Seven reasons to get fired up at Canberra Potters this weekend

Posted on 10 August, 2026

This weekend, Canberra Potters is throwing open its doors for Fired Up! 2026 – a lively winter festival celebrating the capital’s thriving ceramics community with live pottery demonstrations, outdoor firings, hands-on clay activities, ceramic markets, open studios, food, wine and live music, and the spectacular opening of the wood-fired Petal Kiln.

Whether you’re a seasoned potter, a ceramics collector or simply looking for something different to do on a winter Saturday, here are seven reasons to head to Watson this Saturday 15 August.

1. Watch some of Canberra’s best ceramic artists in action

Ever wondered how a lump of clay becomes a work of art? Throughout the afternoon you’ll be able to watch leading local ceramic artists demonstrate wheel throwing, handbuilding, surface decoration, monoprinting on clay, nerikomi-coloured porcelain, altered forms, large-scale throwing, and the dramatic raku firing process.

2. Have a go yourself

If watching sparks your creativity, you can jump behind the wheel yourself. Adults and children can book into 20-minute Have-a-Go sessions, with wheel throwing available for $10 per person or handbuilding for $5 per person. Clay and instruction are included, making it an easy way to dip your toes into ceramics.

3. Shop handmade ceramics direct from the makers

The Canberra Potters Gallery will host a curated ceramic market featuring artists and makers from across the region. It’s the perfect opportunity to browse one-of-a-kind functional pieces and sculptural works and take home something handmade.

4. Go behind the studio doors

One of the highlights of Fired Up! is the chance to explore resident artists’ studios. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at where the work happens and hear directly from the makers about their practice.

5. Make an afternoon of it

Settle in with a bowl of soup from Canberra Potters’ popular Soup Bowl and Tumbler Fundraiser, catered by Broadbean Catering, before enjoying a glass of regional wine from the Lerida Estate Wine Bar. Better still, 50 per cent of the wine bar’s profits go straight back to supporting Canberra Potters.

Live music from Nick Rigby, Sugar Ray from Sugar & Cream, and Cat Martin of Catastrophe Music rounds out the festival atmosphere.

6. Experience the excitement of the wood-fired Petal Kiln opening

The festival culminates with the opening of Canberra Potters’ wood-fired Petal Kiln, giving visitors the chance to experience the heat, spectacle and anticipation of a communal kiln opening.

7. Discover one of Canberra’s enduring creative institutions

Established in 1975, Canberra Potters has been nurturing ceramics in the ACT for more than 50 years through exhibitions, classes, workshops, residencies and community events. Fired Up! is a chance to experience everything the organisation offers in one vibrant winter afternoon.