Oceans of Energy, Australia 2026
Cover design Barbie Robinson, Writing with Light
Cover image Valerie Albrecht
Disclosure: Writing with Light undertook the layout and design of this book as well as contributing to the editing, proofing and publication process. Barbie was also the creator of some of the photographs and the editor of Valerie’s photographs for publication. This article is more by way of a report than a review for that reason.
Tyger Gallery
Comer Street Yass NSW
3 – 17 October 2026
Kylian was born and raised in Yass, and this show marks a deeply personal return to the landscape that shaped her.
Continue Reading“Kylian Martin – This Land is Kin“
City West Canberra
14 November 2026
8.30 to 10pm
A feminist-led walking art experience which invites participants to experience the city after dark through projection, sound and storytelling.
Continue Reading“Localjinni – Moonlight Meanders”
HarperCollinsPublishers, Australia 2026
Cover design Maya Abraham
Cover images Jimena Roquero/stocksy.com /5852005; ohlamourstudio/stocksy.com/4516591; shutterstock.com
In She Lied First point of view is not merely the dominant story telling technique – it is indeed a large part of what the book is about. Dinuka McKenzie has deftly controlled her readers’ understanding of events in this thrilling psychological work by carefully filtering what we learn from the first to the last page.
Palace Electric Cinemas, Canberra and nationally
28 October – 29 November 2026
Some highlights of this year’s festival include:
Romantic comedy Wicker. Starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, a fable about an ostracised fisherwoman and the sexy husband she wishes for.
Historical drama The Uprising stars Andrew Garfield as a grief-stricken labourer in the 14th century who ignites a peasant’s revolt. The films also stars Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane and Katherine Waterston.
Documentary Parky is an intimate portrait of ‘the king of the chat show’ Sir Michael Parkinson. Over a career spanning five decades, Britain’s greatest interviewer was beloved by millions and knighted by the Queen. His legendary interview subjects ranged from Muhammad Ali to Billy Connolly, Kylie Minogue, Bob Hawke, Madonna, and Sir David Attenborough, many of whom feature in this revealing documentary.
Richard E. Grant and Claire Foy lead the cast of Savage House, a darkly comedic, cautionary tale of greed, ambition and power. Two desperate social climbers in 18th century England sacrifice everything to host the aspirational dinner party of their dreams, in this sumptuously crafted period piece.
The much-loved Bill Nighy stars in the poignant drama , 500 Miles which follows a broken family that must come together as two young brothers embark on an epic journey to reunite with their estranged grandfather. Set across breathtaking landscapes of Ireland, 500 MILES explores the complexities of families and the forces that pull them apart and reunite them.
Writer-director Nick Moorcraft (Fisherman’s Friends: One and All, BFF22) returns with Mother’s Pride, a heartfelt comedy. Jonno Davies stars as Cal, a man rediscovering purpose and connection as he returns to his small country hometown. After a series of misfortunes, he works to re-invigorate his family’s pub which is on the brink of closure.
The full program can be found at https://britishfilmfestival.com.au
The Old Barn
8 Beltana Road, Pialligo ACT
1 to 4 October and 8 to 11 October 2026
10am to 4pm
In its 40th year, Canberra Calligraphy Society presents its annual exhibition, featuring a mix of calligraphic art.
Continue Reading“Canberra Calligraphy Society Annual Exhibition”
The Street Theatre Canberra
7.30pm 28 October 2026
120 minutes
Resonance presents co-leaders Sandy Evans (saxophones) and Andrea Keller (piano), Kristin Berardi, (vocals), and Jenny Barnes (vocals).
Continue Reading“Sandy Evans and Andrea Keller – Resonance National Album Tour“
2026 Chamber Series
Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, ACT
3pm Sunday, 8 November 2026
This concert presents two of Australia’s leading Early Music specialists from Melbourne! Adam Masters (oboe) and Tim Willis (violin), who are regular performers and soloists with all of Australia’s Early Music groups and Ben Hoadley (bassoon).
The repertoire is music by Castello, Graun, Ganspeckh, Janitsch, Corette, Graupner, Meister, Pez, and Albicastro!
3pm Sunday 8 November 2026
Thirty minutes of music, and instrumental show and tell in a relaxed and informal setting. Perfect for young ones who are curious about music but might not have the attention to sit through the full main concert!
Guest artists: Adam Masters (Oboe), Tim Willis (Violin), Ben Hoadley (Bassoon)
Due to the tight timing of our whole concert day, we begin promptly at 3pm.
15 to 18 October 2026
Various venues
With a theme of For the Love of Books, this year’s festival features 113 events including panels, talks and entertainments covering social, political, environmental and economic issues as well as delving into the enjoyment of literary and popular fiction and poetry.
Penguin Books, Australia, 2026
Cover design Nikki Townsend Design
Cover photographs Shutterstock; Theeradech Sanin Erikson Stock
We know there’ll be a love story (maybe more than one), and we know there’ll be a baby. After all, these are Fiona McArthur’s calling cards.
Strathnairn Arts
90 Stockdill Drive Holt ACT
Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
23 September to 18 October 2026
Trails is a two part exhibition. In the main gallery the artist presents landscapes of the Murrumbidgee and Ginninderry Conservation Corridor. The works are layered watercolour monotypes and paintings depicting the beauty, colour and texture of this much beloved landscape.
Penguin Books, Australia 2026
Cover design Debra Billson
Cover illustrations Marta Lebek/Stocksy and Shutterstock
With her characteristic compassion and humour, in this second novel, Anna Johnston takes us once again into the world of aged care.
Hall Pavillion: Opposite 21 Gladstone Street, Hall, ACT
Sunday 27th September 2026
11am & 2.30pm
Badimara Scout Hall: 198 Badimara Street, Fisher, ACT
Sunday 4th October 2026
11am & 2.30pm
Ten years after its debut, Vivienne reprises and remakes The Whole Cake a changed body and an expanded creative landscape.
Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
7.30pm Wednesday 7 October 2026
Presented in association with UKARIA
British concert pianist Pianist Paul Lewis puts Mozart under the microscope to discover infinite new wonders.
Continue Reading“Musica Viva – Mozart’s Piano Sonatas”
Palace Electric Canberra
16 September to 14 October 2026
Also in Sydney, Melbourne, Ballarat, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Byron Bay and Ballina
This year’s festival opens with Holy Cannoli, an Italian, box office hit which uses comedy to expose the contradictions of contemporary Italian life seen through the eyes of a soul-searching, sweet-toothed sceptic.
