What show are you going to see this month at the theatre? Photo: Sydney Comedy Festival, Facebook.
Canberra bustles with events year-round – and August will be no exception. If you’re looking for some big city excitement on your next visit, we have all the best events of the month mapped out.
Whether it’s listening to music, a good comedy-induced belly laugh, cultural exhibitions or top-notch markets – we’ve got you sorted.
Truth, Power and a Free Press at MOAD incorporates multiple interactive elements. Photo: Supplied.
Truth, Power and a Free Press
When: Running now until 2023
Where: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
Cost: Free entry, booking is recommended.
Australia’s media history highlights combine through stories from some of Australia’s leading journalists including Joanne McCarthy, Hedley Thomas, Laura Murphy-Oates, Hamish Macdonald, Adele Ferguson and more. An exhibition held fittingly at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Truth, Power and a Free Press will address fake news and the importance of trusted media sources.
Connection is on at the National Museum of Australia from 8 June to 9 October 2022. Photo: National Museum of Australia.
Connection: Songlines from Australia’s First Peoples
When: Running now until 9 October
Where: National Museum of Australia
Cost: Tickets are from $14 and can be purchased here.
Creators and producers of Van Gogh Alive, Grande Experiences, have partnered with the National Museum of Australia to take audiences on a journey through Indigenous art and culture in Connection – a spectacular immersive experience not to be missed.
Art for Dementia is held on the first and third Friday of every month. Photo: National Gallery of Australia.
Art for Dementia: Art with Friends
When: Friday 5 August, Friday 19 August, from 10:30 am
Where: National Gallery of Australia
Cost: Free entry but bookings essential.
Art for Dementia is an event that welcomes small groups of people living with dementia and their care partners to enjoy a tour with discussions of three to four artworks. Audiences have the opportunity to make their own art as well. All visitors also get to keep photocopied reproductions of the works discussed. Mobility aids like scooters, wheelchairs and wheelie walkers are available on request.
As seen on ABC Kids, The Beanies’ new stage show will be performed live at the Canberra Theatre on 6 August. Photo: Canberra Theatre.
The Beanies Egg-straordinary Day
When: Saturday 6 August, 10 am and 12 pm
Where: The Canberra Theatre
Cost: Tickets are from $22 and can be purchased here.
Known for receiving Best Kids and Families Podcast in 2018 and as seen on ABC Kids, The Beanies are coming to Canberra for the first time this August. They will perform a new stage show that examines parenting and its challenges using humour, music and a lot of glitter.
Questacon’s Australia in Space exhibition is now showing. Photo: Questacon.
Australia in Space
When: Now Showing
Where: Questacon National Science and Technology Centre
Cost: Tickets are from $17.50 and can be purchased here.
Questacon’s latest exhibition Australia in Space celebrates the Australian space sector and explores the benefits of space technologies here on Earth. Audiences will get to discover ways in which Australia contributes to the global space industry and discover the inspiring innovators and researchers behind the country’s cosmic success.
Richard Clapton is performing at the Tallagandra Hill Winery. Photo: Tallagandra Hill Winery.
Richard Clapton
When: Saturday 6 August, doors open from 6:15 pm
Where: Tallagandra Hill Winery
Cost: Tickets are from $90.76 and can be purchased here.
One of Australia’s leading singer/songwriters Richard Clapton is performing at the Tallagandra Hill Winery this month. He is best known for writing about his experience of being Australian and has been in the industry for more than 40 years. A range of Tallagandra Hill wines, local beers and food will be available for purchase on the night.
Every first Sunday of the month at Old Bus Depot Markets is Multicultural Sunday. Photo: Old Bus Depot Markets.
Old Bus Depot Markets: Multicultural Sunday
When: Sunday 7 August, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Old Bus Depot Markets
Cost: Free entry.
On the first Sunday of every month, the Old Bus Depot Markets transforms into a celebration of diversity with Multicultural Sunday. Taste exotic international dishes and immerse yourself in a market with handcrafted products worldwide.
Closing Night: Light Bulb Moment will be the final event of the Canberra Writer’s Festival. Photo: Canberra Writers Festival.
Canberra Writers Festival
When: Wednesday 10 August to Sunday 14 August
Where: Various locations
Cost: Ticket prices vary, view the program here.
More than 70 live events will take place across several locations to engage, challenge and inspire audiences for the Canberra Writers Festival. With a dynamic mix of national, international and local talent, Canberra Writers Festival director Paul Donohoe said the festival would “champion open conversation, stimulate discussion, reflect on our past and imagine the future”.
Vike and Linda are going on tour to celebrate their 2021 album. Photo: Canberra Theatre.
Vika & Linda: The Wait
When: Thursday 11 August, 7:30 pm
Where: The Canberra Theatre
Cost: Tickets are from $79 and can be purchased here.
The Australian vocal duo Vika and Linda are coming to the Canberra Theatre this August to debut their 2021 album The Wait. With a full band behind them and some fresh tunes to perform, you won’t want to miss out on seeing the duo headline at a theatre for the very first time.
The Top Dog Film Festival will be held in Canberra on the 10 and 11 August. Photo: Top Dog Film Festival.
Top Dog Film Festival 2022
When: Wednesday and Thursday, 10 and 11 August, 7 pm – 9:40 pm
Where: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Cost: Tickets are from $23 and can be purchased here.
The Top Dog Film Festival is a unique showcase of the incredible bond humans and dogs have through unique and independent films. A celebration of our canine companions, this festival will bring the most inspirational, heart-warming and entertaining films from around the world to one place – the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.
Russell Morris will be performing at Tallagandra Hill Winery. Photo: Tallagandra Hill Winery.
Russell Morris
When: Saturday 13 August, 7 pm – 10 pm
Where: Tallagandra Hill Winery
Cost: Tickets are from $73.88 and can be purchased here.
Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Russel Morris is coming to Tallagandra Hill winery for a special show that combines dinner and fantastic live entertainment. After being in the music industry for 50 years, Russel continues to perform, record, tour and win awards. His show is a must-see this August.
See Houston Rogers, Portrait of Sir Robert Helpmann as Oberon at this National Library of Australia exhibition. Photo: NLA.
On Stage: Spotlight on Our Performing Arts
When: Now until 14 August
Where: National Library of Australia
Cost: Free entry.
The Australian stage has seen it all, from theatre, opera and dance to musicals, magic and hip hop, featuring household names like Sir Robert Helpmann, Dame Nellie Melba, Peter Allen, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Tim Minchin and Hilltop Hoods. New exhibition On Stage brings Australia’s performing arts history into the limelight, providing a “backstage pass” to the action behind the scenes and showcasing perspectives on stage direction, costume design, scripts, contracts and musical scores used by performers.
Paco Peña – one of the world’s best living guitarists – will perform in Canberra in August. Photo: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Guitarra – Paco Peña with the Grigoryan Brothers
When: Tuesday 16 August, from 6 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club
Cost: Tickets are from $81.75 and can be purchased here.
Paco Peña and the Grigoryan Brothers are coming to the Canberra Southern Cross Club for a special show combining the artistry of the acoustic guitar, fiery flamenco flourishes and the harmonious and colourful tones of classical music.
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour hits The Canberra Theatre Centre on 18 August. Image: Canberra Theatre Centre.
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase
When: Thursday 18 August, 7:30 pm
Where: The Canberra Theatre
Cost: Tickets are from $38 and can be purchased here.
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase tour brings its best comedians to Canberra in this one-night showcase. The jam-packed, two-hour lineup will feature veteran favourites alongside some of the freshest emerging talents from the nation, all guaranteed to have you in stitches.
Prada Clutch’s All Drag Revue is set to dazzle at Canberra Theatre Centre. Photo: Canberra Theatre Centre.
Prada Clutch’s All Drag Revue
When: Saturday 20 August, 8 pm
Where: The Canberra Theatre
Cost: Tickets are from $61 and can be purchased here.
Coming to the Canberra Theatre, Australian songstress Prada Clutch and her queens are set to pay tribute to the history of Aussie drag in a unique concert. Feathers, wigs, headpieces and costumes abound as this cast of seven put on a dazzling drag spectacular you won’t want to miss.
From jewellery to homewares, food and fashion, the Old Bus Depot Markets have something for everyone. But did you know they were themed? Photos: Old Bus Depot Markets.
Old Bus Depot Markets Designer Sunday
When: Sunday 21 August, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Old Bus Depot Markets
Cost: Free entry.
If you love all things shiny, sparkly and fashionable, you’ll love the Designer Sunday market. Stallholders offer a wide variety of beautiful, unique jewellery and gorgeous designer clothing. This event is held on the third Sunday of every month.
Girl From the North Country is coming to Canberra in August 2022. Photo: Girl From the North Country.
Girl From The North Country
When: Various days and times from 25 August to 3 September, click here for options
Where: The Canberra Theatre
Cost: Tickets are from $99 and can be purchased here.
Conor McPherson’s multi-award-winning hit musical Girl From the North Country, with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, is coming to Canberra. Telling the story of American life in 1934 Minnesota, it centres on a community living on a knife-edge in the local guesthouse. The owner, Nick, owes more money than he could ever repay, his wife Elizabeth’s mind is slowly deteriorating and their daughter Marianne is carrying a child no one will account for. When a preacher selling bibles and a boxer looking for a comeback turn up in the middle of the night, things start to spiral beyond the point of no return.
Comedy hypnotist Andy Vening will perform on Friday 26 August at the Harmonie German Club. Photo: Harmonie German Club.
Hypnosis Comedy Show
When: Friday 26 August, 7:30 pm
Where: Harmonie German Club
Cost: Tickets are from $32.57 and can be purchased here.
Comedy hypnotist Andy Vening is coming to the Harmonie German Club to demonstrate with volunteers, the power of their unconscious mind in displays of hilarity and mayhem. Dinner and a show will be an option, with catering from Knuckles German Restaurant.
There will be fun for the whole family at Comic-Con. Photo: Comic-Con.
Oz Comic-Con
When: Saturday 27 August and Sunday 28 August, 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Exhibition Park
Cost: Tickets are from $20 and can be purchased here.
Oz Comic-Con is a unique two-day exhibition for people of all ages who have an interest in pop culture. Whether collecting items, watching certain cartoons or films, loving anime, or dressing up in cosplay, this exhibit has something for everyone.
The Canberra Kids Market is held at the Fitters Workshop. Photo: iStock.
Canberra Kids Market
When: Sunday 28 August, 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Fitters Workshop, Kingston
Cost: Free entry.
The Canberra Kids Market, located at the Fitters Workshop is the place to find quality goods for 0 to 12-year-old children including clothes, toys, baby care, prams, cots, strollers, bassinets, car seats and party supplies.
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