October 9

Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It’s Thursday, 9 October. Some of Canberra's finest restaurants are teaming up for a long lunch + spend an afternoon at Lanyon Homestead for CSO's outdoor concert.

🌧️ Weather: 21° and showers. 90% chance of rain, most likely in the morning and early afternoon.

🍝 Canberra Eats

This week’s serving of foodie news:

A Feast of Words and Flavours: As part of the Canberra Writers Festival, three of Canberra’s best restaurants are teaming up for a long lunch. Beltana Farm is putting together canapés and the main course; Raku the entrée; and Lunetta the dessert. Alongside the feast, enjoy an insightful conversation about the Canberra dining scene with Chris Hansen, author of Chefs Eat Canberra, and Emma Macdonald from HerCanberra. Details here.

Capital Brewing X Three Mills: Two of Canberra’s favourite local brands are teaming up for a one-night event for cider lovers. Enjoy a Cider Crème Brûlée Tart, paired with Batlow Cider, Batlow Hard, and a small-batch favourite Appley Ever After. Details here.

Matcha Rave: Cafe OnLonsdale is celebrating its first birthday with a “Matcha Rave”. There’ll be a DJ, a matcha bar, and free birthday cake from 8am to 12pm. Details here.

Sake Festival: Kanpai & Canapés 2025 is coming to Canberra next weekend. Enjoy a three-hour tasting journey featuring over 100 of Japan’s most celebrated sakes and fruit liqueurs, paired with a selection of canapés. Details here.

A Very Canberra Cocktail: I came across this Espresso Martini from Pollen café at the Botanic Gardens, featuring two Canberra favourites—caramel vodka from Underground Spirits and espresso from Red Brick.

Cheap Eats from Bootleg: I’m always happy to include a good deal: this one’s from Bootleg Bar in Garema Place. “Buy a cocktail ($20) and get Chicken Fricassee or Steak Frites for $5; $13 with other drinks. I believe they also do 25c wings with any drink purchase on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s popular with the uni crowd, so it makes sense they’ve got some great deals. Details here.

Coming Up: 🎻 Live at Lanyon

The CSO’s annual outdoor concert is back next weekend. Bring a chair or picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon of jazz, soul, and timeless classics with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra Ensemble in the picturesque setting of Lanyon Homestead. There’ll be a bar at the venue (no BYO), and you can bring a picnic or pre-order a grazing box. Details here.

Around Canberra: 📆 The Mick Ashley 2026 Calendars

Local artist Mick Ashley creates vibrant, witty artwork—often poking fun at Canberra’s quirks. You’ve probably seen his work at one of the local markets. Ashley has put together two calendars for 2026: one featuring Canberra’s most iconic scenes, and the other a satirical take with puffer jackets, wild boars, hot desking, and even Big Splash making an appearance.

The calendars are available for pre-order now, with a launch event this Sunday at the Q Gallery at Ainslie Shops from 10 am to 2 pm. Details here.

🏑 Local Sport in October

Soothe your Raiders heartbreak by getting behind some of Canberra’s other local teams with games coming up:

Canberra Chill: The Chill compete in the Australian Hockey One League, with the season kicking off this Saturday when they take on the NSW Pride at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham. Both the women’s and men’s Chill teams play each match day. Details here.

Canberra Heat: It’s your one and only chance to catch the best volleyball in the country when the Heat play their sole home game of the 2025 Australian Volleyball Super League next Saturday. Details here.

Canberra Capitals: The Capitals’ season tips off soon, with their first home game on 25 October. They’re back at the AIS, and season memberships are now available. Details here.

One team we won’t be seeing this summer is the Canberra Cavalry—the reigning baseball champions—who have withdrawn from the ABL and subsequently lost their licence.

Coming Up: TEDxCanberra

Since 2010, TEDxCanberra has brought together thousands of Canberrans to celebrate great ideas across science, technology, arts, culture, and the humanities.

Among this year’s speakers are Dr Kate Grarock—environmental scientist, hiker, and filmmaker known for inspiring others to overcome challenges and connect with nature through storytelling, wilderness adventures, and her appearance on SBS’s Alone; Dr Sarah Stephens—Australian medical doctor and mitochondrial biochemist helping people support brain health and prevent early Alzheimer’s; and Tom Rogers AO—Australia’s longest-serving Electoral Commissioner, who led the AEC through a decade of democratic disruption and now advises global institutions on electoral integrity, trust, and democratic resilience. Details here.

Tidbits

Blue-Green Algae Dog Death: Dog owners are being warned about the dangers of blue-green algae in local waterways after a dog tragically died following potential exposure at Lake Ginninderra. More.

Dickson Student Accommodation: A development application has been lodged for a 630-unit student accommodation complex on the corner of Northbourne and Antill Street in Dickson. The nine-storey towers would be the tallest in Dickson and include a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. One area where the proposal may face challenges is parking—only 161 spaces are planned for residents. More.

Classifieds

✨ Deepen Your Practice & Wellbeing – 5-Week Transformational Mindfulness Course: Canberra (Starting 29 Oct). Go beyond the basics and experience powerful, science-backed mindfulness practices that strengthen resilience, sharpen focus, and expand self-awareness. Across 5 weeks in a supportive small-group setting, you’ll gain practical tools to bring lasting calm, clarity, and wellbeing into daily life. Beginners are welcome. Step into your next level of growth — limited spots available. Get info & tickets now.

🎻 DroneArt: Immerse yourself in a magical evening where classical music meets cutting-edge technology. Beneath the starry sky, a talented quartet will perform masterpieces while a breathtaking drone show turns the air into a canvas of light and colour. A unique experience not to be missed. Details here.