Things to do in Canberra this week (20 - 26 September)

There’s so much happening across the capital this week it’s hard to know where to start.

Check out our top picks of things happening across our city this week: we’ve got a beloved musical at the Canberra Theatre, a celebration of Korean culture, Kambah has a birthday … and we’re just getting started!

Multiple days

CHICAGO The Musical

When: 7 September to 29 September, shows at various times
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit
Cost: Tickets cost between $69.70 and $199.90 (plus transaction fee) and are available from the Canberra Theatre Centre.

The longest-running musical on Broadway has arrived in Canberra. Created by the musical theatre giants John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago starts when Roxie Hart murders Fred Casely as he attempts to break off an affair with her. She is eventually taken into custody alongside several other women accused of murder.

This performance contains adult themes, smoke effects, haze effects, loud noises and camera flashes. It is recommended for audiences aged 13 and older.

Friday

Jojy’s Magnificent Italian Feast

When: 20 September, from 6:30 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, corner of Catchpole Street and Bowman Street, Macquarie
Cost: Tickets cost between $39 and $69.

Let Canberra Southern Cross Club take the pressure to cook off your shoulders this Friday. Instead, enjoy a selection of Mediterranean treats prepared by Executive Chef Jojy Vattoly (all paired with delicious Italian wines).

The menu includes Roman-style arancini balls, veal ossobuco, buffalo mozzarella pizza balls and salumi. But make sure to save room for dessert – Tiramisu, white chocolate panna cotta and Frangelico Zabaglione.

Saturday

Agapi: And Other Kinds of Love

When: 21 September, shows from 5 pm and 8 pm
Where: The Vault, Building 8, Dairy Road Precinct, 1 Dairy Road
Cost: Tickets cost between $38.50 and $60.50 (plus booking fee) and are available via Humanitix.

Did you know the Ancient Greeks had seven words for seven different kinds of love? Agapi & Other Kinds of Love combines rap, spoken word, and ancient philosophy to explore how love prevails, even when challenged. Agapi is written and performed by poet and rapper Luka Lesson. It will be in Canberra for one night, with shows from 5 pm and 8 pm.

Canberra Stella Day Out

When: 21 September, events at various times
Where: Harry Hartog Bookseller, 153-11 University Avenue, Australian National University campus, Acton; also online via the Stella Prize’s YouTube channel
Cost: Free entry, though attendees can register via Eventbrite.

Following the inaugural event in November 2023, Stella Day Out is returning. The free one-day festival of writing, books and the ideas behind them is coming to Canberra on Saturday. Writers Biff Ward, Virginia Haussegger, Pitaya Chin, Zoya Patel, Mirandi Riwoe and Beejay Silcox will participate in three sessions about writing journeys and what goes into their creative processes.

A Day at the Movies: Strictly Ballroom

When: 21 September, 9:30 am to 12:45 pm (screening from 10 am)
Where: Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets cost between $12 and $16 (complimentary carer tickets are available for attendees caring for a person living with dementia) and are available via the Archive’s website.

Strictly Ballroom will launch the National Film and Sound Archive’s latest series. An ACT Government initiative, A Day at the Movies follows years of research on how to engage people living with dementia with movie screenings. While the screenings are open to everyone, the dementia-friendly screenings are about creating an environment tailored to the accessibility and sensory needs of someone living with dementia. Strictly Ballroom will be the first in the series, which is set to run for three years.

Korea Day Festival

When: 21 September, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Glebe Park, Civic
Cost: Free entry.

The Korean Association of Canberra has organised a celebration of Korean culture, food, dance and music. Attendees can enjoy a taste of Korean culture with live K-Pop music and dance performances, delicious Korean food for sale and activities for all ages.

Sunday

Kambah Sustainability Fair

When: 22 September, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Kambah Woolshed, 61 Springbett Street, Kambah
Cost: Free entry.

This is a birthday party with a (sustainable) twist! The family-friendly festival will feature interactive sustainability workshops, presentations, live performances, an electric car exhibition, a household repair station, market stalls and activities for the kids. The Fair will also mark the launch of the Kambah Electric Bike Library. Head along and wish Kambah a happy birthday while learning tips and tricks on how to live a more environmentally friendly life.

German Auto Day

When: 22 September, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham
Cost: Entry via gold coin donation.

Car fans from across the city will converge for Shannon’s German Auto Day 2024 as it shifts into gear at Thoroughbred Park. Entries will range from luxury vehicles to sports cars to motorcycles to electric vehicles, meaning there is sure to be something for everyone’s eye. The event is organised by local German-branded marques Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen.

Tuesday

Charlie Musselwhite performance

When: 24 September, 7:30 pm to 10 pm (doors open from 6:30 pm)
Where: Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah
Cost: Tickets cost between $80 and $85 and are available online or for $90 at the door.

Lovers of American blues will recognise the name Charlie Musselwhite – and the Grammy Award-winning musician is coming to Canberra for one night only. In a career starting in the 1960s on the south side of Chicago, he has become one of the most well-known blues musicians.

Migration History Day

When: 24 September, 9:30 am to 5:15 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Canberra
Cost: Tickets cost $30 per person and are available via StickyTickets.

Where does your family come from? For many of us, our family histories form part of Australia’s rich migrant past. This full-day seminar puts those stories front and centre, featuring panel discussions and presentations. This event is presented in association with the Hopes and Fears: Australian Migration Stories exhibition.

A keynote address from author Alice Pung will open the day before current and former National Library Fellows Dr Mei-fen Kuo (a lecturer in Contemporary Chinese Culture and History at Macquarie University), Dr Vannessa Hearman (senior lecturer in history at Curtin University) and Salvatore Rossano (musician and ethnomusicologist) will speak about their work and research. A curatorial panel about the development of Hopes and Fears will bring the day to a finish.

Thursday

Canberra Hospital Foundation’s Can Golf Day

When: 26 September, from 11 am (tee-off at 12 pm)
Where: Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls
Cost: Entry costs $1500 for a four-person team; register online.

Grab some mates and head out of the office for a good cause. The Canberra Hospital Foundation has organised the Can Golf Day, proudly supported by Workday, for a day of fundraising. All proceeds will go towards raising funds for the Foundation’s CAN GIVE DAY to support Canberra patients, their families and healthcare teams, and a lucky attendee could drive away in a new CUPRA Hybrid car. Entry also includes an on-course drinks cart, a light lunch and a three-course dinner to finish the day.

Have an event to submit?

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