80 things to do in Canberra this week, including a French Market, Ginninderry Festival, Pints and Produce, an Awesome ’80s Bike Party and Disco Revolution
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Canberra, clear your diary – this week is shaping up to be a particularly fun one.
There’s a little French flair, a whole lot of ’80s nostalgia, plenty of live music, art, food, markets, films and workshops, plus more excuses to get out and about than you can poke a baguette at. Here are 75 things to do around town this week.
Don’t miss…
Ginninderry Festival
The Ginninderry Festival comes to The Link in Strathnairn for an afternoon of free family entertainment and community celebration. Rugby league great Mal Meninga will host a meet-and-greet from 3 pm, alongside live music from Michael Bray, Azlan Bathusha, Maddy Proud, The Po Boys and the Amosa Family. Attendees can enjoy free rides including the Giant Slide, Cups and Saucers, Pirate Ship, The Storm and a Bungee Trampoline, alongside local market stalls, food vendors and open studios at Strathnairn Arts. Additional activities include face painting, roving performers, games and a free bicycle tune-up station.
Saturday 29 August, 2–7 pm | The Link, McClymont Way, Strathnairn | ginninderry.com/festival
Paris to Canberra: French Market
Sydney’s award-winning Le Marché French Market comes to Canberra for a special one-day pop-up at Thoroughbred Park! Browse over 45 stalls filled with authentic French delicacies (including raclette, tarte flambée, crêpes, fresh pastries, and saucisson) alongside French linen, antiques, perfumes, and local artisan goods.
Sunday, 30 August, 9.30 am–3 pm | Thoroughbred Park Exhibition Pavilion, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham | facebook.com
Pints and Produce
Capital Brewing Co. and Alpha Fresh present Pints and Produce, a new weekly Sunday market at Capital’s Fyshwick taproom, beginning 30 August. 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.
Sunday 30 August, 12 pm–4 pm | Capital Brewing Co. Taproom, Building 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | capitalbrewing.co
Awesome 80s Bike Party
Dust off your leg warmers, strap on your helmet, and roll around Lake Burley Griffin on a fun, slow-paced 80s-themed bike ride organised by Canberra by Bike. Open to bicycles, scooters, and roller skates, the social ride loops through the National Triangle while a portable sound system pumps out classic 80s pop hits.
Saturday 29 August, 7 pm–9 pm | Departs from The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | canberrabybike.au
Disco Revolution
Step back into the golden era of studio dance floors with Disco Revolution, a high-energy party featuring live sets, interactive entertainment, and DJ Diggz on the decks. Expect explosive live tributes to ABBA, Donna Summer, The Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire, and Gloria Gaynor that will keep you dancing all night.
Saturday, 29 August, 7 pm–11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | events.humanitix.com
Bombshells
Joanna Murray-Smith’s acclaimed play Bombshells takes the stage at The Q, stripping back social masks to reveal five women balancing internal chaos with external composure. Moving from crisis to hilarity, the production delivers five distinct monologues featuring a nervous bride, an exhausted mother, a broken-hearted cactus lover, a widow, and a feisty teenager. Unlike traditional one-woman stagings, this production casts five separate actors, bringing unique vulnerability and depth to each character’s story. Relatable and fiercely honest, it provides a night of pure storytelling, comedy, and connection for theatre lovers.
Thursday 27 until Saturday 29 August, 2 pm and 7.30 pm | The Q, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
CAN GIVE DAY
CAN GIVE DAY returns for its annual fundraising appeal for Canberra Hospitals Foundation, bringing together businesses, families, healthcare workers and the community. Held at Canberra Hospital, the day includes patient stories, interviews with healthcare staff and live broadcasts from media partner Mix 106.3. Every donation made throughout the day will be matched by a group of corporate partners, doubling its impact while matched funds last.
Thursday 27 August, 8 am–8 pm | Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran | cangiveday.org.au
Latin American Film Festival
The Latin American Film Festival presents a program of feature films from across the region, screening at the Kambri Cultural Centre in partnership with the Australian National University, the ANU Film Group and the ANU Latin American Students Association. The 2026 Canberra program includes thirteen films from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay, spanning drama, comedy and family stories. Films screen in their original language with English subtitles, mostly in the evening, with earlier sessions on some weekend dates.
Until Thursday 27 August, various times | Kambri Cultural Centre, Tangney Road, Acton | laffcanberra2026.eventive.org/schedule
Adolecentric Global Trivia Night for Impact
A group of Canberra women has organised the Adolecentric Global Trivia Night for Impact, a fundraising evening at Ainslie Football Club supporting a capacity-building pilot for homeless adolescents in Uganda. Funds raised will support a six-month program for 20 young people, providing sewing training, financial literacy and small business education, with pathways into income generation through clothing production and repairs. The night is hosted by Sweet Pete from Canberra’s SLAM! Pro Wrestling, with trivia, prizes and community spirit on offer.
Friday 28 August, 6.30 pm til late | Ainslie Football Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie | eventbrite.com
The National Zoo and Aquarium celebrates International Primate Day
International Primate Day will be celebrated at the National Zoo and Aquarium with special Keeper Talks throughout the day. Guests can learn the ins and outs of the zoo’s highly intelligent residents as well as opportunities to ask the keepers questions about their day to day work as a Primate Team. Talks will showcase primate species across Africa, Asia and South America and is the perfect weekend for families with budding zoo keepers or animal enthusiasts alike. All activities are free with admission and memberships.
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August | National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek | tickets.nationalzoo.com.au
Slow Pages Society
Slow Pages Society hosts a quiet Sunday gathering for readers, held on the last Sunday afternoon of each month at Capital Brewing Co in Fyshwick. The August session follows a loose theme of memoirs, essays and reflective nonfiction, though attendees are welcome to bring whatever they are currently reading. The two-hour format includes time to settle in with a drink, two blocks of quiet reading, and a break for conversation and reflection using optional prompts.
Sunday 30 August, 3–5 pm | Capital Brewing Co, Building 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | events.humanitix.com
Club Art
Transform your winter evenings with Club Art, a seasonal visual arts activation bringing local creativity to city venue ONE22. Throughout August, the space showcases a rotating exhibition of contemporary works by Canberra visual artists, culminating in a special Local Artist Bonanza evening on Friday night. Attendees can hear short artist talks, enjoy live music, and celebrate the formal unveiling of new winter installations. It provides a warm, welcoming venue to connect with regional art, socialise with local creators, and support independent culture. Drop by for a drink and experience Canberra’s vibrant artistic scene in an urban setting.
Until Monday 31 August | ONE22, 122 Alinga Street, City | one22.com.au
Platypus Month
Discover one of Australia’s most unique, magical wildlife experiences during Platypus Month across the stunning Upper Murrumbidgee region. Running from late July through August, this annual celebration shines a spotlight on the iconic, elusive platypus through a diverse calendar of guided walks, citizen science surveys, family activities, expert talks, and local film screenings. The local waterways are home to highly active, healthy platypus populations, and the month offers a rare opportunity to join guided dawn or dusk platypus-spotting walks at picturesque river corridors. It’s an authentic outdoor adventure perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, and wildlife photographers looking to connect with local conservation teams.
Until Monday 31 August | Various regional waterways and locations | act.waterwatch.org.au
Food + Drink
Wines of Western Australia Dinner
Treat your palate to a curated four-course winemakers’ dinner showcasing Western Australia’s distinctive wine regions at the Southern Cross Club Jamison. Each course is carefully paired with cool-climate and coastal varietals, offering a relaxed and informative evening dedicated to great food, fine wine, and long conversations.
Friday 28 August, 6.30 pm–9 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, Corner Catchpole and Bowman Street, Macquarie | cscc.com.au
Merrick Watts: An Idiot’s Guide to Wine (Vol. 3)
Comedian and certified wine expert Merrick Watts brings his hit wine-tasting comedy show back to Canberra. Sipping through six handpicked wines, audience members will enjoy sharp stand-up commentary, food pairing tips, and hilarious anecdotes. It’s the ultimate combination of stand-up comedy and top-shelf wine tasting.
Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August, 6.15 pm–9.15 pm | Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | grapesofmirth.com.au
The Promenade Café’s Sunday Roast
Escape the Sunday blues and embrace a beautiful new winter tradition in the elegant surrounds of the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. The Promenade Café is throwing open its doors to serve up a spectacular, winter-warming Sunday Roast. Guests will be greeted by a wonderful sense of nostalgia, with fireplaces crackling in the historic lounges and the promise of exceptional, warm hospitality.
It is the perfect excuse to gather your closest friends and family for a classic cosy meal, featuring a traditional roast with all the trimmings. For a truly perfect finish to the weekend, you can stop by Speaker’s Corner Bar on your way out to enjoy a fireside cocktail or a premium whiskey. Spaces are bound to fill up fast for this comforting winter experience, so booking a table ahead of time is highly recommended.
Until Sunday 30 August | The Promenade Café, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
Après QTea High Tea
As the winter chill settles over the capital, Canberrans looking for a cosy alpine escape don’t need to head all the way to the snowy slopes. The gorgeous QT Lounge is teaming up with the sweet geniuses at Space Kitchen to transform their sky-high venue into a winter wonderland filled with après-ski indulgence. It is the perfect excuse to gather your favourite local friends for a sophisticated afternoon of elevated comfort food and stunning city views.
Guests will be treated to a spectacular tiered stand showcasing savoury delights like a rich split pea and smoked ham soup alongside earthy wild mushroom croquettes. The sweet side of the mountain features freshly baked scones piled high with mountains of rosewater cream and strawberry jam, all topped off with a spiced mulled cider and a flowing white chocolate fountain. For those wanting a little extra indulgence, a roving cake trolley features toasted s’mores and chocolate caramel snowballs.
Until Saturday, 29 August | QT Lounge, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | qthotels.com
The Brunch Club at Capitol Bar & Grill
There is nothing quite like a lazy weekend morning to reset the soul, and Capitol Bar & Grill is flipping the script on your average breakfast routine. The Brunch Club is introducing an unapologetically luxurious, all-day dining concept designed for food lovers who believe the weekend deserves a bit of theatrical flair. It is a long, decadent celebration of bold flavours that will make you want to cancel the rest of your daily plans.
The kitchen is serving up elevated favourites, from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to classic cheeseburgers slathered in a special secret sauce and savoury miso-grilled salmon. The star of the show is undoubtedly the interactive Bloody Mary cart in partnership with Ketel One Vodka. Guests can watch bartenders build their custom cocktail right before their eyes, choosing from an outrageous lineup of garnishes like crispy bacon, blue cheese olives, dill pickles, and even fresh mussels.
Until Sunday 30 August | Capitol Bar & Grill, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | qthotels.com
Bourbon Street Sunday Jazz
Bring the soulful sounds of New Orleans straight to your winter weekends! Every single Sunday evening, Molly transforms into Bourbon Street, showcasing a fantastic, rotating lineup of local brass bands playing loose, soulful Crescent City swing. It is the absolute perfect way to escape a cold Canberra night and close out your weekend in style. You can order a delicious cheese and charcuterie platter, sit back in the cosy hidden bar, and sip on a specialised bourbon cocktail from the NOLA-themed menu. Follow the music down Odgers Lane to find the secret door.
Until Sunday 30 August, 6 pm–10 pm | Molly, Odgers Lane, Wooden Door, City| molly.bar
Markets & Expos
Good Goodies flea market
Good Goodies flea market returns to Gang Gang Cafe in Downer, giving local creatives free stall space to sell their wares. Stalls will feature handmade art, preloved and vintage clothing, pottery, cakes and sweet treats, alongside other locally made goods and curiosities. The market runs alongside the cafe’s usual service, with visitors able to order coffee and food while browsing stalls set up around the venue and its garden area. The event is free to attend, drawing local makers and shoppers to the Downer shops precinct.
Sunday 30 August, 3–6 pm | Gang Gang Cafe, Shop 4/2 Frencham Place, Downer | facebook.com
Hotel Kurrajong Canberra wedding showcase
Hotel Kurrajong Canberra hosts a wedding showcase, giving engaged couples the opportunity to meet a range of Canberra wedding professionals under one roof. The event includes access to the hotel’s styled ceremony and reception spaces, allowing visitors to explore how different setups might suit their own celebrations. The showcase is designed to help couples at any stage of planning, from those just starting out to those finalising details, by bringing suppliers and venue options together in one visit.
Sunday 30 August, 12.30–3.30 pm | Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, 8 National Circuit, Barton | trybooking.com
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.
Saturdays, 7 am-11:30 am | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building, you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. 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.
Sundays, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
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.
Sundays, 7 am -11.30 am | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com/SouthsideFarmersMarketCanberra
Haig Park Village Markets
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.
Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Stage
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
Screen
Science. Art. Film. Screening Series
Explore the fascinating, weird, and wonderful intersections of scientific discovery and cinema with the Science. Art. Film. series at Arc Cinema. Presented jointly by the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and the NFSA, each screening opens with a contextual introduction and concludes with a multidisciplinary expert panel discussion and audience Q&A.
Wednesday 26 August | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Bonegilla: The Migrants’ Journey
Experience an emotional, multi-media stage production honoring post-war European migrants who journeyed to Australia. Featuring live piano and violin accompaniment alongside authentic filmed interviews, vintage home movies, and personal belongings brought over on ships, Bonegilla offers an inspiring and touching tribute to the pioneers who helped shape modern Australia.
Sunday 30August, 2 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au/bonegilla
Top Dog Film Festival World Tour 2026
Celebrate the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions at the 2026 Top Dog Film Festival. Featuring an inspiring lineup of independent short films from around the globe, this screening showcases heroic rescues, athletic working dogs, and heartwarming tales of loyalty that dog lovers won’t want to miss.
Saturday 29 August, 2 pm–9.15 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
NFSA’s Winter Film Series
Take a cinematic journey through time and space in the Winter Film Series at Arc Cinema.
From mind-bending time travel and fractured narratives to intergalactic adventures, alien encounters and cosmic odysseys, join us for stories stretching across eras and into the far reaches of the universe.
Whether you’re drawn to contemplative tales or epic escapism, you can explore worlds reshaped by technology, desire and chance.
Until 31 August | NFSA, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Life in the Great Barrier Reef 360° VR Documentary
Submerge yourself in a breathtaking underwater world without leaving the inner north. Premiering at the National Museum of Australia, Life in the Great Barrier Reef is an immersive 35-minute cinematic documentary utilising custom-built 8K 360° virtual reality technology. Guided by leading scientists, reef stewards, and Traditional Owners, audiences are transported to the depths of two UNESCO World Heritage sites to encounter manta rays, whales, and rare coral spawning events, while gaining a deeper understanding of current conservation efforts.
Ongoing, session times vary | National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au
Sport and Wellness
World Gym Belconnen community launch
To celebrate the opening, World Gym will host a free community launch event on Thursday 27 August, inviting locals to explore the new club, meet the team and experience everything the facility has to offer. There are door prizes for the first 100 attendees, giveaways all evening and the chance to win a 12-month membership.
Thursday 27 August, 4–8 pm | World Gym Belconnen, 5 Chan Street, Belconnen | worldgym.com.au
Capital to Coast 100km Multistage Trail Run
Calling all endurance runners! The Capital to Coast 100km Multistage Trail Race returns for a weekend of off-road adventure spanning nine distinct stages from Canberra all the way to the NSW South Coast. Entrants can compete solo or in relay teams of two to four, traversing fire roads, singletrack, and technical terrain across Bungendore, Braidwood, and Batemans Bay.
Friday 28 until Sunday 30 August | Various locations between Canberra and Batemans Bay | capitaltocoast.com.au
Miss/Mx Pole Dance ACT 2026
Witness high-flying athleticism and showgirl glamour as the ACT’s top pole dancers compete for a place in the national finals.
Saturday, 29 August, 7 pm–10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Fitness in The Park
Fitness class for all levels of fitness for the whole community. Join Ginninderry local Vince as he takes you through a group fitness class in the fresh air at Paddys Park.
Every Wednesday, 7.30 am to 8.30 am, Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn | ginninderry.com
Yoga at Ginninderry
Get bendy on Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle, and comfy clothes.
Every Thursday, 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | ginninderry.com
Music
Shadows and Soul
The Wesley Lunchtime Concert series presents talented young AMUSA students, Amber Ye, Kaylem Kua and Rosy Zhu, from the piano studio of Elena Nikulina performing a program which bridges Baroque masterworks by Bach and Handel with rare gems of Romantic era by Brahms, Chaminade and Balakurev/ Glinka.
Wednesday 26 August, 12.40–1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | trybooking.com or by phone 6232 7248.
Liam Cooper’s King of the Keys
Australia’s favorite piano man, Liam Cooper, brings his hit show King of the Keys to the Canberra Theatre stage for a night of musical nostalgia. Celebrating legendary icons including Elton John, Billy Joel, Peter Allen, The Beatles, and Queen, Cooper pairs show-stopping vocals and piano virtuosity with behind-the-scenes stories for a high-energy concert experience.
Thursday 27 August, 7.30 pm–9.40 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Jon Stevens: The Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tour
Aussie rock royalty Jon Stevens brings his legendary live show to the Southern Cross Club for an unmissable standing-only concert. Performing a non-stop parade of hits from Noiseworks and INXS—including ‘Take Me Back’, ‘New Sensation’, ‘Touch’, ‘Don’t Change’, and ‘Never Tear Us Apart’—this high-energy performance serves as a nostalgic trip back to the peak of Australian rock.
Thursday 27 August, 8 pm–11 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip | cscc.com.au
Catherine Crowley: Tripping Up That Hill
One half of Canberra’s beloved ukulele comedy duo Sparrow-Folk, Catherine Crowley presents her whimsical solo cabaret comedy, Tripping Up That Hill. Exploring life, love, and romantic ideals colliding head-first with messy reality, this hilarious and relatable hour feels like sharing a bottle of wine with a friend who turns every life mishap into an unforgettable song.
Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August, 7.30 pm–8.30 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
The Michael Jackson HIStory Show
Commemorating 30 years since Michael Jackson’s final world tour, Showtime’s international tribute spectacle returns to Canberra. Featuring a full live band, energetic choreography, and authentic costumes, the show charts Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 through his iconic 80s theatrical hits and pop dominance.
Friday 28 August, 7.30 pm–9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
FABBA: Live Tribute Concert
Dance the night away as FABBA brings the iconic music of ABBA to life with powerhouse vocalists, dazzling costumes, and a full live band. Sing along to world-famous anthems like ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Fernando’, and ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ in a high-energy celebration of pure pop brilliance.
Friday 28 August, 8 pm–11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | tickets.oztix.com.au
Bush, Borscht & Bonn
Selby & Friends brings its 2026 touring program, Bush, Borscht & Bonn, to the Fairfax Theatre at the National Gallery of Australia. Violinist Susie Park, cellist Julian Smiles and pianist Kathryn Selby perform three piano trios: Ross Edwards’ 1998 Piano Trio, Anton Arensky’s Piano Trio No. 2 in F minor, and Beethoven’s trio arrangement of his Septet in E-flat major. The program spans three places and eras, from contemporary Australia to early twentieth-century Russia and Vienna via Bonn.
Friday 28 August, 7 pm | Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | selbyandfriends.com.au
British Kaleidoscope: Ginninderra Wind Orchestra
An 80-member community band delivers a free afternoon concert packed with classic British hits, from The Beatles and James Bond themes to band classics.
Saturday 29 August, 4 pm–5.20 pm | Raiders Belconnen, 155 Hardwick Crescent, Holt | facebook.com
Between Silence and Song: Clarinet & Piano Recital
Enjoy an afternoon of expressive chamber music featuring clarinettist Helena Maher and pianist Stuart Long. Tracing themes of quiet lyricism and deep emotion, the program showcases classical and romantic masterworks by Fauré, Weber, Schumann, and Rachmaninov in the intimate setting of Wesley Music Centre.
Sunday 30 August, 3 pm–4 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | wesleymusiccanberra.org
Maruki Community Orchestra Concert
Maruki Community Orchestra presents ‘Wildest Dreams’ to be held on Sunday 30 August. The program will feature music from Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Berlioz and Borodin .
Sunday 30 August 2026, 3–5 pm | Lyneham High School Performing Arts Centre, 61 Goodwin Street, Lyneham | trybooking.com
Talks and Workshops
Bright Minds, Bold Voices: Food, Science & Stories
What actually happens when a celebrated food personality meets a trailblazing scientist? As part of the Australian Academy of Science’s 2026 Public Speaker Series, cook and broadcaster Adam Liaw joins food scientist Dr. Emma Beckett and ABC Canberra’s Lish Fejer to unpack the biology, psychology, and evolution behind our eating habits. The panel explores the five basic tastes and offers fresh takes that will transform how you view your next meal.
Tuesday 25 August, 5.30 pm–7 pm | Shine Dome, 15 Gordon Street, Canberra | science.org.au
Making of a Medieval Manuscript
Step back six centuries into the world of medieval scriptoriums with calligrapher and artist Gemma Black as she reveals the secrets behind one of the National Library’s prized treasures—a 15th-century Book of Hours from the Southern Netherlands. Learn how parchment was prepared, how natural pigments were mixed using everyday ingredients like eggs, and how pages were bound into enduring works of art.
Thursday 27 August, 6 pm–7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Matcha Masterclass with Teddy’s Matcha
Discover the art, science, and history of Japanese matcha in a hands-on workshop led by Teddy’s Matcha. Participants will learn how to evaluate matcha quality, understand distinct flavour profiles, and practice traditional whisking methods before crafting customised iced matcha beverages using house-made syrups.
Saturday, 29 August, 10 am–11.30 am | Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Barrine Drive, Parkes | events.humanitix.com
Intro to Beadmaking Class
Learn to tame molten glass over an open torch in a beginner-friendly beadmaking workshop at Canberra Glassworks. Taught by local jewellery artist Sarah Murphy, this three-hour session covers essential flameworking techniques, including glass manipulation, pattern application, making glass threads, and proper annealing practices.
Saturday 29 August, 10.30 am–1.30 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
The Stitch Up: Weaving Lab Workshops
Kickstart your textile practice with a three-hour hands-on tapestry workshop led by master weavers from the Australian Tapestry Workshop. Held exclusively at the National Gallery, participants will experiment with frame weaving techniques, colour combinations, and upcycled materials to create a custom woven wall piece.
Saturday 29 August, 12.30 pm–3.30 pm | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Artists in Conversation: Josie Cosgrove & Katrina Barter
Gain deep insights into contemporary visual art during an informal artist talk with Josie Cosgrove (Where the Light Dances) and Katrina Barter (Happy Places). The pair will discuss process-driven eco-printing, botanical pigments, abstract grid paintings, and how personal memory shapes artistic creation.
Saturday 29 August, 2 pm–3 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
AJ Lamarque: A Beginner’s Guide to Ancient Egypt
Comedian and amateur Egyptologist AJ Lamarque breaks down 5,000 years of mummies, magic, and gods in a hilarious crash course on ancient history.
Saturday 29 August, 6 pm–7 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra | thestreet.org.au
Canberra Milky Way Editing Masterclass
Take your astro-photography skills to the next level with a dedicated full-day editing masterclass led by astrophotographer David Magro. Designed to help photographers turn RAW night-sky captures into stunning Milky Way landscapes, the course provides real-time feedback, workflow refinement, and advanced processing techniques.
Sunday 30 August, 9 am–4.30 pm | Gungahlin East Lakes, 51 Hinder Street, Gungahlin | davidmagro.com
Story Dogs on Sunday
Bring the kids to the National Library foyer on the last Sunday of the month for a relaxed, pressure-free reading session with accredited Story Dogs volunteers and their friendly canine companions. Designed for children aged seven to 12, this heartwarming program helps young readers build confidence while enjoying bookish pats.
Sunday 30 August, 11 am–12 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Winter Tales: Karen Viggers
Join bestselling novelist, veterinarian, and explorer Karen Viggers for the NLA’s Winter Tales talk, presented in association with the National Foundation for Australian Women. Viggers will reflect on her adventures, her passion for native wildlife, and the human-animal bond that shapes her fiction, followed by an afternoon tea raising funds for the Australian Women’s Register.
Sunday 30 August, 2 pm–4 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Canberra Milky Way Photography Masterclass
Learn to photograph the night sky with multi-award-winning photographer David Magro. Starting with a classroom theory session on camera settings, composition, and noise-reduction, participants will head out to nearby dark-sky spots along the Murrumbidgee River to capture breathtaking images of the Milky Way.
Monday 31 August, 5.30 pm–9.30 pm | Eastlake Calwell, 1 Were Street, Calwell | davidmagro.com
Exhibitions
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
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.
Friday 28 August–Sunday 20 September | Canberra Potters, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | canberrapotters.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
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.
Until Sunday 25 October, Wed–Sun 10 am–4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
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
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
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
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.
Saturday 29 August to Saturday 19 September | Rusten House, 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan | qprc.nsw.gov.au
Tamara Henderson: The Gardener’s Bar
Tamara Henderson presents The Gardener’s Bar, an exhibition centred on compost as material, method and model of transformation within her practice. Drawing on processes of decomposition and regeneration, Henderson builds an ecology where sculpture, painting, film and sound emerge through shared cycles of accumulation, decay and renewal, guided by four recurring archetypes: The Gardener, The Director, Light and Sound. First realised in London in 2023, the work responds to Henderson’s Kamberri/Canberra shed and operates as a site of cultivation, production and exchange. New glass panels for this iteration were produced at Canberra Glassworks. The exhibition is accompanied by a newly commissioned collection of texts by Henderson’s collaborators.
Until Saturday 29 August | Canberra Contemporary, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes ACT | canberracontemporary.com.au
Spirit Dwellings by Sarah Hickey
Brisbane artist Sarah Hickey brings her latest solo exhibition, Spirit Dwellings, to Grainger Gallery. Developed following an artist residency in County Cork, Ireland, the collection explores ancestry, folklore, and the quiet memory contained within ancestral landscapes. Featuring large-scale figurative paintings inhabited by blue-faced figures, botanical motifs, and animal companions, Hickey’s richly layered work examines the unseen threads connecting past and present.
Until Sunday 30 August, 11 am – 5 pm | Grainger Gallery, 1/34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Afternoon of the Harpies
Grainger Gallery presents Afternoon of the Harpies, a joint exhibition by Canberra-based photographic artist Judith Nangala Crispin and sculptor Stephen Harrison. Crispin’s Lumachrome glass prints are made through a camera-less process she developed while living and working with Warlpiri communities in the Tanami Desert, combining images of roadside-found animals and birds with local plant matter, ochre and clay on light-sensitive paper exposed to the sun. Harrison, a Canberra School of Art graduate whose work has featured at Sculpture by the Sea, contributes bronze figures including sphinxes, harpies and heads. Together the works explore themes of mythology, mortality and transformation.
Until Sunday 30 August | Grainger Gallery, 1/34 Geelong St, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Elisa Crossing: Move Me!
Discover Move me!, a striking solo exhibition by Canberra artist Elisa Crossing that champions the practice of “slow looking.” Countering the fast-paced, frictionless nature of the digital age, Crossing’s oil paintings explore the active, embodied relationship between the viewer, the studio, and the canvas. Moving between intimacy and distance, her works dissolve into abstract textures up close while revealing rhythmic structural scenes from afar, reminding us that seeing is never static.
Until Monday 31 August | Civic Art Bureau, Level 1, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra | civicartbureau.com
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
Wangka Wakaṉutja: the story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre
Between 1979 and 1990, the Papunya Literature Production Centre produced hundreds of illustrated bilingual books–funny, moving, extraordinary documents of Pintupi-Luritja language and culture, guided by community Elders who were also pioneers of the Western Desert art movement. Many of those books have been held in the National Library’s collections ever since, and this landmark new exhibition finally brings them to life. Featuring stories, drawings, photographs, manuscripts, and oral histories drawn from multiple collections, it’s a profoundly significant celebration of Aboriginal literary culture, collective creativity, and the remarkable human effort to keep language alive across generations.
Until Sunday, 11 October | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/wangka-wakanutja
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
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: solo exhibition by Lynda Draper
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
Yarning: Sharing Stories, Celebrating Culture
Explore Yarning, a vibrant new exhibition at Australian Parliament House showcasing the creative voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from across the nation. Featuring artworks from over 70 young artists, the display showcases entries from the Yarning competition exploring themes of Country, identity, family, and reconciliation—including the three winning pieces. Located in the public area on the Level 1 Senate side, this inspiring collection offers a powerful platform for young First Nations storytellers.
Open daily until February 2027 | Australian Parliament House, Capital Hill | aph.gov.au
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
