What’s On in Canberra This April & Beyond

Autumn is well and truly here, Canberra has come alive, with the city brimming with activities to make the most of the chillier, milder weather.

From must-see gigs, plays, fun-runs, second-hand markets and plenty of outdoor adventures, you won’t be stuck for things to do this month (and beyond!).

Search our what’s on in Canberra this April guide and consider your social plans sorted.

Celebrate All Things Italian During Viva Italia in Canberra Festival

With a rich Italian history, this festival is dedicated to celebrating Canberra’s Italian culture, community and history. With events featuring fine food and flowing wine, to dance, art, classic cars and more, Viva Italia in Canberra is a diverse, multi-day festival that showcases the very best of Italy in the nation’s capital.

Kicking off with a night under the stars with live music and dance, authentic Italian street food and drinks, the festival also features paint and sip events, Italian movie nights (Roman Holiday, anyone?), craft workshops, wine tours and live musical performances.

From Friday 28th March until Sunday 13th April

See the full program and book tickets here.

Various venues around Canberra.

Get Ready to Run at The Canberra Times Marathon Festival

It’s the oldest city marathon in Australia with over 10,000 participants each year, and five different distances perfectly mapped to showcase the scenery of Australia’s capital city.

The Canberra Time Marathon Festival offers something for every level—choose from the AIMS certified Marathon, Half Marathon or 10-kilometre courses, or try the beginner-friendly 5.4 kilometre run and 2 kilometre fun run perfect for the kids. All races start near Old Parliament House with courses taking participants on a scenic tour past the National Triangle and Lake Burley Griffin.

Of course, it’s not all about race day, with the festival running all weekend and an expo showcasing the best products and offers for those who love to run.

Friday 11th April to Sunday 13th April

Register to race here.

John Dunmore Lang Place, Canberra

Bag a (Stylish) Bargain at Canberra Fashion Market

Fashion lovers, rejoice, because Canberra Fashion Market is back on the calendar! With stallholders selling new and quality pre-loved clothes, shoes, boots, bags, jewellery, accessories and more, you’ll be able to shop til you drop in style.

Featuring pieces from Australian and international designers (think BEC + BRIDGE, Valentino, Zimmermann and Aje.), entry is also free, making it a perfect day out with the girls (or guys!).

Sunday 20th April, 10 AM to 3 PM

Fitter’s Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston

Explore the Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa Exhibition at The National Gallery

An ongoing cultural maintenance project, Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa is the largest and most significant installation of the culturally important and visually spectacular Kulata Tjuta (Many Spears) Project. Aimed at sharing the skills of carving and making the puna kulata (wooden spear) across generations, the project started with a small group of men in Amata and has since grown to include over 100 Aṉangu men across the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands.

Rooted in age-old traditions, knowledge and skills that are designed around keeping Country and culture strong, the exhibition takes the form of large-scale, multi-disciplinary installations that incorporate film, sound, live performance and other artistic collaborations.

Running until March 29, 2026

The National Gallery of Australia

Laugh (and Cry) at Adam Kay’s ‘This is Going to Hurt’ Tour

Back by popular demand and based on his multi-million-selling book, Adam Kay is bringing the stage adaptation of his diaries to Canberra.

Both hilarious and heartbreaking, the show details Adam’s life on and off the hospital wards as a junior doctor, and has been seen by over 300,000 people worldwide.

Sure to be a sell-out, this is a night out in Canberra not to be missed.

Friday 25th April, 7 PM

Tickets from $69.90, book here.

Canberra Theatre

Celebrate Easter With a Seafood High Tea

Seafood and Easter? Say no more! Grab the family and head to Hotel Kurrajong for a truly spectacular Seafood High Tea featuring the freshest catches of the day. Settle in the breezy courtyard or score a cosy nook on the terrace as you indulge in a decadent spread of Blue Swimmer Crab Finger Sandwiches, Pulled Butter Poached Lobster Sliders, Tempura Prawns and Oysters Rockefeller.

Adults will also be treated to free-flowing mimosas, as well as premium teas and freshly-brewed coffee, as the young (and the young at heart) enjoy sweet treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries, Belgian chocolate mousse and more. Little ones can also embark on an exciting Easter egg hunt through the courtyard.

Saturday 19th April, 12 PM to 2 PM

$129 per adult, $85 per child, $323 per family

8 National Circuit, Barton

Catch a Classic Movie at this Charming Cinema

Experience the magic of classic cinema at Elsie’s Film House, a pop-up lounge in Canberra’s city centre. Enjoy retro movie nights with nostalgic films from the 70s, 80s, and 90s in a cosy setting. Running until July at Civic Square Hub, they also do a happy hour from 5pm to 6pm on Fridays with $7 beers and $9 wines.

Runs until July 4th

Buy tickets here

Soak Up the Autumnal Vibes at the Weekly Haig Park Village Markets

Embrace the summer season at the Haig Park Village Markets in Braddon, happening every Sunday. Indulge in delicious food, shop from local stallholders, and soak up live entertainment, including live music, kids’ activities, face painting, and workshops. It’s the perfect spot for brunch, browsing, and relaxing with family and friends.

Open every Sunday from 8am to 2pm

Haig Park, Braddon

Watch the Leaves Change at the National Arboretum

Head to the National Arboretum to enjoy breathtaking autumn colours set against Canberra’s panoramic views. Wander through 44,000 rare trees and discover scenic walking paths, kids’ playgrounds, and cosy cafes. For more autumn leaves, visit nearby spots like Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie for stunning vistas.

Forest Drive, Australian Capital Territory

Step Into History at the Immersive Pompeii Exhibition

Calling all history buffs, this one’s for you! Step back in time to explore the ancient city of Pompeii through artifacts, artworks, and interactive displays at the National Museum of Australia. Learn all about the daily life and tragic end of this historic site.

Running until May 4

Tickets from $25, purchase here

National Museum Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton

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.