As the days grow longer and warmer, October is the perfect time to make the most of everything Ginninderry has to offer! 

With blooming gardens, comfortable temperatures, and that irresistible spring energy in the air, this month invites you to get outdoors and connect with your community.

From family activities and creative workshops to outdoor exercise groups for all ages, October is brimming with opportunities to try something new, meet your neighbours, and soak up those precious sunny days. Whether you’re keen for outdoor adventures or cosy community gatherings, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s your complete guide to what’s on in Ginninderry this October.

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS & WORKSHOPS 

Frog Walk & Talk 

This event is perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Grab your beanie, warm coat, boots, and your favourite torch, and join us for a magical evening of frogs, facts, and hot choccie under the stars. Bring your burning froggy questions, learn some truly ribbiting facts, and listen for the lovesick calls of frogs as we explore a local pond by night. It’s a curious, and unfrogettable (pun intended) way to connect with nature this spring.

Please arrive by 5:50 pm to allow 10 minutes to park and find the group at the Shepherds Lookout Carpark. We will walk down to the pond as a group.

Friday 10 October, 6 pm until 7:30 pm | Shepherds Lookout Carpark | More information here.

 

In Conversation: The Ginninderra Reed Necklace

Step into a remarkable story of friendship and cultural connection that spans over 160 years! Join us for an intimate conversation about the Ginninderra Reed Necklace, a precious symbol of friendship gifted by local Aboriginal girls to Emma Minnie Palmer on her wedding day in 1862.

Meet renowned Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke, who has spent decades reviving Southeast Australian Aboriginal cultural practices, and Catherine Palmer, Emma’s great-great-granddaughter, who has lovingly preserved this rare piece of our region’s history. Together, they’ll share the fascinating story behind this 12-strand river reed necklace and explore its cultural significance as a symbol of safe passage through Country.

This unique conversation connects to Maree’s stunning exhibition “Seeing the Invisible” at Canberra Museum and Gallery, where supersized reed necklaces pay tribute to the original.

Light refreshments are provided – don’t miss this chance to hear these extraordinary stories firsthand!

Sunday 12 October, 11 am until 12:30 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

 

Treadwell Street Strathnairn Garden Commons – Workshops

Join the Strathnairn Garden Commons Journey! What started as an empty patch of lawn is now a thriving community garden that belongs to all of us! Thanks to Corey from Canberra Food Forestry, the Strathnairn Garden Commons on Tredwell Street is ready to flourish with your help.

Come along to Corey’s hands-on workshops to learn everything you need to know about caring for this shared green space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or complete beginner, you’ll gain the confidence to be part of something wonderful. 

Morning tea provided, new friendships guaranteed! This beautiful community resource depends on your participation to thrive for years to come.

Saturday 11 October, 9:30 am until 10:30 am | Straithnairn Garden Commons | More information here.

 

Guided Walks through the Conservation Corridor 

Reconnect with nature and explore the beauty of the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor with a guided walk. Led by a knowledgeable ranger, these walks offer a great opportunity to learn about the Corridor’s wildlife, ecosystems, and the current conservation efforts in the area. Not to mention you’ll get a front-row seat to stunning views of the Murrumbidgee River, Brindabella Mountains, and surrounds. 

Saturday 4 October, 9 am until 11 am | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

 

Knitting & Crochet with Good Omen Good Eze 

Join Good Omen Goodeze for an afternoon of knitting & crochet. Whether you’re learning a new skill or practicing an old one, come down for a cuppa, a chat and a wonderful afternoon. All supplies are provided, with an opportunity to make goodies to donate to patients at Canberra Hospital or take home and enjoy for yourself. 

Running every Friday afternoon during the school term.

Every Friday afternoon during the school term, 1 pm to 3 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

 

Silent Book Club @ Café Stepping Stone

Taking place monthly, this Silent Book Club is open to everyone, with no fees or age limits. You can engage with others as much or as little as you like! Unlike traditional book clubs, there’s no assigned reading or discussion, just a peaceful space to read your book among fellow book lovers.

Here’s how it works: arrive, settle in with a drink, and maybe share what you’re reading, spend a quiet, undisturbed hour reading, and then socialise (or continue reading if you prefer). Bring your current read, order your favourite beverage, and enjoy some uninterrupted reading time.

Sunday 19 October 2 pm to 4 pm | Café Stepping Stone, Gullifer Street, Strathnairn | Register here.

 

Hartley Hall Markets

The Hartley Hall Markets, held at the charming Hall Village Showground just 10 kilometres north of Canberra, are one of Australia’s largest home-made and home-grown goods markets. Since their beginnings in 1987 with just 36 stalls, the markets have grown into a much-loved family tradition, attracting thousands of visitors with their friendly atmosphere and rural charm.

Shoppers can browse fresh produce, baked goods, plants, crafts, unique gifts, clothing, jewellery, and more, while enjoying live music, entertainment, and delicious food. Entry is by a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting Hartley Lifecare’s disability programs and services.

Sunday 5 October 9 am until 2 pm  | Hall Showgrounds | More information here.

 

FAMILY 

Curious Kids: Reptile Play and Art

Get ready for a wild adventure that combines nature exploration, animal encounters, and creative fun! Cristy from Curious Kids will guide children aged 5 and up through an exciting reptile discovery session that starts with a nature hunt and builds to the thrilling moment of meeting and gently handling a real reptile. Kids will learn fascinating facts about how these amazing creatures move, eat, and survive in their natural habitats, before channelling their newfound knowledge into creating beautiful nature-inspired bookmarks to take home. It’s the perfect blend of hands-on learning and artistic expression that will leave young naturalists buzzing with excitement about the reptile world.

Wednesday 8 October, 1 pm until 2:30 pm | Meet at 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | $10 per family | Tickets here.

 

Kids Sports at Paddys Park

Get ready to kick, shoot, and play! Every Monday for 10 weeks starting Monday 13 October, Paddys Park transforms into the ultimate sports playground for kids aged 8-13. Whether your child dreams of scoring the winning goal or sinking the perfect shot, our fun-filled basketball and soccer sessions welcome everyone from beginners to budding superstars.

With spots limited to just 14 kids per sport each week, these hour-long sessions are all about having a blast, learning new skills, and making great friendships on the court and field. 

It’s completely free for Ginninderry residents, and parents can relax knowing they’ll be right there cheering from the sidelines. Don’t miss out on 10 weeks of active fun – register now and let the games begin!

Every Monday for 10 weeks from 13 October, 4:30 pm until 5:30 pm  | Paddys Park | More information here.

Tiny Tutus Preschool Ballet

Australia’s leading kids’ ballet school offers beautiful, developmentally appropriate beginner ballet classes teaching classical ballet basics, movement, music appreciation, rhythm and poise. Classes encourage imagination and creative movement with gentle introductions to ballet positions, centre and cross-floor exercises. 

Best of all, Tiny Tutus has open ballet classes, which means you are welcome to stay in the studio and watch your little ballerina as she twirls!

Weekdays, dependent on term schedule | Belconnen Arts Centre Dance Studio, 118 Emu Bank | Register here.

 

Blueberries 

Blueberries is a dance, music and drama program for two-to-four-year-olds. The program is designed for toddlers to attend with their parents for an hour of high-energy fun. There’s no uniform, with little ones encouraged to dress up and express themselves! It’s family-friendly, with other siblings (i.e. babies in prams) welcome. 

Weekdays, dependent on term schedule | Belco Arts Dance Studio, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

 

EXHIBITIONS & LIVE MUSIC 

Art Exhibition: The Art of Letting Go by Cristy Froehlich

After two decades of public service life, photographer and nature lover Cristy Froehlich steps into a new chapter – one painted with emotion, wildness, and release. The Art of Letting Go is a deeply personal watercolour exhibition that traces Cristy’s emotional journey from boundaries to belonging. These works explore the tension between two distinct parts of oneself—one grounded in structure, comforted by rules, boundaries, and predictability: the other wild and uncontained, driven by a deep yearning for freedom, spontaneity, and creative release.

Tuesday 7 October until Saturday 22 November | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

 

FAUNA – Killyleagh to Canberra by John Fairfield

Got an art lover in the family? How about an animal lover? Check out John Fairfield’s new exhibition at The Link, showcasing the best of the Irish woodlands. John’s paintings put nature under a microscope and depict the detail and vibrancy of the incredible creatures that have been his focus in Ireland, and now, in Australia. 

Running until Sunday 6 October | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn| More information here.

 

Around the Shimmering Lake by Rowena Evans

EASS Award recipient Evans investigates Lake Ginninderra’s shore and parkland, sharing place through sounds, sights, ambiences, and impressions. Her research involves walking the lakeshore, observing, listening, drawing, and collecting. 

The artwork considers relationships between theories, observations, distant hills, and the physical satisfaction of making art, using materials from sites to link artwork to places.

Running until Sunday 12 October | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Rescue by Lisa Jose

Go along to see sensitive portraits celebrating the compassion of rescue organisations and individuals caring for vulnerable animals. Lisa’s lifelong experience with rescue dogs and cats informs this exploration of the complexities in human-animal relationships. 

The exhibition invites contemplation of animal resilience and enduring trust while honouring the generosity embodying humanity’s best qualities.

Running until Sunday 12 October | The Nook, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Whirlygig and the Book by Heidi Smith

This is an experimental project consolidating multiple aspects of Smith’s art making, generating interconnected textiles, drawings and sculptural objects. The exhibition resembles an uncanny loom weaving ideas, tatterdemalion costumes and expressing the experience of advanced illness and disability. 

Viewers consider creative pursuits’ benefits for wellbeing, mental health support and regenerative interactions through multidisciplinary making.

On until Sunday 12 October | The Window Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

 

FITNESS AND MINDFUL MOVEMENT 

 

West Belco Bike Bus 

Join a bunch of like-minded people and cycle into work. The West Belco Bike Bus has a set route and timetable so it can pick up more ‘passengers’ along the way. 

Cycling is a quick, fun way to get to work while keeping fit and healthy, along with saving emissions from a car or bus commute. The West Belco Bike Bus starts off from Kippax shops, then cycles through to the Belconnen Town Centre, Civic, Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and on to Barton. 

Monday 6 October, 7 am – 9 am  | Meet at Kippax Fair, 26 Hardwick Crescent, Holt | More information here.

 

Fitness in The Park

Fitness class for all levels of fitness for the whole community. Join Ginninderry local Vince as he takes you through a group fitness class in the fresh air at Paddys Park.

Every Wednesday, 7.30 am – 8.30 am, Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn | Find out more here.

 

Tap into your zen with yoga classes

Get bendy on Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle and comfy clothes.

Every Thursday, 6.45 pm – 7.45 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

 

Evening Taekwon-Do to wind down after a busy day

If you want gentle exercise but not first thing in the morning, enjoy evening Taekwon-Do classes at The Link. The class is aimed at beginners of all ages from preschool age and over – adults are also most welcome and encouraged to join in with their children. Of course, anyone with TKD experience is also very welcome.

No experience necessary – the class will accommodate fitness levels of all sorts, from those with a high degree of fitness and flexibility to those who don’t. After all, we all have to begin somewhere!

Mondays between 6 pm – 7 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here

 

Roll your way into fitness 

Strap on your skates and join RollerFit instructors Matt, Amelia, and Zeb to learn the amazing style of roller dance! Roller dance, also known as rhythm skating, has deep roots in Black North American culture. This unique style combines different steps, turns and individual moves to get multiple skaters flowing and moving in sync. It’s a sure way to get fit!

Fridays between 6 pm and 7:30 pm | Belco Arts Dance Studio, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

 

Salsa Dance Classes by Move Me Studios 

Get your groove on with these free beginner classes – no partner or experience required. Bring your two left feet and enjoy a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Dance is a fantastic way to get fit, stay active and meet new friends. 

You don’t need to bring a partner, but feel free to take one along for a fun date night! Spots are limited, so make sure you book your spot. Did we mention it’s free? 

Sundays between 4 pm and 5 pm | Belco Arts Dance Studio, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.