Here’s arts editor HELEN MUSA’s latest Arts Week column, listing the what’s on where around Canberra right now. 

Australian Dance Party celebrates 10 years of boundary-pushing dance and performance with Impulse, free outdoor shows that highlight the company’s connection to unusual spaces across the capital, kicking off  a series of public performances happening across 2026. Woden Town Square and Gungahlin Town Square, March 14 and 21.

A  talk from ArtsNational Molonglo Plains explores the dramatic development of colour in 19th century textiles, as Susan-Kay Williams looks at how dyes, industry and design transformed fabric and fashion history; book here . Venue C3, Queanbeyan, March 12.

Poet Sarah Rice will launch her poetry collection Alight on all things precious, pairing readings with a conversation by Rose Lucas. National Library, March 14.

The Marathon Gig promises one of Canberra’s most unpredictable fundraisers, with Rebus Theatre hosting a day of local acts while raising funds for the Tent City project through the Hands Across Canberra Appeal. Gorman Arts Centre, March 14.

Braddon Busking Festival brings local performers together to compete for prizes and a pathway to the National Busking Championships, complete with a lively under-16s category showcasing emerging talent. Braddon, March 15.

ANU Meet the Author sees Michael Wesley discuss his new Quarterly Essay The Crucible: Southeast Asia and Australia’s Future with Hugh White. Cinema, ANU, March 16.

The Canberra Irish Club marks St Patrick’s Day with a day of festivities featuring music in the Cotter Room, Irish dancing, giveaways and plenty of community spirit from morning onward. Canberra Irish Club, March 17.

The ANU Centre for Classical Studies hosts Professor Nicola Aravecchia discussing new archaeological discoveries from Ancient Trimithis in Egypt’s Western Desert. AD Hope Building, ANU, March 18.

Stage

• Queer PowerPoint delivers a witty and irreverent theatrical experience where performers use the humble slideshow to tell hilarious, personal and unexpected stories. The Q Queanbeyan, Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Belconnen Arts Centre, March 11, 12 and 13.

• Dave Hughes brings his observational humour to the stage with Cooked. The Playhouse, March 13.

• Makedonka and Marie fire up the stage with Aerobics: Wog Style, blending comedy, nostalgia and storytelling. Courtyard Studio, March 14.

• Comedian Tanya Losanno, known from The Women’s Room trio, premieres her solo show Boulevard of Broken Bonbonniere, a dive into her lifelong fascination with weddings, with Jacqui Richards opening the evening. Courtyard Studio, March 15.

• Mockingbird Theatre Company presents the internationally popular romantic comedy Almost, Maine by John Cariani. Belconnen Arts Centre, March 18–28.

• The 35th anniversary of Terminator 2: Judgment Day will be marked with a spectacular 4K screening accompanied by a live score, dramatic set design and laser art. Canberra Theatre, March 18-19.

Concert

• Luminescence Chamber Singers continue their exploration of Carlo Gesualdo with the haunting Tenebrae Responsories, conducted by Roland Peelman. Memorial Chapel of St Paul, Duntroon, March 14.

• The Griffyn Ensemble presents two free chamber concerts; attendance is free though confirmation by email is requested. Larry Sitsky Recital Room, ANU School of Music, March 15.

• The Wesley Lunchtime Concert series welcomes the pianist Jennifer Hou, performing works by Mozart, Prokofiev and Scriabin in a varied midday recital. Wesley Uniting Church, March 18.

Galleries

• An exhibition of works from a private collection curated by Helen Maxwell is at Q Gallery, Ainslie Shops, March 13-26.

• Emerging Taiwanese-Australian artist Ruth Ju-Shih Li explores heritage, place and materiality. Grainger Gallery, Fyshwick, March 12.

• The Hive’s Buzz Bar continues its Friday music series with Glenda Harvey while launching the exhibition Just Like That by Artists Shed Studio artists. The Hive Buzz Bar, Queanbeyan, March 13-27.