Canberra celebrates its relationship with its Japanese sister city with culture, performances and competitions. Photo: Events Canberra.
Canberra is buzzing with a whole lot to see and do next week. We’ve found all the best events and laid them out in our weekly guide.
The Canberra Writers Festival is still going strong, with plenty of author talks, special film screenings and events to get you excited about reading or writing. Whether your favourite author is coming to town or you want to delve into something completely new, there’s something for you across Canberra.
The Harmonie Club is holding the ultimate Oktoberfest this weekend, with competitions, authentic German food and, of course, more beer than you can shake a stein at.
Nara Candle Festival transforms the Nara Peace Park into a mecca for Japanese culture and cuisine, celebrating the long-standing relationship between Canberra and our sister city in the land of the rising sun.
Don’t miss out on all this and more across the capital.
Multiple Days
Canberra’s celebration of reading, writing and the art of literature is back this year. Photo: Canberra Writers Festival, Facebook.
Canberra Writers Festival
When: 24 October to 26 October, various times, see program for more information
Where: Various locations across Canberra, see the schedule for more information
Cost: Ticket prices vary, generally between $20 and $30 | Book online.
The Canberra Writers Festival is the capital’s premier celebration of writing across just about every genre, from romance to crime, biography, self-help, short stories, history, memoir, young adult, current affairs, environment, Indigenous affairs and everything in between.
This is a great chance to get insights into the art of writing or simply to hear from your favourite Australian authors. Whether your primary interest is as a reader or a writer, there is something here for you.
It’d be impossible to mention every event coming to Canberra for the festival, but here is a sample:
A history of Australian childhood is told through a record of physical objects in Toys, Curios & Fragments of the Past. Pip Finkemeyer asks an important question for our century in Can Big Tech Really Save Humanity? And the unlikely story of Bob Hawke is told with plenty of colour in a talk from David Day about his book Hawke – From Larrikin to Legend.
Competitions, food, beer, and prizes at the Harmonie Club. Image: Harmonie Club.
Oktoberfest at the Harmonie Club
When: 24 October, gates open from 4 pm and kids are welcome until 6 pm, and 25 October, gates open at 10 am to 6 pm
Where: The Zeppelin Room, Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah
Cost: Single-day tickets from $25 | Weekend pass from $50 | Book online.
Oktoberfest is hitting Canberra in a big way at the Harmonie Club with a whole lot of wunderbar events, food and drink across two days.
The Harmonie Club will host authentic German beer, traditional German food (that means schnitzel and pretzels), German music and dance, wurst eating competitions (to find the best at eating wurst), strongman competitions, mechanical beer bottle and axe throwing, Miss Oktoberfest and heaps of prizes up for grabs.
Don’t miss out on the ultimate Oktoberfest celebration this weekend.
A feel-good classic comes to the NFSA this week. Image: NFSA.
This week at the NFSA
When: 24 October to 30 October
Where: Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets from $12 to $16 | Book online.
The National Film and Sound Archive is hosting a full, exciting schedule of films this week, with something for everyone.
Al Pacino stars as an undercover cop in the New York gay scene to catch a killer in the 1980 cult classic Cruising.
Matt Damon and Robin Williams deliver a powerhouse performance in the much-beloved feel-good film Good Will Hunting.
And across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Japanese film festival brings three movies from the 30s, shot on film, to Arc Cinema, with a diverse range of stories to be told.
Friday
A fascinating exploration of the voice as an instrument at Wesley Church. Photo: Trybooking.
Voice, Rejoice! Concert from Salut! Baroque
When: 24 October, 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm
Where: Wesley Church, 20 National Circuit, Forrest
Cost: Tickets from $30 to $45 | Book online.
The voice as instrument is explored in this concert, which presents the rhythms and colours of Spanish music, German choral tradition and French opera, alongside Italian arias.
Singers in this concert will use their voices to evoke a broad range of emotions, testing the limits of what a singer can do. Tenderness, resentment, frailty, high passion and anguish are all expressed brilliantly, with experienced singers paying tribute to the compositions of some of history’s greatest composers.
Saturday
Take a look through Amberfield by LDK on Saturday, 25 October. Photo: LDK.
Amberfield Open Day
When: 25 October, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Amberfield, 240 Cotter Rd, Weston ACT 2611
Cost: Free | Find out more.
Bring your family and discover the retirement lifestyle you’ve been searching for at Amberfield. This October, the heart of Amberfield’s village comes to life with the opening of the Village Plaza, a place to connect, share and belong. Find out more about their styled apartments and get all the information you need about retirement living in their village.
Come and see how LDK are already caring for families just like yours.
Tour the RSCPA ACT facilities this Saturday, 25 October! Image: RSPCA ACT.
RSPCA ACT’s Shelter Open Day and community Pet Pantry launch
When: 25 October, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: 12 Kirkpatrick St, Weston
Cost: Free | Follow for more information.
RSPCA ACT is issuing a tail-wagging invitation to come sniff out the sounds and sights of the animals and the people who care for them at the Weston shelter this Saturday.
It’s also the official launch of RSPCA ACT’s community Pet Pantry.
RSPCA ACT’s Pet Pantry has enjoyed a ‘soft launch’ and over the past three months and has already distributed nearly 3 tonnes of pet food to community groups in Canberra to further support people in need or who are doing it tough.
This Saturday, visitors to the shelter are asked, if they are able, to bring either a bag or a tin of pet food to support the pet pantry.
See heart-warming children’s novel Runt come to life with a special screening and conversation with author Craig Silvey. Photo: Canberra Writers Festival.
Runt! Page to Picture: Movie and Author Talk
When: 25 October, 1 pm
Where: Dendy Cinemas Canberra, Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda St
Cost: Tickets $28 | Book online.
Hear Craig talk about turning his book into a major movie and his love for storytelling.
Whether you are a young reader, an aspiring storyteller, or just eager for a heartwarming yarn, this event promises joy, inspiration, and a few twists.
What’s next in store? Hear Craig reveal snippets from his latest book, Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping, in conversation with Cadance Bell, author, producer and director.
Candles light up Nara Peace Park to celebrate a 31-year relationship. Photo: Events Canberra.
Canberra Nara Candle Festival 2025
When: 25 October, 4 pm to 9 pm
Where: Canberra Nara Peace Park, Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla
Cost: Free.
The Canberra Nara Festival is a yearly celebration of Canberra’s relationship with its sister city, Nara in Japan.
This year marks the 31st year of the relationship between the two cities. The celebration will bring Japanese culture to the forefront with art, performances, and activities for all ages, as well as Japanese cuisine and a cosplay competition with prizes up for grabs.
And of course, there is the main attraction for the night – the lighting of the 2000 candles, which transforms the park into an after-hours wonderland.
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled celebrates 50 years of changing lives. Photo: Pegasus Riding for the Disabled.
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled 50th Anniversary Golden Gala
When: 25 October, 6.30 pm to 7 pm
Where: The National Arboretum, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley
Cost: Tickets $350 | Book online.
Shine for a cause and help change lives.
Pegasus is marking a major milestone in 2025 – 50 years of empowering and supporting children and individuals living with disabilities through the transformative power of horse-assisted activities.
This anniversary year is not just about looking back on five decades of impact—it’s about showing how Pegasus changes lives today, join us on 25 October 2025 for our spectacular Golden Gala, to celebrate, support, and ensure its legacy continues for future generations.
Your evening includes:
- Canapes on the deck at sunset.
- 3-course meal.
- Golden drinks package.
- Live music and entertainment.
- Unique gift for each guest.
- Knowing your support goes directly to supporting the work Pegasus delivers to people with disability in our community and will continue to do so for the next 50 years.
The Capitals go head-to-head with the Townsville Fire this week. Photo: UC Capitals.
UC Capitals v Townsville Fire
When: 25 October, 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier St, Bruce
Cost: Tickets from $10 to $40 | Book online.
The UC Capitals are taking on the Townsville Fire at AIS.
With nine championships under their belt, the UC Capitals have a well-deserved reputation for passion, speed and skill on the court.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see them in action this weekend for this top-of-the-table clash – OK, it’s only the second round, but it’s never too early to get excited about the Caps!
Sunday
Old Canberra Inn’s collaboration with Colonel Fatboy’s Bootleg BBQ starts Sunday 26 October. Enjoy smoked meats galore! Photo: Old Canberra Inn.
Smoked Meats with Colonel Fatboy von Bootleg
When: 26 October, 12 pm
Where: Old Canberra Inn, 195 Mouat St, Lyneham
Cost: Various prices.
Calling all smoked-meat lovers! Colonel Fatboy von Bootleg is serving up smoked brisket goodness at Old Canberra Inn. Smoked onsite at OCI, Colonel Fatboy von Bootleg will be cooking the meat low and slow and pairing it with secret sauces and rubs… smoked perfection is guaranteed!
Join the National Library’s Story Dogs program on the last Sunday of each month. Photo: National Library of Australia.
Story Dogs on Sunday at the National Library
When: 26 October, 2 pm to 3 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West
Cost: Free but bookings are essential | Book online.
Join the National Library for a paw-sitive reading experience with the Story Dogs program.
Trained volunteers and their accredited dogs create a nurturing environment where children can enjoy a range of stories in a relaxed environment. This unique program aims to make reading fun, helping children enjoy books and become confident, lifelong readers.
Young people aged 7 to 12 are invited to enjoy stories and pats as they sit with a friendly reader and attentive dogs, just outside the Bookshop in the Foyer.
Very small children (under 7) can listen to the stories and pat the dogs with parental supervision.
Several dogs will be on-site for each session; however, places are limited, and bookings are preferred.
Tuesday
The Southbound Mobilisation Meeting was held in Shanghai on 21 June 1949, at the Tianchan Theatre. Photo: National Library of Australia.
Revolutionary Youth in China, 1949-1950 with Dr Sanjiao Tang
When: 28 October, 1 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra
Cost: Free | Book online.
Join 2025 National Library of Australia Fellow, Dr Sanjiao Tang, to discuss his recent Fellowship research focused on the history of the Chinese Communist Party.
The year between 1949 and 1950 witnessed the most drastic and profound changes in modern China. Triumphing in the Civil War and taking over the entire country, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was founding its new government. The younger generations were strongly encouraged to follow the national progress and become revolutionary youth as soon as possible.
However, it was not always easy for ordinary young men and women who had never engaged in revolution. Understanding the CCP’s effectiveness in reshaping the younger generations helps rethink the swift establishment of the People’s Republic.
Moreover, by addressing the limitations of speedy and tolerant strategies in thoroughly revolutionising the youth, in line with the CCP’s ideals, it is possible to reconsider China’s history in the following three decades.
Wednesday
Board game titled Race to the gold diggings of Australia, 1855. Image: National Library of Australia.
Collection viewing: A treasure trove of tales for children
When: 29 October, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra
Cost: Tickets $40 members | $45 non-members | Book online.
The Friends of the Library present their annual collection viewing event. This year’s focus is on children’s literature – from gumnut babies and magic puddings to Mr Chicken and green sheep.
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. As Stephanie has discovered, the Library’s comprehensive children’s literature collections include everything from manuscripts, ephemera, bookplates and original artwork, to games, postcards, maps and collectors’ editions of classic Australian children’s books. After the talk, you will have the opportunity to view many of these treasures in a display curated specially for Friends.
Thursday
Celebrate Halloween this Thursday with locally made short films. Image: Tropefest.
Tropefest – Film festival [Please insert link to main article when published]
When: 30 October, 6 pm
Where: Fun Time Pony, 2/122 Alinga St, Canberra
Cost: Tickets are $17.85 | Book online.
Tropefest is turning Fun Time Pony in Canberra City into a mini-theatre this Thursday with a short horror film festival.
Filmmakers from across Canberra have been challenged to create and submit their own short films with a twist: they must include as many horror movie tropes as possible while still telling original stories. It’s a creative restriction that leads to some fascinating works of art, and just about every kind of horror movie is represented, from slashers to psychological horror, black comedy, and monster horror.
Don’t miss out on the best way to get scared this Halloween.
Upcoming events
- State of the Territory Business Address – 3 November
- Mary Beard at the Canberra Theatre Centre – 8 November.
- Stromlo Running Festival – SRF30 – 15 November
Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly events guide.
