What’s On in Canberra This November & Beyond

The festive season has officially kicked off, and although it’s only November, we’re giving you express permission to pop up your tree. Once you’ve done that, get out and about because there’s lots to do! From harvest festivals to second-hand markets and plenty of outdoor adventures, the city is brimming with activities to make the most of this wonderful time of year.

Check out what’s on in Canberra this month and plan accordingly.

Canberra’s Next Big Cultural Icon Has Been Revealed

Canberra’s cultural landscape is in for a serious upgrade with the reveal of the new Canberra Lyric Theatre design. Part of a major expansion to the Canberra Theatre Centre precinct, the $28-million project promises a world-class performance hub the city has long been waiting for.

Led by COX Architecture in collaboration with Yerrabingin, Charcoal Blue and Arcadia Landscape Architecture, the design blends striking form with deep community input, including First Nations and LGBTQIA+ voices. The result is a connected, contemporary venue that puts Country, culture and inclusivity at its core.

The new theatre will feature a 2,000-seat auditorium, a large-scale stage capable of hosting blockbuster productions, an intimate secondary performance space, and upgraded hospitality and accessibility throughout. Built to Green Star standards, it’s also designed to frame views of Black Mountain and create vibrant public gathering areas.

Long story short: Canberra will soon have the kind of venue that can finally attract major national and international acts. It’s a cultural milestone years in the making!

Learn the Secrets of Mezzalira’s Delicious Tiramisu

If you’re a fan of Mezzalira (or tiramisu) then this event is right up your alley. On three November Saturday afternoons (15th, 22nd and 29th), the restaurant is inviting four people to join the head chef for an intimate cooking class. Here, you’ll learn the venue’s trade secrets for their delicious tiramisu. Then, while it sets in the fridge, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner, finishing off with your dessert! The price is $125pp and includes a glass of wine, three-course set menu and the tiramisu to take home.

Bookings made here.

55 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601

Ginsights at Big River Distilling Co.

We can’t think of a better way to spend a Thursday night than with a gin in hand sitting beside a swathe of local authors. This monthly series, a collaboration between Big River Distilling Co. and Paperchain Bookstore, aims to bring writers and readers together for a literary discussion in an intimate setting. A great combination!

$10, tickets available here

Next date: Thursday 20th November, 6pm to 8pm

1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick

Matcha Lovers, Rejoice: UJIN Is Coming

Canberra’s about to get a matcha upgrade. UJIN Matcha House is slated to open this month, whisking each cup to order with traditional bamboo whisks and sourcing teas straight from Japan’s Uji, Yame, and Shizuoka regions. Expect iced matcha lattes, signature drinks, desserts, and a retail section for take-home blends. Minimalist Japanese interiors complete the experience, with some design secrets still under wraps. Exciting!

More details here

Handmade Markets Christmas Edition

Held quarterly, these markets are the best place to pick up artisan goodies for Chrissie gifting. Everything at the market is certified Australian-made which makes shopping an absolute delight. Each market is curated to include over 250 food, drink and shopping stalls and you’ll be able to find all kinds of goodies from ceramics and prints through to natural wine and ready-to-eat treats. The Handmade Market even offers a low sensory hour for shoppers who would like to enjoy shopping with fewer lights, smells and sounds — you’ll just need to register ahead of time. 

Friday 28th November to Sunday 30th November

Exhibition Pavillion Canberra 

Cinema & Sips at Verity Lane Market

Looking for an affordable night out? Verity Lane Market’s free monthly cinema is a great chance to catch up with pals over a hall full of your favourite foods. You can bring your dinner up from the market hall to enjoy alongside your film or make the most of the in-venue bar with some freshly buttered popcorn and themed cocktails. You can keep track of which film is showing next on Louie Louie’s socials here.

First Thursday of every month

50 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra

Make Your Own Bauble at Canberra Glassworks

If you haven’t yet tried your hand at this mesmerising craft, let this be the sign you need to get involved. This limited edition class gives you the chance to craft your very own bauble from hot, molten glass. You glean some basic glassblowing tips and end the workshop with two baubles to take home.

$180 per person, bookings can be made here

Dates throughout November and December

Canberra Glassworks, Kingston

Carols in Town Park

December can be busy, so, before you get too overbooked ,be sure to save the date for Carols in Town Park. Hosted by the Salvation Army, this community event is the perfect chance to get in the spirit!

Sunday 14th December, 5pm to 8pm

Tuggeranong Town Park

Need more ideas on what to do in Canberra this month? Here’s our guide to the best weekend activities in Canberra and, if you’re heading to Sydney for the weekend, here are our tops picks.