Spring is in full swing and Canberra’s October calendar is packed with plenty of reasons to get out and about.
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Floriade: Australia’s biggest celebration of spring continues with more than one million blooms alongside live entertainment, workshops, food, garden displays and family activities. Entry is free. Commonwealth Park, until Sunday 11 October, 9.30am–5.30pm daily; floriadeaustralia.com
Floriade NightFest: See Floriade after dark as Commonwealth Park comes alive with illuminated gardens, entertainment, food and live music. This year’s line-up includes Tim Finn, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Pacific Avenue and The Temper Trap. Commonwealth Park, 1–4 October, 6.30–10.30pm; floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest
Mintventures: Spies, codes and coins!: Young codebreakers can uncover the secret world of spies through coins and ciphers during the school holidays. Royal Australian Mint, Deakin, 1–8 October, sessions from noon; ramint.gov.au
Ben Lee and Georgia Maq: Two distinctive Australian singer-songwriters join forces for a night of live music in Canberra. Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 2 October, 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Play School Live Concert: Humpty’s Big Celebration!: Play School favourites come to the stage for a live concert designed for the littlest members of the family. Canberra Theatre Centre, 2–3 October, various times; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Choose your own Antarctic adventure: Young explorers can journey through the world’s coldest continent with hands-on school holiday activities inspired by Antarctica. National Museum of Australia, Acton, 2–9 October, sessions from 10am; nma.gov.au
The National Guitar Show: Guitar lovers can explore vintage, rare and boutique instruments, amplifiers and gear in a showcase celebrating all things six-stringed. The Zeppelin Room, Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, Saturday 3 October, 10am–6pm; harmonieclub.com.au
Jessica Mauboy – The Story of Me: One of Australia’s most celebrated performers returns to the stage, taking audiences through the songs and stories that have shaped her career. Canberra Theatre Centre, Saturday 3 October, 7.30–10pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Haig Park Spring School Holidays: Head to Haig Park for school holiday fun alongside the popular Sunday markets, with activities for families across the week. Haig Park, Braddon, 4–11 October; haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Japanese Film Festival: Discover the diversity of Japanese cinema with a program spanning contemporary releases and stories from one of the world’s most distinctive filmmaking cultures. Palace Electric, NewActon, until 13 October; japanesefilmfestival.net
AUTO-TUNE: Canberra Theatre Centre hosts a new work as part of its October program, exploring performance and contemporary theatre on the Canberra stage. Canberra Theatre Centre, 7–8 October; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Mikelangelo In The Belly of the Whale: Canberra’s own Mikelangelo brings his distinctive storytelling and performance style to the stage as part of The Independents Festival of New Works. Canberra Theatre Centre, 9–11 October, various times; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Kate Ceberano – Australian Made Tour: Australian music icon Kate Ceberano celebrates the songs and sounds that have helped shape her career in a live concert spanning decades of Australian music. Canberra Theatre Centre, Saturday 10 October, 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Alex Lloyd – 25 Years of Watching Angels Mend: Alex Lloyd marks 25 years since the release of his acclaimed album Watching Angels Mend, revisiting the record and favourites from across his career. The Street Theatre, Saturday 10 October, 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
Romeo + Juliet 35mm anniversary screening: Celebrate Baz Luhrmann’s colourful take on Shakespeare with a special 35mm screening and costume party marking the film’s anniversary. National Film and Sound Archive, Acton, Saturday 10 October, 7–10pm; nfsa.gov.au
Canberra Short Film Festival: Filmmakers and audiences come together for a celebration of short-form storytelling, with local, national and international films hitting the big screen. Dendy Cinemas Canberra, 10–17 October; csff.com.au
Canberra Bonsai Society Exhibition: Discover the living art of bonsai with carefully cultivated trees on display and enthusiasts sharing their knowledge. Canberra High School Hall, Aranda, 10–11 October, from 9am; cbs.org.au
Canberra Colour Frenzy: Run, walk or dance your way through a colourful course in a family-friendly event filled with colour, foam and plenty of fun. Weston Park, Yarralumla, Sunday 11 October, 8.30–11.30am; colourfrenzy.com.au
Sydney Kings v New Zealand Breakers: NBL action comes to Canberra as the Sydney Kings take on the New Zealand Breakers in a midweek basketball showdown. AIS Arena, Bruce, Wednesday 14 October, 7.15–9.30pm; premier.ticketek.com.au
Canberra Writers Festival: Book lovers are in for a big four days as the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with 110 events and 200 artists. The program features authors, journalists, comedians, political thinkers and children’s writers including Judith Lucy, Michael Robotham, Pip Williams, Susan Orlean, Garth Nix, Andy Griffiths and more. Various venues, 15–18 October; canberrawritersfestival.com.au
Menopause The Musical: The long-running musical comedy turns the trials and tribulations of menopause into a night of songs and laughs. Canberra Theatre Centre, 15–18 October, various times; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Questacon After Dark: Rewind: Adults take over Questacon for a Y2K-inspired night of science, nostalgia and fun, complete with 2000s anthems, classic gaming, friendship bracelets, slime and plenty of throwback fashion. Questacon, Parkes, Friday 16 October, 6.30–9.30pm; questacon.edu.au
Spotlight on David Gulpilil: The NFSA celebrates the life and work of one of Australia’s most significant screen performers with a special evening dedicated to David Gulpilil. National Film and Sound Archive, Acton, Friday 16 October, 6–10pm; nfsa.gov.au
Dusk till Dawn: Experience the Australian War Memorial after hours with a special evening program running across two nights. Australian War Memorial, Campbell, 16–17 October, from 5pm; awm.gov.au
Canberra Fitness Expo: Fitness, health and wellbeing take over EPIC for a weekend bringing together businesses, athletes, competitions and the wider fitness community. Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell, 17–18 October, from 9.30am; cbrfitexpo.com.au
UC Capitals v Bendigo Spirit: The UC Capitals begin their WNBL home campaign with a Round 1 clash against Bendigo Spirit. AIS Arena, Bruce, Saturday 17 October, 3–5pm; premier.ticketek.com.au
Live at Lanyon with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra: Enjoy live music against the picturesque backdrop of Lanyon Homestead as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra returns for an afternoon in the historic surrounds. Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa, Saturday 17 October, 5–6.30pm; cso.org.au
SpringFest: Celebrate spring with a community day featuring market stalls, activities and entertainment in Tuggeranong. Tuggeranong Uniting Church, Wanniassa, Saturday 17 October, 9am–2pm; tuc.org.au/events/springfest
Canberra Spring Gemcraft and Mineral Show: Fossils, crystals, minerals, jewellery and lapidary displays come together for a weekend dedicated to gems and geological treasures. Mallee Pavilion, EPIC, Mitchell, 17–18 October, from 10am.
Canberra Fashion Market: Browse new and pre-loved fashion, accessories and locally made pieces at this popular market for style lovers and bargain hunters. Fitters’ Workshop, Kingston, Sunday 18 October, 10am–3pm; canberramarkets.net.au
WXV Global Series – Wallaroos v Scotland: International rugby comes to Canberra as the Wallaroos take on Scotland in the WXV Global Series. Friday 23 October, 6.30–9.30pm; events.canberra.com.au
Canberra Nara Candle Festival: Celebrate Canberra’s sister-city relationship with Nara as the Peace Park glows with 2,000 candles. Enjoy Japanese food, cultural performances, art, activities and a cosplay competition in one of Canberra’s most picturesque spring events. Canberra Nara Peace Park, Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, Saturday 24 October; nara.events.canberra.com.au
Oktoberfest in the Gardens: Raise a stein by the lake with German beer, food, brass bands, performers, rides and DJs at Canberra’s big Bavarian-inspired celebration. Patrick White Lawns, Parkes, Saturday 24 October, 1–9pm; oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au
In Conversation: Courtney Act and Paul Yore: Courtney Act joins artist Paul Yore for a conversation at the National Portrait Gallery exploring art, identity and contemporary culture. National Portrait Gallery, Parkes, Saturday 24 October, 5.30–7pm; portrait.gov.au
The Billy Joel Experience: Celebrate the music of the Piano Man with a live tribute to Billy Joel’s catalogue of enduring hits. Canberra Theatre Centre, Saturday 24 October, 7.30–9.40pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Around the World in 80 Days: Jules Verne’s classic adventure comes to the stage as Phileas Fogg races around the globe against the clock. Perform Australia Theatre, Greenway, 24–31 October, various times; perform.edu.au
Rosalie Gascoigne: A major exhibition celebrates one of Australia’s most distinctive artists, bringing together works that transformed everyday materials and the landscapes around Canberra into striking contemporary art. National Gallery of Australia, Parkes, from 24 October; nga.gov.au
Youth Dance Festival: Canberra’s young dancers take over the stage for three nights as Ausdance ACT’s annual Youth Dance Festival returns. This year’s theme, The Metaverse, will see high school students explore virtual worlds, technology and social connection through student-led dance, choreography, theatre and film. 27–29 October, Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic; ausdanceact.org.au
Peking Duk – Paradise Album Tour: Canberra’s own Peking Duk return home as part of their Paradise album tour for a huge night of electronic music. UC Refectory, Bruce, Friday 30 October, 7.30–11.30pm; moshtix.com.au
Halloween at the NFSA – The Lost Boys: Celebrate Halloween with the cult 1980s vampire classic The Lost Boys. The night begins with an ’80s-themed courtyard party featuring a live DJ and costume prizes before the film hits the big screen. National Film and Sound Archive, Acton, Saturday 31 October, 7–10pm; nfsa.gov.au
Henry’s Spook-tacular Halloween Party: Families can dress up and get into the Halloween spirit with an evening of spooky fun at the Canberra Southern Cross Club. Woden, Saturday 31 October, 5.30–8.30pm; cscc.com.au
Daniel Connell – Prairie Dog: Canberra comedian Daniel Connell returns to the stage with his latest stand-up show. The Street Theatre, Saturday 31 October, 7.30–8.30pm; thestreet.org.au
Greg Davies – Full Fat Legend: British comedian and Taskmaster star Greg Davies brings his new stand-up show to Canberra for a night of larger-than-life storytelling and comedy. Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre Canberra, Saturday 31 October, 7–10.30pm; nccc.com.au
Canberra Brick Show: LEGO lovers can explore more than 300 tables of creations from some of Australia’s best builders, including trains, vehicles, mosaics, Technic builds, Star Wars displays and original creations. EPIC, Mitchell, 31 October–1 November, from 9am; canberra.brickshow.au
Continuing
Canberra Art Biennial: Contemporary art takes over public spaces and landscapes around the capital, with installations and works appearing across Canberra throughout the festival. Various locations, until 31 October; canberraartbiennial.com
RELICS: A New World Rises: Step into a post-apocalyptic world where intricate LEGO creations have been built into a collection of vintage objects, imagining a civilisation reclaimed by nature and tiny inhabitants. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 31 January 2027; cmag.com.au
Zoo in Bloom: Spring colour meets the animal kingdom as the National Zoo and Aquarium celebrates the season with floral displays and activities throughout the grounds. National Zoo and Aquarium, Weston Creek, until 11 October; nationalzoo.com.au
Recurring
Capital Region Farmers Market: Stock up on fresh seasonal produce, meats, baked goods and locally made treats direct from regional growers and producers. Exhibition Park in Canberra, Saturdays, 7–11.30am; capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
The Little Burley Market: Spend a Saturday morning by the lake browsing gourmet food, locally made products and artisan stalls. Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Saturdays, 9am–2pm; thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Haig Park Village Markets: Browse fresh produce, food, handmade goods and local stalls under the trees at Haig Park. Braddon, Sundays, 8am–2pm; haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Hartley Hall Markets: Head out to Hall for a relaxed Sunday market filled with produce, food, plants, crafts, gifts and second-hand treasures. Hall Showground, first Sunday of the month, 9am–2pm; hartley.org.au
