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Spring has sprung and the city is blooming with activity!
We might be entering hay fever season but pop an antihistamine, because you won’t want to miss anything on this overflowing to-do list.
Special Events and Festivals
International Women in Cyber Day – Canberra Awards
The inaugural International Women in Cyber Day – Canberra Awards will celebrate the remarkable women driving diversity and inclusion in Canberra’s cyber ecosystem. By celebrating these trailblazers, the event seeks to encourage more women to pursue careers in cyber security and to highlight the importance of a diverse workforce.
Held in recognition of International Women in Cyber Day and hosted by the Canberra Cyber Hub, in partnership with Fujitsu Cyber Security Services, the awards will shine a spotlight on those who champion diversity, inspire inclusion, and create supportive environments for all individuals in cyber.
Tuesday 3 September, 7.30 am – 10 am | The Marion, Barrine Drive, Parkes | Book here.
English
Directed by Melbourne Theatre Company Resident Director Tasnim Hossain (I Wanna Be Yours) and starring Osamah Sami (ABC’s Savage River), English explores the choices that people who seek a new home must make, and all that they lose and gain along the way.
Thursday 5 until Saturday 7 September, 7.30 pm – 9.10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Ginninderry Inspire Festival
What do Bluey, Planet Earth and The War on Waste have in common? Ginninderry’s Inspire Festival.
Back for another year, don’t miss out on meeting Australian writer and comedian Craig Reucassel, renowned nature filmmaker Dr. Chadden Hunter, and seeing Australia’s favourite Heeler, Bluey, who will make a star appearance in-person for smiles, and photos. Held at Strathnairn Arts Association, you can also meet local artists and view their studios!
Friday 6 September, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm and Saturday 7 September, 10 am – 2 pm | Strathnairn Arts Precinct, Gullifer Street, Strathnairn | More information here.
Canberra Disability Expo
Bringing together a wide range of products and services to help people live their best life, this expo will also feature a range of informative and interactive presentations delivered by industry experts, all-abilities adult and children’s entertainment, and food vendors.
Head along to meet with government and advocacy organisation, aids and equipment providers, financial and legal services, education, training and employment providers, social and leisure options, transport and vehicles, health and medical products and services, allied health professionals and support services.
Friday 6 and Saturday 7 September, 9 am – 3 pm | EPIC Park, Corner of Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell | Book here.
Canberra Moon Festival
Canberra’s premier multi-Asian cultural event is back – and it sounds more beautiful than ever.
The Canberra Moon Festival is returning to our events calendar after taking a break in 2022; set to transform the city once again into a spectacular showcase of culture, community, and culinary delights. Expect cultural activities, live band performances, an LED dragon parade, sand art displays, martial arts demonstrations, diverse food stalls, multicultural performances, an enchanting lantern street, stunning Giant LED Moon and Rabbit installations, a wishing tree, and more.
Friday 6 until Sunday 8 September, 5 pm – 9 pm | City Walk & Petire Plaza, City Walk, City | Book here.
Springfest
This spring the Crossroads Christian Church is hosting a series of fun-filled events throughout September and you’re invited.
From a bake-off to a Story Slam, a family-friendly fete and more, there’s plenty to keep everyone of all ages entertained. Make sure to keep an eye out to see what’s coming up!
Saturday 7 until Thursday 19 September | Various locations | More information here.
Botanica Sprits and Food Festival
G&T in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, anyone? The Botanica Sprits and Food Festival is back after launching in 2023.
Join one of the immersive three-hour sessions (four hours on the Sunday), as the Eucalypt Lawn is transformed into a botanical feast for the senses. Offering a variety of Australian spirits, delicious food, live entertainment and botanically inspired markets, it’ll be a glorious weekend.
Saturday 7 until Sunday 8 September, 10 am – 1 pm | Eucalypt Lawn, Australian National botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Book here.
Chicago The Musical
Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery, treachery and All That Jazz. The multi-award-winning musical, Chicago, is coming to Canberra.
Starring Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn, Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly, Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart, Peter Rowsthorn as Amos Hart and Asabi Goodman as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, it would be a crime to miss the chance to see the longest-running musical on Broadway right here in the nations capital.
Saturday 7 until Sunday 29 September | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Civic Square, City | Book here.
Classic Cruise
Calling on all car, motorcycle and Superhero enthusiasts, you’re needed for the next ‘one-hour drive’ around Canberra for the ninth annual Classic Cruise.
An annual event raising funds for Camp Quality, The Cruise is open to vehicles aged 20 years or older, luxury exotic cars, corporate-branded vehicles, members of car clubs, trucks, unique rides, and motorcycles. It’s a fun outing for a wonderful cause!
Sunday 8 September, 8 am – 2 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Canberra | More information here.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards at the Canberra Centre
Showcasing the award-winning designs from the winners of the 2024 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), pop into the Canberra Centre to see the works of five of the seven winning designers and display images of celebrated local Wiradjuri artist and recipient of 2021 ACT NAIDOC Artist of the year, Kristie Peters.
Featured in the 2024 Country to Couture runway show, it’s a beautiful celebration of the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of First Nations peoples artists and fashion designers.
Until Wednesday 11 September | Canberra Centre, City | More information here.
Markets
Makers-Con at the Old Bus Depot Markets
This is an exciting event for pop culture fans and enthusiasts. From live action role-play to steampunk, leather makers, costume designers, millinery, and comic books, you never know what you might find here.
Along with regular stallholders, there will be several specialist stalls that range from costume design, steampunk, and comic books, along with high-quality handcrafts!
Sunday 8 September, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | Book here.
Capital Region Farmers Market
Fresh produce, flowers and the ready-to-eat food and coffee. What more could you need? The Capital Region Farmers Market has everything you need.
7 am – 11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Old Well Station Road, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Little Burley Markets
Offering a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisanal bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats, and much more, you’ll be able to find plenty of goodies at this bespoke lakeside market
8 am – 1 pm Saturday | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.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 and pet treats.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
Haig Park Markets
Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.
8.30 am – 2 pm Sundays | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Food and Wine
Truffles and Jazz at Mercure Canberra
This is a fantastic free event for guests, Canberra locals and visitors alike.
You’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing evening listening to cool Jazz from return guests Tilt Trio, while sampling a range of delicious truffle-inspired canapes and dishes, showcasing the wonderful Macenmist Truffles. Matched wines will also be available for each dish.
Saturday 7 September, 5 pm – 8 pm | Carlton Room at Mercure Canberra, 39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Enemies Of Grooviness Eat Sh!t
From the mind of veteran performer and activist Emma Maye Gibson comes an eco-feminist explosion of art, politics, love, and anger as she brings her love warrior avatar Betty Grumble back to the stage.
A genre-defying mix of dance, music, poetry, clowning, drag, aerobics, and cabaret, at the heart of this non-linear manifesto is a response to intimate partner violence and the ritualised healing of collective wounds to reclaim body, pleasure, and joy. Described as poetry, a tribute, a rock n roll performance art collision, a love scene and revenge fantasy all in one, expect an unapologetic show that has everything your mum warned you about: full frontal nudity, loud music and sex scenes.
Wednesday 4 until Sunday 7 September, 7.30 pm – 8.50 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Away
In this classic Australian story of found family and connection, three families set out on their own holidays before a storm brings them together on a Gold Coast beach to grieve, heal, and find hope for the future.
Written by Michael Gow and directed by Lainie Hart, stormy weather, secrets, and classic texts combine to unite these families in their seasons of change.
Thursday 5 until Sunday 29 September, 7.30 pm – 10 pm | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | Book here.
August: Osage County
A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harbouring shady little secrets.
Written by Tracy Letts and Directed by Cate Clelland, August: Osage County was the recipient of the 2008 Tony Award® for Best Play and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama – so you know it’s worth seeing. Unflinchingly (and uproariously) exposing the dark side of this Midwestern American family, this is a tragi-comedy that explores the worst things about family life.
Thursday 6 until Sunday 15 September, 7.30 pm – 9 pm | ACT Hub, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | Book here.
Once Upon A Grimm Night
It’s time to step into the world of fairytales. Are you ready to succeed in this quest, or will you risk the cosmos?
Taking over Tuggeranong Homestead, in this immersive adventure the lines between story and reality blur. In Once Upon a Grimm Night you and other wayfarers have stumbled into the domain of the Narrator. Characters from Everafter are spilling into your realm, and the worlds are on the brink of collapse. Join the quest with Grimm Volkov to uncover the truth, brew potions, and delve into the unfinished stories of the Maiden and the Witch.
Friday 6 until Sunday 8 September, 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm | Tuggeranong Homestead, 130 Johnson Drive, Richardson | Book here.
Music
Lukáš Vondráček
Lukáš Vondráček is one to watch. Since winning the most reputable piano competition in the world – The Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition – he has travelled the world d as soloist with top tier orchestras such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic and Netherlands Philharmonic.
Coming to Canberra, the superb program he presents at Snow Concert Hall, explores the inner worlds of Brahms, Scriabin and Schumann, and is a wonderful opportunity to experience this remarkable soloist at the height of his considerable powers.
Monday 2 September | Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.
Ariana Odermatt: Repeat
Harpsichordist Ariana Odermatt is back for a special concert of music by Bach, Beethoven and Psathas.
Does the name ring a bell? Locally, Ariana has played with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Limestone Consort, Canberra Bach Ensemble, Musica da Camera, and the Canberra International Musica Festival. Don’t miss seeing her at the Wesley Music Centre.
Wednesday 4 September, 12.40 pm – 1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
CSO: Brilliant Brass at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Embark on this musical journey as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet takes over Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
Starting with the Overture from Mozart’s inimitable and timeless masterpiece, The Magic Flute, you’ll then hear the eclectic work of English composer Sir Malcolm Arnold, before Koetsier’s Brass Quintet. As for the finale? Bach’s intricate and expressive Fugue in G minor, before finishing on the modern classic by Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah.
Thursday 5 September, 6 pm – 7 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Pure Energy – AYO Young Symphonists
Auditioned from across the nation, these rising classical music stars have the finesse of a professional orchestra. This is a program centered around three radiant works by women, from Maria Grenfell’s powerful River, Mountain, Sky to the grooving momentum of Australian composer Holly Harrison’s Splinter.
These young musicians are here to illuminate the future of classical music, and it’s never looked so bright.
Thursday 5 September, 7 pm – 9 pm | Snow Concert Hall, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.
Yamandu Costa: The Brazilian Guitar
Experience the mastery of Grammy award-winning artist Yamandu Costa, one of the world’s greatest seven-string guitar virtuosos, in a solo performance that showcases the depth and breadth of Brazilian musical traditions.
Playing at The Snow Concert Hall for one night only, head along to enough the spirit of Brazil.
Saturday 7 September, 7.30 pm – 8.45 pm | Snow Concert Hall, Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.
Music Fit for a King: Mozart and Boccherini – Sally Walker and Friends
Are you a fan of Mozart and Boccherini, two of the great composers from the ‘golden age’ of Classical music? This is for you.
Experience the heart-quickening pleasures of this delightful music, in the masterful hands of internationally acclaimed flautist, Sally Walker, and Adelaide’s finest classical musicians.
Saturday 7 September, 7 pm – 8.30 pm | Wesley Uniting Church Canberra, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Maruki Community Orchestra Concert
Calling all priate lovers, the Maruki Community Orchestra presents ‘Maruki on the High Seas’ for one day only.
The program will comprise Pirates of the Caribbean (Klaus Badelt, arr. Ted Ricketts), The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) Overture (Felix Mendelssohn), The Pirates of Penzance Overture (Arthur Sullivan) and Scheherazade Suite Symphonique (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov). See you there?
Sunday 8 September, 3 pm – 5 pm | Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue | Book here.
Exhibitions
Searching For Goulburn
This is a solo exhibition by Phil Page.
Showcasing a unique perspective on Goulburn’s urban environment informed by personal curiosities, interactions and reactions to the city, it combines his geological, historical, sociological, and architectural knowledge, and explores Goulburn’s evolution through painting.
Thursday 5 until Sunday 29 September, 6 pm – 7 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Cutting Off One’s Nose
This solo exhibition by Luke Chiswell examines humanity’s interconnectedness with the environment through a series of aluminium sculptures.
From life to lifelessness, Chiswell’s practice engages with contemporary concerns of ecological preservation and the transformation of value through materiality.
Thursday 5 until Sunday 29 September, 6 pm – 7 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
2024 Annual Members Exhibition
The Craft + Design Canberra annual members exhibition is back!
Showcasing contemporary expressions of craft and design uniting time-honoured techniques with modern interpretations, it’s a wonderful demonstration of the trends in contemporary craft and design in Australia by practitioners from the ACT and surrounding region.
Friday 6 September until Saturday 19 October | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, City | More information here.
Bookbinding GUILD 24 Exhibition
Libraries ACT is excited to host the Canberra Craft Bookbinders’ Guild latest bookbinding exhibition.
GUILD 24 showcases 36 works by 15 local and interstate exhibitors. It highlights, the diversity of interests, creativity and willingness to experiment with styles and materials and demonstrates that contemporary fine binding techniques sit comfortably with artists’ books.
Friday 6 September until Wednesday 2 October | Libraries ACT, Civic Square London Circuit | More information here.
Fuse Glass Prize
Presented by JamFactory, the FUSE Glass Prize is a non-acquisitive biennial prize for Australian and New Zealand glass artists.
You’ll see the work of 18 finalists (12 established and six emerging artists) at the Australian National University School of Art & Design Gallery.
Until Friday 6 September | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Building 105, Corner Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton | More information here.
Cobi Cockburn Solo Exhibition
Cobi Cockburn is a celebrated contemporary Australian artist, who sis known for her large wall panels and installations that use shifting tonal linework, that connect and respond to the gallery’s architecture.
Curated by Aimee Frodsham, this exhibition uses neon to further her exploration of line and light. Focusing on the warm glow and rich line quality rather than the intensity expected from neon, it is an exploration into the beauty of energy and the intertwined relationships of art, memory and spirituality.
Until Sunday 22 September | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Over Seas
This is an open exhibition for Canberra’s migrant communities.
Featuring the works of over 75 Canberra region artists who have migrated to Australia, from the political to the personal (and including everything from traditional art forms to contemporary perspectives), these artists give us a glimpse into the diversity of their journeys and the rich array of stories that make up Canberra’s multicultural community.
Until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here
The Materialisation of Testament
This is the culmination of four years of research, and the artistic component of Kerry Martin’s creative practice PhD undertaken at the University of Canberra between 2020 and 2024.
Based primarily on the reports of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2012-2017), it seeks to provide another platform to continue the discussion around, and examination of the Catholic Church’s disturbing history of child sexual abuse in this country. Working with a reparative aesthetic, an approach to making beautiful art about brutal topics, it asks the viewer to consider what it might look like if the Church wore the shame of its offences.
Until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Hanging By A Thread – Mosaics For Afghan Women
Part of the Hanging by a Thread project, this project aims to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women and girls and involves over 1,200 experienced and amateur mosaic artists from 46 countries.
Brining together mosaics from SA, VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS, WA and New Zealand undertaken by communities during the 2022 International Year of Glass, each artist has made a small segment of glass mosaic, which is being joined together to create a series of giant scarfs.
Until Tuesday 20 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Sport
UniSport Nationals
Over 7,000 student-athletes from across Australia are coming to Canberra to compete in 33 different sports. And it’s going to be a lot of fun.
Wearing the jersey of their universities with pride, student-athletes will contest long-standing rivalries on the playing field over seven days of what promises to be some of the fiercest sporting competitions seen this year. From basketball, netball and volleyball to kendo, fencing and judo, there’s something for every sports enthusiast to watch.
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September | Various locations | More information here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Memory to Manuscript: Publishing Family Stories
Join authors Tess Scholfield-Peters, André Dao and Sam Vincent, in conversation with broadcast journalist Virginia Hassegger, as they discuss their experiences of writing books that focus on telling the story of a family member.
A book signing in the Foyer will follow this event. Entry is free to this event but bookings are essential.
Wednesday 4 September, 6 pm – 7.30 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.
Book Launch: Always Was, Always Will Be by Thomas Mayo
Join author Thomas Mayo and a panel of special guests as they discuss Mayo’s latest book, ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’, and explore how you can renew the momentum of reconciliation in Australia.
In this book, Thomas investigates ‘what’s next?’ for reconciliation and justice in Australia after the failed October 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. Essential reading for those people who want to keep the positive momentum going and the number of allies growing, head along to hear from the author and to get your book signed.
Entry is free to this event but bookings are essential.
Thursday 5 September, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.
Waterhouse Weaving Workshop
This workshop will focus on ‘weaving’ together cultural and community connections, inspired by the winner of the 2024 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize, Jenna Lee: Grass Tree – Growing together.
Run by local artist and weaver Ronnie Jordan, a Pitta Pitta Wangkamahdla woman from Culture on the move, you will learn techniques of traditional weaving, how to prepare traditional fibres and gain experience weaving in this hands-on workshop. You will also receive your own weaving pack including a full weaving guide, bag and extra materials to keep.
Saturday 7 September, 1 pm – 3 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
Amigurumi Crochet Workshop
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small objects. These flowers make great keyrings and unique special gifts and a fun way to get into crochet!
Kru from Little Kruchet is a self-confessed crochet addict and loves to teach how to create amigurumi creatures. Learn how to hold a crochet hook and basic stitches and hear Kru’s advice on yarn suitable for amigurumi. This is a beginner level workshop, no crochet knowledge or experience is necessary.
Saturday 7 September, 9.30 am – 1.30 pm | Meet Gather Collect, 68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda | Book here.
Organic Wreath Workshop
Create an organic, everlasting wreath to hang at home or on the front door using lasting materials such as preserved lichen moss, dried bracken fern and various seed pods and dried flowers.
Join Amy Clement of The Wild Side Florals, for a creative morning learning design and construction techniques (including weaving and wiring) to create and aesthetically pleasing display of dried plant materials and foliage.
Sunday 8 September, 9.30 am – 12 pm | Meet Gather Collect, 68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda | Book here.
Source: hercanberra.com.au
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
