Spring has arrived and October is the perfect time to get out and explore everything happening in Ginninderry! 

This month brings something for everyone, from art exhibitions celebrating threatened species to family-friendly Halloween celebrations, outdoor fitness classes, and countless ways to connect with your community. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or simply reasons to get out and enjoy the spring sunshine, October’s calendar is packed.

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

COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Ginninderry Spooktacular! 

It’s time to dust off your costumes and sharpen your pumpkin-carving skills… the inaugural Ginninderry Spooktacular is happening this Halloween. On Thursday 31 October, the Ginninderry Residents Association is transforming The Link and McClymont Way into a proper creepy celebration, complete with roaming magicians, Halloween-inspired dance performances, live music from local artists, and the genuine showstopper: a fire breather to light up the evening. Food vans and market stalls will line McClymont Way, so you can grab dinner whilst soaking up the spooky atmosphere. Whether you’re keen for entertainment, great food, or simply good community Halloween fun, there’s genuinely something for everyone.

Competition enthusiasts, take note: the fun extends well beyond the performances and performances. Best Dressed Halloween Costume, Halloween-Inspired Bake-Off, and Best Jack-o-Lantern competitions run throughout the evening – giving you the chance to showcase your creativity and take home genuine bragging rights. 

Start planning your costume, your boo–tiful baked creation, or your pumpkin masterpiece now.

Thursday 31 October, 5pm–9pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Free entry | Follow the Ginninderry Residents Association on Facebook for updates and details, or email [email protected]

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

Repair Café 2025

Held on the first Sunday of every month at The Link Building by SEE-Change and Kippax Uniting Church, this is your opportunity to work with repairers to learn how to mend anything from clothing and lamps to toasters, kettles, smartphones, and more.

Have nothing to repair? Head along to learn some new skills – like knitting, sewing, mending, and crocheting. It’s fun, relaxing, social, and makes you feel good. All welcome, just drop in!

Sunday 4 October, 1 pm to 3:30 pm | 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 4 October and Sunday 21 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 4 October 9am until 2pm  | Hall Showgrounds | More information here.

FAMILY 

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 

Capturing the Rare: Threatened Species Photography and Ceramics

Ninety-three photographers captured moments of remarkable wildlife in the National Threatened Species Open Photographic Exhibition. The top 12 finalists are now displayed at The Link, brought to Ginninderry by Gungahlin Arts, Wildbark and Ginninderry. This year, they’re joined by ceramicist Celia Cramer’s works inspired by threatened species, offering another artistic lens on what matters.

These species aren’t distant problems – they’re part of our landscape. The Little Eagles tracked through our Conservation Corridor, the native bees we protect, the reason we’ve preserved 596 hectares of bushland. Come see how photography and ceramics together deepen our connection to these vulnerable creatures and inspire us to protect them.

September through 31 October | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Free entry | Visit gungahlinarts.org.au for more

Art Exhibition: 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 

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.

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.

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