Growing up in Melbourne, I had everything arts and culture related at my fingertips.

There was an array of small and big venues to attend concerts and live performances, comedy shows and theatre productions, restaurants and bars.

Several of the regional towns I’ve lived at in Queensland and Victoria merely had one or a handful of venues, a cinema or theatre to attend.

So, I am really excited to return to city living where there is a variety of venues to attend events.

When I moved to Canberra in mid-September 2024, people may have assumed it was for a political journalist role. However, it was to write lifestyle (and news/community) content for CW/CD.

Some people may see Canberra as a boring and non-tourist place to visit, and a city filled with diplomats and government buildings, but my aim for the role is to show that the country’s capital is more than just a playground for politics.

I have only been here a short while but have already learnt there is quite a lot to do in the city; there are more than 30 galleries to visit, museums, and plenty of live music venues showcasing local, interstate and international talent.

I caught a glimpse of Floriade and was impressed it wasn’t just about the flowers, but also promoted live music and performances, while also offering an array of food.

Many of the shows that grace the stages in Melbourne and Sydney, including the Chicago musical, UK comedians Jack Whitehall and Romesh Ranganathan and respected touring artists, including Marcia Hines, Diesel and Brad Cox, also make a pit stop in Canberra.

Canberra is also the original home of the Spilt Milk festival, which later expanded to run in Ballarat, the Gold Coast and Perth.

Unfortunately, the 2024 festival, which was set to run in November, was cancelled.

However, the inaugural, The Times Music Festival, popped up at the old Canberra Times building in Fyshwick, on 14 September.

The ode to dance music, marketed as a “unique festival experience Canberra has never seen before” saw the likes of Sneaky Sound System, Bag Raiders, The Potbelleez and DJ Havana Brown on the bill.

The annual spring event is set to keep fresh by taking place in a different “iconic” Canberra location each time it runs.

The things I’m most excited about during my time in Canberra are visiting international exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery, watching comedians and artists perform across the city, attending cultural events and visiting the National Library of Australia.

My tip for any other newbies to the city is not to be afraid to attend events on your own if there is something you really want to see or do as you settle in – and take in as much of the city’s arts and culture scene as possible.

What is your favourite place or arts and culture thing to do in the ACT?

– Lillian Altman

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