What’s on around Canberra in October 2024
With the start of daylight savings on Sunday 6 October moving the clocks one hour forward, bringing with it more time in the sunshine.
This month, there is a variety of events and festivals, from the Canberra Art Biennial to the Canberra Writers Festival, along with plenty of theatre and plays to feast your eyes on.
Floriade also continues with the regular program until 13 October, while an evening program, NightFest, will be held from 3-6 October.
Free-Rain Theatre Company
The Boy From Oz
1-20 October 2024
A jukebox musical, The Boy from Oz is the extraordinary biography of legendary singer-songwriter Peter Allen. It weaves many of his most famous and beloved songs into his life story – exploring all the highs: entertainer, pop-star, meeting Judy Garland, marrying her daughter Liza Minnelli, Oscar winner, Broadway performer, and all the lows.
The Q, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan, theq.net.au
Hopes and Fears: Australian Migration Stories panel discussion: Join a panel of special guests for a conversation about their own personal and professional stories around migration, and how our country can best recognise the extraordinary contribution that migrants make to contemporary Australia, National Library of Australia, Tuesday 1 October, 6-7pm; bookings at nla.gov.au/whats-on
Memoir of a snail: Q&A preview screening followed by an in-person discussion with director Adam Elliot at Dendy Canberra, Canberra Centre, Tuesday, 1 October 7:30pm; canberra.dendy.com.au/memoir-of-a-snail–qa-preview-screening/
Australian Transplant Games Canberra: Join the transplant community in the celebration of the gift of life through sport, The Australian Institute of Sport, 1-6 October; australiantransplantgames.com/
Lunchtime concert: Featuring Vocal Fry, a youth chamber choir from the Community Music Centre. This free concert will run at Project Space (opposite the gallery) on Wednesday 2 October, 1-1:30pm; soad.cass.anu.edu.au/events/lunchtime-concert-school-art-design
Deadly Dialogues: Karlie Noon and Celeste Carnegie: Come and listen to astrophysicist and author Karlie Noon in conversation with Celeste Carnegie as they discuss the astronomic heritage of Noon’s Kamilaroi Peoples and her journey as an ambassador for youth and astronomy, National Library of Australia, Wednesday 2 October, 6-7pm; nla.gov.au/whats-on/events/deadly-dialogues-karlie-noon-and-celeste-carnegie
Charles Huang – Piano: He will perform pieces by Beethoven, Chopin’s, and Australian composer Miriam Hyde at the Wesley Music Centre on Wednesday 2 October from 12:40-1:20pm; https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1167486
Rockspeare Henry Sixth Part Two: Opens at The Mill this month, previews running 2-5 October, from 7:30pm, with shows running from 9-26 October, sessions running at 7:30-9.30pm on Wednesdays to Saturdays, 2:30-4:30pm matinee shows on Saturdays; www.milltheatreatdairyroad.com
10th annual NAIDOC celebrations: A day filled with performances and workshops by First Nations artists, stalls, activities, food and drinks, Canberra College, Thursday 3 October, 10:30am-2:30 pm.
Toby Mobbs National Tour CANBERRA w/Gia Ransome (solo) and Joel William Harrison: Pop-folk singer-songwriter Toby Mobbs will be covering 15000-kilometres in his car over 28 days playing a show in every state and territory, The Baso Canberra, Belconnen, 3 October, 7pm; tickets tobymobbsmusic.com
EXHIBITION no.1: Works by eleven distinguished artists working in and around Canberra. The exhibition launch will be held at the Civic Art Bureau, Melbourne Building on Saturday 5 October at 3pm, the exhibition runs until 26 October; civicartbureau.com/exhibitions/exhibition-no-1/
Braidwood Open Gardens: The open gardens are run by the community owned and operated Braidwood Preschool. Discover five amazing gardens in Braidwood and Araluen at this major yearly fundraiser; Saturday 5 and Sunday October 6, 10am-4pm, plus the Made in Araluen Markets on the Sunday at Araluen Federal Hall from 10am-2pm; braidwoodgardens.com.au/
NightFest: Dubbed Floriade’s dark side, see Commonwealth Park illuminated with vibrant colours, enjoy an amazing program of live music on two stages, captivating cabaret in the Kazador Tent, roving entertainment, market stalls and fantastic food and drinks at NightFest this year, Commonwealth Park, 3-6 October; floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest/
Canberra Colour Frenzy: Whether walking, jogging, running or crawling, attendees enjoy a self-paced, untimed 2.5-kilometre experience that caters to everyone from families to fitness enthusiasts, Weston Park, Yarralumla, 6 October, 8:30am for a fun run start of 9:30am; colourfrenzy.com.au/colour-frenzy-canberra/?festival_page=event&id=113525
Book launch: Townsend of the Ranges by Peter Crowley: Join Peter Crowley in conversation with ABC National Affairs Correspondent Melissa Clarke as they discuss Crowley’s debut book, Townsend of the Ranges. The book reveals the life of an elusive, solitary but hugely influential surveyor, Thomas Scott Townsend, whose name is given to Australia’s second highest mountain, National Library of Australia; Tuesday 8 October, 6-7.30pm; nla.gov.au/whats-on/events/book-launch-townsend-ranges-peter-crowley
Women’s Music and Poetry from Latin America: Irma Enriquez presents an eclectic program from remarkable and fascinating female composers from Latin America revealing the magic and power of contemporary Mexico, Wednesday 9 October at Wesley Music Centre, 6:30-8:30pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org/event-details-registration/womens-music-poetry-from-latin-america
Anton Wurzer – akkordeon: Anton performs his unique style of Waltzes, Sambas, Funky Groove, Klezmer and Jazz pieces at the Wesley Music Centre on Wednesday 9 October 12.40-1.20pm; trybooking.com/events/1167486/sessions/4376756/sections/2192549/tickets
Laura Johnstone – that’s … Brave (Edinburgh Fringe Edition): In March 2024, Laura Johnston sold out her first solo show twice at the Canberra Comedy Festival. In August 2024 she took that show to the largest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. If you missed her show in the Canberra Comedy Festival, this is your second chance, Canberra Theatre, Thursday 10 October at 7pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Austral Harmony
Obbligato Project
Obbligato Project is open to musicians on baroque or modern instruments and singers, highlighting the unique obbligatos of Johann Sebastian Bach. Places remain available for observers (free entry). Register at [email protected]
Thursday 10 October 3-5.30pm, Greenaway Studio, 164 Namatjira Drive, Chapman, ACT 2611; www.australharmony.org
Meet Australian Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg: Have you ever wanted to ask an astronaut about the experience of weightlessness? Or the intensity of G-force? Well, now you can. The event runs at Questacon on Thursday 10 October 10:15am-1pm; bookings at questacon.edu.au/
8 Women: Award-winning Mockingbird Theatre Company proudly announces the Canberra premiere of the iconic French murder mystery 8 Women by Robert Thomas and translated by Céline Oudin, Belconnen Arts Centre; Performances: STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON! 10-19 October at 7:30pm, 19 October at 2pm. Running time is approximately 120 minutes plus interval; Performances: STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON; belcoarts.com.au/8-women/
Kasey Chambers book launch: Join musician Kasey Chambers to celebrate the release of her book Just Don’t Be a D**khead and Other Profound Things I’ve Learnt. Kasey will be joined by Dr Barbara Lemon, Director of Curatorial and Collection Research at the National Library, for a chat about the book, the stories that have inspired her and a few songs inspired by her unique life stories, National Library of Australia, Friday 11 October 6- 8pm; bookings nla.gov.au/whats-on/events/kasey-chambers-book-launch
Jeonghwan Kim Piano Concert
Friday 11 October 2024, 7:30pm
At just 23, Jeonghwan Kim won First Prize at the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition, stunning audiences with his “deeply impressive performances”. Now, he’s back in Australia, ready to dazzle once again. Don’t miss the chance to experience this remarkable talent live for one night only in Canberra.
Wesley Music Centre, Canberra. Bookings via Sydney Opera House box office (02) 9250 7777. Booking link: sydneyoperahouse.com/piano-plus/jeonghwan-kim
Shibaraku: Wait a Moment: ANU Za Kabuki is holding its 47th annual performance of the production that is “Famous for being one of the “famous Juuhachi-ban: the 18 Kabuki plays performed by the members of the Ichikawa family”. This is your chance to see it in Canberra, Canberra REP Theatre, 11 and 12 October 6:30pm and Sunday 13 October 1:30pm; https://canberrarep.org.au/content/book-online-choose-performance?ID=ZA24
Little Shop of Horrors: Dramatic Productions’ show runs at Gungahlin College Theatre from 11-26 October; stagecenta.com/showid/8707/theatreid/1132/ShowdetailsC.aspx
Angel Gowns Australia Canberra wedding dress collections: 10th anniversary, they transform donated wedding dresses into free baby burial gowns for Australian families who experience infant loss before, during or after birth, Canberra Southern Cross Club, Saturday 12 October 1-5pm; angelgownsaustralia.org.au
Arj Barker – The Mind Field: All of reality, as we can ever possibly know it, exists exclusively in our minds. Armed with this knowledge, Arj sets out to answer some of life’s biggest questions, Canberra Theatre, Saturday 12 October 2024 at 8:30pm; https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/
Village Market: Stalls include trash and treasure jewellery, books, plants. Home-made cakes and goodies, handmade craft items and cards, Saturday 12 October, Kangara Waters Retirement Village, 8:30am-12:30pm.
The Inheritance: Inspired by the novel ‘Howard’s End’ by E.M. Forster, ACT Hub will tackle this two-part play, various showing from Saturday 12 October to Saturday 2 November, ACT Hub at Causeway Hall; acthub.com.au/production/the-inheritance/
French lessons with Alliance Française
Ready to take your French to the next level? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our Term 4 courses offer something for everyone! Join us for engaging language classes, all taught by experienced native-speaking teachers.
Alliance Française de Canberra, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner, 2612, ACT
02 6257 6696, [email protected]; www.afcanberra.com.au
The Great White Whale: Film premiere and Q&A with filmmaker Michael Dillon and historian and adventurer Ian Dillon, Dendy Cinemas, Sunday 13 October, 4-6:15pm: events.humanitix.com/the-great-white-whale-film-canberra-premiere-and-q-and-a-with-filmmaker-michael-dillon-and-historian-adventurer-ian-dillon
Brass on the Grass: 40th anniversary of the banding together of the Canberra Brass, Victoria Street Brass and Newbery Brass. They will perform at Victoria Street Hall as a fundraiser for the Hall Heritage Centre, 13 October, 60-piece marching band at 1pm followed by music from 1:30pm.
Two Feet and a heartbeat: 4-kilometre walk in honour of the four lives lost each week to childhood-onset heart disease, Weston Park, Yarralumla, 9am-1pm; 13 October, twofeetheartbeat.org.au/Canberra
Singing the Legends: Rhythm Syndicate, a Canberra-based four-part community singing group will be accompanied by pianist Harrison Whalen and directed by Sarah Louise Owens to play the hits of Elton John, The Beach Boys, Queen and more; Wesley Music Centre, Sunday 13 October at 2:30-3:30pm.
ACT PGA Seniors Championship: Watch Peter Senior, Andre Stolz, Terry Price, Mike Harwood and Brad Burns plus 65 other PGA legend’s players including eight of the current top 10 in the 2024 Legends Order of Merit, Fairbairn Golf Club, Tuesday 15 October to Wednesday 16 October
Stuart Long piano concert: Accomplished pianist Stuart Long will perform beautiful works for solo piano by Beethoven, Grieg and Faure; Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 16 October 12:40-1.20pm.
Brad Cox: Everything I’ve Got tour, University of Canberra, Thursday 17 October, 7.30pm; https://www.canberra.edu.au/events/Home/Event/462496
Kaleidoscope III: In its third year, Kaleidoscope III is an open exhibition where LGBTQIA+ artists in Canberra and Australia-wide can express their experiences of queerness, sexuality, gender, and unique individuality through art. Opens at Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre on 18 October at 6pm, runs until 1 December; belcoarts.com.au/kaleidoscope-3/
Stonefest: Headlined by the band Teenage Dads, this local music festival will run at the University of Canberra lawns on Saturday 19 October; from 3:30pm; canberra.edu.au/events
ACT State Jigsaw Puzzle Competition 2024: Watch or participate in individual or pairs events, Saturday 19 October, 9am-5pm; eventbrite.com.au/e/act-state-jigsaw-puzzle-competition-2024-tickets-826746490007
Democracy sausage and bake sale: Campbell Primary School, Saturday 19 October 8am-4pm.
Salving Solos: An intimate evening with local singer-songwriter’s Deb Morgan, Ben Drysdale and Duncan n. Sargeant as part of the Crossroads Festival, Pulp Book Café, Saturday 19 October, 5-7pm; https://rebustheatre.com/performances/crossroads-mental-health-festival/
Songs of Eve – Jane Sheldon (soprano) and Jack Symonds (piano): Best known for her original rendition of Kats-Chernin’s Eliza Aria, Jane Sheldon has developed an international reputation for specialised contemporary opera and art music. Celebrating the divine nature, featuring Faure’s exquisite La Chanson d’Eve and Dusapin’s mesmerising Wolken. In this concert she is joined by Jack Symonds on piano, Wesley Music Centre, Sunday 20 October at 3pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1280794?
A night with Tim Winton: Author Tim Winton will speak about his new novel, JUICE, as part of the Canberra Writers Festival, ANU’S Llewellyn Hall, Sunday 20 October 8pm; llewellynhall.com.au/events/night-tim-winton
Andrea Molteni (on tour from Italy):Our special guest Andrea Molteni on tour from Italy presents ‘Sounds of Italy’ featuring JS. Bach’s Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971 (1735) and Luiigi Dallapiccola’s Sonatina Canonica su Capricci di Niccolò Paganini (1943) along with works by Goffredo Petrassi, Domenico Scarlatti, Goffredo Petrassi and Franz Liszt, Wesley Music Centre, 23 October 12.40-1.20pm
Canberra Writers Festival: An array of events across various venues, 23-27 October; canberrawritersfestival.com.au/
Strange Pages: Investigating artists’ books with Dr Caren Florance: Dr Caren Florance will present a lecture on her 2024 National Library Fellowship research into artists’ books (books made by artists as art), how the National Library came to collect them, the cataloguing challenges that arose, and how they inspired a broad, vibrant collection of Australian artists’ books that continues to grow; National Library of Australia, Thursday 24 October, 5.30-6.30pm; nla.gov.au/whats-on/events/strange-pages-investigating-artists-books-dr-caren-florance
The Wharf Revue: The group’s final show after 25 years, Canberra Theatre Centre, 25 October to 2 November; Mon-Sat 8pm, matinee Sat 1pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Celebrate Gungahlin Festival: Celebrate Gungahlin celebrates the culture and community spirit of Gungahlin’s people, community groups, artists and businesses. Uncover new friends and hidden gems in in your local area and learn to see the place you love and live in a whole new light! There will be live music and dance, stalls, delicious food, artist activations and fun for the whole family; Gungahlin Town Square, 26 October, 11am-2pm; celebrategungahlin.com.au/
Enola and Friends: Fundraising concert: Jojo Yuen, Enola Jefferis, Issie Brown, Sam Hutchinson, Vivienne Tran and Dante Costa perform a range of works including Greenaway, Ewazen, Beethoven and Weinberg, raising funds for Enola’s cello, Wesley Music Centre, Saturday 26 October, 3-4pm; https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/enola-and-friends-tickets-998778181427?utm-campaign=social&utm-
Iconic: Presented by 6th position, get ready to step into a world of unforgettable moments. This captivating show will celebrate the landmark events that have defined culture, history, and the arts, all through the medium of dance; Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, Saturday 26 October; 1-3:30pm and 6.30-9pm.
Recital Remedies: An instrumental recital featuring some of Canberra’s finest talents Alec Randles, Demetri Neidorf & Wayne Kelly and Duncan n. Sargeant, Gorman Arts Centre Main Hall (between the two courtyards), Sunday 27 October, 2-4pm; https://rebustheatre.com/performances/crossroads-mental-health-festival/
Daniel Kearny pianist (on tour from Ireland): Daniel Kearney is a classical pianist on tour from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford in Ireland. In this concert, Daniel will explore the unique and creative ways in which composers have used music and the piano to describe nature’s sights and sounds; Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 30 October 12:40-1:20pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1167486
Alma Moodie Quarter: Presenting string quartets by Schubert, Debussy and Reger. Performers: Kristian Winther and Anna da Silva Chen, violins Meagan Turner, viola Thomas Marlin, cello, Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 30 October, 7-9pm; https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/alma-moodie-quartet-at-wesley-tickets-968634871977?aff=oddtdtcreator
Understanding Bunions: Causes, Prevention, and Effective Solutions: A free and informative in-person event where we delve into the causes of bunions, how they affect foot function, and practical solutions to address them, Southern Cross House, 30 October 6-6:45pm
Songs in the Key of Motown: Relive the Motown classics at The Q, 30 October, 8pm; The Q: Songs in the Key of Motown
Capital Film Festival 2024: The Capital Film Festival celebrates its second year and welcomes the very best in local and world cinema, including premieres and filmmaker Q&A screenings, with a mix of dramas, thrillers, horrors, animated titles and documentaries from Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and film festivals around the globe. With first-time filmmakers and established auteurs bringing their A-game, audiences will laugh, cry and marvel at the line up secured this year, Dendy Cinemas Canberra, 30 October to 3 November; canberra.dendy.com.au/capital-film-festival/
Turkish-Australian transnational life writing with Dr Burcu Cevik-Compiegne: Dr Burcu Cevik-Compiegne will present a lecture on her 2024 National Library Fellowship research into uncovering different forms of life writing produced in Australia following the Labour Migration Scheme between Turkey and Australia in 1967, National Library of Australia; Thursday 31 October 12:30-1:30pm; https://www.nla.gov.au/whats-on/events/turkish-australian-transnational-life-writing-dr-burcu-cevik-compiegne
Continuing
Pixar Putt: This fun pop-up mini golf experience returns to the region, Civic Square, runs 20 September to 18 October; https://canberradaily.com.au/pixar-putt-returns-to-take-canberra-to-infinity-and-beyond/
Love From a Stranger: is on at Belconnen Community Theatre from 25 October to 2 November, for 9 shows only.
Landscape and Memory a retrospective and LOOKS: Both are running at Rusten House Arts Centre from 28 September to 20 October.
Witness, collector, archivist, narrator: Running at the Canberra Contemporary Art exhibition runs until 19 October.
Floriade: Australia’s biggest celebration of spring returns with the theme of Art in Bloom with countless bulbs and plenty of stalls and entertainment lined up. Commonwealth Park, 14 September to 13 October; floriadeaustralia.com
A Kind of Magic: Step into the enchanting and hilarious world of Kiki and Pascal at the Kazador Tent at Floriade, where magic and comedy collide in a dazzling display of grand illusions and delightful tricks. This multigenerational show captivates audiences of all ages with a heartwarming story filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss your chance to experience what You View Australia calls “the funniest show I have ever seen”! Commonwealth Park, 18 September to 3 October; premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=KINMAGIC24
Circus Extravaganza: Get ready for the Circus Extravaganza at the Kazador Tent at Floriade, a whirlwind of acrobatics, unicycling, juggling, hula-hoops, and comedy that delivers exactly what its name promises! Featuring renowned talents like Eloise Green from Circus OZ and international award-winning physical comedian Tamara Campbell, this fast-paced spectacle offers a high-octane hour of in-your-face entertainment for all ages. Be sure to grab your tickets now before they sell out! 28 September to 13 October; premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=CIRCUSEX24
Canberra Art Biennial: Various works at different places around the city; runs 27 September to 26 October; canberraartbiennial.com/
To gather, to nourish, to sustain: This exhibition by Jenna Lee will run at COX Gallery as part of the 2024 Canberra Art Biennial until 25 October; coxarchitecture.com.au/perspective/category/cox-gallery/
Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia: Check out Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia returns to Kamberri/Canberra for its final showing at the NGA. The exhibition showcases more than 260 historical and contemporary works of art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, also exploring Australia’s complex histories. The exhibition runs until 24 August 2025
RECURRING
Smith’s Alternative: Irish Jam each Friday from 4pm; Comedy Open Mic, first Sunday of the month 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Lunchulele: Every Monday 12:30-1:30pm, ukulele players perform at Smith’s Alternative; smithsalternative.com
Behind-the-Scenes History Tour: Go behind the scenes of Canberra’s oldest public building and see its evolution. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, every Wednesday and Friday 10:30am-2pm; canberraglassworks.com
Mt Ainslie Music Club: The community ensemble meets for improvisation every first Thursday of the month 8-10pm, Ainslie Arts Centre; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Sing Australia: Weekly sessions at: Belconnen, Thursday 9:30am; Duntroon, Monday 7:30pm; Greenway, Monday 1pm. Costs apply; singaustralia.com.au
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 9:30 am-2:30pm; obdm.com.au
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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