Things to do in Canberra this week (28 August - 3 September)

All across the capital, there’s plenty to get up to this week, with a packed schedule of live music, sport, French markets, performances, orchestral concerts, exhibitions and more.

Le Marché is a popular market usually found in Sydney, but this week, it’s coming to Canberra, with plenty of delicacies, handmade goods, antiques, cheeses, perfumes and more.

The GWS Giants and Port Adelaide Power go head-to-head at Corroboree Group Oval in the third round of AFLW.

And it’s a big week for live music, with orchestral performances, piano duos and stirring vocal performances.

All this and more across the capital in the days to come.

Multiple Days

Antarctica – Exhibition at the National Museum of Australia

When: 28 August to 3 September, from 9 am to 5 pm
Where: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula
Cost: Free | Book online.

The National Museum marks more than 100 years of Australian history in Antarctica with a new exhibition that highlights early explorers as well as more recent Aussies who have gone far south.

There will be rare objects from one of the world’s largest collections of Antarctic artefacts, on public display for the first time since their acquisition from the Australian Antarctic Division.

Visitors will meet animals such as penguins and sled dogs and discover vehicles and instruments of polar science.

For those curious about the planet’s southernmost reaches, this is a great opportunity to gain insight into Australia’s significant Antarctic presence.

The Gypsy Jazz Project: Tuggeranong Arts Centre

When: 28 August, 5:30 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North
Cost: Entry by donation.

Come and relax by Lake Tuggeranong with a glass of wine and live music from some of Canberra’s most treasured artists, in Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s monthly after-work program of local live jazz. The Gypsy Jazz Project (GJP) will be the guest band at the August Lakeside at 5 event.

The GJP is a Canberra-based quartet playing 1930s Parisian “hot club” jazz in the style of the legendary Django Reinhardt.

Featuring Bruce Rose and Sverre Molland on guitars, Anthony Irving on double bass and Steve Rouch on clarinet and vocals, the GJP plays hot string swing jazz that will bring a smile to your dial and get your hands clapping while your feet tapping.

Wines of Western Australia Dinner at Jamison

When: 28 August, 6:30 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, Corner Catchpole and Bowman St, Macquarie
Cost: Tickets $95 per person | Book online.

Western Australia produces some of the country’s most distinctive wines, and on Friday, 28 August, the club is putting them front and centre.

The night’s events include a four-course menu, with each course matched to a wine from the region, for a considered and relaxed evening at the table.

Lucas & Arthur Jussen – Piano Duo at the Snow Concert Hall

When: 28 August from 7 pm
Where: Snow Concert Hall, Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill
Cost: Tickets from $65 | Book online.

The most in-demand piano duo of their generation, Dutch brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen appear at Snow Concert Hall as part of their highly anticipated Australian tour.

With their energetic, almost symbiotic playing, their great refinement of sound, and gripping interpretations, they are praised vigorously by the press and audiences alike.

Appearing as soloists with the world’s most prestigious orchestras, it is fair to say the Jussen brothers (born 1993 and 1996) are the Netherlands’ pre-eminent ambassadors for classical music.

The program includes Mozart’s Sonata for Piano Four Hands in D major KV 381, Schubert’s Fantasie for Piano Four Hands in F minor D 940 op. 103, Mendelssohn’s Andante & Allegro Brilliants for Piano Four Hands and Stravinsky’s “Le Sacre du Printemps” – Version for Piano Four Hands.

Ginninderry Festival 2026

When: 29 August, 2 pm to 7 pm
Where: The Link, McClymont Way, Strathnairn
Cost: Free | More information online.

Celebrate the best of the west at the Ginninderry Festival and enjoy an afternoon of free fun, live entertainment and community celebration — including the chance to meet national sporting legend Mal Meninga!

Enjoy free rides for all ages, including the Giant Slide, Cups and Saucers, Pirate Ship, The Storm and Bungee Trampoline. Browse local market stalls, indulge in delicious food, explore the open studios at Strathnairn Arts, and enjoy live music from an outstanding lineup of local artists including Michael Bray, Azlan Bathusha, Maddy Proud, The Po Boys and the Amosa Family.

There’ll also be plenty of free activities for the whole family, including face painting, roving performers, fun games, and even a bicycle repair station where you can bring your bike along for a free basic tune-up.

British Kaleidoscope – Live Music by the Ginninderra Wind Orchestra

When: 29 August, 4 pm to 5:20 pm
Where: Raiders Belconnen, 155 Hardwick Crescent, Holt
Cost: Free.

The Ginninderra Wind Orchestra is inviting you to Raiders Belconnen for a free night of live orchestral music. This 80-member concert band will perform a program inspired by the best of British music, with iconic songs from The Beatles, the James Bond franchise, Phil Collins, George Harrison and traditional band classics.

Ginninderra Wind Orchestra has been bringing live music to Canberra since 1987, and it has become a beloved part of the capital’s music scene. Enjoy a great free concert at the Raiders’ Club in Belconnen.

A Beginner’s Guide to Ancient Egypt by AJ Lamarque at the Street Theatre

When: 29 August, 7:45 pm
Where: The Street Theatre, 15 Childers St, City West
Cost: Tickets from $35 to $38 | Book online.

After selling out his first show scheduled for Saturday, performer, comedian, TV presenter and amateur egyptologist AJ Lamarque has added a second show for this Saturday.

This adults-only show is all about ancient Egypt, exploring an ancient civilisation still present in our minds today. Lamarque’s sell-out show is part history lesson, part comedy, and it’s all entertaining.

Audiences can expect plenty of laughs but also plenty of amazing stories of one of humanity’s oldest cultures, including mythology, pop culture and the many strange practices that made the Nile Delta so unique.

Paris to Canberra-French Market

When: 30 August, 9:30 to 3 pm
Where: Thoroughbred Park, Exhibition Pavilion, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham
Cost: Free.

Le Marché is an award-winning French market that frequently graces Sydney Harbour, and it’s coming to the capital for the first time, for one day only, bringing a lot of excitement for Francophiles and curious Canberrans.

This French market will include plenty of continental delicacies, including Tarte flambée, raclette, crêpes, a wine bar, pastries and macarons, as well as cheeses and an authentic French supermarket.

There will also be French linen, perfume, artisanal goods and antiques.

Wattle Walks at the National Arboretum

When: 30 August, 10 am to 11 pm and 2 pm to 3 pm
Where: STEP sign, overflow carpark – National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Dr
Cost: Tickets $10 | Book online.

Head to the National Arboretum to celebrate National Wattle Day, where the Arboretum’s experts will guide you and help you discover the significance and beauty of Australia’s most iconic flower.

It’ll be a relaxed, informative way to celebrate the coming of Spring, with plenty to learn about the 10 different wattle species at the Arboretum. And if the wattles inspire you, seeds are available for purchase at the Curatoreum, with each packet having enough seed to grow 10 trees.

AFLW Round 3: GWS Giants v Port Adelaide Power

When: 30 August, 12:35 pm
Where: Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka
Cost: Tickets from $5 | Book online.

Round 3 of the AFLW sees the return of footy to Corroboree Group Oval with the GWS Giants taking on the Port Adelaide Power.

Both teams will be eager to bounce back after disappointing losses in round 2 and push for a highly contested spot in the top 8.

Both teams will be wearing special guernseys for Indigenous Round, and with tickets priced at only $15, it is well worth the price of admission to see the country’s best footballers battle it out.

Wallabindi: In story and song

When: 2 September from 6 pm to 7:15 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Canberra
Cost: Free | Book online.

Join First Nations artist and musician Wallabindi for an uplifting evening of music, storytelling and connection at the National Library of Australia.

Performing under her reclaimed name, Wallabindi (Monica Harland/Monica Moore) is a proud First Nations woman of Wardandi Bibbulmun Noongar and Yamatji heritage, and a Myanmar woman who has called Ngunnawal Country home for more than 20 years.

Drawing strength from her late mother, a survivor of the Stolen Generations, and the resilience of her ancestors, Wallabindi creates deeply moving performances that weave together personal stories, culture and song. Accompanied by Richard Gorter on guitar and Jon Jones on percussion, enjoy a heartfelt evening of powerful music, rich storytelling and shared reflection.

Upcoming Events

• Father’s Day at Tuggeranong – 6 September.
• Rediscovering electric and acoustic violin – 8 September.
• UC Open Day 2026 – 12 September.
• Psycho screening with live orchestra – 16 September.

Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly What’s On guide.