Things to do in Canberra

Canberra offers plenty of ways to get out and about, whether you're after culture, community, fresh air, or live entertainment. The city's world-class galleries showcase everything from contemporary portraiture to tapestry, while the surrounding natural spaces invite you to explore the landscape in all seasons. If you're looking to catch some live music or support local producers, there are regular gatherings across the city that bring people together.

Markets are a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, with several happening regularly across different neighbourhoods, from the inner south to outer areas. You'll find fresh produce, local makers, and a genuine community vibe at each one. For something a bit different, heading out to the nearby snowplay areas or taking a walk through the arboretum offers a nice change of pace and a chance to reconnect with nature.

Whether you're a long-time local or relatively new to the city, there's always something to discover. The venues and events listed here run regularly or seasonally, so you can plan your outings around what appeals to you most.

What is on

• John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror, Thu, 25 June, 12:00 am, National Portrait Gallery, Parkes, Free Details and bookings
• Arthur Boyd: Tapestries, Thu, 25 June, 10:00 am, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes, Free Details and bookings
• Winter in the Woods, Fri, 26 June, 12:00 am, National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo Valley, Free (some workshops/tours ticketed) Details and bookings
• Friday Night Jazz, Fri, 26 June, 6:00 pm, Gang Gang Cafe and Bar, Downer, Free Details and bookings
• Corin Forest Snowplay, Sat, 27 June, 12:00 am, Corin Forest Mountain Resort, Paddys River, $25 Details and bookings
• Capital Region Farmers Market, Sat, 27 June, 7:00 am, Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Mitchell, Free Details and bookings
• Buzz Kull - Deep Hate Live in Canberra, Sat, 27 June, 7:00 pm, Gang Gang Cafe and Bar, Downer, $25 Details and bookings
• Southside Farmers Market, Sun, 28 June, 8:00 am, Canberra College, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip, Free Details and bookings
• Haig Park Village Markets, Sun, 28 June, 8:00 am, Haig Park (Braddon side, Lonsdale & Girrahween St), Braddon, Free Details and bookings
• Old Bus Depot Markets, Sun, 28 June, 9:30 am, Old Bus Depot, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston, Free Details and bookings

This roundup was compiled with AI assistance from public event listings. Sources: portrait.gov.au, nga.gov.au, nationalarboretum.act.gov.au, ganggangcafe.com.au, corin.com.au, capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au, region.com.au, haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au, obdm.com.au.