With its vibrant tree canopy and crisp mornings, Canberra is particularly beautiful in autumn and winter.

While it can be tempting to stay home to beat the cold, the best way to see the city is to get out and explore.

There is so much happening across Canberra during the cooler months.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

Learn a skill

If your social schedule is looking a little bare, it’s the perfect opportunity to take up a class or short course. Learn something new or brush up an existing skill.

Cosy up with culture

There’s plenty to see at Canberra Theatre Centre this autumn, from Cirque Bon Bon to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and more. Whether you’re after a laugh or to get your heart racing, you’re bound to find something to see.

Find out what’s on.

Some other options for theatre and live music include:

• The Street Theatre
• Tuggeranong Arts Centre

Now is also the perfect time to book in a visit to one of Canberra’s many museums and galleries. Here are just some of the exhibitions that are currently in town:

• Discovering Ancient Egypt at the National Museum of Australia, on now until 8 September
• Ralph Heimans: Portraiture. Power. Influence. at the National Portrait Gallery, on now until 27 May
• Behind the Lines 2023 at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, on now until late 2024
• Focus: Australian government photographers at the National Archives of Australia, on now until 10 June
• Change: Stories from your pocket at Canberra Museum and Gallery
• Desire lines – (a path taken informally over a set route) at Megalo Print Studio.

Find more exhibitions.

Watch a film

Prefer your drama on screen?

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s Arc Cinema has a curated program of recent releases and revived classics.

View the full schedule and purchase tickets.

Canberra hosts a variety of international film festivals. Some upcoming festivals include:

• HSBC German Film Festival, 7-29 May
• Canberra Short Film Festival – Encore Screenings, 16-27 May
• HSBC Spanish Film Festival, July-July

Start a book club

Reading doesn’t need to be a purely solitary pursuit. Libraries ACT has a Book Club Service that includes:

• access to book club sets (12 copies of the same title)
• an online account and membership card
• discussion guides.

You can book a Book Club set up to six months in advance and for a loan period of up to six weeks.

Find out more.

Have a day out with your dog

Your furry friend needs just as much walking in the colder months, so why not try and make it a fun experience?

Take your dog to a dog park or off-leash area for a bit of extra socialising and exercise.

Find a dog park or off-leash area to explore.

Enjoy a day at the markets

Grab your coat, and don’t forget the shopping bags! Whether it’s fresh produce or vintage fashion, Canberra’s markets are some of the best.

Here are a few to visit:

• Handmade Market Canberra – Winter
• Old Bus Depot Markets
• Capital Region Farmers Market
• Three Sixty Fashion Market.

Watch a game

The stadium might get cold but the action is bound to get your heart racing! It’s footy season which means that you can watch any of our incredible teams during their home games:

• Canberra Raiders – NRL or NRLW
• Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies
• GSW Giants.

Find an upcoming sports match.

Soak up the scenery

If you’re in the mood to explore the outdoors, rug up and let one of these guides inspire you:

• Top places to see snow this winter
• The best spots to find autumn leaves
• Canberra’s favourite playgrounds
• The best nature walks around Canberra.