As the cold weather kicks in across the nation’s capital, so too does a loaded schedule of events, community programs and workshops for the whole family to enjoy! There are new exhibitions showcasing local artists, concerts, guided walks through the Conservation Corridor, book clubs and more! 

There’s something for everyone this month, with ample opportunities to connect with others in the Ginninderry community. 

 

COMMUNITY & WORKSHOPS 

Autumn Photo Walk with Cristy Froehlich 

Bring your camera or phone and join award-winning photographer Cristy Froehlich on the walking tracks in the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor to discover and photograph the diverse and unique environment. You’ll learn how to get the perfect nature shot and capture some lovely images to take home. All photography levels are welcome. 

Saturday 3 May, 9 pm to 1 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | 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 happening in the area. Not to mention you’ll get a front row seat to stunning views of the Murrumbidgee River, Brindabella Mountains and the surroundings. 

Saturday 4 May, 9 pm to 1 pm | 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, lamps, toasters, kettles, smartphones, and more.

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

Sunday 4 May, 1 pm to 3:30 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Dioramas for drawing and painting with Waratah Lahy 

Do you know how to compose a good picture? Wanting to improve your drawing skills? 

This workshop is for artists of all skill levels wanting to understand how to make interesting compositions for drawing and painting. You’ll use a variety of mixed mediums and materials to create themed dioramas, and play with objects and colour to better understand what makes for an engaging composition. 

An interest in art and prior experience is useful but not essential.

Saturday 3 May, Saturday 10 May & Saturday 17 May | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | 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 18 May, 2 pm to 4 pm | Café Stepping Stone, Gullifer Street, Strathnairn | 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.

CONCERTS & EXHIBITIONS

CIT Student Exhibition at The Link

The annual Student Exhibition is an exciting exhibition of Students from the Canberra Institute of Technology Certificate 4 and Diploma of Visual Arts programs. This exhibition will include Drawing, Painting, Print-making, Sculpture, Digital Art, Mixed Media.

Tuesday 6 May – Sunday 8 June | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here. 

Smiths@Belco: Meg Washington 

Fancy a night out with fantastic live music? Meg Washington is a platinum-selling, award-winning, and genre-defying singer-songwriter – and she’s coming to Belconnen! 

Alone at the piano, the soaring melodies and lyrical poetry of her songwriting are laid bare, as Meg makes her way through a selection of songs from her impressive five-album catalogue. Each night is unique, with a setlist often chosen according to the special, connected moment that is shared between artist and audience. 

This is a rare opportunity to hear Meg’s electrifying voice up close and to experience one of Australia’s best musicians in a never-to-be-repeated live performance.

Saturday 17 May | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here. 

Jessika Spencer Exhibition at Strathnairn Arts 

This exhibition brings together a body of work by Jessika Spencer, a Wiradjuri artist living and creating on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country. Working with both traditional and contemporary fibre art techniques, she explores themes of land management, cultural heritage, and sustainability.

The works include woven wall hangings, adornments, and modern interpretations of traditional fishing nets, scoops, and eel traps. This collection of fibre works offers a space to reflect on the ways cultural knowledge is passed down, adapted, and sustained over time. 

Wednesday 7 May until Sunday 1 June | Strathnairn Arts, 90 Stockdill Drive, Strathnairn | Find out more here.

Through the small window 

Through the small window is an exhibition finding beauty in the everyday. The exhibition by local artist Lesley Anderson is an expression in both abstraction and stylised still-life works, responding to patterns found in ordinary household textiles often associated with routine tasks. 

On until Sunday 18 May | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Circumnavigating ‘Bush Capital’ from the (bike) saddle  

This one’s for the nature enthusiasts who appreciate a beautiful Australian landscape. Painting openair from mountain bike paths, Sophie ‘art’ Baker literally looks down on The Capital – from The Bush. Dipping in and out of wilderness and gardens, the journey even circuits Parliament House, connecting the pollies to the bush. 

On until Sunday 7 May | 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 5 May, 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 during 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.

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.

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

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.