What’s On In Canberra In October

Spring has finally sprung, Floriade is in full swing and Canberra, as surfers would say, is on the pump. The days are now longer, which lends itself nicely to afternoon refreshments of the alcoholic variety. And that, in turn, lends itself splendidly to an events calendar that keeps on getting fatter. We look at what’s on in Canberra in October.

Oktoberfest

Don your lederhosen and start training for Germany’s national sport – Oktoberfest. The adored beer festival has made its way to our fair city, which means Berlin Bangers, Rolling Schnitzels, Alpenhütte, and a flood of German (and a few non-German) beers will be ripe for the picking.

Oktoberfest Parklands will take place October 14 from 12pm-10pm at Parliamentary Triangle.

Floriade

Canberra’s floral spectacular displays more than a million bulbs and annuals across 8,000 square metres of inner-city parkland. But it’s not just the informed green thumbs. The festival includes garden raves, food and wine, horticultural workshops, markets and art exhibitions.

Floriade is on from September 16 – October 15 at Commonwealth Park.

Luka Lesson

Luke Lesson is an Aussie conscious rap artist and slam poet of Greek heritage. With a sharp turn of phrase and knowledge of history, Lesson is out to “reignite passion, understanding and awareness around cultural and racial issues.”

Luka Lesson will take place October 14 from 8pm at Nishi Gallery.

Japanese Film Festival

As the name suggests, the Japanese Film Festival collects the best Japanese cinema of 2017 and presents it in one convenient festival bundle. Films include Ancien and the Magic Tablet, Birds Without Names and Rage and MUMON: The Land of Stealth.

Japanese Film Festival is on from October 13-22 at Dendy Canberra.

CBR Fair Day

Canberra’s largest LGBTIQ community fair is proudly presented by the AIDS Action Council. Open to everyone, there’ll be markets, food, workshops, music. However, the pièce de résistance is arguably the Rainbow Pet Parade. It’s exactly what you think it is… so bring your pooch in technicolour.

CBR Fair Day will take place October 28 from 11am-4pm at Gorman Arts Centre.

The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant is one of the Bard’s most famous comedies. It follows a Venetian noble after defaulting on a loan to a Jewish merchant and includes lines like, “All that glisters is not gold— often have you heard that told” – vintage Willy S, that is.

The Merchant of Venice is running from October 13-21 at Canberra Theatre Centre.

words by niall roeder