August is the last month of the year to catch a Canberra Raiders home game before the 2025 finals season kicks off. So, get on down to GIO Stadium Canberra to support the Green Machine.
Otherwise, combat those winter blues with a dose of music, the arts, or literature with an array of events on offer.
If you would like to have your event featured in the monthly what’s on listing, please try and send the details through the previous month, to [email protected]
High Tea: Indulge in High Tea at Water’s Edge (40 Parkes Place East, Parkes; 02 6273 5066) with lake views. Sittings are available Wednesday to Sunday from noon-2pm. High Tea starts at $40 per person (minimum two guests), or a Dome High Tea for $75. Enjoy the winter special three-course lunch for $66 and dinner for $77 (terms apply), Water’s Edge, Parkes, ongoing, noon-2pm; watersedgecanberra.com.au
Gurindji Freedom Banners: Gurindji Freedom Banners: Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla – From the darkness into the light unites all ten hand-painted banners for the first time in years, telling the story of a pivotal moment in the Aboriginal land rights movement, the 1966 Wave Hill Walk-off, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, until late-2026; moadoph.gov.au/visit/whats-on/exhibitions/gurindji-freedom-banners
PARADISE*: Through ceramics, paintings, installation and photography, the artists included in this exhibition interrogate identity, queerness, connection, representation, and what it means to be Pasifika in today’s context of globalism, diaspora, migration and diversity, Canberra Contemporary, Parkes, runs until 4 October; canberracontemporary.com.au/current
Shining: James Lieutenant and Kate Vassallo met while studying at the Australian National University School of Art in 2008. Bonding over a shared love for conceptually rigorous abstraction, process driven making and contemporary art, they have shared a studio together since graduating in 2010, COX Gallery, Kingston, open until 15 August; coxarchitecture.com.au/perspective/shining-james-lieutenant-and-kate-vassallo-at-the-cox-gallery/
Marrow: Set on a shared ground where politics and identity are not our totality, Marrow is a muscular dance work that sees Australian Dance Theatre’s incredible ensemble tangle with layers of smoke and light to disassemble our dominant cultural narratives and reveal the truth of our past, The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre, 31 July-1 August, 8-9pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/marrow-2025/
POSTPONED UNTIL NOVEMBER: Shakespeare on the move: Gold rush to Great War: National Library of Australia experts supported by actors from Bell Shakespeare uncover the objects and stories that reveal how Shakespeare made landfall in Australia, NLA, 1 August, 6-7:30pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/shakespeare-move-gold-rush-great-war
The Good-er Life Tour: With an explosive live show, a litany of certified classics, and an album of new hits, Illy and the band are bringing high octane energy to stages countrywide, UC Hub, University of Canberra, 1 August, 8-11pm; canberra.edu.au/events/Home/Event/463313
ACT Region Heritage Symposium 2025 ‘A Future for the Past’: The topic at this year’s Heritage Symposium considers how to plan ahead for change to reduce or avoid adverse impacts through heritage practice and community participation, Australian National University, Acton, Saturday 2 August, 9am-3pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1418665
Light Up Lyneham 2025: This community-led event celebrates local creativity, connection and winter cheer. A heartwarming blend of live music, food and market stalls, interactive activities, and the sunset lantern walk to the wetlands to view stunning light installations, Lyneham Shops and Lyneham Wetlands, Saturday 2 August 2025, 3-8pm; lyneham.org.au/light-up-lyneham-2025/
Book Launch Party: Emergency! Emergency! Vehicles to the Rescue: This children’s book is being released as a board book and Auslan video. Run by The Book Cow, families can meet firefighters and see historic fire trucks and different emergency equipment, Canberra Fire Museum, Forrest, Saturday 2 August, 10am-noon; bookcow.com.au/events
The Good-er Life Tour: With an explosive live show, a litany of certified classics, and an album of new hits, Illy and the band are bringing high octane energy to stages countrywide, UC Hub, University of Canberra, 1 August, 8-11pm; canberra.edu.au/events/Home/Event/463313
Politics and the Arts: Moderated by award-winning journalist and author Ginger Gorman, this panel brings together artist and School of Art and Design ANU academic Raquel Ormella, Canberra Contemporary Director and NAVA Deputy Chair Sophia Cai, and UC Arts lecturer Dr Bilquis Ghani, anca gallery, Dickson, Saturday 2 Aug, 2-4pm; events.humanitix.com/politics-and-the-arts
Are You Pulling My Leg: Showcasing some of Australia’s funniest comedians living with a disability or chronic illness, this raucous accessible comedy event boasts a stellar line-up of award-winning performers. MCing by Madeleine Stewart, headliner Alexandra Hudson and support acts Jamal Abdul, Loz Booth and Elliot McLaren, The B, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Saturday, 2 August 2025, 7:30-9pm; queanbeyanpalerang.com.au/events/are-you-pulling-my-leg/
The Ballad of Monte Loco Tour: Armed with a new record, The Ballad of Monte Loco, 20-piece posse, Melbourne Ska Orchestra is firing off a genre-busting fusion of Spaghetti Western swagger, deep reggae grooves, and horn-powered mayhem, the band will be joined by special guests, UC Hub, UC, Saturday 2 August, 8pm; moshtix.com.au/v2/event/melbourne-ska-orchestra-the-ballad-of-monte-loco-tour-with-special-guests/178906
Musical Theatre Songs – A Journey: Soprano Madeline Anderson accompanied by pianist Hilda Visser-Scott play classic songs from musical theatre, Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 6 August, 12.40-1.20pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1347384
Deadly Dialogues: The inaugural Bringing Them Home Oration: Spend an evening with Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Nari Nari songman and storyteller sKutcha Edwards, sharing his lived experience through song, NLA, 6 August, 6-7pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/deadly-dialogues-bringing-them-home-oration-kutcha-edwards
Conversations LIVE with Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler: Go behind the scenes and hear the stories you didn’t hear on air. From the famous to the unknown, the wild to the wonderful — Sarah and Richard are lifting the lid on the moments that moved them, made them laugh, and left them speechless, Canberra Theatre Centre, 7 August, 6-7:10pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/conversations-live-2025/
Spotlight Conversation: Join Norman Hetherington’s daughter Rebecca, and grandson Tom, as they share stories of growing up with puppets and learning from a master as we examine the remarkable legacy of the Mr Squiggle creator.They, along with National Museum of Australia’s Dr Sophie Jensen and Danielle Cassar from, will take part in a conversation with Alex Sloan AM, NMA, 7 August, 6–7.30pm; nma.gov.au/whats-on/spotlight-conversations
Q&A Preview: Future Council with director Damon Gameau: Millions of children around the world are frustrated by the dire lack of action to protect the planet and their future. Until now, their only avenue to express these concerns has been protesting on the streets, Palace Electric Canberra, Thursday 7 August, film 6:15pm followed by Q&A; https://www.palacecinemas.com.au/events/future-council-q-and-a
Gorgeous books and royal annotations: What did Katherine Parr and Henry VIII write in their books? Step into the private libraries of one of history’s most infamous royal couples and discover how ink, margins, and manuscript flourishes reveal more than meets the eye, NLA, 7 August, 6-7pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/gorgeous-books-and-royal-annotations
NRL 2025 – Raiders v Sea Eagles: The Raiders take on the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in Round 23 of the 2025 Telstra Premiership, GIO Stadium Canberra, 8 August, gates 5:30pm, U17 Boys kick off: 5:45pm, NRL kick off: 8pm; giostadiumcanberra.com.au/gio-stadium-event/nrl-2025-raiders-v-seaeagles/
The Simon and Garfunkel Story: This show tells the fascinating tale of how two young boys from Queens, New York went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time, Canberra Theatre, 8 August, 7pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/the-simon-and-garfunkel-story/
M’ap Boulé: Nancy Denis shares funny and pivotal stories from her journey to embrace her black, queer, Haitian and Australian identities, framed by the pain and joy she carries from her self-liberated ancestors who revolted against their colonisers and created the first black-led republic of Haiti, The Q, Queanbeyan, 8 August, 7:30-9pm; theq.net.au/whats-on/map-boule/
ACT Antique and Collectable Fair: Find that unique treasure you are looking for or perhaps didn’t know you wanted. More than 20 exhibitors from all over NSW, Victoria and the ACT. You will find that special item of jewellery, Asian antiquity, unique item of French glassware or ceramics, along with a treasure trove of antique furniture and collectables. Entry: Adults $12; Children under 14 free; Concession $10, Albert Hall, Yarralumla, 8-10 August, Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 10am-5 pm, Sunday 10am-4pm; mc-rotary.org/antique-fair
Aussie Night Markets’ Viral Food Festival: Canberra, get ready to taste the internet! The Viral Food Festival is serving up more than 50 of the most viral street eats — from Big Mac Tacos to Dubai Bubble Waffles — plus live entertainment, fire pits, and epic photo ops. It’s a flavour-packed, feel-good weekend you’ve only seen online — until now. Bring your appetite!, Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham, Friday 8 August 4pm-10pm, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August, noon-10pm; www.viralfoodfestival.com.au
Animalia: A group show of more than 80 works by 54 Australian artists (mostly Canberran) created to showcase the wonder of the natural world through art featuring animals. The unique works reflect the myriad of creatures around us as well as the diversity of artistry and creative approaches, Q Gallery, Ainslie, 8-23 August, opening Friday 8 August 6-8pm; q-gallery.com.au/
Midwife Crisis: Sarah Stewart’s past 40 years have been a roller-coaster of birthing babies, corralling a hopeless husband and wondering where her kids ‘parked’ themselves this time. Now, on the wrong side of 60, she’s traded delivery rooms for bucket lists and swapped forceps for funeral plans, with special guest Jelin Palm, Canberra Theatre Centre, 9 August, 4:30-5:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/sarah-stewart-lol-25/
Mental Health Round: Magpies Junior Football Club launches its first Mental Health Round to support youth wellbeing. The community event is dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for Headspace Canberra, with the fundraising activities including a dunk tank, push-up challenge, silent auction and bake sale, Holt Playing Fields, Ormsby Place, Holt, Saturday August 9, 9am-5pm; magpiesjuniors.com
Gershwin and Shostakovich: The Australian Chamber Orchestra’s celebration of the power of music featuring George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.1 with superstar pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk, director and violinist Richard Tognetti, trumpet player David Elton and the ACO, Llewellyn Hall, Australian National University, Saturday 9 August, 7:30-9:30pm; llewellynhall.com.au/events/gershwin-shostakovich
Oz Comic-Con Canberra: A celebration of pop culture for fans of all ages. Whether you’re into gaming, cosplay, comics or collectibles, this year’s show is bursting with fun, creativity and community. From immersive activations and interactive workshops to hands-on gaming experiences and artist showcases, it’s a weekend designed to entertain and inspire, Exhibition Park in Canberra, 9-10 August; ozcomiccon.com/canberra/
Funny Old Stuff: See what horrors and delights lurk in the jungles of artist Julie Loudon’s imagination. In her vibrant, densely patterned works, life goes ornately wild. Part fairy tale, part fever dream, Julie’s paintings tread the line between the familiar and the surreal, domestic and epic, F Block Gallery, Gorman Arts Centre, 10 August, 1-4pm; ainslieandgorman.com.au/whats-on/exhibition/funny-old-stuff/
NRLW 2025 – Raiders v Broncos: The Raiders take on the Brisbane Broncos in Round 6 of the 2025 Telstra Women’s Premiership, GIO Stadium Canberra, 10 August, gates 12:45pm, kick off 1:45pm; giostadiumcanberra.com.au/gio-stadium-event/nrlw-2025-raiders-v-broncos/
AFL GWS Giants v North Melbourne: The Giants take on North Melbourne in Round 22 of the 2025 AFL season, Manuka Oval, Canberra, Sunday 10 August, gates 12:10pm, match 1:40pm; manukaoval.com.au/events/
Bach and Beyond: Callum Tolhurst-Close presents an organ recital inspired by J.S.Bach, Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 13 August, 12.40-1.20pm; trybooking.com/CYREM
Royal Australian Air Force Band: Victory in the Pacific 80th Anniversary Concert: As one of the most significant dates in Australia’s military history, the concerts will feature a poignant and powerful musical tribute, reflecting the courage and resilience of the Australian Defence Force and the veteran community, Canberra Theatre, Thursday 14 August, noon and 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/royal-australian-airforce-band/
1975: Living in the Seventies exhibition: 1975 was a year of transition. Music, art, fashion, literature and film transformed the way we saw the world. It was also a year of war. 1975 was a year to remember. 50 years on, the National Library of Australia looks back on this amazing year and reflects on what it was like to live in the seventies, NLA, 14 Aug 2025 to 1 Feb 2026, 9am-5pm;
library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/1975-living-seventies
Ruby Fields Half the Laugh Tour: Jumping straight back into another tour to celebrate Half the Laugh and probably play more new songs. The support acts are The Beefs and Greg coming to Canberra and the snow with us also, UC Hub, Friday 15 August, 7pm; https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/ruby-fields-%E2%80%9Chalf-the-laugh%E2%80%9D-tour/180213
Reclink Community Cup: 2025 Jersey Presentation Night: A huge evening of music to get around the teams ahead of the big game. Bands performing on the night are Gia Ransome, Spouse, Stella Eve, plus a special set by The Limestones All-Star Band Friday, 15 August 2025, 7pm, Dissent Café and Bar; events.humanitix.com/canberra-reclink-community-cup-jersey-presentation-night
Greater Love: A powerful commemorative concert to mark the declaration of peace in the Pacific 80 years ago when World War II ended. This nationally significant cultural event will remember those who served abroad and those who supported the effort at home. Greater Love will commemorate this historic anniversary with an epic concert that will describe through music, paintings, images and narrations these defining events, Llewellyn Hall, Friday 15 August, 7pm; premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARMEMOR25
Waltzing the Wilarra: Charlie, Elsa, and Fay take you back to 1940s post-war Perth. For a night they can forget their worries and experience rare happy times singing, dancing, listening to music, and with a little luck… romance, The Q, Queanbeyan, 15-16 August, 7:30-10:30pm; queanbeyanpalerang.com.au/events/waltzing-the-wilarra/
Kambah turns 51: A Christmas in July market to celebrate the Canberra suburb’s 51st birthday. Browse amazing locally made craft stalls, bric-a-brac and upcycled trash and treasure. There will be a range of local entertainment, buskers and activities to entertain the children, Kambah Village Shops, 16 August, 10am-2pm; for more information email [email protected]; facebook.com/events/1020622106944444
AFP x Questacon day: The science of solving crime with STEM will go under the microscope as part of National Science Week. The two agencies will invite young people to try their hand at being an AFP forensic expert including fingerprint matching, decoding activities, secret writing and artificial intelligence demonstrations, Questacon, Saturday 16 August, various times; premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=QUESTGEN24
Patternmakers: Vivienne Binns, Richard Blackwell, Ham Darroch and Al Munro investigate pattern as a fascinating, compelling visual phenomena. At a deeper level, the “patternmakers” reflect on pattern recognition, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, opening event 15 August 6pm, exhibition runs 15 August -11 October; tuggeranongarts.com/patternmakers-15-aug-11-oct/
Mandolina Ballerina: Featuring guest artist Tessa Karle – originally born in Canberra and now working for the Royal New Zealand Ballet – this is a once-only opportunity to enjoy, up-close-and-personal, the artistry and grace of a professional ballerina working with the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra, Folk Dance Canberra, Hackett, Saturday 16 August 1:30-2:45pm and 4-5:15pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1415656
Saturday Salon: Claire Edwardes: Joyful Melodies: Showcasing her talents on the marimba and vibraphone, Australia’s sorceress of percussion Claire Edwardes OAM will inspire, touch and amaze you in her program of solo percussion music ranging from Bach to important Australian composers of our time, plus music created for Claire’s daughters, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Saturday 16 Aug, 1:30-2:30pm; tickettailor.com/events/tuggeranongartscentre/1692672
AFLW GWS GIANTS v Bombers: The AFLW GWS Giants take on the Essendon Bombers in round one of the 2025 AFLW season, Manuka Oval, Canberra, Saturday 16 August, gates 4:35pm, match, 5:35pm; manukaoval.com.au/events/
Takács Quartet with Angie Milliken: Presented by Musica Viva Australia, Takács Quartet, 50 years young and as vibrant as ever returns to perform life-affirming Haydn, revolutionary Beethoven and an intriguing premiere for our times featuring actor Angie Milliken, Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Saturday 16th August, 7pm; llewellynhall.com.au/events/takacs-quartet-angie-milliken
Jamala Open Day Tours 2025: Zoo members can join a guided tour through the spectacular Jamala Wildlife Lodge and preview the award-winning Cave Restaurant. Hear firsthand what makes a stay at Jamala a truly unforgettable experience, National Zoo and Aquarium, Sunday 17 August, 3 x 50-minute tours running each on the hour from 1-3pm; fareharbor.com/embeds/book/nationalzoo/items/633128/?full-items=yes
Seb Szabo [solo] w/ special guests: Szabo is letting his guard down. The charming Melbourne songwriter shares heartfelt, cinematic fragments of his life for dreamers, road-trippers and everyday people, Smith’s Alternative Upstairs, Sunday 17 August, doors 3:30pm, show 4-6pm; smithsalternative.com/events/seb-szabo-92212
Jane Austen and her legacy – 250 glorious years: President of the Jane Austen Society of Australia, Susannah Fullerton OAM will deliver a public lecture marking the 250th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, NLA, 20 August, 6-7pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/jane-austen-and-her-legacy-250-glorious-years-0
From Beethoven to the Beatles: Students from the Canberra Girls Grammar School perform music by Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Leavitt, McCartney, Bayer-Sager, Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 20th August 2025, 12.40-1.20pm; trybooking.com/CYREM
Russell Morris: The Farewell Tour: Morris takes to the stage with a line-up of Australia’s finest musicians, featuring lush strings and a smokin’ hot band. You’ll hear all the classic hits – from The Real Thing and Sweet, Sweet Love to his celebrated blues trilogy, this farewell performance covers it all, Canberra Theatre Centre, 21 August, 7pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/russell-morris-2025/
Manning Clark House fundraiser – Travels to Walmajarri Country: Local poet K A Nelson and local artist/author Kim Mahood will give a presentation on a recent trip to Walmajarri Country (Mulan and Balgo, WA) and the exhibition of maps made by Kim with Walmajarri People over a period of 20 years, Manning Clark House, Forrest, opening Thursday 21 August, 6pm, exhibition until 11 September, trybooking.com/events/landing/1430101
Herman’s Hermits: One of the most iconic bands of the British Invasion, Herman’s Hermits stormed the American pop charts with 22 hit singles, including timeless anthems like: Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter, No Milk Today, There’s a Kind of Hush and I’m Into Something Good, Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, Thursday 21 August, dinner 6pm, show 8pm; cscc.com.au/event/hermans-hermits/
The Mersey Beatles: From the beautifully designed costumes, replica instruments and that era-defining Mersey sound, The Mersey Beatles’ stunning live stage show is a gloriously presented hit-packed celebration of The Beatles, The B, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Friday, 22 August, 7:30pm; theq.net.au/whats-on/the-mersey-beatles-2/
Shakenspeare: Faketh till you Maketh: You’ve never seen The Bard like this! Based on a single audience suggestion, watch Lightbulb Improv create two fully improvised Shakespearean masterpieces right before your eyes, Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/shakenspeare-2025/ and www.lightbulbimprov.com
Inferno: The epic new digital installation blends epic-scale motion graphics, kinetic sculpture and dynamic lighting by internationally exhibiting Australian artist Mikaela Stafford with an original soundscape by electronic composer Kate Durman, conjuring a hyper-real, sci-fi-infused world where identity, memory and matter collide, National Film and Sound Archive, 22 August-16 November; nfsa.gov.au/media-release-new-nfsa-installation-inferno-mikaela-stafford-blurs-line-between-physical-and
Community Play Day: The National Capital Orchestra’s annual Community Play Day is an opportunity for local musicians aged 16 and over to experience the joy of playing with a full symphony orchestra in the historic ambience of the Albert Hall, Yarralumla, 24 August, 10am-5pm; nationalcapitalorchestra.org.au/
Der Rosenkavalier: Join National Opera for a jam-packed reduction of Richard Strauss’s beloved opera, Der Rosenkavalier. This condensed love triangle captures the grandeur of the original into a streamlined, emotionally charged performance that captures the essence of longing, passion, and the complexities of love, The Street Theatre, 23-31 August, various times; thestreet.org.au/shows/der-rosenkavalier
19th Dymphna Clark Lecture: Acclaimed author, feminist and social commentator Jane Caro AM will present the lecture exploring the intersections of education, civic responsibility, gender equity, and the role of public discourse in shaping Australia’s future, UC, Tuesday 26 August, 7-9:30pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1421979
2025 NBL Blitz: The pre-season basketball tournament contains five nights of electric double headers. Don’t miss your chance to get the first look at all 10 teams as they compete for the Loggins-Bruton cup, AIS Arena, 27-31 August; nblblitz.com.au/
Unearthing Power: The exhibition features works by seven women artists from Australia and the US. Working across collage, stitch, sculpture, printmaking, performance, and mixed media, the artists reflect on nature’s power, the cosmic forces that shaped the stars and the earth, and the personal connections that sustain creativity, Strathnairn Arts, Holt, 27 August-21 September; strathnairn.com.au/currentupcoming/pleiades
What a Ripper! With Tim Ross and Mary Featherston: To celebrate his latest book What a Ripper! 60 everyday objects that shaped Australia, Tim Ross will be joined on stage by one of the designers featured in the book, Mary Featherston, NLA, 30 August, 3-4:15pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/what-ripper-tim-ross-and-special-guest-mary-featherston
NRL and NRLW double header: The third and final double header of the 2025 season. It will be round 9 for the women’s league and round 26 in the men’s for their last home game of the season, GIO Stadium Canberra, 30 August, gates 12:40pm, NRLW kick off: 12:45pm, NRL kick off: 3pm, NSW Cup kick off: 5:30pm; giostadiumcanberra.com.au/gio-stadium-event/nrl-2025-raiders-v-tigers/
Winter Tales presents Professor Helen Ennis: Professor Ennis discusses her extensive writing on the work of Australian women photographers, NLA, 31 August, 2-4pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/winter-tales-presents-professor-helen-ennis
Story Dogs on Sunday: The NLA’s monthly reading program for 7 to 12 year-olds with the Story Dogs volunteers and their adorable furry friends, NLA, 31 August, 2-3pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/story-dogs-sunday-august-2025
