunny Dearest, a gentle guiding companion created by artist Beci Orpin.
Until Sunday 11 October | Canberra Museum and Gallery, London Circuit, Canberra | cmag.com.au
Rear Vision: The Holden Collection
Take a nostalgic drive through the history of an absolute Australian icon with Rear Vision: the Holden collection at the National Archives. This fascinating exhibition traces Holden’s journey from a humble 19th-century saddlery to ‘Australia’s Own Car’ and its permanent impact on the nation’s economy, industrial landscape, and cultural identity. Visitors can explore historical archival records, rare artifacts, blueprints, and photographs that reveal the innovations, challenges, and people behind General Motors-Holden. Developed by the State Library of South Australia and expanded with national records, the exhibition also offers daily gallery talks.
Until Sunday 11 October | National Archives of Australia, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Antarctica
Explore the frozen continent at the National Museum of Australia through a fascinating exhibition sharing Australia’s enduring connection to the icy south. Visitors can discover over 100 years of Antarctic science, exploration, and survival through rare artefacts, historic equipment, and first-hand accounts from researchers. Immersive displays bring polar landscapes to life with blizzards and the aurora australis, teaching families about the region’s unique wildlife and environmental significance. It’s a captivating opportunity for curious minds of all ages to journey into an extreme environment right from the comfort of our capital.
Until Sunday 11 October | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
Weaving the Coast by Christiane Keller
Weaving the Coast is a new solo exhibition by Canberra-based fibre artist Christiane Keller. Featuring fifteen sculptural works crafted from natural fibres, recycled materials, and salvaged beach debris, the collection translates the distinct geological patterns and sediment layers of coastal rock formations into intricate, three-dimensional woven forms. Informed by her decades spent working alongside Indigenous fibre artists across Arnhem Land and Central Australia, Keller’s sustainable practice creates a deeply tactile connection to place and Country.
Until Saturday 17 October (Official Opening Friday 21 August, 6 pm) | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Arthur Boyd: Tapestries
Culture lovers have a world-first opportunity to witness a monumental artistic achievement right in the heart of the National Triangle. The National Gallery is presenting the inaugural exhibition of the complete cycle of twenty monumental tapestries by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd. Hand-woven in Portugal and acquired in 1975, these breathtaking textiles creatively retell the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Displayed alongside the original lithographs, pastels, and drawings, this astonishing exhibition illuminates the immense collaborative and technical processes required to translate Boyd’s intensely creative visions into millions of rich, physical stitches.
Until Sunday 18 October. Times vary | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes | nga.gov.au
GR’AFT
Canberra Glassworks presents GR’AFT, a new exhibition by Thirroul-based artist Lynda Draper, developed in partnership with Sullivan + Strumpf. Created over two years, the exhibition marks Draper’s first major body of work in bronze and glass, following four decades as a leading figure in Australian ceramics. GR’AFT draws on the ancient horticultural practice of grafting, joining separate elements into a single living form, as a method and metaphor for transformation. Draper worked alongside glass artists Annette Blair and Spike Deane, and Nick Stranks of Carwoola Casting, bringing glass, ceramics and bronze together across three ancient material practices.
Explore innovative contemporary sculpture at Canberra Glassworks with GR’AFT, a solo exhibition by artist Lynda Draper. Developed during a residency at the Kingston precinct, the body of work blends glass, ceramics, and bronze through skilled collaborations with local artisans and foundry specialists. Drawing inspiration from botanical grafting techniques, the tactile sculptures feature wax-like surfaces, biomorphic forms, and funnel shapes that evoke natural growth and transformation. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to contemplate material exchange, layered artistic histories, and collaborative craft. Drop by this iconic lakeside venue to experience stunning contemporary art firsthand.
Until Monday 26 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light
Questacon presents an interactive exhibition exploring the science of light through 13 hands-on exhibits. Visitors can experiment with light refraction, colour blending, shadow manipulation and reflection across multiple activity stations. The exhibition demonstrates how light travels, reflects and refracts, alongside displays of tools humans have developed to harness light. Activities include bending light, using sensors to create music, and working with lenses. The exhibition is designed for hands-on engagement with scientific concepts. Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is a Museums Victoria Touring Exhibition running until November 2026.
Until Sunday, 22 November | Questacon–The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’ celebrates the year’s best political cartoons.
Featuring established and emerging cartoonists from across Australia, this exhibition highlights the significant contribution they make to cultural and political debates through witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings.
This year our Behind the Lines theme is the cinema, acknowledging that, like some of our favourite movies, 2025 has been full of thrills and spills, romance and heartbreak, with plenty of unexpected plot twists. Australia’s cartoonists and illustrators have tackled many of the issues that made news, including the federal election, the cost of living, energy policy, interest rates, housing security, the economy, climate change and stories from overseas.
Until December 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Gurindji Freedom Banners
A powerful new exhibition commemorating the pivotal 1966 Wave Hill Walk-off opens at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Gurindji Freedom Banners: Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla–From the darkness into the light unites all ten hand-painted banners for the first time in years, telling the story of when Gurindji and neighbouring peoples, led by Vincent Lingiari AM, walked off Wave Hill Station on 23 August 1966.
Their demands for fair working conditions and return of traditional lands sparked landmark change, leading to the first handback of Aboriginal land in 1975 and paving the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976. The textile banners were created in 2000 by 35 Gurindji people, many walk-off participants, with one recently recreated after going missing.
Now showing until late 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
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 colorful, highly detailed illustrations, giant airborne sculptures, and a mesmerizing 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 behaviors of quantum objects to solve some of the world’s most critical challenges. From un-hackable communications and personalized medicine to ultra-responsive prosthetics, you’ll discover how a quantum future promises to make ordinary lives extraordinary.
Open daily through 30 June 2027 | Gallery 8, Questacon, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay showcases two of Australia’s leading fashion designers: Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee, in conversation with international, multidisciplinary artist Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979).
The iconic and vibrant early designs of Kee and Jackson from the 1970s and early 1980s were directly inspired by the dynamic legacy of Delaunay, who was a member of the School of Paris and co-founder of Orphism, an art movement noted for its use of intense colours and abstract, geometric forms. As well as working in traditional mediums such as painting and printmaking, Delaunay’s practice also included textile, fashion, and theatre design.
For Jackson and Kee, who were beginning their shared journey in creating clothes as works of art, the discovery of Delaunay was revolutionary. This powerful display feature a rarely-seen collection of Kee and Jackson’s garments from their archives and are shown with the National Gallery’s collection of Delaunay’s prints, drawings, textiles and costumes.
Until 1 November 2026 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.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.
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
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
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
Forget the footpath. This September, runners will take on 5km inside Canberra Outlet – with a free, professionally timed race promising a very different kind of PB.
There are plenty of places you might expect to find a 5km running race in Canberra. Around the lake, perhaps. Through the suburbs. Along the footpaths of the Parliamentary Triangle.
But inside a shopping centre?
That’s a new one.
On Saturday 26 September, Canberra Outlet will be transformed into an indoor running track, with runners taking on 10 laps of a 500-metre course through the centre as part of a new event from local running community DK Society.
The idea came to DK Society founder Karla Maganto after, somewhat appropriately, she dreamed about it.
“I had a dream about running inside the centre,” she says.
“I woke up and I was like, ‘Oh my god, imagine if we could do this.’”
The idea appealed partly because it was different.
Karla wanted to create something that wasn’t another traditional road race or trail run – something unexpected that could make running feel a little more exciting.
Then she started thinking about Canberra Outlet itself.
“I’ve always been there and walked through there and I was like, well, why couldn’t we turn this into a running course?” she says.
It turns out the centre was surprisingly well suited to the idea.
“It’s long, wide… the layout naturally lends itself into a looped course,” Karla says.
The course will be protected from the weather, while giving runners the distinctly surreal experience of tearing past shopfronts rather than trees, houses or the usual Canberra scenery.
“Usually [you’re] walking around with shopping bags. Instead, you’ll be running around trying to get water,” Karla laughs.
From freezing Friday runs to a Canberra running community
The event is an extension of what Karla has been building with DK Society since 2024.
What started with a handful of people running together in freezing Canberra weather gradually grew from two, four, six and eight runners before officially launching as a run club in early 2025.
The idea was simple: create a free, welcoming running community where people could come along whether they were experienced runners, complete beginners or didn’t want to run at all.
DK Society runs every Friday morning at 5.30am, with runners and walkers meeting afterwards for coffee and connection.
“No one gets left behind,” Karla says.
She has watched the club evolve into something bigger than running – with friendships forming, confidence growing and members continuing to connect long after the Friday morning session is over.
10 laps, five kilometres and a lot of fun
For the Canberra Outlet event, the team has mapped out a 500-metre circuit through the centre.
Runners will complete it 10 times for the full 5km, wearing race bibs and timing chips along the way.
And this isn’t just a novelty run: runners will receive an official finish time.
There will be timed waves catering for a range of abilities, including an elite/under-20 minute group, sub-20 to 25 minutes, sub-25 to 35 minutes and a 35-minute-plus social run.
There’s also a Junior Dash for children aged five to 12, with kids completing 1km around the centre.
Everyone who participates will receive a medal – giving runners something to take home alongside their Strava activity.
And there are prizes to be won, with further details still to come.
There’s no blueprint for this
Turning a shopping centre into a race track has, unsurprisingly, involved rather more work than simply drawing a line around the building.
There have been course walks and planning sessions, along with safety planning, course mapping, registrations, wave allocations, signage, music, hydration and recovery services.
Karla is also fitting it all around a full-time job, running DK Society and her own training.
“There’s no blueprint… for hosting a race inside a shopping centre,” she says.
“It’s all detail from beginning to scratch.”
And on race morning, Karla says she’s most looking forward to watching the first wave take off – seeing the shopping centre come alive with runners, music and supporters after months of planning.
“I think it’ll be such a special moment,” she says.
And if the sight of 250-ish runners charging around a shopping centre doesn’t make you want to lace up your sneakers, we’re not sure what will.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: DK Society x Canberra Outlet 5km Time Trial
When: Saturday 26 September
Where: Canberra Outlet, 337 Canberra Ave, Fyshwick
Web: Keep an eye on instagram.com/dksocietyau – registrations are dropping soon!
