When you want the atmosphere, shared plates, and lively chatter of a proper night out without the dreaded big bill at the end, one thing is for sure: BYO is your best friend.
Whether you have a cellar full of regional drops waiting for the right moment or you’re simply grabbing a crisp Nick O’Leary Riesling from the local bottle shop on your way, these seven Canberra spots let you bring your own wine. We’ll raise a glass to that!
Editor’s note: Call ahead to double-check the venue’s BYO terms when booking. Most venues restrict BYO to wine only (no spirits or pre-mixes) and may apply corkage per head rather than per bottle.
Blu Ginger (City)
Located right on East Row, Blu Ginger has long been a go-to for city workers and weekend crowds alike. The massive dining room means big tables can spread out comfortably, while the modern Indian menu is packed with rich, spice-laden curries, fragrant biryanis, and warm naan made for sharing.
What to drink: Take a bold, medium-bodied cool-climate Shiraz or a dry Rosé to slice through the richness of their signature Lamb Rogan Josh and butter chicken.
Banana Leaf brings the fiery, fragrant world of Sri Lankan dining to life in the city. Think: pan-seared hopper bowls, aromatic black pork curry, and flaky kothu roti. The space feels polished yet relaxed – perfect for when you want something a little different for your next catch-up.
What to drink: Sri Lankan spice loves acidity. Pack a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or an off-dry Riesling to balance out the heat.
A local staple for a reason, Two Sisters serves up punchy Lao and Thai dishes that don’t hold back on fresh herbs, lime, and chilli. The casual dining room fills up fast, making it a great, low-fuss start to a Friday night out in Dickson.
What to drink: Grab a fruity, aromatic white wine – like a young Semillon – from a local Canberra District winery on your way through.
Situated in the leafy Campbell shops, Lanterne Rooms offers an elevated Malay-Nyonya dining experience surrounded by warm timber, ambient lighting, and lantern-lit charm. Their BYO allowance makes a luxurious group dinner surprisingly manageable.
What to drink: Take a special bottle you’ve been saving, like a refined Chardonnay or a smooth Pinot Noir, which pairs elegantly with their iconic smoked duck curry.
Ground Floor of ISKIA EAST Building, 81 Constitution Avenue, Campbell | chairmangroup.com.au
Mínima (Yarralumla)
Proof that BYO doesn’t have to mean casual paper tablecloths. Run by brothers Mork and Benn Ratanakosol (the creative minds behind the legendary Morks), Mínima serves clever, boundary-pushing “third culture” dishes paying homage to Chinese and Southeast Asian flavours. Getting high-end, hatted-level culinary artistry alongside an affordable BYO option is a rare treat.
What to drink: Take a top-shelf Riesling or a chilled light Red (like a Gamay or Pinot Noir) that lets the complex, aromatic flavours on the plate shine.
D’Browes is a true hidden treasure for locals who appreciate timeless European hospitality. Think crisp linens, candlelit tables, and generous portions of rich, comforting classics like braised veal shin, duck confit, and their iconic house-made seafood pie. It feels like stepping into a warm neighbourhood bistro in Europe, making it ideal for an intimate group dinner where you want to hear each other talk.
What to drink: Take a classic French Pinot Noir or a rich, aged Cabernet Sauvignon from the cellar to match the hearty, slow-braised meats.
Operating out of the Pearce shops for over 30 years, Rama’s is a Southside institution. The vibrant, flower-adorned dining room is always packed to the brim with big family tables and groups sharing mountains of coconut-rich Fijian-Indian curries, spicy pakoras, and fresh naan. It’s loud, joyful, and effortlessly welcoming.
What to drink: Pack a chilled, aromatic Riesling to complement their iconic Fijian goat curry or creamy mango chicken.
Over 35 kid-run stalls are taking over Turner this September in what might just be Canberra’s most wholesome springtime market.
Founded by local mum Sonja Kama, the Kids Made Marketplace Canberra will bring the city’s youngest entrepreneurs together on Sunday 13 September to showcase their own businesses on one big market day.
The market is designed to be purely kid-driven, selling everything from crocheted items to handmade jewellery, toys, art, plants, cosmetics and baked goods.
Sonja says the idea came to her when her seven-year-old daughter told her about her own entrepreneurial aspirations, wanting a way to make and sell things to earn money to go horse riding lessons in the school holidays.
“She loves making and baking and is always asking if she can sell things outside our house to passersby. That thought made us think of other ideas and ways to help her achieve her goal,” Sonja explains.
“We thought of getting a group of like-minded friends together at our local church hall, to run a marketplace where kids could get experience making and selling things to actual customers, in a more coordinated, fun and safe way.”
Instead of children setting up solitary lemonade stands or craft tables on their driveways and hoping someone walks past, the concept of Kids Made Marketplace Canberra is to bring the little businesses all together in one place.
After reaching out to friends and connecting with other parents on social media, Sonja says the market now has 40 registered stalls.
Some stallholders are saving for things like pets, holidays, and art supplies, while others hope to donate some of their earnings to charities, build their savings, or reinvest in ideas they have already started. Sonja says what truly makes the market unique is the strong support from families.
“The parents will be right by and behind the kids, allowing them the chance to price and sell to customers themselves under the watchful eyes of a mum or dad,” she explains.
“Shoppers purchase $1 tickets from an adult-run desk and use those tickets at the stalls, allowing children to concentrate on selling without directly handling cash. The kids still have to do the work – choose what to sell, think about their prices, prepare their stall and talk to customers.”
For Sonja, the success of the first market will not be measured by how much the children earn. Instead, she believes it’s as simple as the kids having a good time.
“I really hope that the children who have never sold anything before can learn how possible it is for an idea they had to turn into something real and profitable with a bit of planning, support and hard work.”
“I also hope children will see how brave and confident they are for being willing to talk to strangers, sell something, or be okay with not making a sale from everyone.”
Sonja’s daughter already wants the Kids Made Marketplace Canberra to be a regular event. And while she will use the first event to see if there’s an appetite for something like it in Canberra, Sonja says that she would love to use it as a base to build something even bigger for our littlest entrepreneurs.
“I’d also love to see if there is a way we can help or provide a support network for kids to grow and develop their ideas beyond the marketplace,” she explains.
“With AI already changing what work looks like for kids after they finish school and university – in entry-level jobs in particular – I think it’s important children get exposure to and experience in ‘business’ from a young age.”
Promising a vibrant, playful afternoon where imagination runs wild, it’s a one-of-a-kind chance to support a young person having a real go at their first business in Canberra.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Kids Made Marketplace Canberra
When: Sunday 13 September, 3 pm – 5 pm
Where: The Hall, Canberra National Seventh-day Adventist Church, Corner Macleay and Gould Streets, Turner
Tickets + more information: eventbrite.com.au
The topic of investing is coming up everywhere; in conversation, on social media, in the news.
It’s easy to feel behind when really, it’s just a decision you haven’t made yet. For many Canberrans still sitting on the sidelines, the real cost isn’t what you don’t know; it’s the time inflation and compounding are quietly spending without you.
You’ll have seen it somewhere: a headline about the share market, a tax time reminder about investment deductions, a colleague mentioning their portfolio like it’s just part of life now. And there’s that quiet voice: should I be doing something? Am I the only one who isn’t?
You’re not. And feeling unsure isn’t the same as being behind.
Why invest, when everything already feels tight?
Here’s the one honest reason it’s worth thinking about, and it isn’t FOMO. It’s inflation.
Money sitting still doesn’t stay the same size; it quietly shrinks. The same dollar buys a little less each year, so cash doing nothing in an everyday account is slowly losing ground, whether you’re watching it or not. Doing “nothing” isn’t neutral. It’s a slow leak.
It’s easier to see in real numbers than in the abstract. The chart below shows what $100 today is projected to be worth in a decade if inflation keeps tracking near its recent average – not because the number itself changes, but because what it can actually buy keeps shrinking. That’s the cost of leaving money sitting still.
The flip side is compounding. When your money earns a return, and that return earns a return too, growth starts building on itself. Given enough time, small amounts started early tend to outrun larger amounts started late. Which is exactly why “later, when things settle down” is such an expensive instinct. The one ingredient compounding actually needs is time, and it’s the one thing you can’t buy back.
Before going further, build a buffer
Investing doesn’t mean skipping the basics. A buffer comes first, whether that’s saved in an offset account against your mortgage or a straightforward savings account if you don’t have one.
If you’ve got a home loan, every dollar sitting in an offset reduces the balance you’re charged interest on. With many loans currently well above six per cent, that’s a guaranteed, tax-free return with no market risk and instant access if you need it. No share and no term deposit can promise you that. Building it up also frees up breathing room, and eventually surplus, for the next step.
Where to start?
Your tax refund is a natural kick-starter. It might land sometime in the next four to five months, depending on when you lodge, and it’s tempting to treat it as free money, gone by the weekend. Directing even part of it toward an investment gives your plan a genuine head start, rather than a false one.
A pay rise is the other one to watch. The trick isn’t the size of the rise, it’s what you do with it. Setting aside that increase every single pay and contributing it regularly is precisely the kind of steady, unglamorous habit compounding rewards most, because it’s consistency over time that does the heavy lifting, not the size of any one contribution.
Now, what do you actually put that money into? Picking an individual share and hoping it’s the right one is basically a gamble.
The safer, more sensible approach is to spread your risk across many companies at once, rather than betting everything on one. This is what diversification means in practice, and one common way people do it is through an ETF(short for exchange-traded fund). Rather than buying shares in a single company, an ETF pools your money with everyone else’s and spreads it across a whole basket of companies or assets in one purchase, often tracking something like the broader share market. It trades on the stock exchange just like an individual share, so you buy and sell it the same way, but you end up owning a small slice of dozens or even hundreds of companies instead of just one.
But whatever you choose, risk is part of the deal. Investing outside super means your balance will move, sometimes up, sometimes down, and there’ll be periods where it feels uncomfortable to watch. That’s not a sign something’s gone wrong; it’s the trade-off for the growth you’re chasing. Before you start, it’s worth being honest with yourself about how much of that movement you can sit with without wanting to pull everything out at the worst possible time.
Don’t forget taxes
Investing gets a little more complex the moment tax enters the picture, and this year it did. Legislation passed in June 2026 replaced the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount with a system based on indexation, and introduced a minimum tax on capital gains, changes that apply to gains made from 1 July 2027 onward. It’s law now, not just talk, so it’s worth understanding how it applies to whatever you’re investing in before you commit.
If all this still sounds like more than you want to take on, there’s a simpler path. If you’re comfortable locking funds away for a long time, super is worth considering as your starting point instead. It’s already invested on your behalf, you already have a fund set up, so there’s no extra admin, no new account to manage, and no additional tax return complexity to think about. You’re simply directing more toward something that’s already working for you.
None of these are the only options, and none of them need to happen all at once. There are usually a lot of moving parts to your finances already, your income, your savings, whatever debt you’re paying down, so bringing something new like investing into that mix is worth working through carefully. Getting the setup right from the start will cost you far less than untangling the wrong choice a few years down the track.
This article was prepared by Evans and Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 85 125 338 785, AFSL 318075) (“Evans and Partners”), a wholly owned subsidiary of E&P Financial Group Limited (ABN 54 609 913 457).
The information is general in nature and prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek professional advice before acting. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The article may include forward-looking statements based on assumptions. Actual returns will vary and will also depend on investment structure. Neither E&P Financial Group nor its related entities make any representation as to the accuracy or likelihood of fulfilment of the forward-looking statements or any of the assumptions upon which they are based.
Our Financial Services Guide, which sets out our services, remuneration and potential conflicts, is available at www.eandp.com.au or on request free of charge.
The Lifeline Bookfair, the Canberra Moon Festival, and endless Father’s Day events are just some of the things you can do this weekend.
With so much to choose from, read on for our curated guide to what’s happening around town.
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…
Canberra Moon Festival
Celebrate community, culture, and togetherness at the Canberra Moon Festival as City Walk transforms into a bustling multicultural hub. Marking the traditional Mid-Autumn harvest, this three-day extravaganza brings together live dance and music performances, vibrant DJ sets, and an incredible array of food stalls offering delicious Asian street food. With family-friendly amusement rides and colorful cultural displays, there is something for every age to enjoy. Gather your loved ones, taste your way through exotic flavours, and soak up the festive atmosphere in the heart of our city as we celebrate harvest and unity together.
Friday 4 until Sunday, 6 September, times vary | City Walk & Petrie Plaza, City Walk, City | canberramoonfestival.com.au
Lifeline Canberra Bookfair
The Lifeline Canberra Bookfair returns to Exhibition Park in Canberra, one of three fairs held annually to raise funds for the organisation’s 24-hour crisis support line, 13 11 14. The fair offers a wide selection of pre-loved fiction and non-fiction titles, children’s books, textbooks and foreign-language books, alongside magazines, sheet music, comics, maps, records, CDs, DVDs, stamps, coins, trading cards, games and puzzles. Entry is by gold coin donation, with proceeds directed to local crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Immerse yourself in our vibrant local creative scene as the Canberra Art Fair returns for three inspiring days at EPIC. Showcasing work from sixty professional and emerging artists across the region, this dynamic event offers a wonderful opportunity to discover new talent and buy original art. Watch creativity unfold live as five artists paint on site, or sign up for interactive art workshops running throughout the weekend. Whether you are a seasoned collector searching for your next piece or simply looking for a cultured weekend outing, the fair celebrates everything that makes our art community flourish.
Friday 4 until Sunday 6 September, times vary | Fitzroy Pavilion, EPIC, Lyneham | canberraartfair.com.au
David Hockney: Portraits in Print
David Hockney: Portraits in Print opens at the National Gallery of Australia, drawing on the gallery’s own collection, the largest holding of Hockney’s work in the country. The display brings together more than 60 prints spanning almost 30 years, tracing the artist’s portraits of family, friends and collaborators across Los Angeles, Paris and London in the 1970s and 80s. Works include etchings, lithographs and photocollages, alongside experimental processes such as mylar sheets and faxes.
Saturday 5 September 2026 to Sunday 14 February 2027, free | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Bingo Loco
Bingo Loco stages its interactive bingo-based show at the UC Refectory, combining a classic bingo format with a live party format. The event includes DJ sets, dance-offs, lip-sync segments, prize rounds and music spanning the 1980s, 90s and 2000s, led by the show’s regular hosts. Bingo Loco has toured internationally, including runs across the UK, Europe and North America, and has previously staged shows in Australian cities.
Saturday 5 September, 6 pm | UC Refectory, University of Canberra, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | moshtix.com.au
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Free-Rain Theatre Company brings the second-longest-running Off-Broadway musical revue to Kingston’s ACT Hub. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change takes a hilarious, honest look at the modern dating landscape, tackling everything from awkward first encounters and wedding stress to family road trips and senior dating. Performed by a cast of six playing 58 distinct characters, this updated version features catchy songs and relatable vignettes that celebrate romantic chaos in all its messy glory.
Until Saturday 5 September | ACT Hub, Causeway Hall, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | freeraintheatre.com
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
Father’s Day
Father’s Day Banquet at Natural Nine
Treat Dad to an unforgettable culinary experience inside Natural Nine with a lavish Father’s Day Banquet. Chef Trung Pham and his team have created an authentic Shanghainese feast designed for sharing and celebrating together. Highlights include succulent grilled sesame lamb chops and the venue’s famous shredded roast duck fried rice, all prepared with precision and flair. Set inside the vibrant atmosphere of Casino Canberra, it offers a stylish setting to show Dad just how much he means to the family. Bookings are essential for this exclusive 18+ dining experience.
Trade traditional tea sandwiches for a hearty spread at Olims Bar & Bistro’s Father’s Day “Guy-Tea”. Designed specifically for dads, granddads, and father figures, this relaxed afternoon feast pairs savoury pub favourites with refreshing craft beverages. Guests can sample Sydney Brewery tasting paddles and trade their favourite taster in for a full pint. With outdoor garden seating, easy parking, and a dedicated kids’ menu, it offers a stress-free setting to gather the whole family. Treat Dad to great food and good times in the heart of Braddon this Father’s Day.
Sunday 6 September, 12 pm–3 pm | Olims Bar and Bistro, 39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon | mercurecanberra.com.au
Father’s Day Buffet Breakfast at Jamison
Kick off Father’s Day the best way possible with a hearty all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast at Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison. Bring the entire family along to feast on cooked breakfast classics, fluffy pastries, and fresh seasonal fruit in a warm, welcoming setting. Planning to stick around for lunch? Every dad in your dining group receives a complimentary schooner of beer, wine, or soft drink to mark the occasion. It’s a simple, delicious, and stress-free way to make Dad feel truly appreciated on his special day.
Sunday 6 September, times vary | Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, Bowman Street, Macquarie | cscc.com.au
Father’s Day Fire Feast at Capitol Bar & Grill
Treat Dad to a flame-fuelled feast at Capitol Bar & Grill this Father’s Day. This decadent all-you-can-eat spread showcases premium cuts hot off the grill, including Wagyu skirt, sirloins, succulent lamb rumps, and roasted whole chickens. Load up on classic sides like house potato salad and slaw, but save room for signature sticky date pudding and pavlova. Afterwards, step out onto the sunny deck for cold BentSpoke beers and friendly family rivalry with lawn games, putt-putt, and giant Jenga, complete with great prizes up for grabs.
Sunday 6 September, times vary | Capitol Bar & Grill, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | capitolbarandgrill.com
Father’s Day Market at Old Bus Depot
Celebrate Father’s Day surrounded by vibrant atmosphere, fantastic local produce, and unique handmade goods at the iconic Old Bus Depot Markets. Browse dozens of stalls featuring regional artisan foods, handmade crafts, stylish menswear, and local artwork. Grab a hot coffee, enjoy delicious street food, and chat directly with passionate local makers. Plus, every market purchase doubles as an entry into the special Father’s Day Prize Draw, packed with fantastic prizes donated by stallholders. It is a wonderful Sunday ritual to spend quality time together while supporting Canberra’s creative small businesses.
Sunday, 6 September, 9.30 am–2.30 pm | Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Father’s Day Glenfiddich tasting at Hippo Co
This special Father’s Day Glenfiddich event is perfect for the dad who can’t resist a glass of whisky.
Along with learning about the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, he’ll get the chance to try six whiskies from the famous distillery and take home a bottle of the 16-year-old Aston Martin edition. There are limited spots available, so be quick to book!
Saturday 5 September, 6 pm – 7.30 pm | 17 Garema Place, City | Book here.
Build Your Own Gin Experience
This Father’s Day, Canberra Centre is partnering with Hold Fast Distillery for an interactive Build Your Own Gin Experience.
Running for 90 minutes, the workshop will allow dad to discover the aromas and botanicals that shape a gin, taste and experiment with different flavour profiles and understand how the final flavours develop and linger. He’ll get to experiment, adjust and refine his gin until he’s created a flavour profile that’s uniquely his!
Once he’s happy with his creation, he’ll receive a 500ml bottle of his personalised gin to take home.
Saturday 5 September, 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm | Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda Street, City | Book here.
David Jones “For Dad” Fragrance Masterclass
Searching for Dad’s next signature fragrance? Forget hitting the shops; take him along to meet the fragrance experts from David Jones Canberra for a special For Dad Fragrance Masterclass.
Designed to help him discover the perfect scent for Father’s Day, he’ll be taken through a collection of men’s and unisex fragrances where he’ll learn how fragrance families are created and receive expert guidance on finding a scent that suits his individual style. It’s a memorable way to celebrate Father’s Day.
Saturday 5 September, 12 pm -1.30 pm | Monaro Mall, Level 1, Canberra Centre | Book here.
Dad’s Den in Centre Court
Dad’s getting his own backyard-style hangout at South.Point this Father’s Day.
From 10 am until 1 pm during the Father’s Day weekend, he can enjoy whiskey and rum tastings from Canberra Distillery and dig into sausage rolls and chicken sliders from The Coffee Club. If that’s not enough, he’ll also have the chance to win an unforgettable Cheetah Walk at National Zoo and Aquarium! It’s the perfect present.
To get Dad’s Den entry, simply spend $50 or more at participating South.Point retailers until 6 September, then present your receipt to Concierge to collect his ticket.
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September | Anketell Street. &, Reed Street North, Greenway | Find out more here.
Father’s Day at the National Zoo and Aquarium
Take Dad out this Father’s Day to the National Zoo and Aquarium. Families can enjoy live music next to the rhinos, food specials, lawn games and, in recognition of Threatened Species Day, a discovery trail focusing on the zoo’s threatened species.
There are also thrilling encounters and tours, a fantastic playground, one of Australia’s largest inland aquariums and picturesque resting areas, making the zoo a perfect family day out.
The Googong Kite Festival is back this Father’s Day! Take dad along to this utterly uplifting festival for a wholesome day of kite flying. Keep an eye out for fun kites including a giant whale shark, dragons, bunny rabbits, a stingray, astronauts and a flying pig and treat dad to a lunch from one of the food trucks – including Googong Hogs Sausage Sizzle, Kurbside Kravingz and Jarochos – or pack a picnic and relax as the DJ provides entertainment.
Did we mention it’s free to attend?
Sunday 6 September, 11 am – 2 pm | Rockley Oval, Rockley Parade Googong | Reserve a spot here.
The Beatles Rebooted: With Strings
If dad’s a Beatles fan, he’ll love this. The Canberra Theatre Centre is hosting an extraordinary celebration of The Beatles’ most iconic works with The Beatles Rebooted: All the Hits, with strings!
Highlighting their early hits as well as songs from their groundbreaking album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club, the show will also feature original instruments, authentic outfits, and multimedia lighting and visuals to transport dad back to the height of Beatlemania and beyond.
Sunday 6 September, 3 pm | Civic Square, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Looking for even more? Here’s our guide on where to eat and drink in Canberra this Father’s Day.
Food + Drink
Pride and Prejudice x QTea High Tea
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.
Saturday 5 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
European Festival 2026
No passport? No worries! Experience the vibrant flavours, sound, and culture of Europe right here in Turner. The Alliance Française of Canberra, the Croatian Club, and the Polish Club are teaming up to bring you a joyful day packed with continental charm. Feast on delicious traditional street food, sample international wines, and enjoy lively folk dancing and music across the venues. With fun cultural activities for all ages, it is a fantastic way to wander through Europe without leaving the capital. Grab your friends and enjoy a vibrant taste of international celebration close to home.
Saturday 5 September, 10 am–3 pm | Alliance Française of Canberra, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner | afcanberra.com.au
Canberra Atticurio Bizarre Market
Embrace the wonderfully odd and wonderfully creative at the Canberra Atticurio Bizarre Market. Held indoors at EPIC, this eclectic market gathers talented local artisans specialising in the quirky, mystical, and macabre. Browse unique stalls offering framed taxidermy, crystal jewelry, stained glass, witchy potions, upcycled oddities, and glowing UV artwork. Beyond shopping, visitors can drop in for tarot readings, enjoy interactive workshops, and win door prizes. Whether you’re searching for vintage curiosities or simply love unconventional art, step inside this whimsical event for a delightful morning filled with wild imagination and unique discoveries.
Saturday 5 and Sunday, 6 September, times vary | Quokka Pavilion, EPIC, 36 Flemington Road, Lyneham | events.canberra.com.au
For Purpose Markets
Shop local and make a genuine difference at the For Purpose Markets, popping up on the first Saturday of every month in Dickson. This community-driven market brings together social enterprises and conscious makers who give back with every sale. From eco-friendly home goods to handcrafted gifts, every purchase supports vital causes like mental health initiatives, refugee programs, and local LGBTQI+ groups. Stroll through the stalls, meet passionate founders, and discover gorgeous local products knowing your dollars are directly creating positive change. It’s the perfect way to spend a feel-good Saturday morning.
Saturday 5 September, times vary | DKB Community Hall, 8 Hawdon Place, Dickson | forpurposemarkets.com.au
Antique and Vintage Market Day
Uncover timeless treasures and unique heritage finds at the Canberra Antiques Seasonal Market Day. Set inside The Auction Barn in Fyshwick, this curated market brings together passionate collectors and vintage traders under one roof. Wander through stalls brimming with antique furniture, retro decor, estate jewelry, and rare collectables packed with character. Grab a freshly brewed coffee from the cart, chat with expert vendors, and enjoy the thrill of hunting for one-of-a-kind statement pieces. It’s a wonderful Saturday morning outing for interior lovers, curious shoppers, and vintage enthusiasts searching for their next favorite find.
Soak up country charm at the historic Hartley Hall Markets in Hall. Operating on the first Sunday of every month, this beloved country market features dozens of vibrant stalls nestled among leafy grounds. Browse freshly harvested local produce, home-baked treats, native plants, handcrafted pottery, unique gifts, and artisan fashion. Stay for a relaxing lunch under the trees, enjoy live acoustic music, and keep kids entertained with fun outdoor activities. Proudly organized by Hartley Lifecare, every gold coin entry goes directly toward supporting people living with disability across Canberra.
Sunday 6 September, 9 am–2 pm | Hall Showground, Victoria Street, Hall | hartley.org.au
Capital Region Farmers Market
This farmers’ market is iconic for a reason.
Go along to sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra and speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
It will make you appreciate your Saturday morning shopping trip in a whole new way.
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building, you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. The sheer variety means you’ll discover something unexpected every visit, whether that’s a piece of pottery that speaks to you, a stunning necklace, or the perfect vintage find. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta, pet treats and more.
Another local favourite, spend your Sunday morning browsing delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities.
It’s the kind of market where you can linger over breakfast, discover a new artist, and stock up on fresh produce all in one lovely morning, making it the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
The animals of Manor Farm are taking control, and things are about to get delightfully chaotic. Green Room Award-winning ensemble Bloomshed returns to the nation’s capital with a satirical, high-energy rework of George Orwell’s classic political fable. As downtrodden farm animals rise up to seize power, Napoleon the pig steps into the spotlight with plenty of wit, muscle, and absolute ambition. Expect a bolshy, hilarious, and fiercely smart performance that holds a mirror to our current political landscape. Round up your favourite theatre companions and prepare to storm the barricades for an unforgettable night of theatrical mayhem.
Until Saturday 5 September, times vary | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Tom Gleeson – Out of Touch (Encore)
Gold Logie winner and comedy heavyweight Tom Gleeson is returning to Canberra Theatre Centre with his hit stand-up show, Out of Touch. Known for his razor-sharp wit and no-nonsense style as host of Hard Quiz and Taskmaster Australia, Gleeson is at the absolute top of his game. Whether he’s roasting the audience or taking aim at everyday absurdity, his relentless punchlines guarantee a brilliant night of belly laughs. Grab your tickets quick, gather your mates, and prepare yourself for an evening of relentless, top-tier Australian comedy from one of our favourite performers.
Saturday 5 September, 7.30 pm–8.45 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
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.
Sunday 6 and Tuesday 8 September, times vary | The Griffin Centre, 20 Genge Street, City | lasvegascomedyschool.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
Sport and Wellness
Relax in Nature Therapy
Slow down and unwind with a guided two-hour nature therapy experience set within the peaceful surrounds of WildBark at Mulligans Flat. Through a series of gentle activities—including intention setting, grounding techniques, mindful movement, and sensory connection—this small-group session (capped at 10 participants) is designed to help you de-stress, reconnect with the natural environment, and leave feeling refreshed and focused.
Sunday 6 September, 10 am – 12 pm | WildBark at Mulligans Flat, 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby | latitude55.com.au
Raiders v Eels – NRLW Round 10
Bring your loud voices and green pride to GIO Stadium as the Canberra Raiders take on the Parramatta Eels in their final home game of the NRLW season. Soak up the thrilling game-day atmosphere and join thousands of fans for the legendary Viking Clap as our green machine takes the field. Before kickoff, families can enjoy plenty of fun interactive activities around the stadium concourse, delicious food options, and great entertainment. Whether you are a die-hard footy fan or introducing the kids to game day, it promises to be a fantastic Sunday evening out.
Relive the timeless guitar riffs and poetic storytelling of Dire Straits with an authentic live tribute performance at the Zeppelin Room. Led by vocalist and guitarist Matt Arthur alongside a stellar lineup of respected Australian musicians, Telegraph Road captures the understated genius and iconic tone made famous by Mark Knopfler. Expect faithful renditions of classics like Sultans of Swing, Money for Nothing, and Romeo & Juliet, performed with passion and precision. It promises to be an unforgettable evening of top-tier musicianship that will transport classic rock fans back to the golden era of British guitar music.
Step back into the golden era of West Coast rock as Fleetwood Max brings the timeless music of Fleetwood Mac to life. Renowned for their incredible vocal accuracy and polished live sound, this dynamic seven-piece tribute band delivers a powerful performance packed with nostalgia. Get ready to sing along to all your favourite anthems, including Go Your Own Way, Dreams, The Chain, and Stevie Nicks’ solo hit Edge of Seventeen. It’s a high-energy night out that die-hard fans and casual listeners alike will be raving about long after the final bow.
Melbourne-based Lithuanian folk ensemble The Lost Clog presents traditional Lithuanian pagan and folk music, combining vocal harmonies, traditional instruments and comedic storytelling. Repertoire draws on themes of love, village traditions, celebration, nature and community life, offering a look at Lithuanian folk heritage through song and performance. A Lithuanian tavern-style after-party follows.
Saturday 5 September, 7–9 pm | Polish Australian Club, 38 David St, Turner | events.humanitix.com
One-Take Musical
Four musical improvisers and a pianist create a completely original musical on the spot, turning audience-inspired ideas into characters, comedy, and songs. With no script and no score, the story can go anywhere. Expect a fast, funny, and unpredictable hour of musical theatre that will only ever happen once.
Rapper TearShxtUp performs at Shadows Nightclub as part of his Its All Red national tour, appearing alongside fellow artist Diskusting. The show showcases material from TearShxtUp’s upcoming mixtape, Project RED, and features members of his collective, The Militia. Local Canberra artists join the lineup, with each stop on the tour featuring a different supporting cast reflecting the local scene. The performance sits within the rage music scene, a high-tempo, aggressive strand of hip-hop built around mixtape releases and touring line-ups.
Experience the magic of The Beatles like never before as acclaimed tribute band The Beatnix join forces with the Sgt. Pepper String Quartet. Fresh off successful shows at Liverpool’s iconic Cavern Club, this world-class act delivers a rich, orchestral journey through the Fab Four’s greatest hits. From early rock ‘n’ roll classics to complex arrangements from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the performance showcases phenomenal musicianship. It’s an essential afternoon for Beatles fans of all ages seeking a nostalgic, soaring celebration of history’s most iconic pop music.
Polifemy Women’s Vocal Ensemble: Choristers of Flight
Lift your spirits with an afternoon of 16th-century madrigals and bird-inspired music presented by Polifemy. Directed by Robyn Mellor, the ensemble—joined by guest singers and the BlockSounds recorder ensemble—will perform works by Morley, Gibbons, Weelkes, and Byrd. Expect a delightful dawn chorus of airy melodies, avian allegories of love, and witty English countryside songs.
Sunday 6 September 3 pm – 4.15 pm | Wesley Uniting Church, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | trybooking.com
Talks, Tours and Workshops
Saturday Community Garden Session
Help create and care for a biodiverse community garden in Harrison, supporting pollinators, local food growing and community connection. These free, relaxed sessions are suitable for people of all experience levels.
Saturday 5 September, 10–11 am | Canberra Environment Centre, Harrison | canberraenvironment.org
Recyclery Community BBQ
A free community barbecue at The Recyclery, bringing together volunteers, riders and neighbours to celebrate cycling, share food and connect with the local community.
Saturday 5 September, 10 am–12:30 pm | The Recyclery, Canberra Environment Centre, Harrison | .canberraenvironment.org
Introduction to Fermented Drink Brewing
Discover the basics of making fermented drinks at home, including practical techniques, ingredients and tips for getting started. A hands-on session for anyone curious about fermentation and low-waste food skills. Ticket cost and booking details available via the event page.
Saturday 5 September, 1–2:30 pm | Canberra Environment Centre, Harrison | canberraenvironment.org
Visible Mending for Clothes
Join Canberra artist Michele Grimston for a practical workshop on visible mending. Participants will learn creative repair techniques that extend the life of well-loved clothing while making each piece uniquely their own. Ticket cost and booking details available via the event page.
Saturday 5 September, 1:30–4:30 pm | Canberra Environment Centre, Harrison | canberraenvironment.org
Special Guest Q&As at the NFSA
Go behind the scenes of Australian cinema with an evening of screenings and special guest Q&As at the National Film and Sound Archive. Hear directly from filmmakers and creatives about their process, including local filmmaker Rob Nugent (Signatures of Earth), artist-director Jonathan Zawada alongside musician Mark Pritchard (Tall Tales), and Wolf Cat Fever director Josh Collins with costume designer Babzotica.
Sunday 6 September, 6 pm – 9 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Lecture Series: Artworks of significance
Expand your cultural horizons with the Drill Hall Gallery’s dynamic lecture series at the ANU. Delivered by prominent national art theorists, artists, curators, and academics, this series offers deep, engaging insights into the world of visual art. Topics explore everything from Yolŋu abstraction and contemporary painting traditions to global artistic movements. Featuring distinguished guest speakers like Louise Marshall, Ian McLean, Brenda L. Croft, and Terence Maloon, each session promises to spark creative thought and rich discussion. It’s a wonderful Sunday afternoon pursuit for art lovers and lifelong learners alike.
Uncover a century of capital history with a fascinating guided tour of East Block. Now home to the National Archives of Australia, this heritage-listed 1920s building played a pivotal role in shaping local democracy. Walk through historic corridors that once housed Canberra’s first General Post Office, early Prime Ministers, and ASIO headquarters. Expert guides will share captivating stories of the people, architecture, and political moments that defined the precinct over the last hundred years. Slip on comfortable walking shoes and enjoy an inspiring journey through local heritage right in the Parliamentary Triangle.
Sunday 6 September, 11 am–12 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Exhibitions
Trent Parke: The Christmas tree bucket
Trent Parke’s photographic series The Christmas tree bucket 2006–09 is a tender and darkly humorous portrayal of his extended family coming together to celebrate Christmas. The series showcases Parke’s distinctive and acclaimed visual style and his skilful use of light and colour, to transcendent effect.The Christmas tree bucket is a candid, unsettling and often absurd portrait of family life—centred on the chaos, rituals and contradictions of the suburban Australian Christmas. It is a fond, insider’s view—sharp but affectionate—and one that the participants, after initial bemusement, actively embraced.
Parke draws from the legacy of postwar American photography while retaining a distinctly personal visual language, using light and colour to transform the everyday. The resulting photographs are both intimate and theatrical, sometimes hilarious, sometimes poetic and haunting. The exhibition also features a small selection of work from Parke’s black-and-white series Minutes to midnight 2003‒04 and a number of his handmade concertina photobooks, which he sees as a central part of his practice.
Until Sunday 6 September | National Gallery, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
2XX People-Powered Radio: Celebrating 50 Years
For five decades, 2XX has carried the distinct voices, grassroots politics, and community stories of the capital over the airwaves. This winter, the Canberra Museum + Gallery (CMAG) is marking this massive milestone with a brand-new exhibition celebrating Canberra’s very first community radio station and the passionate people who shaped it. Tracing its evolution from its early beginnings as Radio ANU in 1976 to a modern broadcasting pillar, the exhibition brings together archival audio, vintage equipment, photographs, and vibrant, screen-printed posters made in collaboration with Megalo. Visitors can even step back in time inside a faithfully recreated 1970s and 1980s radio studio to listen to historic broadcast excerpts. It is a nostalgic, physical celebration of local music, multicultural programming, and the independent media movements that helped define modern Canberra.
Until Sunday 6 September | Canberra Museum + Gallery, Civic Square | cmag.com.au
Vessels of Dialogue: Sarit Cohen
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
Four outstanding women working in fields as diverse as gendered violence, gerontology or the science of ageing, inherited cancer risk and the property sector have won this year’s ACT Women’s Awards.
Caitlin Tough, Minister for Women, Seniors and Veterans, commended the women’s leadership, expertise and commitment, which she says is creating positive change in their communities, professions and fields of influence.
“The devotion and dedication this year’s award winners bring to their areas of expertise is truly inspiring. These trailblazing women are advocates, community leaders and role-models who have woven their values and achievements into the fabric of our city.”
This year’s awards have been refreshed with brand new categories that showcase the diverse contributions women and gender-diverse people make across a range of industry and community sectors.
The 2026 ACT Women’s Award winners are:
Excellence in Industry Award: Ashlee Berry
Ashlee Berry, the ACT & Capital Region Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, is a demonstrated leader and advocate in the property sector. Her achievements include advancing housing policy, championing women in industry, and volunteering and fundraising for community initiatives. She does all this in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Gender Equity and Social Change Award: Robyn Smith
Robyn Smith is an advocate who has improved education, psychosocial support and policy outcomes for people living with inherited cancer risk. She gained national recognition by running the City2Surf topless last year, baring mastectomy scars across her chest, with the slogan ‘Flat out of Funding’.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram (Dr Suja Shan)
Dr Suja Shan is a leader in nursing education and gerontology, the study of ageing and older people, whose 35 years of research, teaching and professional leadership have strengthened dementia and aged care practice. Dr Shan has at least 5 fellowships, 3 certifications, 15 awards, published 25 papers in refereed journals and presented 30 topics in national and international conferences.
Katherine Berney, Prevention of Gendered Violence Director at the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, is a widely published commentator on sector reform, funding dynamics and public discourse. Minister for Women, Seniors and Veterans Caitlin Tough recognised the significant contributions that Katherine has made for influencing national policy reform and systems change to improve women’s safety.
These four women, alongside the seven other finalists and many other nominees, are shining examples of leadership, ingenuity, dedication and compassion.
For more information on the ACT Women’s Awards and Honour Roll, visit the ACT Government website.
Spring is universally recognised as a season of rebirth, so why not use it as an excuse to try some new places to eat and drink in Canberra?
Ranging from Canberra’s very first Nigerian kitchen and eatery to a takeaway chicken shop that has locals in a flap, consider this your sign to shake up your usual foodie routine with something new, fresh and a little bit different.
This new takeaway chicken shop has been ruffling feathers since they opened in August – and that’s because it’s cluckin’ good.
Serving up extra-large, juicy organic and halal rotisserie chicken, hand-cut chips, potato scallops and delicious salads, the menu is packed with everything from crispy schnitzel and gravy rolls, plus rich creamed potatoes sitting right where all that delicious rotisserie chicken dripping lands.
They also have gluten-free options and even offer a special discount for hospital staff who deserve fast, flavourful food. But is it worth cheating on the supermarket roast? All we’ll say is it’s well worth chicken out.
This new bar and restaurant from Canberra hospitality wunderkind Kierain Bunton has exploded onto the Kingston dining scene.
Bringing an electric reset for the Kennedy Street address once occupied by Onzieme, the menu at Bar Nova is curated, intentional and bold, with dishes like mussels on toast with curry and herbs, and zucchini flowers with Laos sausage.
Other must-try bites include the octopus with escabeche and potato, tuna with ajoblanco and Calabrian chilli, and a 9+ skirt steak with chimichurri. As for dessert? Think: a trifle of kumquat, Earl Grey and chocolate and a soft-serve with Jack Daniel’s caramel and banana.
Queanbeyan fave FRESCA has opened a new Italian-inspired sandwich bar in City West, and you’ll want to get there pronto. Bringing the warmth of an Italian family table to the city, FRESCA promises to be a polished city destination for schiacciata, coffee, sweets, drinks and share-style moments.
At the heart of the business is 91-year-old Rosa, the matriarch of a large Calabrian-Australian family whose food traditions have shaped the menu from day one. In fact, each schiacciata pays tribute to a relative and is named after different grandparents, parents, aunties, and uncles.
Our top picks? The Carmela (Nonna Rosa’s mum) loaded with prosciutto, pecorino crema, rocket, and sun-dried tomato, and the Luigi (Nonna Rosa’s brother), featuring hot soppressata, truffled eggplant crema, hot honey, and parmesan. Prefer to build your own? A front counter stocked daily with fresh ingredients lets you choose your own culinary adventure.
Tucked on the corner of Genge Street and Bunda Street, this premium self-serve fro-yo bar will have you in dessert heaven.
Alongside a rotating selection of premium frozen yoghurt flavours (including the much-loved signature options), you can build your perfect bowl at an extensive toppings bar loaded with fresh fruit, premium chocolates, biscuits, lollies, sauces, nuts, and crunchy toppings.
There are also limited-edition flavours (like Banoffee) as well as seasonal toppings. With the weather finally warming up, what are you waiting for?
Corner of Genge Street and Bunda Street, Canberra Centre | yobar.com.au
Also known as Mama Africa Kitchen and Cake, MAKC is Canberra’s very first Nigerian kitchen and eatery. If you’re an adventurous eater or simply looking for authentic new flavors to try, this is the spot for you.
Expect bold, layered Nigerian staples like smoky Jollof Rice, hearty Egusi Soup, traditional Swallows served with rich stews, grilled meats, fried plantain, flaky Nigerian meat pies, golden Puff Puff, and refreshing Zobo. And yes, they make incredible cakes, too.
After serving its first meal in 1996 in the slightly out-of-the-way location of Fern Hill Park in Bruce, Café Momo has leaped to Braddon.
Located off Cooyong Street in the leafy courtyard of Founder’s Lane, the café will trade from 6.30 am until 9 pm, serving everything from light breakfasts and coffee through to lunches, salads, burgers, pizzas and a range of pasta and other dinner options. With plenty to choose from, expect everything locals loved about the original spot, just wrapped in a fresh, vibrant new location.
Hungry Beagle is bringing pizza, pasta, coffee, wine, and a family- and dog-friendly community feel to the long-awaited Giralang Shops precinct.
Whether you’re after authentic Italian pizza, handmade pasta, steak frites, or a quick coffee before the school run, there’s no rush or fuss here. Built around the idea that good food, great coffee, and a relaxed place to gather are exactly what this pocket of Belconnen needed, go for the wood-fired slices and stay for the warm neighborhood vibe.
Taking over the former Muku Ramen Bar site at Scullin Shops, EASY BOY! is Benn and Mork Ratanakosol’s latest venture and has quickly become a local favorite.
The menu blends Vietnamese flavors with broader Southeast Asian influences. Standouts include pork nem nướng spring rolls, mini bánh xèo pancakes with scallop and chive, taro croquettes with hot sauce, and caramelized fish sauce chicken wings. Just make sure to leave room for the kingfish ceviche with pineapple salsa and the slow-cooked beef short rib with young chili relish.
Not sure where to find local live music? Behold, a guide to discovering the best alternative-style venues in Canberra.
Whether you want to embrace the community of our music scene or are just looking for some evening entertainment, there is no doubt that supporting local venues is crucial to upholding the passionate, hardworking arts culture here in Canberra. So, what are you waiting for? Jump into the local-led scene and lose yourself in the music.
Dissent Cafe and Bar
At the heart of Garema Place, Dissent thrives on a community of music lovers who come together for everything from live local acts to political panels that reflect their unwavering values.
Atmospherically intimate, this venue is perfect for upcoming bands to perform to a welcoming, enthusiastic crowd equipped with food and a cafe that opens from 4 pm on weekdays.
Free-entry open mic nights run every Monday from 7 pm, as well as regular gigs from Wednesday to Sunday each week.
The home of laid-back, genre-bending indie, which is always hosting live music every day of the week.
Smith’s Alternative provides a communal space for freethinkers to share their performances, whether that be poetry, burlesque, theatre, comedy, philosophy, artwork, and of course, music.
Anything that creates or inspires is welcome at Smith’s, and alternative music is encouraged.
Hosting album launches, local artists, and dance nights, the Polish White Eagle club has been fuelling Canberra’s contemporary music scene for over a decade.
Gigs are often slightly larger events that sell out on pre-sale due to the small capacity of the venue, so be sure to book ahead when looking to visit.
With lots of music and great food, you can’t miss the Polo.
An underground late-night venue with New York-style pizza on demand, driven by vibey live music.
Popular with students looking to stay out late enjoying local music, this grungy dive bar regularly hosts local acts that are welcomed by its thriving community.
Fun Time Pony is open from 8 pm until late every Thursday through Saturday.
Based on the University of Canberra’s campus, UC Refectory is one of the larger music venues in the region, hosting crowds of over 1,700 people.
Functioning as a social and dining space for its students during the day, it transforms into a major entertainment venue at night, known to bring in many interstate and international acts.
Open during the work week from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm, UC Refectory opens on weekends for alternative and contemporary acts when performances have been booked.
A bar, cafe, and live music venue wrapped in one, Gang Gang thrives on sustainability, good service, and supporting the resident music scene.
Friday Night Jazz is free-entry and operates every week, along with community trivia nights and plenty of local or travelling bands.
Open all days of the week for front-of-house and restaurant service, more information regarding Gang Gang’s upcoming gigs can be found on their website.
At the forefront of Canberra’s live venues, The Baso (formerly The Basement) hosts some of the largest touring acts in the local scene.
Fronted by welcoming staff and enthusiastic music lovers, this venue has been boosting the local scene since 1985, building a strong identity as the longest-running independent music venue in Canberra.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday unless a gig is booked otherwise, The Baso is an iconic Canberra venue that incites local music lovers time and time again.
Alternatively-styled and welcoming to high-energy gigs, Squeaky Clean operates on a strong community model, supporting live independent and hip-hop music.
Open every day with happy hour and free pool from 6 pm, Wednesdays are dedicated to local and live music acts, a reflection of their contribution to local musicians.
In 2019, Matthew Breen and former rugby player Ben Alexander had a simple plan: organise a single group run for mental health, then head to The Dock in Kingston for some well-deserved free pizza.
Fast forward to today and what began as a casual catch-up has blossomed into a much-loved local movement, drawing hundreds of Canberrans to weekly sessions across the city to pound the pavement, share a laugh and check in on each other.
Running for Resilience, or R4R, has become so successful it’s even expanded to Newcastle (and despite the name, activities now stretch beyond running to include everything from crafty get-togethers to pickleball).
Now, the group’s social impact has the official scientific backing to prove it, thanks to a study by Dr Joanna Tweedie, Dr Annaleise Naylor and Dr Andrew Flood from the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise.
Intrigued by R4R’s rapid popularity, the team conducted more than 25 hours of interviews with participants.
Joanna says the findings revealed the group’s success is thanks to a “simple but powerful recipe.”
“Firstly, R4R is about building meaningful social connections: the time and the space at The Dock or the coffee shop after the activity allows for this in a way that is distinct to a standard exercise group,” Joanna says.
“Another key mechanism is what researchers describe as social identification. The mission and shared purpose at R4R means that people can be part of something bigger than themselves, and it provides the opportunity for people to be active together in a way that is informal, non-competitive and easy to access.
“Another important feature is allowing for reciprocal caring; for example, people are cared for and they can care for others. We know from other research that this reciprocity is very powerful for mental health and wellbeing. People gain benefits not just from receiving support, but from feeling valued and able to contribute to the wellbeing of others.”
Joanna says the interviews allowed the team to hear the incredible stories of people whose lives have been impacted by R4R.
“Participants shared stories of how R4R helped them through difficult periods of transition; whether that was moving to Canberra, relationship breakdowns, grief or career transitions,” she says.
“It has been significant to hear how the consistency and dependability of R4R gives people comfort and assurance to face future challenges. One person spoke about significant challenges they had faced and said: ‘If I ever experience that again, I know I won’t be alone.’ We cannot put a number to just how important that is for someone.
“It was also very refreshing to see the diversity of the community with a lot of different ages (from university students to retirees) and different professional backgrounds coming together at R4R.”
Ben says the stories uncovered by the research team prove just how powerful connection and belonging can be.
“Professor Tweedie and the UC team’s research gives real weight to the community mental health approach we’ve stumbled across at R4R,” he says.
“We couldn’t be prouder to work with them, and hope that partnership continues for many, many years to come.”
The team have presented their research at conferences across Australia, the United States and the European College of Sport Science in Switzerland, and recently received an award for population health at a Canberra Health Annual Research Meeting.
“The award was positive recognition for the rigour of the work and the underlying message that community‑led initiatives can contribute to more connected, preventive models of allied health care in the ACT,” Joanna says.
While suicide rates in the ACT have dropped 44 per cent from 2021, now sitting below the national average, Ben says his goal is to get the number “down to zero” by 2033.
“Hopefully, Canberra can show what’s possible when a whole city works together to prevent suicide.”
