Literary fans in Canberra are in for a treat with events like meet the author and multilingual poetry evening, writes arts editor HELEN MUSA in her latest Artsweek column. 

Ginninderry Festival 2026 offers free rides, live entertainment, food, local artists and the chance to meet rugby league legend Mal Meninga in a family friendly community celebration. Strathnairn Arts, August 29.

Author, veterinarian and adventurer Karen Viggers will discuss her life and writing as part of the Winter Tales fundraising series supporting the Australian Women’s Register. National Library of Australia, August 30.

The ANU Meet the Author series continues with journalist Melissa Chan and artist Badiucao discussing their graphic novel You Must Take Part in the Revolution. Cinema ANU, August 27. After that, broadcaster and author Norman Swan will be in conversation with Andrew Leigh about his latest book, The Brain Cliff. Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, August 31.

The Multilingual Poetry Evening welcomes French Australian poet Stéphanie Pouliquin, who writes under the pen name Ambrosia and draws inspiration from nature, Nietzsche and Ancient Greek philosophy. Smith’s Alternative, August 31.

Stage

• Joanna Murray-Smith’s comedy Bombshells, directed by Jordan Best for Echo Theatre, begins its tour with performances in its home venue before heading further afield. The Q, August 27 to 29.
• Former Canberran Catherine Crowley returns with Tripping Up That Hill, a humorous and musical solo show exploring romance, reality and life’s unexpected turns. The Street Theatre, August 27 and 28.
• Comedian and amateur Egyptologist AJ Lamarque takes audiences on a witty journey through pyramids, hieroglyphs, mummies and ancient myths in A Beginner’s Guide to Ancient Egypt. The Street Two, August 29.
• Simon Reich’s multimedia production Bonegilla, The Migrant’s Journey brings the stories of postwar migrants to life through film, music and personal testimony. Belco Arts Theatre, August 28 and 30.

Concerts

• Celebrated Dutch piano brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen make their Australian debut, bringing the artistry that has captivated audiences at the BBC Proms and with the Berlin Philharmonic. Snow Concert Hall, August 28.
• Canberra Girls Grammar School marks its centenary with a gala concert featuring more than 200 students and alumni, music by Arturo Márquez and Elena Kats-Chernin, and three world premieres including Sally Whitwell’s new school song Generations. Llewellyn Hall, August 29.
• Ginninderra Wind Orchestra presents British Kaleidoscope, a free afternoon concert celebrating the richness and variety of British music. Raiders Club Belconnen, August 29.
• Maruki Community Orchestra performs Wildest Dreams, featuring music by Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Berlioz and Borodin in an afternoon of orchestral favourites. Lyneham High School Performing Arts Centre, August 30.
• Selby & Friends returns with violinist Susie Park, cellist Julian Smiles and pianist Kathryn Selby performing piano trios by Ross Edwards, Anton Arensky and Beethoven. Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, September 1.
• Bassoonist Ben Hoadley and harpsichordist Ariana Odermatt return to the Wesley Lunchtime Concert series with a program ranging from Baroque repertoire to the music of Sally Whitwell. Wesley Music Centre, September 2.

Galleries

• M16 Artspace launches four exhibitions exploring community, identity and artistic practice. M16 Artspace, August 28 to September 20.
• Canberra Potters presents Land’s Edge, featuring ceramic artists Sarah Ormonde and Jo Victoria. Canberra Potters Gallery, August 28 to September 20.
• Belconnen Arts Centre opens six exhibitions spanning painting, printmaking, textiles and sculpture. Belconnen Arts Centre, August 28 to October 11.
• Vulnerable, by Canberra artist collective 8Studios, brings together eight artists working across textiles, painting, eco printing and mixed media to examine resilience, change, loss and adaptation. Rusten House Art Centre, Collett St Queanbeyan, August 29 to September 19.
• Artist Jenny Blake will exhibit a new collection of paintings in the recently opened gallery space at Duffy Shops, with all welcome to the exhibition opening. Gallery Next Door, Duffy Shops, August 29.
• GR’AFT, a major solo exhibition by Thirroul artist Lynda Draper, marks her first substantial exploration of bronze and glass following a distinguished career in contemporary ceramics. Canberra Glassworks, until October 25.

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