Hello sun, hello September! Spring is arriving and the Canberra region is set to bloom this month.
Activities kick off with the Canberra Disability Expo at EPIC, followed by a peek inside the Australian War Memorial’s storage facility when Big Things in Store invites guests to see historical gems not on display at the Memorial.
Theatre is alive and well this month with something for all tastes including Chaika Theatre’s The Children, a visit to the 100 Acre Woods with Winnie the Pooh, Canberra Youth Theatre’s Rosieville and many more.
Australia’s favourite spring festival, Floriade, returns to Commonwealth Park from 15 September with flowers, markets and entertainment galore. Locals and visitors can explore the festival after dark in Nightfest from 28 September to 2 October.
And especially for Canberra’s elder citizens, head to Exhibition Park on Thursday 21 September for the next iteration of the perennially popular COTA ACT Seniors Expo.
Southside Corroboree Family Culture Day: All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mob in ACT southside schools and their families are invited to a day of yarning, culture and fun at Boomanulla Oval, Narrabundah, Friday 1 September 10am-2pm.
Canberra Disability Expo: Discover the best in information, products and services to help people with disability live their best lives, along with entertainment and live performances. Exhibition Park, 1-2 September; canberradisabilityexpo.com.au
Korean Film Festival: A showcase of the very best new flicks from South Korea’s burgeoning film industry – including comedy, thrillers and mysteries. Palace Electric, 1-3 September; koffia.com.au
Canberra Bach Ensemble: Experience the timeless sounds of Bach with Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt (The Lord is my Faithful Shepherd). St Christopher’s Cathedral, 1-2 September; canberrabachensemble.com
Vinyl Lounge: Bring your favourite records, share your music stories and hear what’s spinning on the turntables at this month’s Vinyl Lounge, dedicated to soundtracks and movie songs. National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 1 September 5.30pm; nfsa.gov.au
Bad Apples on Tour: Three Australian authors share their memoirs of life after prison, growing up while parents are coming out, and a life on stage. Pulp Book Café, 1 September 6pm; pulpbookcafe.com.au and The Book Cow in Kingston, 2 September 3pm; eventbrite.com.au
Shake Your Booty Dance Party: Step into Spring with a sensational 6-piece showband playing all your disco favourites for one big night of getting down. Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, 1 September 6.30pm; eventbrite.com.au
Nathan Cavaleri: Touring his highly anticipated upcoming album Miracles, the singer performs at Canberra Theatre Centre on Friday 1 September 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
See Hilary Warren’s Shadow Play at Humble House gallery from 2 September to 1 October.
Shadow Play: In this exhibition, artist Hilary Warren employs various topics using three rich tonal qualities afforded by the photopolymer photogravure printmaking process to explore the concepts of light and shade. All are welcome to the opening on Saturday 2 September 2pm and Artist Talk on Sunday 3 September 12pm. Humble House gallery, Fyshwick, 2 September-1 October; humblehouse.com.au
Rusten House Art Centre: Presents to new exhibitions for spring- Magpies and More by Maria O’Donahoo and Huddlestone & Mortimer by Michael Huddlestone and Dennis Mortimer. 2- 23 September; qprc.nsw.gov.au
The Family Business – A killer comedy: Ever thought of running a multibillion-dollar industry with your siblings? It might be deadly. Join Lightbulb Improv in the struggle for power with an improvised comedy of dark deeds, secrets and deadly consequences. The Family Business ties together juicy backstabbing, utter incompetence and blatant nepotism with a whole lot of laughs. Director: Ali Clinch. Canberra Theatre Centre, until 2 September; lightbulbimprov.com
Jobs Fair: Connect with local opportunities to launch your career or find your next step with some of your favourite brands at Canberra Centre, until 2 September; canberracentre.qicre.com
The Little Burley Market: The markets re-launch for spring on 2 September, bringing gourmet food and artisan handicrafts lakeside each week. Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Saturdays 8am-1pm; thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Flights of Fancy Feathers: Bungendore Wood Works Gallery presents an exhibition of works by South Coast sculptor Ian Bell, along with prominent Australian artists, Helen Fitzgerald, Helen Cottle, Ebony Bennett, and Lyn Cooke. The pieces are a celebration of our avian friends. Meet the artists at the opening, 11am in our Octagon Exhibition Space on 2 September. Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, 2 September-30 November; bwoodworks.com.au
Big Things in Store: Join the Australian War Memorial for the rare opportunity to discover some of our biggest collection pieces as we open our doors for Big Things in Store. Find aircraft, tanks, submarines and more as you discover gems not currently on display, including G for George! Pre-booked tickets are essential to secure your spot. The Treloar Technology Centre, Mitchell, Saturday 2 September 9am-4.45pm;awm.gov.au/bigthingsinstore
Book Launch: Valerie Albrecht discusses her new book One Voice Medicine, the culmination of a decade of conversations with First Nations healers. Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 2 September 2.30pm; eventbrite.com.au
Gin Tasting Cruise: An evening to delight the senses with a range of exceptional gin while cruising on the lake. Kingston Foreshore, 2 September 4pm; canberrapartyboat.com.au
Behrouz: A feature documentary capturing Kurdish-Iranian journalist Behrouz Boochani’s experiences during six years in immigration detention on Manus Island. Director Simon V Kurian is joined by Boochani via live stream for a Q&A. National Film and Sound Archive, 2 September 6pm; nfsa.gov.au
Music & Mayhem – Rebellion: A live music performance of the ideas of rebellion, authentic living and doing the unexpected with a focus on the queer experience. Gorman Arts Centre, 2 September 8pm; events.humanitix.com
Kitefest: Googong’s utterly uplifting kite festival is back with a host of flying friends including dragons, bunny rabbits, a stingray, and a flying pig! Coinciding with Father’s Day, come and treat Dad to a gourmet beer and burger, or bring along a picnic. Take flight with a BYO kite or relax and enjoy the spectacle while our DJ provides inflight entertainment. This is a free event, and everyone is welcome. Rockley Oval, Googong, Sunday 3 September 11am-2pm; googong.net/news-and-events/events
To The Sun: The next instalment of the Art Song Canberra season sees Songmakers Australia present a program of quartets. Wesley Music Centre, Sunday 3 September 3pm; htrybooking.com
Maruki Community Orchestra: Present their Spring Concert, featuring work by Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and more. Albert Hall, Sunday 3 September 3pm; trybooking.com
Mid-Autumn Festival: Also known as the moon festival, the Chinese cultural event brings a program of food, culture and beautiful lanterns come to Westfield Woden, 4-30 September; westfield.com.au
Darren Criss: From Broadway to TV show Glee, the singer returns with to Australia with a four-piece band to perform all your favourite hits. Canberra Theatre Centre, Monday 4 September 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Hello Girls: Canberra-based Heart String Theatre Co returns after the success of its debut production with a fun, witty musical about the trail-blazing women who turned the US Army upside down. Canberra Theatre Centre, 7-9 September; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Mr Bennet’s Bride: Canberra Rep Theatre presents a tragicomedy in this tale of family loyalties, social expectations and choosing a life partner. Canberra Rep Theatre, Acton, 7-23 September; canberrarep.org.au
Mini-Con: QBD Books presents a celebration of manga with giveaways, gift vouchers, cosplay competitions and manga/anime standees. Westfield Woden, 7-10 September; qbd.com.au
Winnie the Pooh: The Broadway and West End sensation sees Pooh and all the creatures from the Hundred Acre Woods come to the Canberra Theatre Centre, 8-9 September; winniethepoohshow.com
Craft + Design Canberra: Welcomes two new exhibitions – group collaboration Island Welcome, and Peter T. McCarthy’s N’Sazza: Making Things Work. Craft + Design Gallery, Canberra, 8 September-21 October; craftanddesigncanberra.org
Lifeline Canberra Bookfair: The beloved charity fundraiser is back with even more books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, games and collectibles. All proceeds go to Lifeline Canberra’s crisis support services. Exhibition Park, 8-10 September; lifelinecanberra.org.au
Two Hands: Australian comedy crime film starring Heath Ledger and Rose Byrne and featuring an award-winning soundtrack. National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 8 September 6pm; nfsa.gov.au
The Children: In the wake of a man-made disaster, a pair of retired nuclear engineers and organic farmers are visited by an old colleague with mysterious motives. ACT Hub, Kingston until 9 September; acthub.com.au
Nevertire: This naturalistic garden is open to explore. Plants have been selected for hardiness and suitability for the 1880s cottage. The owners have redeveloped the garden using many native and exotic plants, water features and art pieces. There is a food production area, a mulching zone and relaxation areas. Displays by Rachael from Groovy Glass ACT for sale. Open Gardens Canberra, McEwan Avenue, Queanbeyan, 9-10 September; opengardenscanberra.org.au
Hawaiian Hula Dance Workshop: Learn about Hawaiian culture, language and dance at this Hula workshop. Saturday 9 September 2-4pm at 6thPosition Dance Studio, Canberra CBD. Cost: $60. Tickets: call Michelle on 0484 916 546.
The Secret River: On the banks of the Hawkesbury River, convict William Thornhill discovers something new, a place of his own in this historically accurate tale. Lieder Theatre, Goulburn, until 9 September; theliedertheatre.com
Megalo Print Studio: See the latest iteration of The Overwintering Project: Jerrabomberra Wetlands, in which artists from around Australia and New Zealand explore the plight and habitat of migratory shorebirds through print. Megalo Print Studio, Kingston, 9 September-28 October. Official opening 12 September 5pm; www.megalo.org
Community Fun Day: A free sausage sizzle, face painting, kids craft and activities alongside community groups, stalls and entertainment. O’Connor Uniting Church, Saturday 9 September 10am- 2pm.
Canberra Festival of Nature: Learn more about our natural environment, biodiversity and beauty of our native flora, fauna and unique ecosystems in this community event. Whitlam Display Village, Saturday 9 September 11am-2pm; landcareact.org.au/festival
Bedtime Stories with R.A. Spratt: Presents a brand new story for her podcast series with Canberrans invited to be part of the live audience. Belconnen Arts Centre, 9 September 2pm; belcoarts.com.au
Jimmy Rees: Is set to delight audiences with his Not That Kinda Viral? Live show. National Convention Centre, Canberra, 9 September 6pm & 8:45pm; premier.ticketek.com.au
Ash Grunwald: The blues sensation performs with special guest Lucy Sugerman at Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo NSW on Saturday 9 September 7pm. Tickets: tallagandrahill.com.au
Incy Wincy Spider: Musica da Camera presents a program of varied delights for young and old over two days and locations. Holy Covenant Church, Cook Saturday 9 September 2.30pm and Soldier’s Memorial Hall, Gundaroo, Sunday 10 September 2.30pm; trybooking.com
Support Ukraine Fundraiser: Enjoy Ukraine folk music, dance and hear from Dr Vladimir Ivanovich Franchuk, supper included. Mosaic Baptist Church, Page, 9 September 7pm; 1wayfm.com.au
The X-Files: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the TV series with a special screening of the first film, The X-Files: Fight the Future. National Film and Sound Archive, 9 September 7pm; nfsa.gov.au
Out of the Shadows: An exhibition of digital drawings, crochet sculptures and video works reflecting on Megan Munro’s life as a queer artist and performer. ANCA Gallery, Dickson, until 10 September; anca.net.au
Spring German Markets: The beloved markets are on again with lots of stalls, live entertainment, great food, German deli and a jumping castle for the kids. Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, Sunday 10 September 9am-1pm; harmonieclub.com.au
Wesley Music Centre: Hosts a four-hand piano concert with Aaron Chew and Jennifer Hou playing works by Mozart, Brahms and more. 10 September 5pm; wesleycanberra.org.au
Monty Python’s Spamalot: Experience the uproarious hilarity of Monty Python’s Spamalot! Join King Arthur and his knights on a quest for the Holy Grail, encountering absurd characters and the ever lovely Lady of the Lake along the way. Book your tickets now for a night of non-stop laughter and memorable entertainment. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 12-24 September; theq.net.au
Day Dreamer/ Night Thinker: A solo exhibition from local artist Saskia Haalebos exploring questions of mortality, empathy and miscommunication. Megalo Print Studio 8, until 12 September; megalo.org
The Decideds & Alder Wild: Experience a double dose of musical brilliance. First, let Alder Wild’s dreamy pop captivate you, then let loose as The Decideds bring soulful dance vibes to close the night. Join us, with tickets just $20-$25.Smith’s Alternative, Tuesday 12 September 7.30pm; smithsalternative.com
For the Love of Watercolour: A collection of stunning, colourful works by Jan Vincent. Kyeema Gallery, Capital Wines, Hall, until 13 September; capitalwines.com.au
Tulip Top Gardens: Opening early this year with an incredible display of tulips, blossoms and other flowers along with birds, live entertainment, food and wine for a beautiful day soaking up spring. Top Gardens, Sutton NSW, 13 September-15 October; tuliptopgardens.com.au
Networks Australia- Artists at work: Various mediums feature 2D and 3D works alongside photographs of their creators give the viewer an insight into the life of the artist. ANCA Dickson, 13 September-1 October; anca.net.au
Elm: A collaboration between Quinn and Maximillian Gosling exploring the similarities and differences in the mediums of etching and metalwork. CCAS Manuka, 15—24 September; ccas.com.au
Hanging By a Thread: The ACT Textile Arts Association presents a collection of works through different mediums, plus a bazaar and pieces for sale. Queanbeyan Art Society Gallery, 15-24 September; acttextiles.org.au
Embroiders Guild ACT: Presents an exhibition of traditional and contemporary needlework stitched by members, with items and supplies available for purchase. Albert Hall, 15-17 September 10am-4pm.
Aggregate – Perspectives in Recycled Glass: A group exhibition from local artists and makers utilising recycled glass in beautiful and utilitarian ways. Thor’s Hammer, Griffith, 15 September-28 October; thors.com.au
2023 Drawing Prize: A showcase and celebration of the art of drawing from students, vote for your favourite work. ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, until 15 September; soad.cass.anu.edu.au
Oblique Objects: An exhibition from Tim Phillips exploring concealment, a visual and poetic strategy in figurative painting. ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, until 15 September; soad.cass.anu.edu.au
Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen: Two of Australia’s best-loved country artists join forces to present one unforgettable night of country classics and big hits in the Let Your Love Flow Tour. Harmonie German Club, Friday 15 September 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
Brisbane Chamber Choir: Present an exciting program of new and old choral music as conducted by Dr Graeme Morton AM. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 15 September 7pm; wesleycanberra.org.au
Kate Ceberano: Teams up with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra to perform some of the star’s personal favourites in My Life Is a Symphony. Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 15 September 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Bron Lewis: The award-winning comedian shares nostalgic stories of her Canberra upbringing in Probably. The Street Theatre, City West, 15 September 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
Floriade: Celebrate the change of season with Australia’s favourite Spring festival of beautiful blooms, entertainment, workshops, markets, food and wine, art displays, and more. Commonwealth Park, 16 September-15 October; floriadeaustralia.com
Moon Festival: The free event invites Canberrans to celebrate harvest and the bright and roundest moon in this Chinese cultural event, full of singing, dancing, martial art, traditional Chinese arts and food and drink including moon cake. Gungahlin College, Friday 16 September 10.30 am-3pm.
Sunsoli: Bring a tour celebrating their new self-titled album and will be playing Live at the Polo, O’Connor, 16 September 7.30pm; humanitix.com
Immortal Bach: The Canberra Choral Society presents a program of heavenly choral music with the Luminescence Children’s Choir. All Saints Church, Ainslie, Saturday 16 September 6pm; canberrachoralsociety.org
Spirograph Studies: The genre-bending group launch their album Lowlights at The Street Theatre, City West, 16 September 7pm; thestreet.org.au
Patrick: The next instalment in the Australian New Wave series is an essential film by Australian director Richard Franklin, master of the supernatural thriller. National Film and Sound Archive, 16 September 1pm; nfsa.gov.au
The Royal Czech Ballet: Following the success of last year’s Swan Lake tour, the renowned dance company returns to Australia with Sleeping Beauty. Canberra Theatre Centre, 17-18 September; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Slow Looking: A solo exhibition from Elisa Crossing invites the viewer to contemplate the present through colourful paintings. Nancy Sever Gallery, 17 September- 8 October; nancysevergallery.com.au
Hawker Community Repair Café: Extend the lifespan of your goods with the help of experienced volunteers or find a new treasure in the Local Made market stalls. Hawker International Softball Centre, Sunday 17 September 10am – 1pm; hawkermensshed.com.au
SeaPsych Fest 2023: Brings surf rock and psych rock vibes to Canberra with bands like The Lazy Eyes, Jet City Sports Club and more. UC Hub, University of Canberra, 17 September 6pm; moshtix.com.au
ST. ALi Italian Film Festival: Returns to Canberra’s Palace Electric from 20 September, transporting audiences to Italy with a stunning selection of the best in contemporary Italian cinema. Award-winning dramas, comedies and documentaries will feature; italianfilmfestival.com.au
ACT Seniors Expo 2023: COTA’s much anticipated spring expo returns with an exceptional showcase of services, products and activities tailored to enhance the life of seniors in the Canberra region. Budawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park, Thursday 21 September 9.30am-3.30pm; cotaact.org.au
Golden Oldies: The Canberra Men’s Choir presents a program of popular songs from the 1940s right through to the 1980s. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 20 September 12.40pm; wesleycanberra.org.au
Focus on Ability Film Festival: Screening locally-made short films and documentaries that highlight the abilities of people with disability. At the National Museum of Australia, Thursday 21 September 10.30am-12.30pm; focusonability.com.au/
Sound of Metal: An American Sign Language film challenges film and television stereotypes of hearing loss and cochlear implants, followed by a discussion with an all-Deaf panel. National Film and Sound Archive, 21 September 6pm; nfsa.gov.au
Play of Light: The CSO Chamber Ensemble presents an energetic new commission from Yuwaalaraay storyteller Nardi Simpson. National Museum of Australia, Thursday 21 September 6:30pm; cso.org.au
Open House: A secret garden in the heart of the city opens its doors to show the magic that happens behind the scenes every day with markets, entertainment and more. Gorman Arts Centre, 22-23 September; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Friday Night Drinks: Start your weekend right with vibes, tunes, mates and a few drinks in the House of Reps’ Courtyard at Old Parliament House. Friday 22 September 5pm; moadoph.gov.au
Victor: A Homage: In tribute to renowned Chilean singer Victor Jara killed during the Pinochet dictatorship, father and daughter duo Jorge and Karina Bontes and the Latin Collective will hold a concert on Friday 22 September 7.30pm at Polish White Eagle Club, Turner. Tickets: VÍCTOR: A Homage | Humanitix
Fright Night: The Truman Show: Hosted by Venus Mantrap, Fright Night is a late-night celebration of cult cinema classics, this time starring Jim Carrey in his first critically acclaimed dramatic role. National Film and Sound Archive, 22 September 8pm; nfsa.gov.au
Jason Leong: The Malaysian comedian and former doctor returns to Australian shores with his acclaimed show Brain Drain. The Street Theatre, City West, 22 September 8pm; thestreet.org.au
Backdrop: A showcase of new works from celebrated figurative painters Lucy Culliton and Graeme Drendel. Beaver Galleries, Deakin, until 23 September; beavergalleries.com.au
Queanbeyan Medieval Fair: Step back in time to the Ye olde town of Queanbeyan with a weekend of jousting, combat, arts, workshops delectable food and more. Queanbeyan Showground, 23-24 September; facebook.com/p/Queanbeyan-Medieval-Fair
Fulminare: The Australian Wind Symphony is making a high-voltage return to Llewellyn Hall this spring. This matinee performance features Yasuhide Ito’s stunning symphonic poem Gloriosa and oboe soloist Gina Pontoni performing Hymn for Colin by Martyn Hancock. Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Saturday 23 September 2.30pm; australianwindsymphony.com.au
Dreams: Australia’s finest tribute show to the mastery of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks comes to the Harmonie German Club for one unforgettable night, Saturday 23 September 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
Mother Doughs Best: Bread Revue returns for their sophomore charity sketch show full of laughs, big dance numbers and not-to-be-missed skits. Belconnen Arts Centre, Saturday 23 September 7pm; belcoarts.com.au
Jack Jones: The acclaimed Southern Sons singer and guitarist celebrates his return to music and new album. Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo, 23 September 7pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
Victor Valdes: Tells the stories of Mexico’s musical landscapes with a full Big Mariachi Band in the Viva Mexico Tour. The Street Theatre, City West, 23 September 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
Victor: A Homage: An art exhibition, film and talk in tribute to Chilean protest musician Victor Jara, on Sunday 24 September 1pm. Polish White Eagle Club, Turner. Free entry; VÍCTOR: A Homage | Humanitix
Canberra Potters: Ceramic artist Christine Murphy and painter Sandra McMahon explore the relationship between 3D form and 2D works in Synergy: Pattern & Patina. Canberra Potters, Watson until 24 September; canberrapotters.com.au
Changing From From to From: Immersive multimedia creations marry culture traditions and science, history and political events in this exhibition from Haegue Yang. National Gallery of Australia, until 24 September; nga.gov.au
National Capital Orchestra: Continues its 40th anniversary celebrations with a strong program of Hope, Struggle, Victory. Albert Hall, Sunday 24 September 3pm; trybooking.com
Mutant Mayhem Takeover: Can you tackle the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Mayhem Ninja Course? Find out at South.Point, Tuggeranong, 25 September-8 October; southpointcanberra.com.au
PlayUp: Soak up the sunshine, play some giant lawn games or just sit back with a book in this school holiday event. Old Parliament House, 25-29 September; moadoph.gov.au
2023 Frog Census Training: ACT and Region FrogWatch invites you to join the annual frog census this October! But before you dive into collecting data and recording frog calls, hop on down to one of our training sessions. Choose one session: 6-8pm on Tuesday 26 or Wednesday 27 September at Jerrabomberra Wetlands Office, Fyshwick, or Friday 29 September at Wildbark at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, Throsby. Free; register via events.humanitix.com/2023-frog-census-training
Miniatures and Masterpieces: Talented performers of the piano studio Marie Cull present romantic and 20th century works. Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 27 September 12:40pm; wesleycanberra.org.au
Professor Jocelyn Chey AM: The Sinologist is hosted by the Australia China Friendship Society to discuss the topic- Is there a Chinese sense of humour? Southern Cross Club, Jamison, Wednesday 27 September 7.30pm; acfs.org.au
NightFest: After the sun has gone to bed, Floriade’s dark side comes to life, full of illuminated colours, live entertainment, stalls, and food. Commonwealth Park, 28 September-1 October. This is a ticketed event: floriadeaustralia.com
The Australian Chopin Festival: A number of events and masterclasses celebrating the works of composer Frédéric Chopin. Various locations, 28 September-2 October; friendsofchopin.org.au
Rosieville: Canberra Youth Theatre presents the unlikely story of a homing pigeon becoming a saving grace for a young girl experiencing heartbreak. Canberra Theatre Centre, 29 September-8 October; canberrayouththeatre.com.au
Braidwood Lions Antique Fair: Treasure hunt for antiques, collectables, bric-a-brac, linen, porcelain, jewellery, clothes and furniture. Braidwood National Theatre, Braidwood NSW, 29 September-1 October.
Tubular Bells for Two: A spellbinding performance from two men and too many instruments, returning to the stage for one final tour. The Street Theatre, City West, 29-30 September; thestreet.org.au
Cruel Optimism: An exhibition exploring the liminality of queer experiences, construction of community and the line between fantasy and fact. Gorman Arts Centre until 29 September; tributaryprojects.xyz
The Whitlams Black Stump Band: Tim Freedman’s alt-country project The Whitlams Black Stump Band sees Tim and long-time drummer Terepai Richmond joined by an A team of roots musicians, reconstructing the best of The Whitlams’ repertoire with a smattering of new songs and classic Americana. The five-piece band features Rod McCormack and Matt Fell, two CMAA Producers of the Year, on banjo and bass. The Basement, Belconnen, Friday 29 September 7pm; thewhitlams.com, thebasementcanberra.com.au
Alpha Men Australia: Six sexy men steam up the stage in a night of comedy, romance, dance, cocktails and fun. Harmonie German Club, Friday 29 September 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
Arts Trail: The Queanbeyan-Palerang Arts Trail returns over three consecutive weekends throughout October in Braidwood, Bungendore and Queanbeyan. Join the celebration of art by following the trail through a variety of art galleries and artist studios. Meet the makers and experience the wealth of talent and creativity in the region, including ceramics, glassworks, sculptures and more.Various venues across Braidwood, Bungendore and Queanbeyan, 30 September–15 October; treasuretrail.com.au/arts
Murrumbateman Moving Feast: A roving degustation allows you to experience wine and food from the finest makers of the region. 30 September- 1 October; makersofmurrumbateman.org.au
Japanese Film Festival: Experience the rich tapestry of Japanese storytelling at this year’s festival, at two venues in Canberra. Special series: 30 September-1 October at NFSA; latest releases 11-15 October at Palace Electric; japanesefilmfestival.net/films-schedule
Back to Nimmity: Nimmitabel invites you to Back To Nimmity. Take this opportunity to see the historic sites and venues that will be open. Come support Nimmitabel’s cafes and gift shops. Only 90 minutes south-east of Canberra. Make a day of it and choose from the 35 places to visit or see this weekend in Nimmitabel; includes talks at the Royal Arms Guesthouse. Exact times and locations available on our Facebook page: ‘Nimmitabel Events’. Nimmitabel, 30 September–2 October; facebook.com/Nimmitabelevents
Good Goodies: A community flea market with art, clothes, cakes, gifts, vinyls and more. Gang Gang Café, Downer Shops, Saturday 30 September 3-6pm.
The Rat Pack Show: Spectrum Big Band bring to life the essence, charm and pizzazz of the troublesome trio, Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, in a show that’s as timeless and magical. The Rat Pack Show – five singers, two sets and one hot band in a night you’ll never forget. Harmonie German Club, Saturday 30 September 7pm;eventbrite.com.au/e/the-rat-pack-show-tickets-673592442127
Masterworks for Winds: The Band of the Royal Military College presents an evening of entertainment from one of the country’s premier wind ensembles. Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 30 September 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
Continuing
Heroes, Heroines and Bastards:A solo exhibition by expressionist artist Karen Chappelow. A subversive take on the classic tropes, cultural icons and meta-narratives of Western society … with a humorous twist. Humble House gallery, Fyshwick, until 1 October; humblehouse.com.au
Gulgawarnigu – Thinking of something, someone: A collection of digital works from young artists from Ngarluma country. National Portrait Gallery, until 2 October; portrait.gov.au
Ngura Pulk-Epic Country: One of the largest First Nations community art projects, created and directed by the Anangu people. National Gallery of Australia, until 8 October; nga.gov.au
Making it Modern: The latest part in the Know My Name project celebrating the world of pioneering women artists who shaped art in modern Australia, this new exhibition features works by Ethel Spowers, Olive Cotton and more. National Gallery of Australia, until 8 October; nga.gov.au
Canberra Glassworks: Presents two new solo exhibitions – a circular logic by Lisa Sammut, and What Gave You That Idea by Zoe Brand. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, until 8 October; canberraglassworks.com
How Cities Work: This exciting interactive exhibition explores the mystery, mayhem and magic of cities, with hands-on construction sites, a futuristic design station and more. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 8 October; cmag.com.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Presents four new exhibitions – Sally Blake’s Wise Parliament, Shani Nottingham’s Plasticus Organicus, Dr Noriko Tanaka’s End Point of the Silk Road, and We Need to Talk by the UC Faculty of Arts and Design. Until 8 October; belcoarts.com.au
Canberra Contemporary Photographic Prize: Images that capture the essence of the contemporary in an ever-changing world. PhotoAccess, Manuka Arts Centre, until 14 October; photoaccess.org.au
Canberra Contemporary Art Space: Presents two new exhibitions – Sad State by Dean Cross, and Signal to Noise by Anna Madeleine Raupach. CCAS Lakeside, Parkes, until 14 October; ccas.com.au
ACT Historic Places Art Prize: Features 29 works from 26 artists with locals invited to come along and vote for their favourite piece. Lanyon Homestead, until 15 October.
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Presents three new exhibitions – Georgia Claridge’s Open Home, Yamile Tafur and Carlos Sanchez’s In the Warmth of the Kitchen, and group collaboration Dust Collectors. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, until 21 October; tuggeranongarts.com
Grit & Gold: Tales from a Sporting Nation: Relive the highs and lows of Australia’s rich sporting history. National Library of Australia, until 5 November; nla.gov.au
White Out: From sheets to shirts, this refreshing exhibition from CIT Fashion School features upcycled garments to challenge fashion industry norms. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 14 January; cmag.com.au
Capturing Canberra: A display of Canberra Museum and Gallery’s recently acquired Press Photography Collection (which has around 3,500 images telling the story of our region). Canberra Museum and Gallery until 28 January; cmag.com.au
The ballad of sexual dependency: Nan Goldin’s career-defining work captures the intimate lives of a community of friends in the 1970s-1980s in these raw and captivating shots. Viewer discretion advised. National Gallery of Australia, until 28 January; nga.gov.au
MoAD: Home to a host of exhibitions, such as Behind the Lines 2022, Blueprint, and Statement: Jack Green’s Paintings at Old Parliament House, free entry. Bookings encouraged;moadoph.gov.au
Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People: Discover the story of Canberra as the place where nationhood found a home – the people, places and history that make up this city and region. Canberra Museum and Gallery; cmag.com.au
Recurring
Lunchulele: Every Monday 12.30-1.30pm, ukulele players perform at Smith’s Alternative, City West; 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. Bookings: canberraglassworks.com
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
ANU Classics Museum: Voluntary guides conduct free tours on the second Friday of each month at 11am in the A D Hope Building, ANU; call 0438 883 373.
Night Markets: The community-run event is on Fridays 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
Smith’s Alternative: Irish Jam each Friday from 4pm; Comedy Open Mic, first Sunday of the month 7pm; smithsalternative.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.
Old Bus Depot Markets: The much-loved markets continue at the Old Bus Depot in Kingston, Sundays 9.30am-2.30pm; obdm.com.au
Bric-a-Brac Rummage: Hunt for second-hand treasure in front of South.Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm.
Trash and Treasure: Hunt for second-hand goods, fresh produce and homewares every Sunday at the Jamison Centre, 7am-12.30pm; trashandtreasuremarketjamison.com.au
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