with Jordan Pounartzis
The weather is starting to cool down but there’s plenty to do in autumn before the winter blues hit.
Viva Italia in Canberra Festival: Step into an unforgettable night under the stars as the Viva Italia Festival kicks off with an exclusive celebration like no other! Enjoy live music and authentic Italian street food, as you dance the night away by beautiful Lake Burley Griffin, various venues, 28 March–13 April; vivaitaliaincanberra.com.au
Pierce Brothers – ‘The Night Tree’10 Year Anniversary Tour: Melbourne indie folk stars Pierce Brothers are celebrating 10 years of their breakout EP The Night Tree with a huge Australian tour in 2025. The tour marks the EP’s first-ever vinyl release, packed with new tracks and a live B-side. Having just come off the back of supporting James Blunt at sold out arenas around Australia, this is sure to sell out quick! The support act is Flynn Gurry, UC Hub, Bruce, 3 April, 7-11pm; ucx.canberra.edu.au/life-at-uc/live-music.html
Raiders v Sharks: The Raiders return home to take on the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks for a blockbuster match of Thursday night footy. Under the lights at GIO Stadium Canberra, fans are invited far and wide to watch star halfbacks Jamal Fogarty and Nicho Hynes go head-to-head to kickstart round five, GIO Stadium Canberra, 3 April, 8pm; giostadiumcanberra.com.au/gio-stadium-event/nrl-2025-raiders-v-sharks/
Mardi Gras Film Festival: The MGFF line-up includes the critically acclaimed trans narrative Crossing, which won the Audience Award for Narrative Feature at MGFF in Sydney, and the French comedy-drama Somewhere in Love, recipient of the inaugural MGFF Best EU Feature Film Prize. Also featured is Duino, a captivating film inspired by the personal experiences of writer-director Juan Pablo Di Pace, 3-5 April; www.nfsa.gov.au/events-experiences/MGFF
The Australian Dream? With Tim Ross: In The Australian Dream? Tim Ross casts his discerning eye across the archival treasures of much-loved public libraries and uncovers the telling images that reveal a multi-decade story of Australian homes; 3-4 April, 7-8:30pm; library.gov.au
Damien Leith: Damien Leith’s latest show, Ireland Orchestrated, features heartfelt renditions of beloved Irish classics, including Danny Boy, Molly Malone, The Fields of Athenry, Tell Me Ma, You Raise Me Up, and many more. With the power of a full orchestra and all-new original arrangements by award-winning composer Emma Greenhill, each song will be transformed into a stunning, cinematic masterpiece, creating an unforgettable musical experience, support by crossover soprano Suellen Cusack, Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 5 April, 8-10.05pm; damienleith.com
Luke Whitington Launches – Italy Unveiled: A Journey in Poet: Celebrated Australian poet Luke Whitington launches his latest collection of poems, a tribute to Italy where he spent 20 years of his life. Through his indelible longing, expressed in his extraordinary poetry, he takes attendees on a unique and intimate journey through Italy, Manning Clark House, 5 April, 3-5pm; manningclark.org.au/events
Stomp Festival: Two days of exceptional wine, food, entertainment and immersive experiences at wineries right across the region. The 2025 Stomp Festival celebrates the energy and passion behind this year’s standout vintage, with cellar doors offering everything from wine tastings and masterclasses to art exhibitions, grape stomping, chocolate workshops, live music and picnics, various venues, 5-6 April; canberrawines.com.au/events
Relay for Life: Get on track to end cancer. Relay For Life 2025 is a festival-like overnight event filled with activities, music and comradery. The event is a chance for the community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, those going through a cancer experience and their carers to honour and remember loved ones lost and to raise money to help save more lives. Gather your family, friends and work colleagues to walk, run, or dance laps in a continuous 24-hour relay to signify that our fight against cancer does not stop. Join hundreds of Canberrans and make strides towards a cancer-free future: start or join a team in the 2025 Relay today! AIS Athletics Track and Field Centre, Bruce 5-6 April; relayforlife.org.au/event/canberra-2025
Fake and Famous and Our Home exhibitions: The Fake and Famous exhibition brings together a diverse collection of works where artists reinterpret famous masterpieces and lesser-known works through their own creative lens. Our Home by Alex Lynn. Lynn captures the beauty of the everyday through this exhibition. His paintings aspire to that moment when you stop walking, visually drink in the scene before you, and marvel at the light, atmosphere, and serenity of the moment, Rusten House, Queanbeyan, 5 April-24 May, 10am-4pm; qprc.nsw.gov.au/Community/Culture-and-Arts/Rusten-House
Canberra Play Outside Day: Canberra Play Outside Day is back, and this time, it’s all about power tools — yes, actual power tools for both kids and adults! The legends from SALT Ladies Tradies will be there to show you how to use them, and the project of the day is a cheese board. Because nothing says “I’m an absolute pro at life” like serving snacks on a board you made yourself — and the best part? You get to take it home, Haig Park, Braddon, 6 April, 10am–2pm; facebook.com/events/1097691072046024
AI in science: the promise, perils and path forward – AI and our health: Two expert speakers will discuss AI-driven developments with the potential to transform lives and share insights into the curly ethical questions and challenges facing the healthcare system as AI expands, The Shine Dome, Acton, 8 April, canapes and drinks 5.30pm, talks and livestream 6-7pm; https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/events/public-speaker-series/ai-in-science-the-promise-perils-and-path-forward
The Canberra Times Marathon Festival: Experience the oldest city marathon in Australia at The Canberra Times Marathon Festival. This prestigious event offers five different distances showcasing the scenery of the nation’s capital. Choose from the AIMS certified marathon, half marathon, and 10 kilometre courses, or the 5.4km and Kids’ 2km fun runs. All races start near MoAD, with scenic views of the National Triangle and the centrepiece of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin. Join in the fun all weekend long with the 3-day Canberra Times Marathon Festival Expo leading into event weekend! John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes, 11-13 April, 6am-1pm; https://solemotive.com/pages/canberra-times-marathon-festival
Italian Festa: Sotto le Stelle: Enjoy live music, performances and delicious Italian dishes with a glass of wine or a cocktail in a beautiful outdoor setting. Step back in time at the Pompeii exhibition and wander the outdoor marketplace to discover unique artisan goods inspired by Italian culinary traditions. It’s a night you won’t want to miss! National Museum of Australia, 12 April, 4–8:30pm; https://www.nma.gov.au/whats-on/festa
Autumn Garage and Plant Sale: A cool crisp breeze is starting to flow through Canberra which means it’s time to plan for our Autumn Garage and Plant Sale. Discover a unique range of pre-loved vintage items such as clothes, books, music and much more!Marymead,255 Goyder Street, Narrabundah, 12 April, 9am-1pm; mccg.org.au/news/event-autumn-garage-plant-sale-saturday-12-april/
Street Feast – Canberra: Anight of food trucks, dessert stalls, boutique retail stalls and music, Thoroughbred Park, 12 April, 4-9pm; facebook.com/events/597055933064636
The Second High album launch tour: Celebrated Australian songwriter Liz Stringer is bringing her powerful live presence to Australian stages for a select tour to mark the release of her seventh studio album, The Second High, Liz will perform solo and very special guest Candice Lorrae will open the show, Smith’s Alternative, 13 April, 3-5pm; smithsalternative.com/
Water and Spirit: 2025 Chamber Classics: Free-flowing music for flute, piano and cello, inspired by water, breath, spirit and song. Debussy’s Syrinx takes its name from ancient Greek lore. Pursued by Pan, God of the wild, the nymph Syrinx is transformed into river reeds – from which we fashion pan pipes. Water mythology also permeates Amy Beach’s ‘Water-Sprites’ Pastorale, which ripples with opalescent textures, Albert Hall, Yarralumla, 13 April, 2-3pm; cso.org.au/concerts/2025-cc2-water-and-spirit
National Folk Festival: “The National” brings world-class performers, established and emerging artists and music lovers together to discover, share, experience and celebrate the exciting world of folk. It is the longest-standing event of its kind in Australia, and the only event of this nature in Canberra, Exhibition Park in Canberra, 17-21 April;https://www.folkfestival.org.au/
The Black Blues Brothers: In a Cabaret scenography with the vintage charm of the Cotton Club, five artists of the famous Nairobi Sarukazi school link jumps, pyramids and the most unbelievable acrobatics one after the other in scenes paying tribute to John Landis’ Blues Brothers. An American-inspired show with an electrifying atmosphere, enhanced by an irresistible musical score. Masterful!A blend of contemporary circus and musical comedy, The Black Blues Brothers is a dynamic show, suitable for audiences of all ages and nationalities, Canberra Theatre Centre, 18 April, 7-9pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/the-black-blues-brothers-2025/
Canberra Steam Train Rides: Experience the unique thrill of a heritage rail journey behind steam locomotive R766 which will travel from Canberra to Bungendore and back. Enjoy views of the spectacular Molonglo Gorge, travel through three tunnels and view the rolling country scenery from your heritage carriage. Choose from private compartments for large groups or classic seating for four or singles. First class high tea optional, Canberra Railway Station, 18-20 April, Train 1: 8:15am, Train 2: 12:15pm, Train 3: 3:45pm. picnictrain.com.au/canberra
Superman Day 2025: It’s the 87th anniversary of the first appearance of Superman in Action Comics #1. Celebrate with some cool comics specially produced for the day! Impact comics!, 19 April, 10am–5pm; impactcomics.com.au/event/superman-day-2025/
Canberra Fashion Market: The Canberra Fashion Market is packed with stallholders selling new and quality pre-loved fashion, including clothing, shoes, boots, bags, jewellery, accessories and much more. The full fashion spectrum is covered. Big-name, designer labels abound (both Australian and international). Great buys are to be had, especially for early-bird shoppers, Fitter’s Workshop, Kingston, 20 April, 10am-3pm; canberramarkets.net.au/category/fashion-market/
Madagascar the Musical: Madagascar the Musical captures the essence of the beloved DreamWorks Animation film, bringing the characters you know and love to the stage with a fresh and exhilarating twist. Join the gang on a journey of friendship, self-discovery, and loads of fun – a perfect blend of heart-warming moments and pure entertainment, Canberra Theatre Centre, 22 April 6pm, 23 April, 10:30am and 2:30pm; https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/madagascar-the-musical-2025/
Anzac Day: This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and commemorating all Australians who have served in times of peace and war. The program includes dawn Service at 5:30am, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association Commemorative Ceremony at 7:30am, National Commemorative Service and RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March at 9:30am, Last Post at 4.30pm, Australian War Memorial, 25 April; awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day
Sweet Charity: Winner of four Tony Awards, Free-Rain Theatre Company presents Sweet Charity, which is set in the swinging sixties, and follows the adventures of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopeful dance hall hostess looking for love and a better life. Despite disappointments in her romantic endeavours, Charity remains resilient and continues to search for her happily ever after. Sweet Charity touches on themes of self-discovery, friendship, 29 April-18 May, The Q; freeraintheatre.com/production/sweet-charity/
Tuff Nutterz Canberra: The inflatable obstacle course is designed to challenge and test your skills as you navigate through a series of inflatable obstacles including tunnels, slides, and other exciting features. You’ll need to climb, slide, jump, and crawl your way to the finish line, all while having a blast with your family and friends. In addition to the 300-metre-long obstacle course, Tuff Nutterz also offers a mini obstacle course and a six-metre-tall slide for those looking for an adrenaline rush, food and drinks available to purchase, Parkes Place Lawns, 25-27 April session times 9 and 11am, 1 and 3pm; tuffnutterz.com/tuffnutterznsw-act/act
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