Upstageing Canberra

03/09/2026

🌟Nominations for the 2026 Positive Ageing Awards are officially OPEN! 🌟

Do you know a team or a business that goes above and beyond to make life absolutely fantastic for older Canberrans? Now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve!
The COTA ACT Positive Ageing Awards celebrate the resilience, heart, and vital contributions of seniors and those who support them across the ACT.

We're looking for champions across five incredible categories:
✨ The Seniors Card Outstanding Service to Older Canberrans Award - celebrating a business, service or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the wellbeing and quality of life of older people.
💖 The LDK Age-Friendly Community Award - recognising an organisation or initiative that has created greater connection, participation and inclusion for older Canberrans.
🤝 The ActewAGL Award for Diversity and Inclusion Award - celebrating organisations that breaks down barriers and creating more inclusive services and opportunities for older people.
📚 ACT Human Rights Commission Social Justice and Advocacy Award - recognising organisations that champion the rights, dignity, independence and interests of older people.
🏅 ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo Award - for the business or organisation voted as having the best stall at the 2026 Expo by their peers and attendees.

COTA ACT CEO Jenny Mobbs says, "These awards shine a joyful light on the creativity, resilience, and generosity of Canberra’s seniors."

⏰The clock is ticking! Nominations close on 17 September 2026! Make their nomination count—it’s easy to do, and the recognition lasts a lifetime!

🔗 NOMINATE A STAR TODAY: cotaact.org.au/events/awards

02/09/2026

Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday : a Stevie Wonder spectacular!

Well-known local vocalist Annaliesa Rose will front ConneXion Big Band to present a program that celebrates the amazing output of Stevie Wonder, from his precocious Motown years through to his later progressive era. Travel back in time to the days when Stevie’s music was a fixture on the radio and every new album release was a revelation of musical creativity.

To register:

Come one, come all, to help ConneXion Big Band celebrate the life and musical career of the great Stevie Wonder, from beginnings to the present day.

31/08/2026

Only a few weeks to go! 🎉 Join us at the 2026 ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo on Sept 23-24 during ACT Seniors Month. Hundreds of exhibitors, one location: Old Bus Depot Building, Kingston. Supported by the ACT Government.

29/08/2026

Unlock the Art of Songwriting: A Complimentary 1.5hr Live Zoom Session 🎶
No prior experience necessary!
Join us to explore the fundamental elements of songwriting, ideal for retirees, curious individuals, and beginners.
Receive a complimentary 'Songwriting Starter Pack' as well!

Learn the Core Elements of Great Songwriting— Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or just curious about how songs come together, this free session is for you

21/08/2026

Get ready for a heartwarming GeriRomCom featuring an all-star cast of 14 talented actors over 65! 🎉

🎥 Be part of the FREE premiere screening...
🏫Belconnen Community Centre
🗓Wednesday 9 September
🕕6pm for a 6:30pm

12/08/2026

The ice in Antarctica doesn’t just hold 90% of Earth’s freshwater, it also contains a record of our planet’s past.

Air trapped in the ice can show us changes that have occurred in the Earth’s atmosphere over millions of years.

Scientists use drills to extract ice cores that are analysed for carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gases and pollutants.

Discover more of this incredible continent at National Museum of Australia ‘Antarctica’ exhibition, on until October 11: https://www.nma.gov.au/antarctica
Image with courtesy of

12/08/2026

Last chance to see the current suite of exhibitions at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre before they close on Saturday.

Foyer Gallery: Fold Stitch Bind Artist Books

Gallery 1: Sistahood: Circles, Cycles and Spirals by Wallabindi & Harry’s Clarry

Gallery 2: Dyeing Words, From Soil to Silk by Marissa McDowell, Rechelle Turner & Us Mob Writers.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre Galleries are open 10am - 5pm Tuesday - Friday and 10am - 4pm Saturdays
Image with courtesy of Tuggeranong Arts Centre

12/08/2026

Graceful, powerful and deeply evocative. My Country (2012) by acclaimed artist Kudditji Kngwarreye has found its place at the heart of our Hyatt Hotel Canberra - A Park Hyatt Hotel, generously on loan from Canberra Art Gallery

Through sweeping bands of crimson, burnt orange and golden ochre, Kudditji captures the essence of his ancestral lands in Utopia, NT, expressing not just a landscape, but a lifelong connection to Country.

More than a centrepiece, this remarkable artwork transforms our hotel into a living gallery, inviting guests to pause, reflect and experience the beauty, depth and enduring spirit of Indigenous Australian art.
Image with courtesy of Hyatt Hotel Canberra - A Park Hyatt Hotel

10/08/2026

UpstAGEING Canberra was Australia’s first large-scale Creative Ageing Arts Festival, celebrating the bold, brilliant, and diverse creative expression of older Canberrans. Spanning visual arts, theatre, music, dance, film, and beyond!

UpstAGEING Canberra champions the many benefits of creative activity across the lifespan.
The Festival featured performances, exhibitions, arts workshops, and many opportunities to get involved in activities across Canberra – all created by, for, and with older people.

10/08/2026

Get in quick for the hilarious return of Club Sandwich Comedy to the Tuggeranong Arts Centre!

Hosted by Canberra’s own touring headliner, Chris Ryan, the August show features a headline set by national runner-up of RAW Comedy 2023, Jacqui Richards. Jacqui will be supported by Wagga Wagga-based RAW Comedy 2026 national finalist, Aidan Mungai, and star of Canberra Comedy Festival’s Red, Yellow, Blacklisted, Cameron Ribbons.

Known to sell out, Club Sandwich Comedy is the only performance comedy room in South Canberra — so bring some mates and enjoy a great night out.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Thursday 20 August 2026
7pm - 9pm
🎫 $25/$20
18+
Tickets: https://tuggeranongarts.com/club-sandwich-comedy-20-aug/
Image with courtesy of Tuggeranong Arts Centre