Presented in partnership with A Gender Agenda to mark Intersex Awareness Day, Girl For A Day (Un jour fille) is a powerful historical drama based on the true story of Anne Grandjean, an intersex person navigating identity, love and self-determination in 18th-century France. While rooted in history, the film speaks directly to contemporary conversations about bodily autonomy, belonging and the right to define one's own identity, offering a moving and thought-provoking exploration of resilience in the face of social and institutional pressures.
Running since 2016, No Lights No Lycra Canberra South has been offering a unique space where individuals can completely let go, shake off the stresses of the week, and lose themselves in the music.
There are no choreographed steps to follow, no required technique—just you, the music, and the freedom of dancing in the dark.
No Lycra though?
That simply means wear whatever is comfortable to dance in. If that's gym gear, great.
But how dark is it?
It's dark enough to feel uninhibited and free, but not so dark that you can't see.
And the music? Is it a banger?
Absolutely. The music selection is diverse—rock, EDM, pop, disco, R&B, 80s, funk, country—whatever sounds good that week.
What's the crowd like?
It's a genuine mix. People of all ages (from their 20s to their 70s), all abilities, and all genders attend. Children over 12 are also welcome with adult supervision.
Get ready, Canberra! The electrifying live stand-up show featuring the hilarious and dynamic Pritish Narula is coming your way in 2026. Known for his sharp wit, bold storytelling, and uniquely Punjabi comedic flair, Pritish is set to bring a night full of laughter, cultural commentary, and high-energy entertainment to the stage. This one-of-a-kind event promises to celebrate Punjabi identity and humour in a way that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Don't miss this unforgettable experience - Pritish Narula is the live comedy event Canberra has been waiting for!
This show will be performed in Hindi and Punjabi
Celebrate Spring with a seasonal high tea at Queen's Terrace Café, Parliament House.
Satisfy your taste buds with a selection of sweet and savoury treats showcasing great Australian produce, while taking in sweeping views of the bush capital in bloom. It's the perfect complement to your Floriade visit!
Choose from a selection of teas, barista-made coffee, or upgrade to the sparkling high tea for an extra special treat.
Make a day of your visit with a tour of the Parliament House courtyards, architecture, or exhibitions.
For 100 years, The Canberra Times has chronicled the stories of Canberra and its community. In this special talk, two of the newspaper's senior editorial staff delve into the archives to reveal some of the fascinating discoveries they uncovered while helping curate CMAG's exhibition, Always Canberra: 100 Years of The Canberra Times.
Lifelong Canberrans Sally Pryor and John-Paul Moloney will share insights into the newspaper's history, its role in shaping the city's identity, and the stories behind some remarkable archival finds.
Following the talk, Always Canberra curator Vanessa Roth will lead a guided tour of the exhibition.
Sally Pryor has been a reporter with The Canberra Times for 18 years, covering a wide range of subjects including courts, arts and community life. A lifelong Canberran, she is passionate about documenting the city's stories and sharing what makes Canberra unique.
John-Paul Moloney is Managing Editor of The Canberra Times, overseeing its editorial direction and operations. He joined the newspaper as a cadet reporter in 2000 and has held a variety of reporting and leadership roles across sport and news. As Managing Editor since 2016, he has led the newspaper's centenary celebrations and remains committed to its ongoing role in Canberra's civic and cultural life.
The Golden Oar is Canberra's premier regatta festival, bringing elite international and Australian rowers to the iconic waters of Lake Burley Griffin.
Across three action-packed days at Black Mountain Peninsula, mixed sculling crews from Australia and around the world race for glory and serious prize money. Olympic champions and world record holders line up alongside masters, club, junior and para rowers, with racing over sprint, middle-distance and time trial courses.
Onshore, the peninsula becomes a lakeside celebration of sport, music, food and fun. Spectators get the best seat in the house, with racing right in front of them and a vibrant festival atmosphere featuring live music and local flavours.
Presented by Red Shed and Canberra Airport, with support from Rowing Australia and Rowing ACT, The Golden Oar is Canberra's biggest weekend on the water. Whether visitors come for the world-class racing or the festival atmosphere, there is something for everyone.
Friday Art Talks are a free weekly program. Hear from artists, curators and experts on the works in the collection and exhibition program.
Friday Art Talks are held every Friday lunchtime at 12–12.45pm from February to November.
The National Gallery is committed to reducing barriers to participation in their programs. Friday Art Talks are wheelchair accessible and four assistive listening devices will be available for attendees who are hard of hearing. Please email them for more information or to discuss your access needs.
Bubbles first. Responsibilities later.
The world can wait. When the first Spritz hits, that's where it begins.
Escape to the sun-drenched deck for an ice-cold infusion of bittersweet prosecco and Mediterranean sun. There's just one choice to make: Aperol or Hugo.
Then come the bites: a crisp chicken tender and molten mozzarella stick. Call it a high-low aperitivo. Because a Spritz should never drink alone.
Oversized sunglasses and zero urgency. Welcome to your new Riviera ritual.
Consider yourself a member.
Your Friday night plans just got easier.
Garema Sessions brings live music and variety performances from local artists to Garema Place every Friday evening.
Drop by after work or school, meet up with friends, or, if you're visiting Canberra, come and grab something to eat and enjoy free live entertainment in the heart of the city.
With a rotating lineup of local performers, there's something different to catch each week.
Celebrate Spooktacular this Halloween at the National Zoo & Aquarium!
Spooktacular is a family-friendly Halloween event, presented by the National Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Team (NZACT) to help raise vital funds for wildlife conservation. Last held in 2024, Spooktacular helped to raise over AUD18,000 for vital Australian native wildlife programs!
With frighteningly fun games, scary scavenger hunts, a devilish dancefloor, wickedly wonderful treats and lots of candy, it is sure to be a fun night out for all! There will also be a very special Bent'Spook' Bar for the adults, and a free drink token is included in every ticket!
Boo-k your tickets now!
Colin Hay is bringing his world-class band from LA to venues across Australia, offering a night of euphoria as they revisit the quintessential songs of his seminal 80s outfit Men At Work.
It has been 45 years since the conception of one of the world's most celebrated Australian albums. With unforgettable tracks like "Down Under" "Who Can It Be Now" and "Be Good Johnny" still in high rotation on airwaves across the globe, there is no denying that Men At Work's debut studio album Business As Usual has stood the test of time.
Having spent an unprecedented fifteen weeks at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 and five weeks at No. 1 in the UK albums chart "Business As Usual" defined an era where Australian rock music emerged from the beer-soaked stages of local haunts and started to make its mark on an industry saturated by sequins and synth.
The 2026 Men At Work Oz Tour promises a setlist of songs for all generations. The event is a salute to the meteoric rise of "Business As Usual" and the enduring songs from their other albums that changed the trajectory of popular music in Australia and beyond.
Welcome to Canberra's Newest, Gayest Piano Bar! Featuring John Milligan on the keys, leading you in song through all your camp song requests.
You choose the music, drink the drinks, and sing the songs until you can't sing anymore!
Inspired by the native flora found in the lush rainforest surrounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Jindii EcoSpa delivers soul-enriching treatments that will revitalise, recharge and replenish.
Infusing locally sourced botanical ingredients. The garden sanctuary provides a nurturing oasis to escape from life’s hectic pace.
The spa rituals and treatments are uniquely designed to provide a deep connection to both nature and self, providing a haven for some well-deserved time-out, and to simply “be”.
Welcome to the National Library of Australia – the home of your story.
There is always something going on with a constantly changing calendar.
Wander through the Main Reading Room to view some of the building's artwork and look through a selection of books on display.
Or take advantage of one of their free guided tours. Trained volunteer guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the Library and its collections.
And don't forget to browse the Bookshop for a souvenir, a special gift or your next great read. Or, if you need to recharge with a drink and a bite to eat, you can also visit the Paperplate Cafe.
Know what is happening at the Library before you arrive. Check out the National Library website for their opening hours and to plan your visit. Also, have a look at the What's On page to find out what events, lectures, discussion panels, author talks, special exhibitions and school holiday activities they have coming up for you to see and participate in. Visit the exhibition galleries, including the Treasures Gallery, which showcases the extraordinary holdings of the National Library of Australia.
Reconciliation Place reaffirms Australia's shared history and commitment to Reconciliation as an important national priority. Wander down pathways among public artworks and explore the themes of Indigenous achievements, partnerships, belonging and connection to the land and waters.
The location of Reconciliation Place in the Parliamentary Zone places the Reconciliation process physically and symbolically at the heart of Australia's democratic life and institutions. Reconciliation Place is constructed on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal people.
Historic All Saints' Anglican Church was built in the mid-1800s as the railway station at Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney. After decades of disuse, it was painstakingly dismantled and transported stone by stone to Canberra where it was erected in 1958.
See its beautiful stained glass windows, soaring angel-decorated arches and a heritage pipe organ, combined with an open, airy and modern interior .
Get to know artists, musicians, politicians, athletes, scientists, community leaders and more! Home to over 3000 portraits, the Portrait Gallery tells stories of the Australian people from past to present through the eyes of some of our best-known artists.
Gain a greater understanding of Australia's identity, history, creativity, culture and diversity through portraiture, stories and a myriad of exhibitions and programs in the award winning building of the National Portrait Gallery.
Discover more on the National Portrait Gallery website.
Questacon is Australia's national science centre, where science and technology come alive in a hands-on experience for all ages to inspire your imagination with the world of science and technology.
With over 200 interactive exhibits across 8 galleries, you can travel to the centre of an Earthquake, to the heart of a beehive, all the way to outer space!
To guarantee a visit to Questacon, please pre-book your ticket.
The High Court of Australia is the highest court in the Australian judicial system.
Visitors to the Court can view the courtrooms where the Court interprets and applies the law of Australia and hears cases of special significance, including challenges to the constitutional validity of laws.
During sitting weeks, subject to available seating, visitors can observe the oral argument and see barristers present their case before the Justices.
The Court also has the Australian Constitution Centre designed to engage visitors with the history, meaning and relevance of the Australian Constitution.
Court Guides staff the public areas to explain the powerful history and contemporary function of the Court in Australia's democracy.
The stunning building by Lake Burley Griffin in the Parliamentary Zone also has a collection of artwork depicting the role and relevance of the Australian judiciary.
The National Police Memorial is a place of reflection, remembrance and respect, honouring Australian and South West Pacific police officers who have been killed in the line of duty or have died as a result of their service since the beginning of policing in Australia.
Officially dedicated on National Police Remembrance Day, 29 September 2006, the Memorial recognises the unique role of police officers and the risks they face in protecting the community.
Set within Kings Park's peaceful surrounds, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the Memorial offers visitors a place to pause and reflect. From dusk each evening, more than 830 individually illuminated touchstones honour each fallen officer, while the rear of the Memorial wall is illuminated with the image of St Michael, Patron Saint of Policing.
Each year on 29 September, the Memorial is the focal point for the National Police Remembrance Day Commemorative Service. Coordinated by Australian Federal Police, the ceremony includes a ceremonial march across Kings Avenue Bridge before proceedings commence at the Memorial. Members of the public are warmly welcomed to attend this moving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.
Whether visiting during the day or experiencing its quiet beauty after sunset, the National Police Memorial offers a powerful and lasting reminder of the courage, service and sacrifice of Australia's police officers.
Lennox Gardens, set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, offers beautiful views of Black Mountain, the Brindabella Ranges and the city centre. Kids love the expanse of lush green grass and there's plenty of space to picnic, have a barbeque or just relax under the shade of towering trees. Lennox Gardens is home to two landscaped gifts from Japan and China; each celebrating the sister city links between Canberra, Beijing and Japan’s ancient capital, Nara.
The Beijing Garden is designed in the imperial Chinese garden style of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912); a style symbolic of luxury and refinement. It features a traditional Chinese welcome gate, paths that meander past Chinese stone sculptures and a Chinese pavilion offering a place for quiet retreat to enjoy the garden's serenity.
Canberra Nara Peace Park is the home of the annual Canberra Nara Candle Festival held in October. It features a small Japanese themed garden, traditional wooden gate and gazebo, and a number of iconic cherry blossom trees. A distinctive feature of the park is its "borrowed landscape" or the extension of the park's boundaries to encompass landmarks such as Lake Burley Griffin, Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie and Lotus Bay.
The masterful centrepiece of Canberra, the large and lovely Lake Burley Griffin is an ideal water playground, whether you’re into rowing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or fishing. Cyclists and walkers are well catered for along the 40-kilometre shoreline, and nothing beats a picnic in its numerous parks and gardens.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, take a cruise, catch a ferry, or simply enjoy the water views from one of the many lake-side cafes and restaurants.
The Curatoreum are independent stores located in Canberra, at the National Portrait Gallery and National Arboretum Canberra. Specialising in art, botany, design and children’s books there is a wide selection of inspiring and thought-provoking publications.
The Curatoreum’s two unique locations are also ideal for presenting the best of Canberra’s creative talent, offering a large range of locally sourced jewellery and gifts for the home.
The National Carillon is a bell tower housing 57 bells, including one installed in 2020, which carries a welcome to Ngunnawal Country and is known as the Ngunnawal Bell. These bells are played by a carillonist, using a keyboard known as a clavier, inside the tower. Regular, free, concerts are performed on Sundays from 11am to 12pm. Enjoy these from Aspen Island or vantage points such as the amphitheatre outside the National Gallery of Australia or Kings Park.
The National Carillon was a gift of the British Government to the people of Australia in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Capital and includes automatic Westminster chimes like Big Ben.