What's On in Canberra?: 21st - 27th October

Oct 25

5 min read

Canberra is getting into the Halloween spirit this week, with a whole lot of spooky fun to be had across the city. Plus, there's a children's musical performance, the beautiful Canberra Nara Candle Festival, the Celebrate Gungahlin Festival, and a whole lot more.

Oktoberfest @ Harmonie German Club

Pull out your lederhosen and get your steins ready - Oktoberfest is back at the Harmonie German Club. On offer, they'll have authentic German beer, traditional German food, German music, dancing, a strong man competition, Miss Oktoberfest, and plenty more hilarious games, competitions and German party traditions! Book your tickets here.

Oktoberfest @ Harmonie German Club - 24th-26th of October - $10+

Whistle and Trick

Melbourne-based Whistle and Trick are bringing their high-energy, mischievous show to the Ainslie Arts Centre. You can expect singing, dancing, and special visits from Frank the Monster and Melindu the Emu. This is one show that's sure to get the whole family up and moving! Find tickets here.

Whistle & Trick @ Ainslie Arts Centre - 26th October - 11am - 12pm - $15+

Canberra Nara Candle Festival

The beautiful Canberra Nara Festival is on again this October, with a full program of exciting activities. There will be performances and demonstrations of both traditional and pop cultures, from Cosplay to martial arts and traditional Japanese music, plus craft activities to keep the kids entertain (calligraphy, origami and lantern making), plus a photo booth with fun props provided. At 7pm, the Official Ceremony will be followed by the lighting of 2,000 shimmering candles in the Canberra Nara Peace Park, which is a truly gorgeous sight to behold. This event is free. Find more information (including the full program) here.

Canberra Nara Candle Festival @ the Canberra Nara Peace Park - 26th October - 4-9pm

Celebrate Gungahlin Festival

The Celebrate Gungahlin Festival celebrates the culture and community spirit of Gungahlin’s people, community groups, artists and businesses. There will be live music and dance, stalls, delicious food, artist activations and fun for the whole family. Make sure you bring the whole family along for this free day of fun! Find more information here.

Celebrate Gungahlin Festival - 26th October - 11am - 2pm - free

Canberra Brick Show

The Canberra Brick Show is a LEGO fan event in Canberra, hosted by the Canberra LEGO User Group. Held at Thoroughbred Park, there will be over 300 tables of amazing displays, exhibits, a massive train layout, dozens of vehicles, a great ball contraption, Technic displays, mosaics, Star Wars displays, historic collections and custom designed my own creations (MOCs). Come along and check out the displays, interactive activities, LEGO retailers of new and rare sets and great food! LEGO fans of all ages are welcome to attend and enjoy the show. More info & tickets here.

Canberra Brick Show @ Thoroughbred Park - 26th-27th October - $12 (under 3 free)

Music & Movement Class

Got a little one who loves to sing, dance, play & have fun? Why not join a Maggie Moo 'Music & Movement' class and spend some time bonding with your little one this weekend? The classes offer music, movement and sensory sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. The interactive session will help your baby or child gain confidence and develop memory, language & coordination skills in an exciting, enjoyable and multi-sensory way. With over 130 original Moo Music songs used in the sessions, it's sure to be a whole lot of fun! Find tickets here.

Music & Movement Class @ Maggie Moo Music Tuggeranong - 27th October - $16 (siblings also welcome to attend at a discounted rate)

Canberra Girls Grammar School Fete

Spread across three acres of the Senior School campus, the CGGS Fete is one of the biggest and well-known annual school fetes in Canberra, attracting over 3,000 attendees each year. This fabulous fete includes quality entertainment for all ages, including:

Over 40 stalls from local vendors covering high quality pre-loved books, cakes and sweet treats and arts and crafts
Live entertainment from CGGS bands, ensembles and performers, suitable for the whole family
Food and refreshments from local Canberra producers
A side-show alley for the young and young at heart
Reptile encounters
Rock climbing

Canberra Girls Grammar School Fete - 26th October - 10am - 3pm - free

Live at Lanyon

Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra brings the magic of live music to the picturesque Lanyon Homestead. Live at Lanyon offers a unique blend of classical masterpieces, contemporary favourites, and movie hits, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Brindabella Ranges. Bring a picnic and immerse yourself in this celebration of music, heritage, and the beauty of the Canberra region. This family-friendly event is perfect for music lovers of all ages. Grab tickets here.

Live at Lanyon - Lanyon Homestead - 26th October - $15+ (children under 2 free)

Bungendore Show

If you feel like a little drive out of town, head to the Bungendore Show on Sunday for a few hours of family fun. With horse & equestrian events, face painting & tattoos, jumping castle, obstacle course, inflatable toddler play space, outdoor garden games, vintage machinery display, treasure hunt, woodchop display, reptile display, tug-o-war, dog jumping, a pet parade and a mascot race, there's sure to be something to entertain every member of the family. Find more info here.

Bungendore Show - Mathews Lane, Bungendore - 27th October - free

T-Rex Races - Compassionate Stakes

Say Nup to the Cup and have a great time with Little Oak Sanctuary's T-Rex Novelty Races instead! Stand up against animal cruelty by taking part in the beloved T-Rex Races at Glebe Park. The Compassionate Stakes are a joyful and cruelty-free alternative to the other 'cup' celebrations happening across the country. Little Oak believe a great time should never come at the expense of animals, and their event proves that compassion and fun go hand in hand. Plus, if you take part in a race, there's plenty of prizes to be won! Register for the event here.

T-Rex Races - Glebe Park - 27th October - $20+

StepUP! for Down Syndrome

StepUP! for Down Syndrome 2024 is back at Kambah Adventure Playground! Join in on a fun-filled day to raise awareness and funds to support people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities in the ACT and surrounds. Bring your family, friends, and a picnic for a wonderful day out in the sun! Enjoy:

ACT Playgroups bringing some all ages activities
Face painting and glitter tattoos
Music
BBQ by Belconnen Lions Club
Balloon modelling, dancing, family-friendly games, and much more!

Don't miss out on a free day of fun, connection, and community support. Find more info here.

StepUP! for Down Syndrome @ Kambah Adventure Playground - 27th October - free

Hawker School Fete

The Hawker School Fete is getting spooky this year, with a super fun Halloween theme!

Head along for lots of fun, including stalls (craft, plants, books), sausage sizzle, fairy floss, cupcake decorating, silent auction, mummification, games, games, and more games. Head along and enjoy some free fun with the family!

Hawker School Fete - Hawker Primary School - 27th October - free