Constellations at the NFSA brings a spectacular show by award-winning artist Robin Fox. Photo: NFSA.
There’s no shortage of great things to get up to in the capital this week. We’ve found all the best events from all across Canberra to keep you going, from staples of the event calendar like the Comedy Festival and the Balloon Spectacular to smaller, more intimate events like guided tours at the National Archives and movies at the NFSA. Check out what we’ve found for you.
Multiple Days
Canberra Comedy Festival
When: 14 March to 20 March
Where: Multiple venues, see website for more detail
Cost: Prices vary, see website for more details.
Looking for laughs in the next few days? You’re in luck, the Canberra Comedy Festival is THE place to get your stand-up fix, with literally dozens of acts and performers, there’ll be something for you. Tune in to some of your faves like Dave Hughes, Melanie Bracewell and Wil Anderson, and international legends like Ruby Wax. Or take a chance and find the next big thing.
The NFSA hosts a light and sound extravaganza. Photo: NFSA.
Constellations at the NFSA
When: 14 March to 20 March
Where: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Free.
Prep yourself for this multi-sensory experience by award-winning artist Robin Fox that combines ideas of light, space and sound into one striking artistic installation. Created in partnership with the Enlighten Festival, Constellations is about energy and ambience, creating an otherworldly space within the NFSA using lasers and pulsing sound.
The much-loved tradition is back, promising to brighten up the already beautiful Canberra skyline. Photo: Canberra Balloon Spectacular.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
When: 15 March to 20 March
Where: John Dunmore Lang Place, National Triangle, Parkes
Cost: Free.
Marvel at lighter-than-air travel as multi-coloured bright balloons fill the skies over Canberra. Taking off at 6 am, spectators are welcome to witness the magic as they ascend up, up and away. For those eager enough to embrace the cool autumn mornings, there are bakeries, grills and cafes catering at the launch sites, so it’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Don’t miss out on this Canberra tradition.
Antiques, collectables, knick-knacks, odds and ends. Photo: Events Canberra.
ACT Seasonal Antique and Collectable Fair
When: 14 March 5 pm to 8 pm, 15 March 10 am to 5 pm, 16 March 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla
Cost: Adults enter for $12, concession is $10, and children under 14 are free.
Up to 30 antique dealers from all over the country visit Canberra for just three days to present an array of old-world charm, historical pieces, everyday antiques and special one-of-a-kind items for the keen-eyed enthusiast to spy or for the newbie to come upon by chance. It’s a great place to go hunting for objects with history and personality that embody an era of design. Who knows what treasures you may find?
Experience the genius of David Lynch through Blue Velvet. Photo: Supplied.
This week at the NFSA
When: 14 March to 15 March
Where: Arc Cinema National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: $12 to $16, double passes available.
Whoever picks the movies for the Arc Cinema is on fire. This week they’re paying tribute to the late, great David Lynch (may he rest in peace) by playing two of his most emotionally and technically outstanding films.
On Friday, Arc Cinema screens 1980’s classic The Elephant Man, the compassionate humanist story of a man ostracised and exploited for his looks despite his qualities as a human being.
On Saturday, Arc Cinema continues the Lynchian dream with 1986’s Blue Velvet, a neo-noir classic that just screams Lynch, with investigations, seedy underworlds and Kyle MacLachlan.
For an interlude, Saturday’s schedule will also feature Murder on the Orient Express (1974) telling the well-trod but never-tired saga of everyone’s favourite Belgian (not French!) detective, Hercule Poirot, as he searches for the truth aboard a luxurious and glamorous train heading east.
Shirley Valentine has lost none of its comedic merit after 40 years. Image: Canberra Theatre Centre.
Shirley Valentine
When: 19 March and 20 March,
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit,
Cost: Tickets vary.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte brings heart and humour to her performance of Shirley Valentine, a one-woman show about an average housewife who becomes determined to restart her life and set out boldly, with nothing but a passport and a sense of lost time to make up for. It’s a hilarious play that will have you sympathising with and cheering for Shirley as she rediscovers who she is. Just as relevant as it was when it was written 40 years ago, Shirley Valentine is all about rejecting the mundane and living for oneself.
Join the Cyber Conference Image: CyberCon.
Australian Cyber Conference 2025
When: 17 to 19 March
Where: National Convention Centre, Canberra
Cost: Student $450, member $899 and non-member $1549. Tickets available at Cyber Conference.
In an era where digital frontiers are continuously expanding and evolving, the Australian Cyber Conference 2025 embraces the pivotal theme: Transform to Evolve. This theme underscores the imperative for cyber security practices to adapt and innovate in response to the rapidly changing digital landscape.
Saturday
A day where beer and cider enthusiasts can enjoy a broad range of craft offerings and meet the ‘who’s who of brews’. Image: Supplied.
Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival
When: Saturday 15 March, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Mercure Hotel, Limestone Avenue, Braddon
Cost: Students $25, adults $35.
A family-friendly affair, the Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival showcases local, national and international producers of craft beer, cider and spirits. Whether you’re an expert, an enthusiast, or just curious, it’s the perfect day to explore the exciting world of craft beverages. Meet the makers behind your favourite brews, hear their stories, and even pick up tips for your own home brewing. Food trucks, face painting and live entertainment top off a fun, vibrant atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.
Have a picnic with the National Zoo & Aquarium’s Sun Bears Otay and Arataki. Photo: National Zoo & Aquarium.
Teddy Bears Picnic at The National Zoo and Aquarium
When: Saturday 15 March, 2 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: National Zoo & Aquarium, Central Viewing Park (Next to Rhino Bistro)
Cost: Included in zoo entry for the day for all visitors.
Bring your favourite teddy bear and head to the National Zoo at the Viewing Park for a Teddy Bear Picnic to celebrate World Bear Day and 30 years of Free The Bears!
Activities include face painting, colouring competitions, talks with professional keepers, cake stalls and even a magician.
Yass Show is back! Image: Supplied.
Yass Show
When: Saturday 15 March 2025, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Grand Junction Road, Yass
Cost: Ticket prices vary; more info can be found on Yass Valley’s website.
Yass Show returns in 2025! There will again be lots of family fun, including a children’s arena with fun games and activities for the kids, regular magician shows and a patting paddock.
Fireworks, food and flyovers at Skyfire. Image: National Capital Authority.
Skyfire 2025
When: 15 March, 5 pm to 9 pm, fireworks at 8:30 pm
Where: Lake Burley Griffin
Cost: Free.
Skyfire promises to be a memorable and truly unique fireworks show. Set to a soundtrack organised and chosen by Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3, the show will coordinate sights and sounds to create a real spectacle. With food trucks, markets and entertainment all around the lake, it isn’t just a fireworks show, it has grown from its humble beginnings more than 30 years ago to the massive event that it is now, featuring over 40,000 pyrotechnic effects as well as a flyover from an RAAF F-35.
Wednesday
Who knows what treasures wait for you in the National Archives? Photo: National Archives of Australia.
Guided Tour- Objects of Interest at the National Archives of Australia
When: 19 March 10:30 to 11:30 am
Where: National Archives of Australia – Preservation Facility, 30 Vicars Street, Mitchell
Cost: Tickets are $5.
Explore the hidden oddities and mysterious objects chosen for preservation by the National Archives. Each unique object has a connection to Australia and its history. Led by a team of experts, this is a rare opportunity to see some of the unconventional items in the collection and to learn the amazing stories behind them and how they connect to the people of Australia.
Upcoming events:
- CSO’s Night and Now – 26 and 27 March
- Resonant Spaces at CMAG – 28 March and 4 April
- Sweet Charity – 29 April to 18 May.
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