Things to do in Canberra this week (9 - 15 January)

There’s a whole lot to see and do across the coming week in Canberra, with school holiday events, film showings, family-friendly dance performances, live music and of course, Summernats.

We’ve found plenty of kid-friendly events for parents looking to keep their young ones occupied during the school holidays, with workshops, interactive exhibitions and a special performance of Storytime Ballet.

Summernats is here, bringing plenty of super-charged utes, classic cars, skids, burnouts and all-round automotive madness. Tickets are still on sale for one of Canberra’s most anticipated yearly events.

All this and much more are in our weekly guide to all the best to see and do in the capital.

Multiple Days

Matildas: Make and Move at the National Portrait Gallery

When: 9 January to 15 January, 10 am to 4:30 pm
Where: National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terraces, Parkes
Cost: Free.

Celebrate the Portrait Gallery’s new portrait of the CommBank Matildas with a range of fun activities for kids.

Kids can follow in the footsteps of their favourite players by creating their own fan bracelets, designing their own soccer cards and even testing their footwork and field skills with movement challenges in the gallery.

School Holiday Program at the National Zoo and Aquarium

When: 9 January to 15 January, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla
Cost: Free.

The National Zoo and Aquarium shines during the school holidays, with plenty of fun, family-friendly activities for everyone.

From 9 to 11 January, celebrate Bird Week with collectable medallions and special talks from keepers about Australia’s feathered friends. Kids interested in animals long past can check out the extinction trail, following the footsteps and unearthing the mysteries of the amazing animals that once roamed the planet.

On 10 and 11 January, there will be snow machines at the Viewing Park.

From 12 to 15 January, visitors can enjoy Porcupine Week, with special keeper talks about the Zoo’s favourite porcupine, Louie.

This week at the NFSA

When: 9 January to 15 January, various times
Where: Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets from $12 to $25 | Book online.

This week’s schedule of films at the NFSA is as diverse and exciting as ever, with a great range of films on offer to cater for just about any cinematic taste.

On Friday, catch Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the 1995 Michael Mann film Heat, following a master criminal and the relentless cop doggedly pursuing him. This film showing is part of the NFSA’s Hot Summer Nights series, which includes a live pre-show performance from The Burley Griffin. Also in the same series is Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, which will be preceded by Belco Jazz Band.

For something more family-friendly, catch Mouse Hunt and Ratatouille on Tuesday and Thursday. Y2K icon The Matrix screens on Thursday.

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker – Canberra Theatre Centre

When: 9 January to 11 January, 11 am and 2 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit
Cost: Tickets from $45 to $67 | Book online.

Little ballerinas and dance enthusiasts rejoice as Storytime Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the Canberra Theatre Centre, providing an interactive ballet experience for children aged three and older.

Tchaikovsky’s beloved tale of enchantment is retold here in a manner perfect for little ones, with a narrator to help them follow along and a runtime under an hour. Audience members are encouraged to dress up in their favourite ballet-inspired outfits and to dance along in their seats.

If your little one has a love for ballet already or an interest that just needs a little push, this is a great way to fan that flame.

Summernats

When: 9 to 11 January, from 10 am to 11 pm
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell
Cost: Ticket prices vary | Book online.

Canberrans await Summernats all year for good reason. It’s a paradise for revheads with plenty of historic cars and supercharged vehicles tuned within an inch of their life.

Whether you want to admire a historic automotive that’s been shined to a keen finish or you want to hear the roar of V8s and screeching tyres, or if you like anything that moves on wheels, this is for you.

There will also be plenty of live music from bands such as Peking Duk, The Living End, The Screaming Jets and a festival zone with a whole lot of entertainment.

Up, up and away holiday program

When: 12 to 15 January, various times
Where: National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes
Cost: Tickets from $5 | Book online.

Blast off at the National Archives during the school holidays and dive into spaceflight design with hands-on crafts and a family-friendly film. Spark your child’s creativity at a school holiday program inspired by the new exhibition In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists.

In the craft session, children will first design their own spacecraft on paper and then create a 3D prototype using a variety of craft materials. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Cafe Constitution or explore the permanent galleries.

Finish the day with a screening of the family-friendly Australian film, Paper Planes, complete with popcorn.

Warehouse Circus School Holiday Program – Week Two

When: 12 January to 15 January
Where: Warehouse Circus, Chifley & Kaleen, 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Central Gym, Chifley
Cost: Ticket prices vary | Book online.

The Warehouse Circus School Holiday Program is offering plenty of classes and workshops, giving curious young people aged from eight to 12 the chance to immerse themselves in the circus world.

Week two of the school holiday program features classes and workshops featuring Kick Ups, a Troupe Bootcamp and Half Highs, expanding on the first week’s program of circus fundamentals with more complex manoeuvres.

Workday Canberra International 2026

When: 9 and 10 January
Where: Canberra Tennis Centre, 3 Riggall Place, Lyneham
Cost: Tickets from $10 to $199 | Book online.

Tennis hits home as the Workday Canberra International returns to the Canberra Tennis Centre this summer.

It’s your chance to witness the next generation of tennis players compete for the title in a thrilling showcase of skill and determination. Don’t miss out on the finals this weekend.

But there’s more than just tennis on offer – enjoy live music, refreshing drinks, delicious bites and family fun.

Sunday

The Tay Tay Tribute Show at the Harmonie German Club

When: 11 January, 2 pm
Where: Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah
Cost: General admission $28.60 | Book online.

Harmonie German Club is hosting the Tay Tay Tribute Show, bringing the best hits from the pop superstar to Canberra. This family-friendly event features a full rock band stocked with talented touring musicians giving their all to bring the music and stage presence of Taylor Swift to life.

Smash hits to be played include Shake It Off, Style, Karma, The Man, We Are Never Getting Back Together, 22, The Story Of Us, Look What You Made Me Do and more.

Upcoming events

• Smoked Meats with Colonel Fatboy von Bootleg – 18 January
• Blade Runner: The Final Cut | Screening at the NFSA – 22 January
• Cirque Alice at the CTC – from 22 January
• Silent Disco at the National Zoo & Aquarium – 24 and 25 January

Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly events guide.