{"id":273793,"date":"2026-01-08T08:38:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T08:38:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/273793\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T08:38:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T08:38:34","slug":"things-to-do-in-canberra-this-week-9-15-january","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/273793\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Canberra this week (9 – 15 January)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Car<\/p>\n

There\u2019s plenty of excitement across Canberra as the school holidays continue. Photo: Summernats.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a whole lot to see and do across the coming week in Canberra, with school holiday events, film showings, family-friendly dance performances, live music and of course, Summernats.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve found plenty of kid-friendly events for parents looking to keep their young ones occupied during the school holidays, with workshops, interactive exhibitions and a special performance of Storytime Ballet.<\/p>\n

Summernats is here, bringing plenty of super-charged utes, classic cars, skids, burnouts and all-round automotive madness. Tickets are still on sale for one of Canberra\u2019s most anticipated yearly events.<\/p>\n

All this and much more are in our weekly guide to all the best to see and do in the capital.<\/p>\n

Multiple Days
\n\"Matildas:<\/p>\n

Engage with the historic Matildas like never before. Photo: National Portrait Gallery.<\/p>\n

Matildas: Make and Move at the National Portrait Gallery<\/a><\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> 9 January to 15 January, 10 am to 4:30 pm
Where:<\/strong> National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terraces, Parkes
Cost:<\/strong> Free.<\/p>\n

Celebrate the Portrait Gallery\u2019s new portrait of the CommBank Matildas with a range of fun activities for kids.<\/p>\n

Kids can follow in the footsteps of their favourite players by creating their own fan bracelets, designing their own soccer cards and even testing their footwork and field skills with movement challenges in the gallery.<\/p>\n

\"little<\/p>\n

Check out Bird Week at the National Zoo for an avian adventure. Photo: National Zoo and Aquarium.<\/p>\n

School Holiday Program at the National Zoo and Aquarium <\/a><\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> 9 January to 15 January, 9 am to 5 pm
Where:<\/strong> National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla
Cost:<\/strong> Free.<\/p>\n

The National Zoo and Aquarium shines during the school holidays, with plenty of fun, family-friendly activities for everyone.<\/p>\n

From 9 to 11 January, celebrate Bird Week with collectable medallions and special talks from keepers about Australia\u2019s feathered friends. Kids interested in animals long past can check out the extinction trail, following the footsteps and unearthing the mysteries of the amazing animals that once roamed the planet.<\/p>\n

On 10 and 11 January, there will be snow machines at the Viewing Park.<\/p>\n

From 12 to 15 January, visitors can enjoy Porcupine Week, with special keeper talks about the Zoo\u2019s favourite porcupine, Louie.<\/p>\n

\"still<\/p>\n

Heat is showing at NFSA on Friday, 9 January as part of Hot Summer Nights. Image: Heat.<\/p>\n

This week at the NFSA<\/a><\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> 9 January to 15 January, various times
Where:<\/strong> Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost:<\/strong> Tickets from $12 to $25 | Book online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This week\u2019s schedule of films at the NFSA is as diverse and exciting as ever, with a great range of films on offer to cater for just about any cinematic taste.<\/p>\n

On Friday, catch Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the 1995 Michael Mann film Heat, following a master criminal and the relentless cop doggedly pursuing him. This film showing is part of the NFSA\u2019s Hot Summer Nights series, which includes a live pre-show performance from The Burley Griffin. Also in the same series is Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, which will be preceded by Belco Jazz Band.<\/p>\n

For something more family-friendly, catch Mouse Hunt and Ratatouille on Tuesday and Thursday. Y2K icon The Matrix screens on Thursday.<\/p>\n

\"Storytime<\/p>\n

The Nutcracker comes to Canberra in a special kid-friendly storytime format. Image: Canberra Theatre Centre.<\/p>\n

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker \u2013 Canberra Theatre Centre <\/a><\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> 9 January to 11 January, 11 am and 2 pm
Where:<\/strong> Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit
Cost:<\/strong> Tickets from $45 to $67 | Book online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Little ballerinas and dance enthusiasts rejoice as Storytime Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the Canberra Theatre Centre, providing an interactive ballet experience for children aged three and older.<\/p>\n

Tchaikovsky\u2019s beloved tale of enchantment is retold here in a manner perfect for little ones, with a narrator to help them follow along and a runtime under an hour. Audience members are encouraged to dress up in their favourite ballet-inspired outfits and to dance along in their seats.<\/p>\n

If your little one has a love for ballet already or an interest that just needs a little push, this is a great way to fan that flame.<\/p>\n

\"burnout\"<\/p>\n

Summernats needs no introduction. Photo: Summernats.<\/p>\n

Summernats <\/a><\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> 9 to 11 January, from 10 am to 11 pm
Where:<\/strong> Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell
Cost:<\/strong> Ticket prices vary | Book online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Canberrans await Summernats all year for good reason. It\u2019s a paradise for revheads with plenty of historic cars and supercharged vehicles tuned within an inch of their life.<\/p>\n

Whether you want to admire a historic automotive that\u2019s been shined to a keen finish or you want to hear the roar of V8s and screeching tyres, or if you like anything that moves on wheels, this is for you.<\/p>\n

There will also be plenty of live music from bands such as Peking Duk, The Living End, The Screaming Jets and a festival zone with a whole lot of entertainment.<\/p>\n

\"Two-year-old<\/p>\n

The National Archives Celebrates Australia\u2019s aviation heritage. Photo: J Crowther. NAA: A1200, L56937.<\/p>\n

Up, up and away holiday program<\/a><\/p>\n

When<\/strong>: 12 to 15 January, various times
Where<\/strong>: National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes
Cost<\/strong>: Tickets from $5 | Book online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Blast off at the National Archives during the school holidays and dive into spaceflight design with hands-on crafts and a family-friendly film. Spark your child\u2019s creativity at a school holiday program inspired by the new exhibition In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In the craft session, children will first design their own spacecraft on paper and then create a 3D prototype using a variety of craft materials. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Cafe Constitution<\/a> or explore the permanent galleries.<\/p>\n

Finish the day with a screening of the family-friendly Australian film, Paper Planes<\/a>, complete with popcorn.<\/p>\n

\"Warehouse<\/p>\n

The second week of the Warehouse Circus school holiday program is here. Photo: Events Canberra.<\/p>\n

Warehouse Circus School Holiday Program \u2013 Week Two<\/a><\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> 12 January to 15 January
Where:<\/strong> Warehouse Circus, Chifley & Kaleen, 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Central Gym, Chifley
Cost:<\/strong> Ticket prices vary | Book online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Warehouse Circus School Holiday Program is offering plenty of classes and workshops, giving curious young people aged from eight to 12 the chance to immerse themselves in the circus world.<\/p>\n

Week two of the school holiday program features classes and workshops featuring Kick Ups, a Troupe Bootcamp and Half Highs, expanding on the first week\u2019s program of circus fundamentals with more complex manoeuvres.<\/p>\n

\"Canberra<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss out on the finals in the Workday Canberra International. Photo: Tennis ACT.<\/p>\n

Workday Canberra International 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> 9 and 10 January
Where:<\/strong> Canberra Tennis Centre, 3 Riggall Place, Lyneham
Cost:<\/strong> Tickets from $10 to $199 | Book online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tennis hits home as the Workday Canberra International returns to the Canberra Tennis Centre this summer.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s your chance to witness the next generation of tennis players compete for the title in a thrilling showcase of skill and determination. Don\u2019t miss out on the finals this weekend.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s more than just tennis on offer \u2013 enjoy live music, refreshing drinks, delicious bites and family fun.<\/p>\n

Sunday
\n\"the<\/p>\n

The best songs from pop\u2019s current reigning queen come to the Harmonie Club. Image: Harmonie German Club, Facebook.<\/p>\n

The Tay Tay Tribute Show at the Harmonie German Club <\/a><\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> 11 January, 2 pm
Where:<\/strong> Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah
Cost:<\/strong> General admission $28.60 | Book online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Harmonie German Club is hosting the Tay Tay Tribute Show, bringing the best hits from the pop superstar to Canberra. This family-friendly event features a full rock band stocked with talented touring musicians giving their all to bring the music and stage presence of Taylor Swift to life.<\/p>\n

Smash hits to be played include Shake It Off, Style, Karma, The Man, We Are Never Getting Back Together, 22, The Story Of Us, Look What You Made Me Do and more.<\/p>\n

Upcoming events<\/p>\n

Submit your event here<\/a> to be considered for our weekly events guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"There\u2019s plenty of excitement across Canberra as the school holidays continue. Photo: Summernats. There\u2019s a whole lot to…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":273794,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[269],"tags":[18,440,19,17,133],"class_list":{"0":"post-273793","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-environment","8":"tag-eire","9":"tag-environment","10":"tag-ie","11":"tag-ireland","12":"tag-science"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/115858578183036287","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/273793","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=273793"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/273793\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/273794"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=273793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=273793"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=273793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}