Soak up the last month of summer with an outdoor activity or beat the heat by heading to one of many exhibitions being held around Canberra and the surrounding regions.
New exhibitions: Five new exhibitions at Belconnen Arts Centre, the opening will be held on 7 February at 6pm, with the exhibition running until 23 March, Belconnen Arts Centre; belcoarts.com.au/exhibitions
National Multicultural Festival: The iconic festival brings together more than 170 multicultural communities to share their culture, history and heritage through food, art, song and dance. Garema Place and Glebe Park, 7-9 February, Friday 5-11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday 10am-5pm; multiculturalfestival.com.au
The Lifeline Canberra Bookfair: Buy a book or two, a puzzle and other goodies to support Lifeline Canberra. EPIC, Friday 7 February 9am-6pm, Saturday 8 February 9am-5pm and Sunday 9 February 9am-4pm; lifelinecanberra.org.au/books/bookfair
The Bald Archy Prize 2025: Australia’s premier satirical art prize is back, celebrating the lighter side of art and the larrikin Australian spirit. The Bald Archy Prize was created in 1994 as a spoof of that more serious competition (the Archibald Prize). Watson Arts Centre, 7 February to 23 March, the winner will be announced on 21 March at 6pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am-4pm, Sunday 11am-3pm; canberrapotters.com.au/project/the-bald-archy-prize-2025
BLAZE 2025: Curated by Alexander Boynes and Benjamin Shingles, the exhibiting artists are Sophia Childs, Sophie Dumaresq, Gabrielle Hall-Lomax, Emeirely Nucifora-Ryan, Brennan O’Brien, Jessika Spencer, Canberra Contemporary. Collectively, the artists delve into the issues present in cultural heritage, identity, societal norms and underrepresented experiences. An opening will be held on 7 February at 6pm, with the exhibition running from 8February to 17 April; canberracontemporary.com.au/whats-on
Waves of Kinship: New photograph-based work by Polish-born Kamberri/Canberra based artist Marzena Wasikowska, inspired by fieldwork and studio meditations on the built environment, waterscapes and global warming, as well as her immediate family, exhibition opening 6 February at 6pm, Platform, Canberra Contemporary, Manuka, exhibition runs 7-23 February;canberracontemporary.com.au/future/waves-of-kinship-marzena-wasikowska
Powerchair football come and try day: Powerchair football, a small but growing sport in Canberra, is often described as murderball with a motor, the special guest on the day is Sydney FC powerchair head coach Jason Ryan, AIS training hall courts 4 and 5, 8 February, 10am to 3pm; facebook.com/CapitalFootballACT
2nd Hand(s) on My Body Returns: After debuting in November 2024, My Body is back for round two, bringing together fashion, pole dance, and sustainability in a one-of-a-kind creative experience, The Brass Room Fyshwick Studio, 8 February, noon-2:30 pm; momence.com/The-Brass-Room/product/Clothing-Swap—2nd-Hand%28s%29-on-my-Body/221455
Intro to Clown workshop with Garry Starr: Participants will explore how to be funny without trying. The pressure to make people laugh will be graciously taken out of your hands and we will instead be finding ways to make each other look ridiculous so we can hone our skills in listening for laughter and responding accordingly. The Q, 8 February, 10am-4pm, Starr (Damien Warren-Smith) will perform his show, Classic Penguins, at the venue on 7 February, 7:30-8:30pm; https://theq.net.au
Dear Songs EP launch: Listen to the dulcet tones of Ireland-born Canberra singer Inez Hargaden as she launches her EP Dear Songs, all while sipping a tipple of wine or two. Tallagandra Hill Winery, 9 February, 4-6pm; eventbrite.com.au/e/inez-hargaden-tickets-1106049055499
Dream Burnie book launch: Dream Burnie features more than 300 colour pages showcasing some of the North-West Coast of Tasmania’s most successful artists including Josh Earl, Van Walker and Oslo Davis. There is also an exclusive interview with Peter Garrett about Midnight Oil’s song ‘Burnie.’ (From their 1981 album Place Without a Postcard). The book will be launched with a series of gigs by University of Canberra graduate and musical comedian Justin Heazlewood aka The Bedroom Philosopher, accompanied by a pop up art exhibition. Smith’s Alternative, 11 February, 5-6:30pm; smithsalternative.com/events/dream-burnie-book-launch-89811
AI in science: the promise, perils and path forward – What is AI? Curious about how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world around us?Join the Australian Academy of Science in 2025 for the first of six talks where an expert panel takes a look at what AI means, how it is used in our everyday lives and its likelihood of impacting us in the future. The panel will also look at the risks, limitations and ethics of AI use in science and society. Shine Dome, Acton, 11 February, canapes and drinks served in the Jaeger Room from 5:30pm, panel discussion and livestream from 6pm; science.org.au/news-and-events/events/public-speaker-series/ai-in-science-the-promise-perils-and-path-forward
Author talk – Frank Moorhouse: Strange paths with Matthew Lamb: Join the Friends of the National library and biographer Matthew Lamb for “a ramble in the mind of an adolescent” as he delves into young Frank Moorhouse’s life, exploring how this critical period shaped the author and why adolescence deserves more attention in literary biography, NLA, 12 February, 6-7pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/author-talk-frank-moorhouse-strange-paths-matthew-lamb
Truth-listening in a time of truth-telling: Step into the captivating world of history as Professors Clare Wright and Frank Bongiorno come together for an illuminating conversation about Clare’s latest book Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions and her groundbreaking body of work. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and light refreshments, Manning Clark House, 12 February, 6-8pm; trybooking.com/CXZJR
Lakespeare: Shakespeare lovers, rejoice! The Q and Lakespeare present the Bard’s shortest, sharpest, and bloodiest play under the stars! Macbeth will be staged at Aunty Louise Brown Park, Queanbeyan 12-16 February, shows at 4 and 6pm, and at various other venues from 21 February to 2 March; lakespeare.com
2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge: The Canberra Raiders are back at home for their second pre-season trial of 2025, taking on the Cronulla Sharks under the lights in an exciting Thursday night clash, GIO Stadium Canberra, 13 February, 7:50pm; raiders.com.au/news/2024/11/21/2025-nrl-pre-season-challenge
ANU Climate Update 2025: If not now, when? Examine the responses to our changing climate in Australia and around the world with Professor Mark Howden as he presents his final climate update. Hosted by the Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions, Prof Howden will reflect on the evolution of the climate emergency over the last decade with ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury MLA. Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 13 February, 5-7pm; anu.edu.au/events/anu-climate-update-2025-if-not-now-when
Woo at the Zoo: Looking for a Valentine’s Day experience like no other? Head to the National Zoo and Aquarium for a special guided tour and discover the fascinating (and often hilarious) world of animal courtship! The event includes a grazing platter upon arrival, with a view of our resident squirrel monkeys, an up-close Reptile Meet n’ Greet, 90-minute guided tour, photo ops and a picnic box for two with chocolate covered strawberries and a glass of Moët Champagne. National Zoo and Aquarium, February 14, experiences at 5pm, picnic from 7pm; nationalzoo.com.au/wooatthezoo
Googfest 2025: A free live music event of Googonian proportions. Headlined by Samantha Jade with support acts including the Matthew Charles Band and Last Call, Rockley Oval, Googong NSW, 15 February, 5pm-9pm; googong.net/news-and-events/events/googfest-2025
2025 Lantern Festival: The Australia China Friendship Society is running a free lantern festival. There will be performances of Chinese music, dancing, and martial arts, with a lantern parade at the end. Bring a picnic and enjoy a family evening by the lake. Bring your own lantern or buy one there. Canberra Beijing Garden, Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, 15 February, 6:15-8:30pm; acfs.org.au/event/lantern-festival-5
The Big Gay Yoga Day: A yoga, meditation, breathwork and sound healing event for the LGBTQ+ community, their friends and chosen family. Lead by four local queer wellness facilitators. It includes lunch and snacks. The Griffith Neighbourhood Centre, 15 February, 10.15am-4.30pm; andreasembodiment.com/biggayyogaday
Art Song Canberra: Songs of Eve: Gabriel Fauré’s rarely heard song cycle La Chanson d’Ève (The Song of Eve) gradually unfolds as Eve, alone, discovers the Garden of Eden. Songs by Francis Poulenc and Pascal Dusapin complement the program in true French fashion while Jane’s own vocal creations add a new and contemporary perspective, will be joined by Jack Symonds, artistic director of Sydney Chamber Opera and composer of the recently premiered opera Gilgamesh premiered in Sydney to great acclaim. Wesley Music Centre, 16 February 3pm; artsongcanberra.org/wordpress
Balanas Sisters: The sibling duo will perform music from their homeland, works by French impressionist magnates Ravel and Debussy, the notorious Passacaglia by Handel/Halvorsen, and their signature arrangement of Vivaldi’s dramatic and evergreen Four Seasons. Snow Concert Hall, 20 February at 7pm; snowconcerthall.com/the-balanas-sisters
Exhibition Openings: Two exhibitions are opening at Craft + Design Canberra, Emerging Contemporaries, which celebrates local early career designers and makers showcasing talent from the ANU School of Art and Design, Canberra Potters Society, and Canberra Institute of Technology. It highlights the innovative practices shaping the future of Australian craft and design and The Omega Series by Pamela Irving, who transforms discarded sardine tins into whimsical “Omega characters.” The playful series reflects on waste, material culture, and the ultimate limits of consumption through reimagined forms. Craft + Design Canberra, 20 February, 6-8pm; events.humanitix.com/exhibition-opening-or-the-omega-series-emerging-contemporaries
2025 Royal Canberra Show: This year’s show will include BMX trick bicycles, showjumping, a grand parade, fireworks, dog races, animals, rides, showbags and lots of free things to do and see, plus more. Exhibition Park in Canberra, 21-23 February; canberrashow.org.au
Brumbies v Western Force: The ACT Brumbies kick off their first home game of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season against Western Force. There will also be plenty of entertainment on and off the field, GIO Stadium Canberra, 22 February, 7.35pm; https://brumbies.rugby
Free budgeting and money management course: A CAP Money Course helps you to find ways to manage on less money. Teaching you to develop skills to reduce debt, budget, save and have more control of your finances. Tuggeranong Baptist Church, 23 Garratt Street,Wanniassa, 22 February and 1 March, 9:15am-12:45pm; capaust.org/
Historical Canberra recordings: Half a century ago, concerts were recorded on tape at a tertiary institution in Canberra. Now, former Canberra College of Advanced Education student (now the University of Canberra) Pete McMahon has painstakingly digitised the recordings, Pete will play the recordings live like a DJ with an introduction to each track. Western Room, Canberra Irish Club, 5pm, 22 February.
Spit Screening and Q&A with David Wenham: After 20 years on the run overseas, small-time ex-criminal Johnny “Spit” Spitieri (played by David Wenham), slips back into Australia on a false passport only to find himself locked up in an immigration detention centre with a massive target on his back as old enemies come looking for him, determined to settle old scores. As he struggles to stay one step ahead, the resourceful Spit finds new friends in detention, teaching them his version of mateship, and what it means to be truly Australian. Dendy Canberra, 23 February, 6:30-9pm; canberra.dendy.com.au/movie/spit
Constellations: An immersive audiovisual experience where sound, light and space collide. Step into a different dimension and immerse yourself in the energy and ambience of Constellations, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia gallery, Acton, 27 February to 4 May, Free admission; nfsa.gov.au/events-experiences/constellations
Fit to Print: Australian photojournalist Mike Bowers has selected him favourite images from the Fairfax Photo Archive this exhibition featuring about 150 photographs illustrating moments in Australian history from the 1890s to the late 1940s, which includes a range of themes, including sporting and social events, the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, aviation, rural scenes, industry, celebrities and politicians. These images have appeared in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Sun and The Sydney Mail; National Library of Australia, 27 February–20 July; library.gov.au/news-media/mike-bowers-curating-exhibition-fairfax-photo-archive-images-national-library-australia
Enlighten Festival: Across 11 days, the city will come alive with vibrant light displays, art installations, and immersive experiences, transforming iconic locations into dynamic works of art. This year’s theme is Reflecting Our Story, which celebrates Australian stories through multi-sensory experiences, with light, sound, and larger-than-life installations, various locations across Canberra, 28 February to 10 March; enlightencanberra.com
Summer film series: The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia celebrates summer with a curated selection of culture-shaping films and nostalgic hits, including family-friendly Cool Holidays matinee screenings and a vibrant Hot Summer Nights evening program and courtyard activation. NFSA, daily until 28 February; nfsa.gov.au/events-experiences/nfsa-arc-cinema
Pompeii: Step inside Pompeii and discover life in the ancient city before the fateful eruption of Mount Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago. The exhibition is a multi-sensory immersive experience combining a 360-degree recreation of the volcanic eruption alongside more than 90 objects from the ancient city. National Museum of Australia, until May 4, 9am-5pm; nma.gov.au/exhibitions/pompeii
Lindy Lee: This exhibition brings together highlights from across the artist’s career as well as a monumental new installation and works on paper. Exploring themes of ancestry, spirituality, the environment and the cosmos, this display of new and recent works will shed light on Lee’s ever evolving and ambitious practice. National Gallery of Australia, until 1 June, 10am-5pm; nga.gov.au/exhibitions/lindylee
The Excellencies of Musick: Highlights from the Jamie and Michael Kassler Collection: Enter the musical world of Stuart and Georgian Britain, a world of concert-going, music-makers and thinkers, of printers and publishers. The exhibition features exquisite and intriguing rare prints, rare books and manuscripts dating from 17th to early 19th century Britain. It will delight anyone interested in the history of music and the history and technology of books and printing, the exhibition runs until 17 August 2025, daily 9am-5pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/excellencies-musick-highlights-jamie-and-michael-kassler-collection
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