Celebrate National Science Week with a range of fun events across Canberra. Photo: ACT National Science Week.
There’s so much to get excited about this week in Canberra, with heaps of festivals, live music, kids’ events, exhibitions and comedy.
National Science Week is coming, with plenty of events for all ages to excite your curiosity in all things scientific. We’ve put one particular event in the spotlight, giving the community a chance to support conservation efforts.
Oz Comic Con is coming to the exhibition centre, bringing heaps of exciting stalls, entertainment, special guests and artists for pop-culture fans (and, of course, lots of cosplay!)
The Canberra Theatre Centre hosts social media phenomenon Sooshi Mango for one night of side-splitting comedy.
All this and much more in our weekly guide to all the best across the capital.
Multiple Days
Science in the Centres for National Science Week. Photo: National Science Week ACT.
National Science Week ACT 2025
When: First week covers 9 August to 14 August, more events from 15 to 19 August
Where: Various locations around Canberra
Cost: Free. Find out more.
Get ready, Canberra. National Science Week is back and bursting with fun ways to explore the world of science and technology.
From 9 to 17 August, they’re serving a stellar lineup of in-person and online events, virtual tours, DIY science, and so much more, right across the ACT.
Whether you’re a science nerd, a curious kid, or just love learning something new, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
The home front in the limelight at CMAG. Photo: CMAG.
Australia’s Home Front: 1939-1945 at the Canberra Museum and Gallery
When: 9 August to 14 August, 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Free.
This exhibition at CMAG explores the daily life of Australians during the home front in WWII. An oft-overlooked component of the war, the home front encompasses everything from the vital work done by women who had to take over from men sent to the front, the raising of war bonds, as well as the daily quiet innovation and resilience of those working to defeat the enemy far from the battlefield.
2025 marks 80 years since the Allies’ victory. Learn about the period with artefacts from the collection of local historian Rohan Goyne, with a focus on civil defence, wartime messages, rationing and more.
There will even be a special component, linking Canberra to the Manhattan Project, the secretive military initiative that finally defeated the Empire of Japan.
Southern Harvest Bonfire Night at Dairy Road. Photo: Gupi de Zavalia.
Winter Festival Bonfire Night and markets at Dairy Road
When: 8 August, 6 pm until late, and 9 August, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Cost: Free admission.
Southern Harvest is kicking off the Winter Festival with a Bonfire Night at Dairy Road on Friday night.
Embrace the cold, lean into the dark, and let out your wild side with fire, sparklers, a DJ, and delicious food.
Enjoy spit-roasted pork from local farm Branch & Burrow, boozy hot chocolates, wines by the glass and plenty more still to be announced. On Saturday, Southern Harvest brings the markets back to Dairy Road with plenty of premium, locally grown goods and fresh food, as well as entertainment.
Farrah’s Liquor Collective 6th birthday celebrations run this Friday and Saturday. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Farrah’s Liquor Collective’s 6th birthday sale
When: Friday 8 August from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Farrah’s Liquor Collective, 8 Townsville Street Fyshwick
Cost: 20% off everything.
Farrah’s Liquor Collective (FLC) is turning 6 and to celebrate, they’re putting a sale on for you!
FLC has been bringing Australian products to market at farm gate prices with up to 70% off normal retail pricing since 2019.
On 8 & 9 August, you can get even more savings as FLC places another 20% off everything, when you sign up as a member! Tastings will also be on offer all weekend.
Mecca for nerds, Comic Con is almost here. Photo: Oz Comic Con.
Oz Comic-Con Canberra
When: 9 August and 10 August, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (Epic), Lyneham
Cost: Tickets from $22 to $65 | Book online.
Epic becomes the centre of pop culture, cosplay and comics this weekend as Oz Comic-Con descends on the city.
Over two days, visitors can indulge all their nerdy impulses, with plenty of comic artists, special guests, table-top gaming, cosplay, stalls, music, entertainment, and so much more.
Don’t miss out on the biggest celebration of pop culture coming to the capital this year.
The NFSA is showing heaps of classics this week, no matter what you’re after. Photo: NFSA.
This week at the NFSA
When: 8 August to 14 August,
Where: Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets from $12 to $20 | Book online.
The NFSA schedule is stacked with great films this week, from adventure films, classic kids’ films, much-beloved comedies and romance.
Head to the Arc Cinema on Friday for some classic Disney with a showing of Lady and the Tramp.
On Saturday, the saga of one of the most prolific film series begins with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
Sunday’s showing of Brokeback Mountain tells the tale of a romance doomed to tragedy from the start, starring Jake Gylenhal and the late Heath Ledger.
On Thursday, Simon Pegg stars as Nick Angel in the classic comedy/action film Hot Fuzz, set in a quaint English country town, where devious forces appear to be at play.
Friday
The Simon & Garfunkel Story, playing at the Canberra Theatre Centre on Friday, 8 August. Photo: Canberra Theatre Centre.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story at the Canberra Theatre Centre
When: 8 August, 7 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: $109.00 to $129.00, plus transaction fee | Tickets available from Canberra Theatre Centre.
Direct from sell-out tours of the USA, UK & Europe, The Simon & Garfunkel Story returns to Australia this August.
Performing to great acclaim and sell-out shows in over 50 countries, The Simon & Garfunkel Story tells the fascinating tale of how two young boys from Queens, New York, went on to become the most successful music duo of all time. From humble beginnings as ’50s Rock n Roll duo Tom & Jerry, The Simon & Garfunkel Story takes you through the songs and stories that shaped them.
Saturday
Trish Delaney-Brown, Sam Walton and Brianna Cowlishaw, Lyhra. Photo: Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
The Art of Singing Together workshop and concert at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
When: 9 August from 11 am
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Cost: Tickets are $25 | Book online.
Experience the joy of singing in harmony with a trio renowned for their lush vocal blend and deep musical connection. Explore tone, blend, and expression in a supportive and inspiring space. Whether you sing in a choir, a trio, at church, at a gig, or in the shower, or just love the thrill of harmonising with others, you will love this unique opportunity to work with each member of Lyhra — Trish, Sam, and Bri — as they share their individual approaches to crafting harmony and connection.
Strengthen your ensemble skills through tone, timing, and connection. Discover how vocal colour and blend create emotional magic. Deepen your confidence in musical expression and interpretation, and learn not just the notes, but how to make them feel amazing.
Kenny Rogers & Friends at Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden. Photo: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Kenny Rogers & Friends at Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden
When: 9 August, 8:00 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna St, Phillip
Cost: Dinner and Show (6 pm) $92.95 | Show only (8 pm) $47.95. Tickets available via Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Graham Toole felt like he’d hit the jackpot when he was called up in January 2019 to perform as Kenny Rogers with the Las Vegas Legends at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.
With just nine days to prepare, he stepped in for the injured “American Kenny” and delivered 22 shows alongside tribute acts for Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Elvis, and more.
A seasoned tribute artist, Graham has spent 25 years honouring legends like Glen Campbell, John Denver, and Kenny Rogers. If you missed the originals, Graham’s the next best thing!
Sunday
Sooshi Mango is playing at the Canberra Theatre Centre on Sunday, 10 August. Photo: Canberra Theatre Centre.
Sooshi Mango – Home Made Encore
When: 10 August, 8:00 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Tickets are $69.90 – 309.90, plus transaction fee | Tickets available from Canberra Theatre Centre.
They’re back! Due to phenomenal demand, comedy superstars Sooshi Mango are taking their highly acclaimed Home Made tour around the country for a series of encore performances between August and October 2025.
After 39 performances last year, with shows selling out quicker than a fresh batch of Parmigiano Reggiano at the local deli, it appears that Australia simply can’t get enough of the antics of the much-loved trio of Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri and Andrew Manfre.
If you’ve never witnessed the comedic sensations live before, expect outrageousness, characters, skits and musical numbers inspired by their beloved family that will have you doubled-over laughing.
Thursday
Join this fundraising lunch on Thursday, 14 August, to raise funds for the Raiders Foundation Jarrod Croker Scholarship. Image: Raiders.
Raiders Foundation Sports Lunch
When: 14 August from 12:30 pm to 4 pm
Where: Hotel Queanbeyan, Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: $180 per person | Buy tickets.
Help us raise vital funds for the Raiders Foundation Jarrod Croker Scholarship at a special lunch event in Queanbeyan. Enjoy an afternoon with Jarrod Croker, Tommy Berry, and sporting guests while contributing to the future of rugby league in our region.
Cost includes a three-course meal, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Upcoming events
- New NFSA Installation Inferno by Mikaela Stafford – 22 August
- Bell Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet – 29 August to 7 September.
Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly events guide.
