Welcome to October, the month when the weather gets a bit warmer, blooms open more and things can get a bit spooky at the end!
CW has compiled a list of events, exhibitions, and experiences around Canberra to keep you thrilled and fulfilled all month long.
Highlights this month include the final two weeks of the spring festival Floriade, the return of the Queanbeyan-Palerang Arts Trail, and Gungahlin is celebrated with two weeks of festivities, 8-22 October.
NightFest: Explore Floriade’s dark side with entertainment, illuminations and more, from 29 September to 2 October 6.30-10.30pm, in Commonwealth Park; floriadeaustralia.com
Dancing at Lughnasa: The Mockingbird Students Ensemble inaugural production, Gorman Arts Centre, 29 September-1 October; trybooking.com
Pingu goes to Law School: Moot Moot, the ANU Law Revue 2022 celebrates 50 years, Canberra REP Theatre, 29 September-1 October; allevents.in
The Arts Trail: Returns to celebrate local artists and makers from Queanbeyan-Palerang region, with the focus this weekend on Braidwood, 1-2 October; visitqueanbeyanpalerang.com.au
Positives and Negatives: Turning recycled wood into 3D art, Karen Warburton’s new exhibition focuses on upcycling, Rusten House Arts Centre, 1-22 October; qprc.nsw.gov.au
Jingo Was Born in The Slum: Matthew Thorne presents a powerful exhibition reflecting on Ned Kelly and his gang, Canberra Museum + Gallery, until 4 March 2023; cmag.com.au
Drawn From Within: Denise Moule exhibits her geometric abstraction works at Bungendore Fine Art Gallery, opens 1 October; bungendorefineart.com.au
Canberra Cat Fest: Celebrate felines with a day of market stalls, food trucks, cats for adoption, and a screening of A Street Cat Named Bob, Old Bus Depot Markets, 1 October 10am; catfest.org.au
Be Your Personal Best: A panel discussion featuring national personalities as they share their stories, Canberra Centre, 1 October 1pm; eventbrite.com
Midnight Oil: After being rained out earlier in the year, the iconic band bring their Resist tour to Fellows Oval, ANU, Saturday 1 October 4pm; moshtix.com.au
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Start your engines; Drag Race Down Under – Live on Stage hits Canberra Theatre, 1 October 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Coco Melon at South.Point: JJ has landed at the southside shopping centre with crafts, bowling, and putt putt, South.Point, Tuggeranong, until 2 October.
Arboretum Kite Fest: Enjoy the sun and the sky with a day of flying kites at the National Arboretum Canberra on Sunday 2 October 10am-3pm. Bring a picnic or order one through Ginger Catering, or enjoy a selection of pop-up food options, plus kite demonstrations in the amphitheatre, live entertainment and more; nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/visit/whats-on/school-holidays-and-feature-events/arboretum-kite-fest
Beautiful Thing: Summer of 1993 in southeast London two neighbours realise they might be more than friends, ACT Hub, Kingston, 4-15 October. “A poignant coming-of-age comedy, beautifully acted. 5 stars” – Canberra Daily; thelittleboxoffice.com
United Through Art: Series of free art workshops for women from refugee and migrant backgrounds: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Wednesdays 10am; Woden Library, Thursdays 10am until 24 November; tuggeranongarts.com
Canberra Youth Theatre: Presents Soul Trading by Kate Walder, a funny, fascinating, sci-fi adventure, at The Courtyard Studio, Civic, 5-8 October; canberrayouththeatre.com.au
Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical at Canberra Theatre, 5-8 October (“this is one wild, raunchy ride” – Canberra Daily; cruelintentions.com.au
Glassworks: Hosts two installations Hannah Gason’s Arranging Light and Consuelo Cavaniglia’s self-titled exhibition. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, 5 October-27 November; canberraglassworks.com
Warehouse Circus: A show full of acrobatic feats, juggling wizardry and more in Elemental, The Street, City West, 5-8 October; thestreet.org
Rhythm & Flow: Songwriting in free Hip Hop workshop with Serbian-Australian rapper Kirklandd, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 5 October 10am, registration required; tuggeranongarts.com
Mt Ainslie Music Club: The community musical ensemble meets for improvisation every first Thursday of the month 8-10pm, Ainslie Arts Centre; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers: Celebrating the stories of the man himself, the acclaimed tour from the UK comes to Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 6-8 October; trybooking.com
Living With the Dead: Professor John Turnbull presents his research on First Nation-Settler relations, National Library of Australia, 6 October 12.30pm; nla.gov.au
School of Rock: The Musical, Dramatic Productions presents the first local production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical, School of Rock, based on the 2003 film of the same name, at Gungahlin Theatre, 7-22 October; “This is a brilliant local production that demonstrates the depth and wealth of talent of all ages. It’s funny, heart-warming, and uplifting. A rockin’ great night of musical theatre” – Canberra Daily; www.stagecenta.com
Zonta’s Art Show: The Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast is holding a showcase of local artists’ works with proceeds going to projects that empower women, Old Barn, Pialligo, 7-9 and 15-16 October.
Hope: Artists from Sydney’s Australian Design Centre bring their work to Canberra in this exhibition, GOST, Watson, 7-23 October; galleryofsmallthings.com
Curses to Newton: Join bumbling scientific wannabe Brett Hoppenbrouwer as they stumble through Isaac Newton’s finds, Belconnen Arts Centre, 7 October 11am and 2pm; belcoarts.com.au
Floriade Little Day Out: Bring a picnic, bring a rug and join A+G for an afternoon of Springtime celebrations on Friday 7 October 1-4pm. The East Courtyard will host a variety of fun food vendors, roving performers, and music. There are family-friendly activities suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Come and enjoy the colourful Floriade Community garden! Supported by the 2022 Floriade Community Grant. Registration is free: ainslieandgorman.com.au/whats-on/kid-families/floriade-little-day-out/
Megalo Print Studio: Annie Trevillian takes inspiration from landscape, motifs and patterns from natural spaces, until 8 October; megalo.org
The Arts Trail: Returns to celebrate local artists and makers from the Queanbeyan-Palerang region, with the focus this weekend on Bungendore, 8-9 October; visitqueanbeyanpalerang.com.au
Celebrate Gungahlin Festival: Celebrate, participate, connect, and create with a host of events for the wider Gungahlin community, 8-22 October; belcoarts.com.au
Farm and Art Open Day: Learn about regenerative farming with a day out, start at Earth Canvas at the National Museum of Australia before heading to Millpost, 8 October; trybooking.com
The Comedy of Errors: Bell Shakespeare presents this production of swapped identities, misguided love and chaotic mishaps, Canberra Theatre, until 8 October; bellshakespeare.com.au
Canberra Bonsai Society: With over 80 perfectly sculpted bonsai on display the group returns with their annual show. Canberra High School, Macquarie, 8-9 October; cbs.org.au
CANCELLED DUE TO FORECAST RAIN – Googong Rural Fire Service Open Day: Celebrate our local heroes with a day of family fun. There will be market stalls, sausage sizzle, and a heap of sweets treats. While kids are able to climb on the fire trucks, talk on walkie-talkies, test out fire houses and try on uniforms. Bunyip Park, Googong, 8 October 10 am-2pm.
Open Day: Torrens Community Hall opens its doors with demonstrations and workshops for the whole community to enjoy. 8 October, 10am-3pm.
NAIDOC Family Day: Enjoy live entertainment, market stalls, food, coffee and activities at Boomanulla Oval, Narrabundah, 8 October from 11am; facebook.com/naidocACT
Inspired – Get Painting: With Crock’d Planters spend the afternoon painting to relax and destress, Canberra Outlet, 8 October 11am and 1pm; eventbrite.com.au
Urban Guerillas: Finally launch their Equation of Life EP, Smith’s Alternative, 8 October 3pm; smithsalternative.com
Kate Ceberano: One of the country’s favourite leading ladies brings her band for two intimate performances at Tallagandra Hill Winery, 8 October 7pm and 9 October 6.30pm; eventbrite.com.au
Rocket Man vs Piano Man: All the very best hits of Elton John and Billy Joel performed at Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 8 October 8pm; goulburnpac.com.au
Valleys Views & Vines: Over 40 works in oil, watercolour, and mixed media paintings by local artist Sylvie Carter, Rusten House, 30 September-22 October; artwithsylvie.com
Waterhouse Art Prize: See the winner and finalists from Australia’s most prestigious natural art competition at the National Archives of Australia, until 13 November; naa.gov.au
School of Magic: Children can enjoy potion classes, magic wand making, spell lessons and more at Canberra Outlet, until 9 October; canberraoutletcentre.com.au
Earth Science Week: Geoscience Australia is ready to rock with a range of events to celebrate Earth Science Week, 9-15 October; ga.gov.au
Glassworks holiday program: Children will learn introductory techniques in glassmaking to create their own masterpieces, Canberra Glassworks, until 9 October; canberraglassworks.com
Connection: An immersive journey through Indigenous culture at the National Museum of Australia, until 9 October; nma.gov.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Hosts four exhibitions: Resilience: Yet Here We are; Traces VI; More than words; and Story Clusters, until 9 October; belcoarts.com.au
SEEN: Three artists utilise different mediums to bring to light what would otherwise remain unseen in Tributary Projects, Gorman Arts Centre, until 9 October; tributaryprojects.xyz
National Portrait Gallery: The Parkes gallery hosts the Darling Portrait Prize and National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibitions, until 9 October; portrait.gov.au
Country Scenes: Flora and fauna exhibition by Eva Henry and Isla Patterson, The Link, Holt, until 9 October.
Earth Science Week: Walks, talks, workshops, and more are hosted by Geoscience Australia in celebration of the world around us, 9-15 October, for full details; ga.gov.au
Michael Taylor: New works by the abstract expressionist artist and contemporary painter. Nancy Serer Gallery, 9- 30 October; nancysevergallery.com.au
Road to Heaven: ANU Chinese Classical Music Ensemble performs for one night only, ANU, 9 October 2pm; trybooking.com
Fairytales on Ice: Touring Australia directly from a sell-out tour of US, classic tales comes to life on the ice, Canberra Theatre, 9 October 4pm and 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Bric-a-Brac Rummage: Hunt for second-hand treasure in front of South.Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm.
Backbone: This circus show celebrates human interconnectedness while testing the limits of strength in all its forms, Canberra Theatre, 13-15 October; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Not the only Clay in the Village: Showcasing the work of eight artists from the LGBTQIA+ community living in our region. Canberra Potters, 13 October- 6 November; canberrapotters.com.au
Shawn MiCallef: Discusses his memoir Tripping Over Myself at Manning Clark Hall, ANU, 13 October 6pm; eventbrite.com.au
Deadly Dialogues: Michael Torres and Tamati Smith to hear their journeys in the field of photography. National Library of Australia, 13 October 6pm; nla.gov.au
All the Earth’s A Stage: A celebration of Earth Science Weeks sees Lightbulb Improv partnering with Geoscience Australia, Smith’s Alternative, 13 October 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Sing Australia: Weekly sessions at: Belconnen, Thursday 9.30am; Duntroon, Monday 7.30pm; Greenway, Monday 1pm. Costs apply; singaustralia.com.au
Conflated: This new exhibition draws on the inflatable form as both material and metaphor, ANU School of Art and Design Gallery, until 4 November; soad.cass.anu.edu.au
ANU Classics Museum: Voluntary guides conduct free tours on the second Friday of each month at 12.30pm in the A D Hope Building, ANU; call 0438 883 373.
Cressida Campbell: The artist’s largest exhibition features more than 140 of her works, spanning her entire career, National Gallery of Australia, until 19 February; nga.gov.au
Czech and Slovak Film Festival: The 10th year explores the theme of movement presenting new, cult and restored films from the countries, Arc Cinema, NSFA, 14 and 16 October; casffa.com.au
H.M.S Pinafore: Queanbeyan Players Inc. bring Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic tale to life at The Q, Queanbeyan, 14-23 October; theq.net.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Hosts four new exhibitions- Tree Whispers by Networks Australia; A city for All Seasons by Mick Ashley; Lovely People in Lovely Country by An Pan; and Brindabella Series By Oliver Owens. Until 27 November; belcoarts.com.au
Riley Catherall: Brings his Bark At The Moon single launch to the Front Gallery and Café, 14 October 7pm; tickets.oztix.com.au
RSPCA Drag Bingo: A night full of glitz, glamour and bingo with proceeds going to help animals in need, Casino Canberra, 14 October 7pm; rspca-act.org.au
Chaika: The ARIA nominated ensemble are back for the first time since the pandemic and stopping in at Smith’s Alternative, 14 October 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Beccy Cole & Adam Harvey: The duo brings their Great Country Songbook Vol.3 Tour to The Street Theatre, City West, 14 October 8pm; thestreet.org.au
Bondi Cigars: The Blues and Roots act put on a show presented by the Canberra Blues Society, Harmonie German Club, 14 October 8pm; canberrabluessociety.com.au
Viewfinder: Photography from the 1970s to Now exhibition at the National Library of Australia, until 13 March; nla.gov.au
The Arts Trail: Returns to celebrate local artists and makers from the Queanbyean-Palerang region, with the focus this weekend on Queanbeyan, 15-16 October; visitqueanbeyanpalerang.com.au
Murrumbateman Field Days: Whip cracking, barrel racing, tractor pulls, and a weekend of rural family fun. 15-16 October, tickets must be purchased online, none available at the gate; mfdays.com
20/20/20 Vision: Michael Pugh showcases his photographic interpretations of landscapes at Cuppacumbalong Homestead, Tharwa, 15 October- 6 November; cuppacumbalong.com.au
Open Gardens Canberra: Gini’s Garden will open to the public for two days, Red Hill, 15-16 October; opengardenscanberra.org.au
Music of the Night: A celebration of the musical of the great Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Q, Queanbeyan, 15 October 2pm; theq.net.au
Tommy Little: Brings his Pretty Fly For a D*ckhead show to Canberra Theatre, 15 October 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Kippax Marketplace: Indoor market runs the 3rd Saturday of every month 8am-12pm at Kippax Uniting Church Community Centre; free entry.
Community Market: The monthly markets come to Calwell shopping centre on the 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-3pm and Queanbeyan Park on the 3rd Sunday 9am-2pm.
Floriade: The country’s most loved flower festival continues with the Sounds of Spring, Commonwealth Park, until 16 October; floriadeaustralia.com
Backblocks: By Idris Murphy, captures a great Australian painter at the height of his powers, Drill Hall Gallery, ANU, until 16 October; dhg.anu.edu.au
Woden’s 60th Birthday: Live music, art markets, stalls, community activities, and more at the suburb’s birthday party, Eddison Park, 16 October 1-4pm.
All About My Sisters: This month’s screening of Stronger Than Fiction features a personal account of China’s one-child policy. Dendy Cinema, 16 and 21 October; strongerdocs.com
Rescue run: Walk, roll, or run 56km to help RSPCA protect animals from cruelty. 18-31 October; rspcarescuerun.org.au
Little Women: Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel performed by the ANU Musical Theatre Collective, Kambri Theatre, ANU, 19-22 October; musicaltheatreco.anu.edu.au
Candlelight Concert: Experience the magic of live multi-sensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight, National Gallery of Australia, 19 October 6.30 and 8.30pm; feverup.com
Nolan’s Paradise: Experience the work of iconic Australian twentieth-century artist Sidney Nolan accompanied by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra String Quartet. Canberra Museum + Gallery, Wednesday 19 October 7.30pm; events.humanitix.com
Calvary Hospital Auxiliary Plant Stalls: A huge range of indoor and outdoor plants at bargain prices on Thursday 20 October (Jamison Centre, outside Aldi) and 27 October (Calvary Public Hospital entrance) 8am-4pm. All funds raised go towards the purchase of equipment for the care and comfort of Calvary Public Hospital patients and staff.
Conflated: This new exhibition draws on the inflatable form as both material and metaphor, ANU School of Art and Design Gallery, until 4 November; soad.cass.anu.edu.au
Meet the Author: Marion Halligan AM comes to the National Library of Australia to discuss her latest book Words for Lucy, a story of love, loss and a celebration of life. 20 October 6pm; nla.gov.au
Murder on the Nile: Tempo Theatre presents the Agatha Christie classic at Belconnen Community Theatre, 21-29 October; tempotheatre.org.au
Regurgitator: Three of the band’s members and manager head to the NFSA to celebrate their classic album Unit, National Film and Sound Archive, 21 October 7pm ; nfsa.gov.au
Drill Hall Gallery: Presents Still in my mind: Gurindji location, experience and visuality. ANU, 21 October- 18 December; dhg.anu.edu.au
POSTPONED DUE TO WEAATHER Can Give Day: Hospital Road street party hosts food trucks live entertainment and more. Canberra Hospital, 21 October 4pm tickets required; canberrahospitalfoundation.org.au
Bond For Big Band: All shaken, not stirred, and definitely swung in style the Blamey Big Street Band is joined by Rachel McNally and Andrew Hackwell in a night of 007-inspired tunes, Harmonie German Club, 21 October 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
The Comedians: Four comedic greats team up for a night of no holds barred gold old fashioned stand up at Canberra Theatre, 21 October 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Open Gardens Canberra: Two gardens will be open for viewing to the public. Campbell & Evatt, 22-23 October, for address and ticket info; opengardenscanberra.org.au
Search for Paradise: The exhibition features work by Sidney Nolan one of Australia’s most iconic twentieth-century artists. Canberra Museum + Gallery, Until 22 October; cmag.com.au
Inspired Home Styling: Style Curator’s Gina Ciancio shows you how to style your home to make it uniquely you, Canberra Outlet Centre, 22 October 11am and 1pm; eventbrite.com.au
Siw Sanda Roo: The Bhagya School of Dance performs a traditional Sri Lankan dance concert at Canberra Theatre, 22 October 6pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Quentin Angus Quintet: After spending time in NYC, the Jazz performer returns with a stellar line up and new album The State Of All Things, The Street Theatre, 22 October 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
Remembrance Day at SIEV X: On Sunday 23 October 1-2pm (bring your picnic from 12 noon), the SIEV X committee and the Refugee Action Campaign Canberra are holding a 21st anniversary day at the memorial in Weston Park, Yarralumla. After speeches and musical entertainment, you can experience a walk through the poles. You will be able to make condolence messages to hang on the memorial. A coffee van will be on site and toilets are in the park; [email protected]
Village Markets: Beautiful blooms, farm-fresh honey and eggs and more from local stallholders at Haig Park, every Sunday 8.30am-2pm; haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Lunchulele: Every Monday ukulele players mysteriously appear at Smith’s Alternative from 12.30-1.30pm; smithsalternative.com
Frederick Wiseman Season: a series of 10 Wiseman documentaries screening at the National Film and Sound Archive, screenings every other Sunday until 23 October; www.nfsa.gov.au
Braddon Busking Festival: Local musicians and performers showcase their skills. Braddon 23 October 10am- 4pm.
Spring Clothes Swap: Bring some and take some the clothes swap is a sustainable way to freshen up your wardrobe. Je Flue Bespoke Botanicals, 23 October 11am; events.humanitix.com
Spring High Tea: Indulge in delicious sweets, morish savoury delights with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, Pialligo Estate, 23 October 11.30am and 2pm; thepialligoestate.com.au
Heimat Tag Konzert: The Austrian Choir Canberra is celebrating Austria’s National Day with a Heimat Tag Konzert – Homeland Concert – on Sunday 23 October 2pm at Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah. It will be an afternoon of Austrian music, also featuring the Young Austrian Children’s Choir and the Austrian Choir Musicians. Admission $15. Book via www.harmonieclub.com.au
Diana Reid: Discusses her new book Seeing Other People at Muse Canberra, 23 October 3pm; musecanberra.com.au
Natural Machines: Jazz artist Dan Tepfer pairs music and programming in a performance of animated art, The Street Theatre, City West, 23 October 4pm; thestreet.org.au
Tim Rogers: See the You Am I front man up close and personal in this performance at Tallagandra Hill Winery, 23 October 6.30pm; eventbrite.com.au
The Wharf Revue: Perform Looking for Albanese in reflection of the national optimism that lasted a week, Canberra Theatre, 24 October-5 November; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Life is Waiting: The documentary chronicles the experienced of the Sahrawis in Western Sahara, Africa’s last colony. Kambri, ANU 26 October 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
The Irrepressible Life Force: This lunchtime concert features pianist Stuart Long as he explores Russian piano music. Wesley Music Centre, 26 October 12.40pm; wesleycanberra.org.au
Australia’s Biggest Quiz: Hepatitis Australia is trying to break a Guinness World Record and end Hepatitis C with a night of trivia. The free event is available both online and in person at Town Centre Vikings, Greenway, Wednesday 26 October 7pm; australiasbiggestquiz.org
Tom Bailey: Original member of the Thompson Twins brings his national tour to perform hits from their Into the Gap album, 26 October 8pm, Canberra theatre; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Spiritualist West, Magical Orient: Dr Sugata Nandi presents his research on theosophists and India from 1875-1950. National Library of Australia, 27 October 12.30pm; nla.gov.au
Simon Bryant: Launches his new Harry Holloway murder mystery book Death in Black and White at The Street, City West, 27 October 5.30pm; thestreet.org.au
Moon in a Dew Drop: Artist Lindy Lee’s travelling survey exhibition comes to Canberra Museum + Gallery, until 3 December; cmag.com.au
Collected Stories: Chaika Theatre presents this story of a struggle between two powerful women who love each other. ACT HUV, Kingston, 28 October-12 November; acthub.com.au
Kenneth Myer Lecture: The annual events invites influential Australians to speak this year features Professor Megan Davis. National Library of Australia, 28 October 6pm; nla.gov.au
Everybody: A life drawing class to spice up your Friday night with a drink on arrival, art materials and a tutor provided, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 28 October 6pm; trybooking.com
Make Up Masterclass: Canberra makeup artist Danh Doan shares his tips and ticks on a live model, Canberra Centre, 28 October 6.30pm; eventbrite.com
Omega Ensemble: Showcases their musicians as a well-oiled virtuosic machine in Ex Machina, Ainslie Arts Centre, 28 October 7pm; ainslieandgorman.com.au
THNDO: The soul and R&B singer brings The Reintroduction Tour to the Street Theatre, City West, 28 October 8pm;thestreet.org.au/
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Three new exhibitions: Danny Jarrat’s Neo Glitch City; Jemma Campey’s Watching Me, Watching You; and Gorgeous Shadow, Bent Dream, until 29 October; tuggeranongarts.com
Prisoners of War Requiem: Flowers of Peace presents a telling POW stories through powerful music and imagery. Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 29 October 1pm; flowersofpeace.com
Significant Others: Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns collapsed the distinction between life and art with their New York love story, at the National Gallery of Australia until 30 October; nga.gov.au
Dance and Theatre Workshop: Run by House of Sands where they share methods used in their recent production That Was Friday. Gorman Arts Centre, 30 October 10am; eventbrite.com.au
Burlesque Brunch: Drag out your spookiest costume and join the fun at Halloween edition of Flazeda’s beloved event. Flazeda Hub, 30 October 11 am; events.humanitix.com
Tamikrest: In Australia, for the first time the desert rock band brings their show to The Street, City West, 30 October 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
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