In her latest Artsweek column, arts editor HELEN MUSA brings the most happening things around Canberra for arts and entertainment lovers.

Vika and Linda Bull celebrate the release of their new album Where Do You Come From? performing with their band, The Bullettes. Canberra Theatre, July 17.

ANU Meet the Author features two acclaimed writers in conversation, with Jessy Wu discussing her new novel Good Intentions with Jasper Lindell on July 16, followed by Paul Kelly talking with Frank Bongiorno about his new book The Twilight of Exceptionalism on July 20. Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, July 16 and 20.

M16 Artspace has launched the M16 Artspace Drawing Prize 2026, supported by the Tall Foundation. Entry is free for First Nations artists and Pension Concession Card holders, with entries closing on October 4.

Galleries

• Chameleon Collective’s Buzzz ACT combines dance and science in an inclusive performance celebrating the bees that keep our world humming, with two family friendly performances during the school holidays. Canberra Museum and Gallery, July 18.

Stage

• Everyman Theatre presents the comedy 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, celebrating sisterhood, secrets and survival in an eccentric small town setting. ACT Hub, July 17 to August 1.
• Comedian and former registered nurse Georgie Carroll returns with Infectious, a high energy celebration of nursing and modern life, drawing on her healthcare experience for sharp observations and relatable humour. Canberra Theatre, July 18.
• Off the Ledge Theatre presents Benjamin Nichol’s acclaimed debut play Kerosene, a powerful exploration of love, loneliness and obsession in suburban Australia, with Winsome Ogilvie reuniting with director Lachlan Houen for its first production outside Melbourne. Courtyard Studio, July 16 to 19.
• Blake Pavey brings his new stand up show A Bit Scared to Canberra, reflecting with humour on life after learning his terminal illness was not quite as terminal as first thought. The Street Theatre, July 19.
• Robin Davidson presents Beyond the Algorithm: Challenging the Manosphere as part of Wellspring: Inquiry and Exchange, exploring whether theatre based critical empathy training can help counter online hate through an interactive Forum Theatre experience. The Street Theatre, July 22.

Concerts

• Thelma Plum embarks on her first acoustic theatre tour, stripping back her songs with just voice and guitar for an intimate evening of music and storytelling. The Playhouse, July 16.
• Paul Dempsey, frontman of Something for Kate, brings his regional solo tour Shotgun Karaoke to Canberra, showcasing the songs and musicianship that have made him one of Australia’s most respected songwriters. The Playhouse, July 17.
• Selby & Friends presents From Romance to Reckoning, with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Natalie Chee joining cellist Richard Narroway and pianist Kathryn Selby. Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, July 17.
• Matt Ottignon’s group Volant launches its new EP, featuring Hannah James and guests in an evening of contemporary jazz. Smith’s Alternative, July 18.
• The Royal School of Church Music ACT Branch presents an afternoon organ recital by Callum Tolhurst-Close, in a program lasting about an hour. Wesley Uniting Church, July 19.
• Italian piano duo Mimesi brings its Australian tour to the Wesley Lunchtime Concert series with Storms, Dreams and Dances, performing music for piano four hands by Schubert, Poulenc and Rachmaninov. Wesley Music Centre, July 22.

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