Canberra and the surrounding regions are finally getting some sun after what felt like an extended winter after a tease of warmth.
Canberra’s own month-long pride festival, SpringOUT, will kick off the events calendar for November.
There are also plenty of film festivals to dig into and learn more about different countries and cultures from around the world.
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]
SpringOUT: SpringOUT is Canberra’s only pride festival. Throughout November, Canberra’s annual SpringOUT festival showcases a diverse array of events that celebrate Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community. There are free and low-cost events, so don’t miss out, various venues throughout the month; springout.com.au
45th Yarralumla Arts and Crafts Show: The show offers an opportunity to support local artists, crafters and makers. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of art, handmade wares, and refreshments, along with entertainment from local choirs and musicians, Yarralumla Uniting Church Centre, Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November 10am-5pm, Sunday 2 November noon-4pm; facebook.com/midwinterartsandcrafts
Russell Hobbs British Film Festival 2025: Variousfilms on offer across November and December,PalaceElectric Cinema; britishfilmfestival.com.au/session-times?city=Canberra
Government House Open Day: Explore one of the country’s most historic properties, meet the Governor-General, and learn more about her role and its place in contemporary Australian society. You can also engage with and learn from some of the organisations the GG supports through patronage, or browse numerous stalls, Government House, Canberra, Saturday 1 November, 10am-2pm; gg.gov.au/about-governor-general/governor-generals-official-residences/visiting-government-house
Queanbeyan Music Muster 2025: An incredible line-up of iconic Aussie talent including Daryl Braithwaite, The Wolfe Brothers, Shannon Noll, Max Jackson, Robbie Mortimer, Sara Berki, Tori Darke, Jack Biilmann and local acts, for a massive day of live music, food, fun and community spirit, Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan East, Saturday 1 November, noon; tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/654121b0-96a8-4482-9e63-0d5a98a1baa4
Hartley Hall Markets: Stalls offering a variety of products including food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts and more, showground, Hall, Sunday 2 November; hartley.org.au/markets
The Classical Trinity: Sonata, Rhapsody, Polonaise: Canberra pianist Robert Schmidli in a glorious program consisting of Mozart’s Sonata no. 13 in B flat major k333, Brahms’ Rhapsody Op 79 no. 1 in B minor and Chopin’s Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise Brilliante Op 22, Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 5 November 2025, 12.40-1.20pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1347384
The Animals The Final Curtain tour: Do not miss your chance to witness one of rock’s most influential bands take their last bow on Australian soil for what will be the final curtain, The B, Queanbeyan, Sunday 2 November, 8-10pm; theq.net.au/whats-on/the-animals-uk/
World Boccia Challenger: Experience the world-class Paralympic sport in Canberra as elite boccia athletes from across the globe compete in this precision ball sport. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or new to Boccia, this event promises inspiring performances and a welcoming atmosphere for all, Australian Institute of Sport, 3-11 November; worldboccia.com/event/camberra-2025-world-boccial-challenger-australia/
NFSA Restores: Tukana-Husat i asua: Considered Papua New Guinea’s most significant feature film, Tukana is the result of a unique collaboration between Australian director Chris Owen, who was instrumental in the establishment of the National Film Institute in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, and Albert Toro, a celebrated writer, director, actor and MP, known as the father of PNG film, ARC Cinema, NFSA, Tuesday 4 November, 6pm; tickets.nfsa.gov.au/events/nfsa-restores-tukana-husat-i-asua
Come Alive: Schools are encouraged to lift expectations of their students to feel the necessity of theatre as part of the cultural landscape in this country. The event demands that art be an organic and authentic reflection of significant historical and cultural artifacts, events, happenings and experience as documented and exposed in our national institutions, The Joe Woodward Theatre, Dickson, Wednesday 5 November, 7-8:15pm; events.humanitix.com/come-alive-25
Book launch: Join bestselling author Peter FitzSimons as he launches his new book The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop. In this special event, Peter will speak about the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop – a surgeon, soldier and prisoner of war whose courage and compassion became legendary, Theatre, Australian War Memorial, Wednesday 5 November, 6-7:30pm; awm.gov.au/book-launch-peter-fitzsimons
The Planets: Jessica Cottis conducts Gustav Holst’s The Planets, an expansive, spine-tingling musical suite inspired by the stars, celestial spheres, and the cosmos. Composed in the shadow of the Great War, The Planets has served as a source of inspiration for some of cinema’s greatest composers, including John Williams and Hans Zimmer, Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 November, 7:30-9:30pm; cso.org.au/concerts/2025-ls4-cottis-conducts-the-planets
Grease vs Rocky Horror: Join Anita Spring, Jonny Gardiner, and their costumed band for a night of high-octane nostalgia, camp, and chaos. From leather jackets to fishnets, Grease vs Rocky Horror celebrates the music and fun of these two cult classics in one epic interactive showdown, The B, Queanbeyan, Friday 7 November, 7:30pm; qprc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/153452
Leigh Barker: Musician and ex-Canberran, Leigh Barker moved to Paris from Australia in 2016 to bring a new international perspective to his many musical projects. In the years before his busy international schedule including performances at the Sydney Opera House and Jazz at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York, Smith’s Alternative, Saturday 8 November, 7-9pm; smithsalternative.com/events/leigh-barker-93224?d=8%2F11%2F2025+7%3A00%3A00+PM
Badieh – Songs from the Greater Khorasan: Audiences can expect a deeply immersive and transportive experience, as this duo brings to life the rich and rarely heard folk music traditions of Greater Khorasan – the cultural heartland spanning eastern Iran and northern Afghanistan with a combination of traditional instruments (rubab, setar) and centuries-old melodies, Street Two, ANU, Saturday 8 November, 7:30pm; au.patronbase.com/_StreetTheatre/Productions/BSGK/Performances
An evening with Harry Enfield: From the meteoric rise of Loadsamoney, a Thatcherite visionary, to the fury of Kevin the Teenager, Harry will reflect on 40 years of arsing about in comedy and bring some of his favourite characters vividly back to life on stage followed by a Q&A, The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre, Monday 10 November, 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/harry-enfield-2025/
2025 Annual Lecture: Jeffrey Gibson: Celebrated for his vibrant, interdisciplinary practice that weaves together Native American aesthetic and material traditions with contemporary themes, Gibson’s presentation coincides with the acquisition of his sculpture Untitled figure 2 2022, currently on display at the gallery, James Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Wednesday 12 November, doors 5:30pm, lecture and Q&A, 6:30-7:30pm; nga.gov.au/events/2025-annual-lecture-jeffrey-gibson/
Queer PowerPoint: Watch the deepest recesses of your notes app come to life as queer artists, thinkers, babes and glorious weirdos from across the ACT share their burning passions, most cooked theories and secret desires for your viewing pleasure. The only rule: use PowerPoint, The Q, Queanbeyan, Thursday 13 November, Tuggeranong Arts Centre Friday 14 November, Belconnen Arts Centre, various times; tuggeranongarts.com/queer-powerpoint-14-nov/
Oceanic Art Society XIII Forum – Papua New Guinea Art: Past, Present and Future: Various talks and events, Friday 14 November and Saturday 15 November, various venues and times; oceanicartsociety.org.au/event/xiiith-oas-forum-in-canberra/
Botanical Escape: Edible Flower Workshop: Step into an afternoon of beauty, flavour, and creativity in the historic town of Braidwood. Perfect for sharing with a friend, sister, or loved one – or simply as a treat for yourself, Braidwood Old Sunday School Hall, Saturday 15 November,1:30-4pm; braidwood-botanicals.square.site/product/botanical-escape-edible-flower-workshop-15-november-2025/ZW75HFO3DBBJITE667HFUOGN?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=QINCQAVN352MCD52XNMUTUYU
South Jerrabomberra Town Park opening: A central community hub designed for all ages to enjoy. Featuring green spaces, playgrounds, and areas to relax and connect, the Town Park will be the heart of our growing neighbourhood, South Jerrabomberra, Saturday 15 November, 10am-2pm; villagebuilding.com.au/south-jerra-dog-park-town-park-opening-dates/
Jewish International Film Festival: A curated selection of films that provide a glimpse into the Jewish experience and the Unique Jewish contribution to the cinematic landscape, Dendy Cinemas Canberra, Saturday 15 November-Sunday 16 November; canberra.dendy.com.au/jewish-international-film-festival-jiff/
Super Kaylene Whiskey: This exhibition celebrates one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, proud Yankunytjatjara woman Kaylene Whiskey. Drawn from public and private collections, this major survey brings together works from across Whiskey’s career, showcasing her dynamic practice that is grounded in stories of First Nations joy and strength, National Portrait Gallery, 15 November 2025-9 March 2026; portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/kaylene-whiskey-2025
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, 18 November, 6-8pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/shakespeare-move-gold-rush-great-war
Southern NSW and ACT Tourism Roundtable: Leading tourism organisations and stakeholders will gather to align efforts, share insights and address regional challenges. With issues like housing, workforce, transport and climate change impacting the visitor economy, the Roundtable provides a forum for practical, actionable solutions that support sustainable growth, Old Parliament House, Parkes, Wednesday 19 November, 10am-4pm; events.humanitix.com/2025-regional-tourism-roundtable
The Almighty Sometimes: A profound and compelling study of a young woman trying to discover where her illness ends and her identity begins, The Q, Queanbeyan, 19-23 November, various times; theq.net.au/whats-on/the-almighty-sometimes/
Inaugural International Men’s Day Forum: Following the theme, Stronger Together: Backing Our Men, Young Men & Boys, this full-day event will unite some of the most inspiring voices in men’s health, wellbeing, and leadership with speakers/contributors from both genders and Aboriginal representatives including Movember co-founder Travis Garone, Movember, and Olympian and leadership coach Guy Newman, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Friday 21 November, 8:30am-4:30pm; events.humanitix.com/international-men-s-day-forum-canberra-2025
2025 Craft + Design Canberra Undercurrent Design Market: The market brings together more than 70 accomplished makers from across Australia, showcasing contemporary work in jewellery, glass, ceramics, textiles and diverse creative mediums, Gorman Arts Centre, Friday 21 November 4–8pm, Saturday 22 November 10am–5pm, Sunday 23 November 10am–4pm; craftanddesigncanberra.org/blogs/programs/markets-2025-craft-design-canberra-undercurrent-design-market
Canberra Community Chest: An inspiring horse racing day spectacle that sees 12 local charities and community groups unite with 12 equine heroes to compete for their share in a $50,000 community chest, Thoroughbred Park, Sunday 23 November, gates noon, local races 1pm; thoroughbredpark.com.au/race/2025/11/canberra-community-chest-race-day
Queers Past LIVE: Canberra’s Queer history podcast Queers Past Live, is going to be live on stage for a special SpringOUT edition, hosted by activist and artist Zev Aviv. Prepare for an evening of intimate, real-life LGBTQIA+ stories spanning decades and traversing our city. Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, Wednesday 26 November, 6:30-7:40pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/queers-past
Out For Connections: Join Out for Australia for an evening of queer achievement, storytelling and joy. Connect with LGBTQIA+ community groups and services, meet interesting new people and enjoy drinks and snacks whilst geeking out, Questacon, Wednesday 26 November, 6-8pm; events.humanitix.com/2025-out-for-connections
Here You Come Again: Here You Come Again is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud musical comedy packed with all of Dolly’s biggest hits – 9 to 5, Jolene, I Will Always Love You, Islands in the Stream, Here You Come Again and more, Canberra Theatre Centre, 27-30 November, various times; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/here-you-come-again/
Spirits at the Foreshore: Pouring more than 200 spirits from 40 Australian and international distillers in a lakeside celebration of flavour. Festivalgoers will discover bold Tasmanian whiskies, playful gins, authentic Mexican tequila, limoncello, rum, vodka paired with a caviar bump, and plenty more, Old Transport Depot, Friday 28 5:30-8:30pm and Saturday 29 November, noon-3pm and 4-7pm; ginevents.com.au/spirits-at-the-foreshore-2025-canberra/
Jimmy Rees – in Reel Life: Having performed to over 100,000 audience members across his Meanwhile In Australia (2022), Not That Kinda Viral (2023) and Let’s Get Regional (2024) tours, In Reel Life (2025) is set to bring comedy and chaos in true Jimmy Rees style!, Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre Canberra, Saturday 29 November, 7pm; premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=REESREEL25
Rock for Reconciliation: Created by Senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan, Rock for Reconciliation is a special, First Nations–led event, bringing the community together for a day of music, traditional dance, cultural showcases, art, and great food, Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Saturday 29 November, 11am-7pm; https://visabel.eventsair.com/rock-for-reconciliation/
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