The Ballet International Gala comes to Canberra this week, showcasing the best of Australian dance. Photo: Ballet International Gala.
There’s a lot to get excited about in Canberra this week, with plenty of sport, dance, events for the kidlets, workshops and more.
Catch the passion and thrill of ice hockey when the US and Canada clash sticks at the AIS Arena, or the athleticism and grace of world-class ballet when the Ballet International Gala showcases the Royal Ballet and Ballet Australia at the Canberra Theatre Centre.
All this and much more in this week’s event guide.
Multiple Days
Two giants of the ice hockey world clash on the ice. Image: Ticketek Australia.
Ice Hockey Classic USA v Canada at AIS Arena
When: 1 August, 7 pm and 2 August, 7 pm
Where: AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier St, Bruce
Cost: Tickets are $99 | Book online.
The AIS Arena becomes the setting for a fierce rivalry over a two-day contest as Canada and the USA clash on the ice.
Whether you’re an ice hockey tragic or a complete newcomer, this is an incredible opportunity to catch two titans duke it out – it’ll be an unmissable and unforgettable event.
Asian Film Archive is showing at the NFSA this weekend. Photo: NFSA.
Asian Film Archive: Reciprocal at the NFSA
When: 1 August to 3 August 2025.
Where: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton ACT 2601.
Cost: $12 – $16. Tickets available via NFSA.
Reciprocal is an annual collaborative program run by the Asian Film Archive in Singapore. Making its Australian debut in the NFSA’s Arc Cinema, the program will screen five carefully selected independent Asian films over three days.
Maryam follows a 50-year-old aristocrat as she fights for love and her right to make her own choices; Be With Me draws on the autobiography of Theresa Chan, a deaf and blind woman who faced the difficulties of her life head-on and came out on top; Forever Fever follows the wild journey of a young man who uses big dreams to rebel against disillusionment; Sementara capture deeply personal interviews with Singaporeans from all walks of life, detailing intimate thoughts, beliefs and motivations as the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence; and Ring of Fury stars a true martial arts master, Peter Chong, who plays a family man in search of revenge against local gang members.
Get down to Arc to experience Asian culture through a difference lens.
This family-friendly event celebrates everyone’s favourite aquatic icon. Photo: ACT Government.
Platy Party – Platypus Month Launch Event
When: 2 August, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Jerrabomberra Wetlands, 2 Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Cost: Free | Book online.
Waterwatch is declaring August the month of the platypus, with a full program of surveys, workshops and community events for the next few weeks to celebrate the platypus.
Saturday’s launch event will kick it all off at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. The launch will feature waterbug displays, platypus walks, live music and more. There will even be hands-on activities, an educational series about platypus and a morning tea in the wetlands.
Reconnect with the ACT’s waterways and see how conservation is keeping one of Australia’s most iconic animals thriving.
Ballet International Gala: BIG VI, playing at the Canberra Theatre Centre on Saturday, 2 August 2025. Image: Canberra Theatre Centre.
Ballet International Gala: BIG VI
When: 2 August, 7.30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit
Cost: $54.90 – $59.90, plus transaction fee | Tickets available from Canberra Theatre Centre.
The Ballet International Gala returns to the Canberra Theatre following a sell-out debut season.
Don’t miss ballet’s biggest international stars from the Royal Ballet, Australian Ballet and more as they perform in what is widely regarded as ballet’s event of the year.
Book now to experience ballet at its best.
Sunday
Hartley Hall Markets are on the first Sunday of each month. Photo: Hartley Hall Markets.
Hartley Hall Markets
When: 3 August, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Hall Showgrounds, Gladstone St, Hall
Cost: Gold coin donation on entry.
The Hartley Hall Markets, organised by Hartley Lifecare, are one of Australia’s largest home-made and home-grown goods markets.
Held on the first Sunday of the month, the Hartley Hall Markets are open between 9 am and 2 pm. You will find stalls offering a variety of products, including food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts and more.
Stroll among the trees, stay for lunch and enjoy the fresh air, live entertainment and children’s activities.
Tuesday
Michele England, Great White Bear, nowhere to hide. Photo: CASS.
6-Week Short Course: Mixed Media Memories with Michelle England
When: 5 August, from 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed St N, Greenway
Cost: $255 per person. Buy tickets.
In this 6-week short course at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Michelle England will inspire you to make mixed media artworks based on personal memorabilia, memories and expression.
Using techniques such as collage, drawing and painting, you will create a 3-D box using photos and memorabilia.
No experience is required. Materials and equipment will be provided.
Wednesday
Ever wanted to get into film photography? Photo: Photo Access.
Film Developing and Scanning Workshop at Photo Access
When: 6 August, 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Cir, Griffith
Cost: Tickets are $150 | Book online.
This workshop guides participants through the process of developing 35 mm or 120 black and white film in PhotoAccess’s own film developing room. Then the class tutor will give a detailed demonstration on how to scan film negatives using PhotoAccess Digital Suite.
Anyone who has been looking to get into photography but has always been too frightened by the technical aspects will love this class, which provides insight into how to get started. Participants will also include a complimentary roll of film. These workshops only run every quarter, so don’t miss out.
Please bring an exposed roll of black and white 35mm or 120 (medium format) film, Ilford HP5 or FP4 (recommended) and a USB formatted for a Mac computer.
Wynns Wine Dinner is on Wednesday, 6 August, from 6:45 pm. Image: Eastlake Gungahlin
Wynns Wine Dinner
When: 6 August, 6:45 pm
Where: Eastlake Gungahlin, 51 Hinder Street, Gungahlin
Cost: $70 per person | Buy tickets.
The night will feature a four-course service, guest speaker Sue Hodder- Senior Wine Maker, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, exclusive special offers on Wynns orders and a lucky door prize.
Whether it’s a girls’ night out, a lovely evening out or a special date, enjoy a night filled with delicious food, great wine and delightful company.
Thursday
Katherine Parr’s handwriting and signature in a copy of A Sermon of Saint Chrysostom (1542). Image by permission of Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe.
Gorgeous books and royal annotations at the National Library
When: 7 August from 6 pm to 7 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place W, Canberra
Cost: Free | Registrations essential.
What did Katherine Parr and Henry VIII write in their books? Step into the private libraries of one of history’s most infamous royal couples and discover how ink, margins and manuscript flourishes reveal more than meets the eye.
In this illuminating lecture at the National Library, renowned scholar Professor Micheline White delves into the marginalia left by King Henry VIII and his last wife, Katherine Parr, in their personal books. These deluxe volumes, often adorned with handwritten notes, decorative trefoils, and curious little pointing hands called manicules, tell a compelling story of public image-making and personal survival in the Tudor court.
Upcoming events
- Kenny Rogers & Friends at Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden – 9 August
- Bell Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet – 29 August to 7 September
Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly events guide.
