Hello August, the last month of winter is here!
The Canberra region has plenty of exciting activities to keep you entertained throughout the month.
National Science Week takes over from 10-18 August with tours under Parliament House, nature walks and science while you shop.
For more great events, check out our comprehensive list below.
The Sunshine Club: Aboriginal soldier Frank Doyle returns home after serving in WWII to find the prejudices have stayed the same, in a bid to change things he sets up a fun-loving club. The Q -Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, until 1 August; theq.net.au
Urliza Carlson: The beloved funny woman promises to have the crowd in stitches with her new show Just Jokes, Llewellyn Hall, 1-2 August; ticketek.com.au
Cobi Cockburn: The contemporary artist uses glass, light and line to create works that explore the notion of the temporal nature of existence in Pink Moon. Canberra Glassworks, 1 August- 22 September; canberraglassworks.com
Professor Robin Gerster: Presents his 2024 National Library Fellowship lecture Harold S. Williams and Japan with Professor Robin Gerster. National Library of Australia, Thursday 1 August 12:30pm; nla.gov.au
Nam Le: Join the author and poet in a discussion with Beejay Silcox about his newest book 36 Ways of Writing a Vietnamese Poem. National Library of Australia, 1 August 6pm; nla.gov.au
Taiwan Film Festival in Australia: The 7th event brings the best in Taiwanese film and storytelling to our screens. National Film and Sound Archive, 2-4 August; taiwanfilmfestival.org.au
Attitudes of Making: A group project saw artists collaborate through form, concept and attitude and whimsically look at the world around them. CCAS Manuka, 2-11 August; ccas.com.au
Photo Access: Presents two new exhibitions- Ngulagambilanha (On Returning) by Jessika Spencer and Kooragang Island by James Rhodes. Photo Access, Griffith, until 3 August; photoaccess.org.au
Teeny Tiny Stevies: The Twice the Love Tour showcases all the favourites along with some sparkling new tunes, a fun afternoon for those from little to big. Canberra Theatre Centre, Saturday 3 August 10:30am; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Tommy Little: The comedian promises a not-to-be-missed night in his latest show Tommy Little Has a Regular Size Deck. Canberra Theatre Centre, 3 August 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Light Up Lyneham: The community event returns with more food, installation music and toilets. Enjoy the lantern walk and performances in this fun-filled evening. Lyneham Shops, 3 August 3pm; lyneham.org.au
Wish You Were Here: Australian Pink Floyd tribute band Run Like Hell celebrates the 50th anniversary of the release of Pink Floydโs ninth studio album Wish You Were Here with a live performance by a 7-piece band accompanied by a lights, laser, and video show. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 3 August 8pm;qprc.sales.ticketsearch.com
Mary Stuart: Two powerful women- one in a throne, the other in a prison. This adaption of the Friedrich Schiller story explores the rivalry of two queens- Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart. ACT Hub, until 4 August; acthub.com.au
Collections: A group ceramics, print, and paint exhibition by talented artists Sue Cant, Julie Roberts, Lynne Thomson and Jo Townsend. Canberra Potters Gallery, until 4 August; Canberra Potters Gallery
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers: Are supported by The Grogans on this stretch of the Fix It With Salt Tour. The Baso, Sunday 4 August 7:30pm; oztix.com.au
Trophy Boys: Played in real-time as the St Imperium debating team prepare their case, Trophy Boys is a queer black comedy about power, privilege and high school debating. Canberra Theatre Centre, 5-10 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Canberra CareersXpo: Secondary students will be able to gain valuable career guidance and advice from universities, colleges, and career placement organisations. Exhibition Park in Canberra, 7-8 August; careersxpo.com.au
Annie: With equal measures of luck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyoneโs hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 7-10 August; theq.net.au
ANCA Gallery: Stephanie Scroope and Jay Kochel present Lineaments, an exhibition meeting somewhere between abstract geometry and portraiture. ANCA Gallery Dickson, 7-25 August; anca.net.au
Canberra Symphony Orchestra: Presents Beethoven 9, a program that defies the depths of Canberra winter with a celebration of the human spirit: its sacred fragility and transcendent imagination. Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 7-8 August; cso.org.au
A Flute Fantasia: from Bach to Bizet and Beyond: Pianist Robert Schmidli and flautist Liz Minkyung Kim perform works from Bach, Bizet, Godard and more. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 7 August 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Ensemble Offspring: Are joined by renowned soprano Jane Sheldon as they perform two premieres in Light and Matter. The Street Theatre, City West, 7 August 7:30pm; thestreet.org.au
Photo Access: Presents two exhibitions- Memory Sites by Fletcher Aldous, Kailum Graves, Starry Kong and Remi Siciliano and Experimental Fields by Xi Li. 8 August- 7 September; photoaccess.org.au
Instant Comedy: Join Lightbulb for Instant Comedy! Delight in the quick wit and creativity of improvised comedy masterminds; all inspired by a single word from the audience. Combining the wit of stand-up and the intimacy of live theatre, Lightbulb creates memorable stories, colourful characters, enchanting songs and plenty of laughs. Tickets $15. Smithโs Alternative, Thursday 8 August 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Dr David McDonald: Presents his 2024 National Library Fellowship lecture Experiencing institutional ‘care’ with Dr David McDonald. National Library of Australia, Thursday 8 August 12:30pm; nla.gov.au
The Offering: Author, poet, and rapper Omar Musa and cellist and composer Mariel Roberts bring a dramatic seafaring monologue to the stage with stirring music, poetry, and theatre performance rooted in the tradition of oral histories. The Q- Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 8 August 7:30pm; theq.net.au
ACT SEASONAL AND COLLECTABLE FAIR: Find unique treasures, wanted or yet discovered as over 20 exhibitors from all over NSW, Victoria and the ACT present jewellery, Asian antiquity, and unique items of French glassware or ceramics, along with a treasure trove of antique furniture and collectables. Adults $12; Children under 14 free; Concession $10. Albert Hall, 9-11 August; mc-rotary.org/antique-fair
The Comedians: Returning for an encore performance, four comedy superstars – Mick Molloy, Lawrence Mooney, Sam Pang and Marty Sheargold present one massive show. Canberra Theatre Centre, 9-10 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Troy Cassar-Daley: Celebrates the launch of his newest album with the help of Tameka Kennedy in the Between the Fires Tour. Tallagandra Hill Winery, Friday 9 August 7pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
The Rolling Stones Revue: Celebrate 60 years of the Rock n Roll legends with Adalita (Magic Dirt), Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon), Tex Perkins (The Cruel Sea) and Tim Rogers (You Am I) as they play some of the bands greatest hits. Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 9 August 8pm; ticketek.com.au
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Presents three exhibitions- Sisters Interwoven by Megan Daley and Rechelle Turner; All Guns Blazing by Jamie-Lee Trindall; and Breaking Ground by Heidi Smith and Michelle England, until 10 August; tuggeranongarts.com
Lord of the Flies: Faithful to the classic novel, a group of schoolboys are the only survivors of a plane crash on a deserted island and their struggle to survive. Rep Theatre, until 10 August; canberrarep.org.au
National Science Week: Delve into the exciting world of science with one of the great events happening around the city from a tour exploring whatโs underneath to walks in nature, various locations, 10-18 August, full program; scienceweek.net.au
Fired Up 2024: What the Flux: Annual winter celebration of clay where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant world of ceramics. Canberra Potters, Watson Arts Centre, Saturday 10 August 3-8pm; Fired Up 2024 – Canberra Potters
Classical Diamond- Trilogy in Symphony: A journey through Neil Diamondโs albums Hot August Night, The Jazz Singer and Jonathon Livingston Seagull with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and Peter Byrne. Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 10 August 8pm; cscc.com.au
Over Time: A retrospective exhibition features works highlighting Nany Tingeyโs 60-year career from the North of England to Australia. Strathnairn Arts, until 11 August; strathnairn.com.au
Julia: A compelling insight into the person behind the mask, this incredible production showcases the lead-up to Julia Gillardโs iconic Misogyny Speech. Canberra Theatre Centre, until 11 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Portobello Road: Browse an eclectic and quirky mix of treasures as stallholders offer vintage jewellery, china, silver, linen, restored pieces and much more. Old Bus Depot Market, Kingston, Sunday 11 August 9:30am; obdm.com.au
Twist & Shout: A Salute to 50s and 60s Rock โnโ Roll: Relive the hits of Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chucky Berry and all our favourites in this award-winning show. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 11 August 2pm; theq.net.au
Come Fly with me: The Canberra Menโs Choir present an afternoon of songs at merriment at The Harmonie German Club, 11 August 2:30pm; trybooking.com
Variety Is Back, Baby: Wild Voices Music Theatre presents a showcase of their talented students in this not-to-be-missed concert. The Street Theatre, 11 August 5pm; thestreet.org.au
2024 Ann Moyal Lecture: This yearโs lecture is A smart vision for a sustainable future: SMaRT technologies and MICROfactoriesโข creating sustainable materials and products from waste with Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla. National Library of Australia, Monday 12 August 6pm; nla.gov.au
QPAF 2024: ICONIC: Queanbeyan Schools Performing Arts Festival (QPAF) presents ICONIC. Canberra Theatre Centre, 13-14 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
2024 Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival: Presenting the best new cinema from the Nordic region, a lineup set to warm the hearts and minds of cinemagoers this winter. Palace Electric cinemas, until 14 August; scandinavianfilmfestival.com
Some Like It Marilyn: A cabaret show celebrating one of the biggest icons off the 20th Century with songs and scenes from Monroeโs classic movies. Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 14-24 August; milltheatreatdairyroad.com
Menopause The Musical: The hit show is a celebration for women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived โThe Changeโ. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 14-17 August; theq.net.au
The Shadows of Romanticism: Canberra-based baritone Alasdair Stretch performs works from the romantic movement including songs by Strauss and Schumann. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 14 August 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Jim Jefferies: The funnyman returns to Canberra with the Give โEm What They Want Tour. National Convention Centre, 15-16 August; ticketek.com.au
Beaver Galleries: Showcases two exhibitions- The Memory of Place by Peter Boggs and Tidal Threads by Benjamin Edols and Kathy Elliott. 15-31 August; beavergalleries.com.au
Womenโs Revue: ANU Womenโs Revue presents Itโs a Femininomenon! A spectacular night of comedy. Canberra Theatre Centre, 15-18 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Mike Oldfieldโs Tubular Bells: Mike Oldfieldโs trailblazing magnum opus will be performed by an expansive live group, featuring and arranged by long-term collaborator, Robin A Smith. Canberra Theatre Centre, Thursday 15 August 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Showcases three exhibitions- Anitu, Old Gods, Beliefs and Superstitions by IDioM; Longing and Belonging a group show; and Kambah 50 a group exhibition. 16 August- 12 October; tuggeranongarts.com
Smiths@Belco: This edition of the live music event sees Australiana band The Bushwackers launch their new album The Great Australian Lap. Belconnen Arts Centre, Saturday 17 August 7pm; belcoarts.com.au
Em Rusciano: Returns after five years with her new show Outgrown, a hilarious and multisensory look into the beauty that can emerge when everything is burned to the ground. Canberra Theatre Centre, 17 August 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Ballet International Gala: Witness classical ballet at its best as the worldโs most renowned artists perform some of balletโs most iconic repertoires. Canberra Theatre Centre, Monday 19 August 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Every Brilliant Thing: A transcendent and tender celebration of life, that reminds us to pay attention to lifeโs smallest joys, and to each other. ACT Hub, 20-25 August; acthub.com.au
ANU Shakespeare Society: The Comedy of Errors follows two sets of identical twins who donโt know about the other. Now set in the โ80s, the show promises to be whimsical and full of shenanigans. Canberra Theatre Centre, 21-24 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Cirque Bon Bon: Following a sold-out Brisbane festival season, Cirque Bon Bon transforms Canberra Theatre into a cauldron of excitement, drama and hilarity! An all-star cast of contortionists, acrobats and dancers present an extravaganza of light, movement and comedy in an all-ages show thatโs bound to have the audience screaming for more. Canberra Theatre Centre, 22-24 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Malcolm Cooke: An exhibition highlighting more than five decades of practice, dedication and creating ceramics in 55. Canberra Potter Gallery, 22 August- 22 September; canberrapotters.com.au
Coffee with the Curator: Join Allister Mills, curator of William Yang’s Mardi Gras, for an in-depth exploration of the exhibition. National Library of Australia, Thursday 22 August 10:30am; nla.gov.au
Hana Hou!: The eight-member ensemble from the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific performs classic rock, R&B, Top 40, Hawaiian favourites and jazz classics. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 22 August 4pm & 7pm; tuggeranongarts.com
Jurrungu Ngan-ga [Straight Talk]: Blending movement, music, soundscape, spoken word and projection, Marrugekuโs unique intercultural work reflects the impact of government-sanctioned brutality. Canberra Theatre Centre, 23-24 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Merry Widow: Never tried opera before? The Merry Widow is the perfect introduction, with its catchy tunes and engaging storyline, itโs half musical, half opera, and 100% fun! This show is your gateway to a vibrant and entertaining experience. Join us and discover why this classic is loved by so many. The Q- Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 23-25 August; nationalopera.org.au
The Mersey Beatles: The Liverpool-born Beatles tribute honours the music of the unforgettable Fab Four. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Friday 23 August 7:30pm; theq.net.au
Celeste Barber: The comedian promises a night of laughs from inappropriately texting your therapist to what it would be like to be on the road with Taylor Swift in Backup Dancer. National Convention Centre, 23 August 7:30pm; ticketek.com.au
Oz Comic Con: All your nerdy dreams can come true at the 2024 fiction entertainment and comic convention; cosplay, panels, performances, competitions, markets and so much more. Exhibition Park in Canberra, 24-25 August; ozcomiccon.com/canberra
Joan Ross: Those trees came back to me in my dreams: The acclaimed contemporary artist presents a dynamic and vibrant exhibition that explores the ongoing consequences of colonisation, climate change, greed and consumerism. National Portrait Gallery, 24 August- 2 February; portrait.gov.au
Moving in Circles: A showcase of past and recent printworks highlighting the ongoing topics of concern such as nuclear disarmament and human rights. Megalo Print Studio, until 24 August; megalo.org
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: Invites you to step back to a visionary age when music evoked emotions in Voices of the Italian Baroque Treasures. Snow Concert Hall, Saturday 24 August 2:30pm; snowconcerthall.com
Hayley Jensen: The powerhouse country pop artist plays a collection of her hits with the full band. Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan, Saturday 24 August 7:30pm; humanitix.com
The Roy Orbison Story: Mark Shelley performs some of the best hits of the iconic performer including Only the Lonely, Pretty Woman and Penny Arcade. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 24 August 7:30pm; theq.net.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Showcases five exhibitions – Bloodlines by Jessika Spencer; Reclamation: Stories of Thrivival by Wallabindi; Murrook by Krystal Hurst; Respecting Country by William Walker; and Yurwang Bullarn by Strong Womenโs Group. Until 25 August; belcoarts.com.au
Yesterdayโs Gone: Kav Temperley (of Eskimo Joe fame), Fanny Lumsden, Charlie Collins, and Karen Lee Andrews pay homage to The Fleetwood Mac Legacy and play some of their most beloved hits. Canberra Theatre Centre, Tuesday 27 August 7pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
ANCA Gallery: This is Not a Solo Show (v2) by Peter Sharp and Michelle Cawthorn explores how couple engage, collaborate or ignore each otherโs arts practices. ANCA Gallery, Dickson, 28 August- 15 September; anca.net.au
Chris Cain: The US blues guitar master returns to Australia to celebrate his latest album Raisinโ Cain. Harmonie German Club, Thursday 29 August 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
Marcia Hines: celebrates five decades in the industry with The Still Shining Tour where she performs songs from across her entire career. Canberra Theatre Centre, 29 August 7:30 pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Showcases four new exhibitions- Light and Shade by Donna Lawrence; The Materialisation of Testament by Kerry Martin; The Walls Once Built by Holly Meehan; and Over Seas by Canberraโs migrant communities. 30 August- 13 October; belcoarts.com.au
The Peasant Prince: The childrenโs version of Li Cunxinโs iconic autobiography, Maoโs Last Dancer, an extraordinary production of a remarkable story โ of a peasant boy turned dance giant. Canberra Theatre Centre, 30-31 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Sean Martin: The self-taught artist showcases a series of drawings and paintings in Anonymous Sentiment. Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Manuka, 30 August- 8 September; ccas.com.au
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour: A night of entertainment featuring a line-up of festival favourites and emerging talents. Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 30 August 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Change: Stories from your pocket: The Royal Australian Mint curates an exhibition exploring the stories our coins tell about our history. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 31 August; cmag.com.au
Korean Film Festival: In its 15th year the captivating exploration of Korean cinema shares spine-tingling thrillers, heartwarming rom-coms and more. Palace Electric Cinema, 31 August- 1 September; koffia.com.au
Plate to Plate: Local artist collective Hands on Studio! Collaborates with Robbie Karmel, Caren Florence and programs at Mulch! Community gardens in this exhibition. Megalo Print Studio, 31 August- 12 October; megalo.org
Smiths@Belco: This edition of the live music event sees traditional and experimental fusion artist William Crighton take the stage. Belconnen Arts Centre, Saturday 31 August 7pm; belcoarts.com.au
HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr: Experience the life of Hollywood starlet and inventor Hedy Lamarr on stage in this extraordinary one woman show. The Street Theatre, 31 August 7:30pm; thestreet.org.au
Continuing
Discovering Ancient Egypt: On loan from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities is a deep dive into the culture of the ancient society with more than 220 objects, spanning more than 3,000 years. National Museum of Australia, until 8 September; nma.gov.au
Ella Barclay: Presents works developed whilst on residency at ZK/U The Centre for Art and Urbanistics I Berlin. CCAS, Lakeside, until 14 September: ccas.com.au
Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2024: The 12 finalists for the Little Darlings competition that saw students from kindergarten to year 12 respond to the theme My Story through different mediums. National Portrait Gallery, until 15 September; portrait.gov.au
Gauguinโs World: Tลna Iho, Tลna Ao: Experience the enduring art of the French Post-Impressionist Paul Gaugin through some his most recognised works. National Gallery of Australia, until 7 October; nga.gov.au
Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize: Artists from around the country present natural themed works in this renowned competition. National Archives of Australia, until 27 October; naa.gov.au
Napier Waller Art Prize 2024: Featuring 17 highly commended entries by Australian Defence Force veterans, this powerful exhibition is open to the public at Australian Parliament House until 13 October. More info: awm.gov.au/napier-waller-art-prize-hub
Materialityโฆbut not as we know it: Ten artists and designers with Canberra connections explore the ideas around truth to materials and functionality and design. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 20 October; cmag.com.au
Hope and Fear: Australian Migration Stories: Celebrate the journey of those who come to call Australia home through an incredible collection of imagery, documentation, memorabilia and personal stories. National Library of Australia, until 2 February; nla.gov.au
MoAD: Home to a host of exhibitions, such as Behind the Lines 2023, Blueprint andStatement: Jack Greenโs Paintings at Old Parliament House, free entry; bookings encouraged.
Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People: Discover the story of Canberra as the place where nationhood found a home โ the people, places and history that make up this city and region. Canberra Museum and Gallery, ongoing; cmag.com.au
Recurring
Sing Australia: Weekly sessions at: Belconnen, Thursday 9.30am; Duntroon, Monday 7.30pm; Greenway, Monday 1pm. Costs apply; singaustralia.com.au
Mt Ainslie Music Club: The community ensemble meets for improvisation every first Thursday of the month 8-10pm, Ainslie Arts Centre; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Smithโs Alternative: Irish Jam each Friday from 4pm; Comedy Open Mic, first Sunday of the month 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Night Markets: The community-run event runs every Friday 4-8pm at Anketell Street, Tuggeranong.
Capital Region Farmers Market: Fresh seasonal produce and gourmet goods at EPIC, Saturdays 7-11.30am; capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
The Little Burley Market: Bringing gourmet food and artisan handicrafts lakeside each week. Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Saturday 9am-1.30pm; thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Trash and Treasure: Hunt for second-hand goods, fresh produce and homewares every Sunday at the Jamison Centre, 7am-12.30pm; trashandtreasuremarketjamison.com.au
Bric-a-Brac Rummage: Hunt for second-hand treasure in front of South.Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm.
Old Bus Depot Markets: The much-loved markets continue at the Old Bus Depot in Kingston, Sundays 9.30am-2.30pm; obdm.com.au
Lunchulele: Every Monday 12.30-1.30pm, ukulele players perform at Smithโs Alternative; smithsalternative.com
Behind-the-Scenes History Tour: Go behind the scenes of Canberraโs oldest public building and see its evolution. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, every Wednesday and Friday 10.30am-2pm; canberraglassworks.com
Kippax Marketplace: Indoor market at Kippax Uniting Church Community Centre on the 3rd Saturday of the month 8am-12pm; free entry.
Community Market: Monthly market at Calwell shopping centre on the 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-3pm and Queanbeyan Park on the 3rd Sunday 9am-2pm.
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