The weather is warming up so make sure you get yourselves outdoors!
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]
Floriade: With the theme Science and Nature, wander through vibrant garden beds bursting with blooms, swap your gardening gloves for a lab coat and dive into nature’s laboratory with hands-on workshops, talks and activities for all the family. Enjoy a packed program of entertainment, live music, food and wine, market stalls, Commonwealth Park, runs until 12 October, 9:30am-5:30pm daily; floriadeaustralia.com/
Rooftop Putt Putt: A custom-built, open-air mini golf course you won’t find anywhere else in Canberra. Designed exclusively for Floriade About Town, it’s a colourful, floral, spring-themed activity where every putt is part-competition, part-photo opportunity. From blooming backdrops to playful obstacles, each hole brings its own spring-inspired twist, South.Point rooftop carpark, runs until Sunday 12 October, 10am-2pm; southpointcanberra.com.au/south-point-floriade-rooftop-putt-putt/
Tulip Top Gardens: A family owned business, the owners Pat and Bill Rhodin and their family ensure all the planning, planting and display work to entice thousands of visitors ever year to a magic paradise is just so, Tulip Top Gardens, Sutton, until 12 October; tuliptopgardens.com.au/
A Chorus Line: Presented by Free-Rain Theatre Company, it’s one singular sensation! The groundbreaking, Pulitzer Prize-winning concept musical that captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. A Chorus Line delves into the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers and delivers one powerhouse number after another, The Q, Queanbeyan, 30 September-19 October 2025, various times; theq.net.au/whats-on/a-chorus-line/
Packed Lunch by Adina West: Packed Lunch offers up questions surrounding self-concept and the self-attribution phenomenon. The work presented probes how material possessions – cars, homes, perfect lawns – shape identity and symbolise economic status. These domestic luxuries, once symbols of aspiration, increasingly highlight social and economic disparities, anchoring self-perception to societal hierarchies, Platform, Manuka, until 12 October; canberracontemporary.com.au/current-platform
Animal Mysteries: Enjoy a school holiday filled with discovery and adventure at the zoo with the program featuring free activities such as puppet shows, storytelling, and special lion cub keeper talks. Guests will also have the chance to celebrate Nyra, the zoo’s newest lion cub, as she takes part in her very first school holiday season, National Zoo and Aquarium, runs until 12 October; nationalzoo.com.au/animalmysteries/
Masaru Nishikawa: The breath of animals: In his first solo exhibition in Australia, Nishikawa presents new works created during his 2025 artist residency at Canberra Potters, alongside recent works created in Japan. The exhibition introduces Australian audiences to the poetic and playful works for which Nishikawa is recognised and widely collected in Japan, Canberra Potters, Watson, until 2 November, Tuesday–Saturday: 10am-4pm, Sundays 11am-3pm; canberrapotters.com.au/masaru-nishikawa-the-breath-of-animals/
Ghosts in the Snow by Judith Tokley: The exhibition celebrates the haunting beauty of snow gums, one of Australia’s most iconic but endangered trees, Rusten House Art Centre, 27 September–19 October; qprc.nsw.gov.au/Community/Culture-and-Arts/Rusten-House
Queanbeyan-Palerang Arts Trail: Join the celebration of art by following the trail across three consecutive weekends 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, paintings, textiles, jewellery and more, Braidwood, Bungendore, Queanbeyan and Captains Flat, various dates in October; queanbeyanpalerang.com.au/visit/arts-trail/
Canberra community NAIDOC Week: This year’s celebrations will include performances from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and various free school holiday activities for children, such as: Indigenous art workshops, a reading circle (hosted by ACT libraries), and a Ngunnawal language workshop. There will be performances, activities and food, Woden Town Square, Wednesday 1 October, 10am-2pm; facebook.com/events/821248617237226
ANU Energy Update 2025: This annual event brings together energy researchers, policymakers, industry and the public to discuss energy sector developments and present an update on trajectories to decarbonisation. The focus of this year’s event is Getting to Net Zero: Unlocking Domestic and International Opportunities, ANU, Acton, Wednesday 1 October, 2-5:30pm; anu.edu.au/events/anu-energy-update-2025
Rob Beckett Giraffe: Beckett’s new show Giraffe is going worldwide. Expectations on him: put on three stone from takeaways and post-show drinking. Expectations of you: leave the gig happier than when you arrived, Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Thursday 2 October, 8pm; llewellynhall.com.au/events/rob-beckett-giraffe
Ellie Cole book signing: Meet swimmer Ellie Cole for the launch of Felix and His Fantastic Friends. Cole is Australia’s most decorated female Paralympian and passionate disability advocate. This special story is inspired by Ellie’s own journey and highlights the importance of diversity, inclusion and the magic of friendship, Canberra Centre Level 1 near Gelatissimo, Thursday 2 October, 11am; canberracentre.qicre.com/Articles/2025/09/Ellie-Cole-Book
NightFest: Explore Floriade’s dark side. See Commonwealth Park illuminated with vibrant colours, enjoy an amazing program of live music including Josh Pyke and Ella Hooper, roving entertainment, market stalls, and fantastic food and drinks at NightFest this year, Commonwealth Park, 2-5 October, 6.30pm to 10.30pm; floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest/
Creed Bratton – A night of comedy and music: Many may not realise that The Office actor’s story first began with music, and with the release of his 10th studio album Tao Pop, Creed cements his place in music history as he blissfully explores his many interpretations of pop music with what feels like a culmination of his many eclectic experiences, Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 3 October, 7:30-8:50pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/creed-bratton-2025/
Vinyl Lounge: Bring your treasured vinyl records and hear what’s spinning on the National Film and Sound Archive’s turntables at this monthly listening party. Music from all genres and decades are welcome, along with your favourite music stories, Friday 3 October, from 5:30pm; tickets.nfsa.gov.au/Events/VINYL-LOUNGE
Looking for Alibrandi: Iconic novel and cult movie, Looking for Alibrandi is the honest and empowered portrait of 1990s Mediterranean culture that spoke for the first time about systemic racism in Australia from a migrant perspective. It defined a generation and to this day resonates with those caught in the stranglehold of identity and othering in this country, Canberra Theatre Centre, 3-4 October, various times; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/looking-for-alibrandi/
Lake Moon Festival: Enjoy live performances, delicious local cuisine, and a magical atmosphere by the lake, Henry Rolland Park, Parkes, Friday 3 October 5pm-Sunday 5 October 10:30pm; eventbrite.com.au/e/lake-moon-festival-tickets-1736271698389
Goulburn Lilac City Festival: The festival has a rich history that dates back to the 1950s. With a focus on bringing joy to the community, the festival offers a wide range of attractions and experiences including unique markets, food, flower displays, music performances, entertainment, exciting competitions and more, various locations throughout Goulburn, Friday 3–Monday 6 October, 9am-5pm daily; goulburnlilaccityfestival.org.au/
Bugs Alive exhibition: Immerse yourself in the world of bugs and come face-to-face with giant stick insects, see the world’s deadliest spider, watch prey mantis hunt and more. There will be more than 40 different invertebrate species on display, daily live bug talks (10:30am and noon) and children’s activities, Australian National Botanic Gardens, 3-9 October, 9:30am-4:30pm; visit.anbg.gov.au/things-do/whats-on/events/bugs-alive-exhibition
Come From Away: Local company Dramatic Productions brings the globally celebrated musical Come From Away to life – a heartfelt reminder of hope, humanity, and resilience, whilst simultaneously, and in the spirit of the show itself, also gives local Canberrans a helping hand through a portion of ticket sales going to local organisations, Gungahlin College Theatre, 3–18 October, various times; stagecenta.com/showid/9131/theatreid/1132/showdetailsc.aspx
Jodi Martin: Get ready for a show like no other as Jodi Martin takes the stage with her Never Say Die! Tour 2025. This is not just a concert – it’s a roar of triumph, resilience, and love, marking 25 incredible years of storytelling through song, Smith’s Alternative, Saturday October 4, doors 2:30pm, show 3-5pm; smithsalternative.com/events/jodi-martin-89658
Songs of Open Country: Canberra Choral Society presents Songs of Open Country, directed by Dan Walker, with Anthony Smith on piano. Beautiful choral music that evokes a sense of place, tells stories of vast landscapes, and celebrates the celestial forces that shape them. Saturday 4 October 2025, 6pm; events.humanitix.com/songs-of-open-country
Author talk: Dream State by Eric Puchner: Renowned for the sheer beauty of his sentences and immersive storytelling, Puchner has earned numerous prestigious accolades, including as a winner of a California Book Award and as a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, National Library of Australia, 7 October, 6-7pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/author-talk-dream-state-eric-puchner
This is Home: A Mont Film Night: An immersive environmental film and conversation night. Across stories of eucalyptus forests, alpine rivers, and the Snowy Mountains, the night explores the pressures placed on wild places and the choices we face to protect them, The Vault, Fyshwick, Tuesday 7 October, 7-10pm; thevault.place/event-listing-1/tfjxwo8neer7x4657eph2q3w60bgtq
Author Talk with Linda Peek: Margaret Staples was nine years old at the beginning of 1939 when her father was posted to the British colony of Malta with the Royal Engineers. Swimming every day, with blue skies and balmy weather; Margaret and her siblings thought they were in paradise. Everything changed when the Second World War broke out, Linda will talk about her book, Malta: A Childhood Under Siege, Australian War Memorial book shop, Thursday 9 October 5:30-6:30pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1461567
Love Through Many Lenses: Opera singers Louise Keast and Elizabeth Cooper are joined by pianist Kathleen Loh in a concert program inspired by love. Expect to hear Schumann’s song cycle Frauenliebe und Leben”, Op. 42, performed in parallel with great operatic arias and duets by composers such as Rossini, Massenet, Puccini, Poulenc & Delibes, All Saints Anglican Church, Friday 10 October, doors 6:30pm, show 7-9pm; trybooking.com/DFITA
Ride the Cyclone!: Youth Cabaret presents: Ride The Cyclone! A coming of age musical about life, death, and what might come next, in which a group of choir kids are killed in a rollercoaster accident and given the opportunity to have one member come back to life by an ominous fortune telling machine. This show is a ride you won’t want to miss, Smith’s Alternative, 8-17 October; smithsalternative.com/events/ride-the-cyclone-92811
Swimming Bell (US): Los Angeles six-piece Swimming Bell bring their lush Californian alt-folk to Australia for the first time. Swimming Bell is the musical project of Katie Schottland, a Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter whose ethereal melodies and intricate harmonies create a dreamlike sonic landscape, Smith’s Alternative, Thursday 9 October, doors 6pm, show 6:30pm-8:30pm; smithsalternative.com/events/swimming-bell-92649
The Opera Australia Gala Concert: For the first time in more than 40 years, the full Opera Australia Orchestra and Chorus will tour together to the nation’s capital for this special event. More than 80 of the country’s finest singers and musicians will be part of this Gala concert, Canberra Theatre Centre, Thursday 9 October 2025, 7:30-10pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/the-opera-australia-gala-concert
Structured Connections: Structured Connections brings together the work of Alison Jackson, Ingrid Lockley Penc and Sarah Murphy, tracing almost two decades of creative dialogue and collaboration, Craft and Design Canberra, 9 October-15 November; craftanddesigncanberra.org/blogs/current-exhibitions/structured-connections?
Jon & Jero: STUFF!: An interactive comedy experience exploring themes of friendship, hopefulness, exploration and connection, all wrapped together with a healthy sprinkle of imagination on top, The B – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Friday 10 October, 11am and 1pm; qprc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/143266
Chime In: A Carillon Celebration: Performances featuring didgeridoo, marimba, saxophone, and music from The Beatles, Disney and Pixar, musicals, and brand-new compositions. There will also be a live jazz band in King’s Park, children’s activities, food and drinks. Meet the carillonists, snap a picture in our photo booth and enjoy some other activations across the day, National Carillon, 11 October, 10am-noon; nca.gov.au/events/chime-carillon-celebration
Emma Memma – Dance Island Party: Families will be treated to a sprinkling of Emma Memma’s classic songs featured in last year’s hugely successful Boop and Twirl Tour as well as new favourites like Coconut Tree, Welcome to Dance Island, Beach Trolley and Jellyfish Blob soon to be released on the new Dance Island Party album, Canberra Theatre, Saturday 11 October, 10-10:45am and 12.30-1:15pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/emma-memma-2025
Windows to the World at Floriade pop-up: As a vibrant lead-in to the main Windows to the World weekend, a special showcase will take place where a selection of embassies will host pop-up displays, offering visitors a sneak peek into the cultures and experiences featured in the upcoming program, Commonwealth Park, Saturday 11 October, 9:30am-5:30pm; floriadeaustralia.com/program/windows-to-the-world-at-floriade
Community Open Day: There will be tennis and activities for the whole family to enjoy, Queanbeyan Park Tennis Club, Saturday 11 October, 2-4pm; facebook.com/events/732935406415888
The National Vintage Guitar Expo: A celebration of vintage, rare and hand-made acoustic and electric guitars, amplifiers and accessories from around Australia. The expo is made up of more than 20 displayers each year including vintage guitar dealers, luthiers and memorabilia/vinyl record dealers, Harmonie German Club, Saturday 11 October, expo 10am-6pm, vintage sessions 8pm; cvguitars.com.au/currentexpo/
Inner Being: Brings together ten contemporary artists who question our relationship with trees as communicative beings, and traces of their presence in printed and sculpted matter or that connect with country, Megalo Print Studio, Kingston, 11 October-22 November, opening event 15 October 5:30pm; megalo.org/inner-being
Family Fun Day: Get ready for a fantastic day out at Canberra Southern Cross Club’s Family Fun Day. Enjoy live music, delicious food and heaps of free activities for the kids, like face painting, footy games and a visit from the ACT AFL and Canberra Reptile Zoo, Yacht Club lawns, Yarralumla, Sunday 12 October, 11am-3pm; cscc.com.au/event/family-fun-day
Dogs’ Day Out: Floriade will welcome pooches big and small at this year’s Dogs’ Day Out. With a range of dog-specific retail vendors and dog-friendly programming on stage and throughout the park including a Fashion Paw-rade, Floriade invites our furry friends to enjoy a day among the blooms, Commonwealth Park, Sunday 12 October 2025, 9.30am – 5.30pm; floriadeaustralia.com/dogs-day-out/
The Great Big Bulb Dig: Floriade lovers will be able to take home a little piece of the magic the day after Floriade closes its gates for 2025, The Great Big Bulb Dig bags are $20 each and all funds raised from the sale of the bags will go to YWCA Canberra, Commonwealth Park, Monday 13 October, 11am-3pm; floriadeaustralia.com/the-great-big-bulb-dig/
Royal Canberra Spring Morning Tea: The Marymead CatholicCare Auxiliary warmly invites you to join them for their Spring Morning Tea at the Royal Canberra Golf Club. There will be a delicious food, craft, preserves and raffles, Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, Tuesday 14 October, 10am-noon; spring-morning-tea.raiselysite.com
TOUR: Nolan Unmasked: Witness conservators and scientists turn detective as they investigate Nolan’s best-known Kelly paintings with cutting-edge imaging technologies normally reserved for crime labs and medical research. Infrared reflectography and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy will uncover hidden figures, words, and collaged elements unseen by any eyes since Nolan’s own, Canberra Museum and Gallery, 14-15 October, 10:30am-5pm; events.humanitix.com/tour-nolan-unmasked
C2Q – A Different Kind of String Quartet: Presenting a selection of pieces, all composed for that most unlikely of chamber ensembles, the double bass quartet, Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 15 October, 12.40-1.20pm; trybooking.com/CYREM
The Musical of Musicals (the Musical): This timeless story makes for a perfect musical. But let’s do 5 of them instead! This off-Broadway smash hit tells the same simple story 5 times in the style of 5 different geniuses of musical theatre: Kander and Ebb (Speakeasy), Rodgers and Hammerstein (Corn!) Stephen Sondheim (A Little Complex), Jerry Herman (Dear Abby!) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Aspects of Junita), ACT Hub at Causeway Hall, 15-25 October, various times; acthub.com.au/production/the-musical-of-musicals-the-musical/
Pride and Prejudice: A love story in a housing crisis…: In the plush ballrooms of high society, Mrs Bennet sees too well the value of a strategic union. But her five daughters all have ambitions of their own. Jane and Elizabeth want to marry for love (whatever that means). Mary’s stuck in a goth phase, Lydia’s hot for the local militia, and Kitty is… well, we don’t need to talk about Kitty. With the cost of living rising, and Mr Bennet played by a potted monstera, how will the Bennet family hold onto their precarious position on the property ladder?, Canberra Theatre Centre, 15-18 October, various times; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/pride-prejudice-2025/
The Wolves:The Wolves follows nine teenage girls as they warm up for their indoor soccer games. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigour of a pack of adolescent warriors, Belconnen Arts Centre, 15 October-1 November, various times; belcoarts.com.au/wolves/
Newsies Jnr: Newsies Jnr is jampacked with unforgettable characters, wonderful songs, sharp choreography and staging, delivered by a cast of incredibly dedicated young performers, The Street Theatre, ANU, 16-19 October, various times; thestreet.org.au/shows/newsies-jnr
Brocante: Step into a world of French nostalgia with artist Antoinette Karsten’s solo exhibition. This contemporary collection of oil and mixed media paintings is a treasure hunt of discoveries for foodies, romantics and lovers of all things French, The Old Barn Gallery, Pialligo, 16 October-2 November, Thursdays to Sundays 10am-4pm; pialligooldbarngallery.com
Special Event: The Rocky Horror Picture Show – 50th Anniversary: Join director Jim Sharman at the NFSA’s 50th anniversary celebration of the ultimate cult classic and longest running theatrical release of all time. Give yourself over to absolute pleasure and be one of the first to see the new 50th Anniversary 4K re-release, NFSA, Friday 17 October, 7pm; tickets.nfsa.gov.au/events/special-event-the-rocky-horror-picture-show-50th-anniversary
Live at Lanyon with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra: Enjoy an afternoon of jazz, soul, and timeless classics with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra Ensemble. Spend an unforgettable afternoon at the stunning Lanyon Homestead set against the picturesque backdrop of the Brindabella Ranges, Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa, Saturday 18 October, gates 3:30pm, show 4:30-6pm; events.humanitix.com/live-at-lanyon-with-the-canberra-symphony-orchestra-2025
Diwali Mela Lantern Festival: Dust off the picnic set and start practising those Bollywood moves for this year’s Diwali Mela Lantern Festival, Queanbeyan Showground, Saturday 18 October, 5-10pm; qprc.nsw.gov.au/Events/Diwali-Mela-Lantern-Festival
Capital Arts’ Patrons Organisation art auction: A Night of Living Art: Step into a world where the art moves, breathes, and mingles among us. Bid on stunning works, enjoy fine wines from Lark Hill Winery, catering by The Lazy Grazer, and a dynamic lineup of live performances—all included in your ticket. Including: Venus Mantrap, Kokoloco Dance and more, Belconnen Arts Centre, Saturday 18 October, 6:45pm; capitalartspatronsorganisation.org/
Googong’s Rural Fire Service’s Open Day: Climb the big red fire trucks or have a go with the hoses under the watchful eye of our local brigade. Try the firies’ emergency gear on for size and share some of the amazing stories from our local heroes. Plus there will be a petting zoo and face painting, stalls, live music, dance performances, food, and more, Bunyip Park, Googong, Saturday 18 October, 10am-2pm; facebook.com/events/1805134223711777
Midnight Screening: The Rocky Horror Picture Show – 50th Anniversary: The midnight tradition continues with the NFSA’s 50th anniversary celebration of the ultimate cult classic and longest running theatrical release of all time. Put on your best costume and join host Venus Mantrap for a cult experience guaranteed to get the Charles Atlas seal of approval, NFSA, Saturday 18 October, 11:59pm; tickets.nfsa.gov.au/events/midnight-screening-the-rocky-horror-picture-show-50th-anniversary
Ainslie to Everest’ challenge: 19 firefighters from ACT Fire and Rescue will tackle the challenge to raise much needed funds for Lifeline Canberra. Shining a light on mental health, the annual event sees firefighters climb the elevation of Mt Everest on the Mt Ainslie trail in Canberra, all whilst wearing heavy breathing apparatuses on their back. The Canberra community is invited to come along, cheer on the firefighters, and enjoy a day of family-friendly activities, including: Opportunities to connect with emergency services personnel, a community barbecue, meet-and-greet with ACT Emergency Services Agency mascots and fire truck tours, Mt Ainslie, Saturday 18 October, 6am-2pm; www.esaainslietoeverest2025.gofundraise.com.au
Reggae Riddimz: Kopasetic infuse the limits of these genres, with bone-shaking off-beat grooves, psychedelic instrumentals and soulful ballads. The Lady Beans is an all-female band blending reggae, soul, hip hop and world music into a powerful genre bending sound. Made up of women from diverse cultural backgrounds, the group celebrate unity, strength and creativity through music, Smith’s Alternative, Saturday October 18, doors 8:30pm, show 9-11:55pm; smithsalternative.com/events/reggae-riddims-93291
Windows to the World: Offers a unique opportunity to step inside some of the city’s embassies and high commissions and explore international architecture, gardens, culture, and traditions without leaving the capital. On show will be guided tours, cultural performances, traditional food and drink, and interactive displays from across the globe, Commonwealth Park, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October; floriadeaustralia.com/program/windows-to-the-world-at-floriade/
Operation Formal Wear: Lake Tuggeranong Lions Club is once again helping graduating students get ready for their formals with dresses, suits, shoes, jewellery, ties, bags and more, all free of charge, Lions Youth Haven, Kambah Pool Road, Saturday 18-Sunday 19 October, Saturday 10am – 4pm, and Sunday 10am – 3pm; facebook.com/groups/2255562517969128
Calthorpes House Open Day 2025: Explore early Canberra domestic life through the Calthorpe family and their original furnishings and during guided house tours with live pianola music, discover Red Hill through the stories of its early residents, enjoy children’s vintage craft activities, and relax with coffee and lamingtons in the beautiful heritage gardens, Sunday 19 October, various times and events between noon-4pm; collections.humanitix.com/calthorpes-house-open-day-2025
World Wombat Day: A keeper talk and enrichment at 10:30am, followed by National Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Team Stalls raising money for ACT Wildlife and Wombat Rescue from 11:30am-2:30pm, National Zoo and Aquarium, Sunday 19 October
Australian Masters Games: Where competition and fun meet. Where friends reconnect and new friends are made, this is a truly Australian sporting event. Celebrate the milestone 20th edition with friends, teammates and other competitors, various venues across Canberra, 18-25 October 2025; australianmastersgames.com/games
Masked Memory: Rosalind Lemoh is a Sierra Leonean-born Australian artist whose work explores fragility, power and gender through sculptural objects. Her practice combines assemblage, casting and industrial aesthetics influenced by Arte Povera and Confessional Art to draw on themes of the personal as political, Canberra Contemporary, Parkes, 18 October 2025-24 January 2026 (closed 14 December 2025-12 January 2026); canberracontemporary.com.au/ccfuture/masked-memory-rosalind-lemoh
Halloween All Ages Obstacle Course Adventure: Ninja obstacle course and mud run for all the family with finisher medals for the kids, B.FIRM, Symonston, Sunday 19 October, 11:30am-3pm; bfirm.com.au/bfirm-halloween
Dr Margaret Simons Public Broadcasting Rod Wallace Lecture: Dr Simons will discuss the predicted end of terrestrial television, review the recent history of the public broadcaster and why it is still needed, and what publicly funded “broadcasting” means for Australian film and sound, now and in the future, National Film and Sound Archive’s Arc Cinema, Acton, Monday 20 October, 6:30-9pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1466680
Bare It for Breast Cancer: A vibrant evening of art, connection and courage, where every sketch helps support those affected by breast cancer across the Canberra region, Verity Lane Market, 22 October, 6:30pm; tipsysketching.club/events/p/ticket-bare-it-for-breast-cancer
Book launch: With over 30 years putting his shoulder to the bureaucracy wheel, local artist Mick Ashley is perfectly placed to present the opportunities and pitfalls a career in the APS throws up. Mick is releasing his latest book Working in the Public Service: A Survivors Guide, Paperchain Books, Manuka, 23 October, 5pm; paperchainbookstore.com.au/books/events.do?newsId=190
Paul Kidney Japanese Experience: The 10th Mixed Bill Madness show features psych rock behemoth Paul Kidney Japanese Experience (Japan/Melbourne), the neo glam punk of Wollongong’s Sugar Beats, acid electronics from Canberra’s FUKNO, and cry in ya beer country from Dreamlanders, The Pot Belly, Belconnen, Friday 24 October, 8-11:59pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1461549
Canberra Nara Candle Festival: The festival is based upon a much larger candle festival held in Nara, Japan, which celebrates Japanese culture while promoting the values of peace and goodwill. Visitors can experience Japanese art, culture, performances and activities for all ages, eat Japanese food and see the park illuminated with 2000 candles, Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, 25 October, 4-9pm; nara.events.canberra.com.au
ACT Rescue and Foster Trivia Night 2025: ARF’s annual trivia night is back and we are putting the FUN in FUNdraising. The theme is HOWL-oween and costumes are encouraged, Canberra Labor Club, Saturday 25 October, 6:30-9:30pm; eventbrite.com.au/e/act-rescue-and-foster-trivia-night-2025-tickets-1647555736559
BHAGYA SCHOOL OF DANCE’s Siw Sanda Roo 2025: Siw Sanda Roo invites you on a captivating journey across Sri Lanka, brought to life through the power and elegance of Sri Lankan traditional dance, Canberra Theatre Centre, 25 October, 6:30-9pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/bhagya-school-of-dance-2025/
Canberra Men’s Choir Concert – Passing Through: A musical journey through life. The wonderful Canberra Men’s Choir brings you a musical celebration of life. It’ll be a treat for the ears as we celebrate and explore this amazing journey, All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie, Saturday 25 October, 3:30-4:45pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1473882https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/bhagya-school-of-dance-2025/
Land and Sky: Canberra Art Gallery is thrilled to take over an aircraft hangar for a unique one-day pop-up art experience. This free event celebrates the breathtaking landscapes we are privileged to call home and the incredible machines that let us witness them from above, 8 Point Cook Avenue Canberra Airport, Saturday 25 October, noon-5pm; eventbrite.com/e/land-and-sky-tickets-1732981316769
Canberra Writers Festival: the spring program includes masterclasses, author talks, panel discussions, workshops, and book launches, set against the backdrop of some of Australia’s most iconic national institutions, various locations, 22-26 October; canberrawritersfestival.com.au
The Listies: 110% Ready!: The Listies perform a miracle… something no family in Australia has ever done before: leave the house on time! The Q, Queanbeyan, 24-25 October, 11am, 2 and 6pm; theq.net.au/whats-on/the-listies-110-ready
Retrospective Exhibition: Evelyn Sarvaas Ortiz: The exhibition showcases the late artists early woodcarvings through to her painted ceramics and porcelain. See works inspired by her love of music, art history, travel, family and sense of curiosity and joy. Evelyn’s unique depictions of Christ, angels, saints, crosses and biblical scenes were generously gifted to people and organisations locally and globally over her life, and this exhibition brings them all together for the first time, Gorman Arts Centre, 24 October noon-6pm and 25 October 10am-6pm; ainslieandgorman.com.au/whats-on/exhibition/retrospective-exhibition-evelyn-sarvaas-ortiz/
The Pleasures: Fronted by Catherine Britt and Lachlan Bryan, The Pleasures have quickly become one of the most talked-about new acts in the country. The sound is gritty and blues-inspired, and the subject matter ranges from bold and bawdy to heartfelt and insightful, Smith’s Alternative, Saturday October 25, doors 3:30, show 4-6pm; smithsalternative.com/events/the-pleasures-92285
CWF Kids and YA Day: The Canberra Writers Festival will host an action-packed line-up of interactive sessions and workshops with writing and drawing superstars and local heroes. From picture book magic to primary-aged series and teen fiction, this day celebrates reading for families and kids of all ages, National Museum of Australia, Sunday 26 October, various times; canberrawritersfestival.com.au/kidsandyaday
Vive la Voix!: An afternoon celebrating the beauty and diversity of French music. Enjoy a program of classic and contemporary works performed by talented vocalists, showcasing the depth and charm of the French musical tradition, All Saints Church, Ainslie, Sunday 26 October, 3:30-5pm; trybooking.com/events/landing/1370219
Good Shepherd Primary School Book Fair: Explore a wide range of books for readers of all ages, including children’s books, games and puzzles, Good Shepherd Primary School, Amaroo, Sunday 26 October, 10am-4pm
Community Tennis Day: This event will be action-packed with something for everyone – on and off court. This event will be action-packed with something for everyone – on and off court, Canberra Tennis Centre, Sunday 26 October, 10am-noon; facebook.com/events/4036550406587447/
Japanese Film Festival: The JFF started in 1997 with three free film screenings and is now one of the largest celebrations of Japanese films in the world. JFF brings out special guests for Q&A evenings and film screenings, as well as programs and events for audiences to enjoy Japanese traditional and pop culture, Palace Electric, 27 October-18 November; japanesefilmfestival.net/venues/
Ausdance ACT’S Youth Dance Festival: YDF encourages a student-led approach to dance making, choreography, theatre and film making and provides a shared artistic experience and professional mentoring. This year’s theme is Life on Mars, Canberra Theatre Centre, 28-29 October; ausdanceact.org.au/youth-dance-festival
Collection viewing: A treasure trove of tales for children: This special evening will start with an introduction from well-known author Stephanie Owen Reeder, who has been fossicking around in the treasure trove that is the Library’s children’s literature collection for over 30 years, NLA, 29 October, 5:30-8pm; library.gov.au/whats-on/events/collection-viewing-treasure-trove-tales-children
Capital Film Festival: Showcasing the best films from around the world, and shining a light on local content, the line-up presents major Festival award winners, ACT premieres fresh off their international screenings and more. Bursting with parties, special events, Q&A sessions and filmmaker discussions, Dendy Canberra, 29 October-2 November; canberra.dendy.com.au/capital-film-festival/
Boney M Xperience and Fabba: Delivering an unforgettable Euro-pop tribute experience. Fans can relive the disco era with Fabba’s energetic renditions of ABBA’s greatest hits, including ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Take a Chance on Me’, The B, QPAC, 30 October, 7:30-9:30pm; qprc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/151997
Hindley Street Country Club – Live In Concert: Hailed as the greatest cover band by the music industry and muso’s across the world, HSCC perform the soundtrack of a generation from the 70’s & 80’s. In a band filled to the brim with some extremely accomplished and talented musicians and vocalists, Canberra Theatre, 31 October, 7:30-10pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/hindley-street-country-club-2025
DroneArt Show Canberra: Take your concert experience to new heights. Immerse yourself in a magical evening where classical music meets cutting-edge technology. Beneath a candlelit sky, a talented quartet performs masterpieces while a breathtaking drone show turns the air into a canvas of light and color, Exhibition Park in Canberra, 31 October-1 November, 8pm; https://thedroneartshow.com/canberra/#experience
SciFright: Once the sun sets on Halloween, Questacon will transform into a haunted playground for adults where the shadows come alive and the science gets spooky. Wander through the ghostly halls after dark and uncover spooky science, see mad scientists in action and come dressed to impress – or terrify, Questacon, 31 October, 6:30-9:30pm; questacon.edu.au/whats-on/events/scifright
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