10 – Canberra Bonsai Society Annual Show
The display will feature high quality bonsai – both traditional exotic plant species and Australian species. There’ll be demonstration sessions, guided tours and Bonsai Basics sessions – covering all things Bonsai! There’ll also be plants for sale, as well as tools and wire, pots and books. Visitors can also vote for their favourite Bonsai!
Saturday October 12, 9am – 5pm and Sunday October 13, 9am – 4pm
Canberra High School
http://www.cbs.org.au/
Cost: Adult $5, Concession $3, Children under 12 free
9 – Running Scared
Danger lurks at every turn as Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra is transformed into a 5km course of terror! With a cast of bloodcurdling characters lying await to scare the hell out of you, it’s guaranteed to be a night full of fright and fun. If you and your friends make it out alive, the night doesn’t end there, enjoy the Monster Dance Party featuring some of the hottest local and national DJs, Halloween bar, food trucks and more!
Saturday October 12 from 7pm
Lake Burley Griffin foreshore at Commonwealth Park
Cost: see website for details
8 – Oktoberfest at Pialligo Estate
Come eins, come all! Featuring traditional German foods including Bratwurst, Kransky and Schnitzels, and Pig on a Spit, your Oktoberfest will be complete with premium Zierholz brews on tap, so make sure your belly is ready to be filled to the brim! Dress in your finest lederhosen and dirndls, be part of Mr and Ms Oktoberfest, flex your muscles in beer barrel races and Hammerschlagen, and if you’re really game, there’ll be yodelling too!
Saturday October 12 and Sunday October 13, 12pm – 7pm
Pialligo Estate
https://www.facebook.com/events/2417576241666147/
Cost: $20 (free for under 18’s)
7 – West Side Story
One of the biggest theatrical events of 2019, West Side Story, has come to Canberra! Hailed as the greatest Broadway musical of all time, West Side Story is the modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Leonard Bernstein’s world-famous score features unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty, which have been universally adored for generations.
October 10 – 27
Canberra Theatre Centre
https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/west-side-story/
Cost: tickets from $69.90
6 – Googong RFS Open Day
The Rural Fire Service’s Open Day is a fascinating adventure for the young and the young-at-heart, with lots of free family fun! Climb the big red fire trucks or have a go with the hoses under the watchful eye of the local brigade. Try the firies’ emergency gear on for size and hear some of the amazing stories from local heroes. There’ll also be live music, a jumping castle and lots of food!
Saturday October 12, 10am – 2pm
27 Beltana Ave, Googong
https://www.facebook.com/events/2341753896141747/
Cost: free
5 – UC Capitals vs Adelaide Lightning
The UC Capitals will start their 2019-20 campaign with a grand final re-match against the Adelaide Lightning at the AIS Arena on Sunday! With an epic roster including WNBL MVP Kelsey Griffin, WNBA All-Star member Kia Nurse and lightning fast Olivia Epoupa, this will no doubt be an explosive game.
Sunday October 13, 12:30pm doors open, 1:30pm tip-off, 3pm meet the players
AIS Arena
http://wnbl.basketball/uc-capitals/
Cost: tickets from $10
4 – Finnish Crazy Games
The celebration of all things Finnish returns to Canberra! This year’s games are part of Windows to the World, when embassies open their grounds to the public. Race a hobby horse, throw and recycle your old mobile phones and participate in hän-carrying! A family friendly event and a light-hearted way to learn all about Finland!
Saturday October 12, 10am – 3pm
Embassy of Finland
https://www.facebook.com/events/2368961056707996/
Cost: free
3 – The Canberra Burns Club Highland Gathering
It’s time to get Scottish again! This free event has a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including the ACT Pipe Band Championships, Highland Dancing Competition, Scottish Heavy Athletics, Pipe Band displays and more. There’s a jumping castle and face painting for the kids, as well as food stalls and displays.
Saturday October 12, 10am – 5pm
Kambah District Playing Fields
http://canberragathering.com.au/
Cost: free
2 – Government House Open Day
The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley are inviting all Canberrans to explore the gardens, meet Their Excellencies and tour the residence at the Government House Open Day! Visitors can take a picnic, with food for sale on site too. A free shuttle bus will run between Government House and other Windows to the World sites.
Saturday October 12, 10am – 2pm
Government House
Cost: free
1 – Floriade + Dog’s Day Out
It’s your last chance to check out Australia’s popular flower festival, with Floriade wrapping up this weekend. There’ll be lots of food, music and workshops, as well as highlights like the Lifeline Mini Bookfair and Dogs Day Out! All pups are invited to explore Floriade with their owners, with activities like dancing with dogs, dachshund races, breed group photos, pooch parlour, fashions on the field and more! And of course we can’t forget – the one million plus blooms on display!
September 14 – October 13
Commonwealth Park
www.floriadeaustralia.com
Cost: free entry
