With spring in full swing and the days getting longer, September is the perfect time to get out and explore what’s happening in Ginninderry! 

With warmer weather on the way there’s plenty to look forward to this month, including our annual Inspire Festival on Saturday 6 September with guest speakers, live music and local markets. Not to mention plenty of family-friendly activities, workshops, and fitness classes the whole family can enjoy. 

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

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS & WORKSHOPS 

Inspire Festival 

This spring, Ginninderry’s Inspire Festival promises to be a celebration of creativity and community that brings together people of all ages. The free festival features an impressive lineup of inspiring speakers, including the beloved science communicator Dr. Karl, wilderness expert Gina Chick, and sustainability advocate Indira Naidoo. Beyond the inspiring presentations, attendees can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of activities, including live musical performances, creative face painting for the children, and hands-on workshops designed to engage participants across all age groups. 

The festival’s commitment to the local community shines through its diverse food offerings from local vendors and markets showcasing locally made products, while art enthusiasts can explore the open studios and exhibitions at Strathnairn Arts. 

Saturday 6 September, 10 am until 2 pm | Strathnairn Arts Association, Gullifer St, Strathnairn | More information here.

School Drop in Sessions

Come meet the new Strathnairn School leadership team at The Link every Monday until 22 September between 12 pm until 2 pm. No bookings are necessary, simply drop in to say hello and have your questions answered by Principal Nicole, Deputy Principal Kylie, and Business Manager Lauren. For more information about the leadership team and this new ACT public school, visit the Strathnairn School website, and if you’d like to enrol your child for 2026, please visit the ACT Government’s public school enrolment portal at act.gov.au.

Every Monday until 22 September, 12pm to 2pm | 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 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 13 September, 10 am until 12 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 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 7 September, 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 21 September 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 7 September 9am until 2pm  | Hall Showgrounds | More information here.

FAMILY 

Family Fun Ice Skating 

Keen to try ice skating? We’ve got the event the whole family will enjoy! Check out Family Ice Skating, an opportunity for families to bond while enjoying active fun together on the ice, whether you’re a first-timer ready to give it a go or an experienced skater eager to show off your moves. Parents and carers are required to accompany their children, and while families should bring their own lunch, light snacks will be provided during the session. Paid parking is available at the centre, or you can park at Westfield Woden and walk over, and if you need transport assistance, contact Ollie at Kippax Uniting Church on 0449 916 533. 

Sunday 14 September , 11:30 am until 12:45 pm | Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre | 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: 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. 

Tuesday 2 September until Sunday 6 October | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn| More information here.

“Nobody can Do it Alone” Exhibition at The Link 

Dementia Action Week 2025 runs from 15–28 September with the theme ‘Nobody can do it alone’, highlighting the importance of community support for people living with dementia and their families. As part of the week, The Ginninderry Link will host an exhibition showcasing artworks created through Dementia Australia’s art and creative programs. For over a decade, these programs have provided Canberrans living with dementia a space to express themselves, connect socially, and create beautiful pieces now shared with the wider community.

Monday 15 September until Sunday 28 September | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn| More information here.

Smiths@Belco: Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham 

Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham bring their genre-defying blend of heartfelt country and folk to The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre on Saturday 20 September 2025. With Josh’s unmistakable guitar work from three decades with The Waifs and Felicity’s acclaimed voice at the forefront of Australian country music, the duo create raw, soulful performances that transcend labels. Already ARIA-nominated and Golden Guitar winners, they’ll share fresh tracks from their upcoming album alongside much-loved favourites in a powerful 145-minute show that’s fiery, intimate, and full of heart.

Saturday 20 September | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | 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.

The Pleiades Project 

Unearthing Power, presented by international collective The Pleiades Project, brings together seven women artists from Australia and the United States in a dynamic exhibition at Homestead Galleries 1. Featuring works across collage, stitch, sculpture, printmaking, performance and mixed media, the exhibition explores nature’s strength, cosmic forces, and the personal connections that fuel creativity. With each artist offering a unique perspective, Unearthing Power celebrates collaboration, resilience, and the unseen energies that inspire transformation.

On until Sunday 21 September | Homestead 1, Strathnairn Arts, 90 Stockdill Drive | 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 1 September, 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 6 pm and 7:30 pm | Belco Arts Dance Studio, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.