Things to do in Canberra this week (30 January - 5 February)

Whether you’re in the mood for roaring engines, stand-up comedy, summer parties in the park, a bit of sport, wine tasting nights or live music, we’ve got you covered.

The first few weeks of the year are paradise for revheads as fans of Summernats look forward to the Festival of Speed, which returns to Thoroughbred Park this weekend with exotic car displays, motoring displays and a food village.

Western and Mediterranean musical traditions combine at the Street Theatre as the Krama Street Band gives a special concert.

Round 16 of the basketball season is here and the UC Capitals are duking it out with the Southside Flyers.

Don’t miss out on all the best happening across the capital this week.

Multiple Days

Canberra Festival of Speed 2026

When: 31 January and 1 February
Where: Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham
Cost: Adult tickets $55.60 | Concession tickets $29.10 | Kids under 10 free | Book online.

Returning for the third time on Saturday, 31 January, and Sunday, 1 February, the Canberra Festival of Speed is motorsport’s ultimate garden party and it’s all happening at Thoroughbred Park.

Experience an exclusive showcase of some of the world’s most exotic two and four-wheeled vehicles, on display and live on the exhibition circuit. Savour the tastes of the vibrant European food village, and explore a variety of motoring trade stalls.

On circuit, the action is fast, exciting and ever-changing, with different categories of vehicles on the exhibition circuit every 15 minutes. These range from historic open-wheel race cars and exotic supercars to classic motoring demonstrations.

Off circuit, enjoy a laid-back picnic atmosphere adjacent to the exhibition circuit.

Little Explorers’ Days at Questacon

When: 5 February and 6 February, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Adult tickets $23 | Children 4 – 17 $17.5 | Children under 4 free | Book online.

Little Explorers’ Days are a chance for children aged 0 to 6 years old and their carers to explore Questacon’s special programming just for them!

Our littlest scientists are invited to enjoy a range of activities, including science shows, sensory play, crafts and more.

All visitors are welcome to attend during Little Explorers’ Days, but please note that shows and additional programming will be catering to our early learners. All activities are included with admission or a Questacon membership.

Friday

Laura Johnston: That’s…Brave (Bucket List Edition)

When: 30 January, 8 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $35 to $45 | Book online.

After taking her first hour to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy festival, Laura is professionally filming her first stand-up special in her bucket list venue, and she’s inviting her parents.

That’s … Brave is the story of why Canberra girl Laura quit her job 5 years ago for stand-up comedy despite never actually having tried stand-up before.

Laura has shared stages with the likes of Sammy J, Dane Simpson and Gillian Cosgriff. She’s also a semi-finalist in the World Funny Women Awards (2025), winner of the Beat the Frog competition in Manchester (2024) and ACT Raw Comedy Finalist (2023, 2024). That’s …Brave was also listed as one of the top show picks of the Edinburgh Fringe (Theatre Village).

Saturday

Ginninderry’s Summer Party in the Park

When: 31 January, 4 pm to 8 pm
Where: Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn
Cost: Free.

Celebrate the end of the holiday period with a fun Summer Party in the Park at Ginninderry’s Paddys Park.

There will be live music, kids entertainment, food stalls, roving performers, face painting, visits from emergency services personnel,

Entertainment includes Dan and Magnifique, Maddy P, Canberra Symphony Orchestra and Kingsford Smith School, and Special K.

ACT Brumbies Fan Day & Season Launch

When: 1 February, 4 pm to 7 pm
Where: GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce
Cost: Free.

ACT Brumbies are hosting a fan day and season launch at GIO Stadium, kicking off the rugby union season with a whole lot of family fun, activities for members and fans, a family zone, giveaways, and entertainment.

All are welcome and it’s completely free to attend.

The Blues Brothers + James Southwell | Hot Summer Nights at the NFSA

When: 31 January, 6 pm
Where: Arc Cinema, NFSA, Acton
Cost: Tickets from $21 | Book online.

Settle in from 6 pm as James Southwell takes the stage for a live performance in the NFSA heritage courtyard. Enjoy local wines, summer cocktails and charcuterie, available for purchase onsite from Dom’s deli & bar. Then head into Arc Cinema at 8 pm for a screening of The Blues Brothers.

Tuesday

Round 16: UC Capitals v Southside Flyers

When: 3 February, 7 pm
Where: AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier St, Bruce
Cost: Tickets from $30 to $40 | Book online.

Family rivalries and familiar faces take centre stage when the UC Capitals face the Southside Melbourne Flyers in their second-last game of the regular season.

Nyadiew Puoch goes head-to-head with her younger sister, while Sara Blicavs battles her former team in what promises to be an intense showdown.

ETTE Media Live: It’s a no from me

When: 4 February, 7.30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $69 to $99 | Book online.

Join ETTE MEDIA’s Jan Fran and Antoinette Lattouf for their debut live show It’s a no from me – an evening of sharp, frank and funny witticism and criticism in a world turning to shiticism.

Be part of the Etterati as Jan and Antoinette peel back the layers of modern media to show you how the sausage is made. There will be room for your hot takes, cold rage and lukewarm feelings about the state of the world.

Joining them on the Canberra stage will be special guests, including Australian comedian and broadcaster Tom Ballard and Australian independent senator Fatima Payman.

Thursday

‘Around The World’ Wine Tasting Night

When: 5 February, 5:45 arrival, tasting starts at 6 pm, ends at 1o pm
Where: Vice Restaurant, Odgers Lane, Canberra City
Cost: $130 per person | Book online.

Vice Restaurant invites you to an evening of exploration in wine and food.

Amateur sommeliers and foodies will experience flavours from around the globe at this relaxed yet informative tasting night, which focuses on outstanding wine regions from around the world.

Guests will enjoy a set menu, along with five wines from Spain, Italy and of course Australia. It’s all hosted by Mark Davis of Joval Wines Australia. Each tasting is well-paced, so attendees don’t feel rushed. The tasting will be followed by live music.

Wines featured include:

• 2024 Poliziano Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy
• 2024 Karman Tinto Rioja Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain
• 2024 Frogmore Creek Iced Riesling from Tasmania
• 2024 Alois Lageder Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio from Dolomiti, Italy
• 2025 Lark Hill Regional Riesling from Canberra.

Krama Brass Band at the Street Theatre

When: 5 February, 7:30 pm
Where: The Street, 15 Childers St, City West
Cost: Tickets from $32 to $39 | Book online.

Established by Cypriot artists Andreas Theocharous and Nicholas Georgiou, Krama Brass Band features eight musicians across six wind instruments, guitar and drums.

Combining numerous cultural influences, Krama Brass Band will blend Western music traditions with those of their native Mediterranean heritage. This unique mixture is influenced by knowledge and skill in jazz, which adds an alternative perspective to their musical performance.

Don’t miss out on this fascinating musical concert, unlike anything else on offer in Canberra.

Upcoming Events

• National Multicultural Festival – 6 to 8 February
• Round 17: UC Capitals v Geelong Venom – 7 February
• Club Sandwich Comedy at Tuggeranong Arts Centre – 12 February
• Valentine’s Day Dinner Under the Stars at Hyatt Hotel Canberra – 14 February
• Simon Tedeschi and George Washingmachine in concert at Tuggeranong Arts Centre – 14 February.

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