Cabaret, reptile displays, and coding workshops for seniors! Here’s a taster of events in the ACT this National Science Week.
Rock Hard – The geological cabaret. 14 August, Canberra.
Strap in for a seismic night where the humour is volcanic, the moves are tectonic, and the cleavage is both geological and generous.
This ain’t your school science class, join The Earth’s Most Eminent Geoactress for cocktail hour geology with sultry songs, smouldering dance, sharp wit and a shimmer of burlesque. For grown-ups who like their science naughty and gneiss. No safety glasses required, but you might need a fan to cool off!
2026 Space Faring Civilisation Film Festival. 23 August, Canberra.
Imagine a brighter future through science, storytelling and space.
The Space Faring Civilisation Film Festival returns in 2026, showcasing inspiring films that explore how science, creativity and imagination can help build a better world. Alongside free hands-on filmmaking workshops across Canberra, the festival culminates in a full day of discovery at Dendy Cinemas. Enjoy creative workshops, short film screenings, an inspiring keynote speaker, filmmaker Q&As and festival awards celebrating science storytelling from around the world.
Inclusive Biographies in STEMM Project – A (mini) Wiki edit-a-thon. 22 August, Acton.
Join this hands-on edit-a-thon and learn how to improve representation in science online.
Wikipedia is one of the world’s most trusted sources of knowledge, but many scientists and STEMM contributions from diverse and historically underrepresented communities remain overlooked. Hear from the Australian Wikimedia team, discover how Wikipedia editing works, and help expand articles about researchers from marginalised backgrounds and inclusive STEMM topics.
Work alongside a community passionate about making science knowledge more accurate, inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Snakes in the Centre for Science in the Centres. 22 August, Gungahlin.
Come by and take a look at a display featuring a range of Australian native reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate species.
Get up close and learn about our local reptile fauna and be empowered with knowledge to appreciate even our “scary” snakes. Say hi to Bearded Dragon ‘Burrito’, or pat one a friendly python like ‘Evee’. You can ask all your burning questions about reptiles, learn something new and enjoy a unique experience when you’re just out for a shop at the mall.
Buzzz ACT. Multiple dates and locations
Buzzz into Science Week with Chamaeleon Collective, Canberra’s inclusive dance company. Buzzz ACT is an award-winning dance and science experience celebrating the bees that keep our world humming.
Through the magic of movement and music this fun and fabulous show explores the importance of bees for the ecology, biodiversity and our food train.
Join a lively cast of buzzing bees leading children and their families on a journey through the science of pollination, biodiversity and the vital role bees play in our food chain—along with simple ways we can all help protect them. This joyful and informative performance places the ACT at the forefront of STEAM programming for audiences of all ages.
15 August, Tuggeranong Arts Centre
16 August, Belco Arts Centre
22 August, Gorman Arts Centre
Live Flameworking Demonstration. 15 August, Kingston.
What happens when you mix curiosity, creativity and a little bit of heat? Step into a world where art and science come together in exciting and surprising ways.
At Canberra Glassworks, join flameworking artist Akie Haga as she demonstrates the precision and patience of lampworking, creating delicate forms inspired by the natural environment. See how artists experiment, test ideas and learn about the natural world—just like scientists do. Get close to the action as skilled artists shape glowing, molten glass right in front of you.
Haga was shortlisted for the 2026 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize for her work Soft Echo, reflecting her ongoing interest in the relationship between scientific observation, natural phenomena and artistic expression. Her demonstration offers a glimpse into the ways careful attention to detail can deepen our understanding of the world around us.
2026 Marie Curie Lectures: Painting the Universe – A Visual and Musical Exploration of Space-Time with Dr Karelle Siellez. 17 August, Acton.
Explore the story of gravitational waves and the cosmic collisions that created the elements we are made of through a captivating blend of sound, art and astrophysics.
Discover how “multi-messenger” signals such as kilonovae and gamma-ray bursts reveal the Universe’s most dramatic events, and how listening to the cosmos can deepen our connection to science, nature and humanity. Presented by Dr Karelle Siellez, a University of Tasmania astrophysicist and award-winning science communicator, this inspiring talk combines cutting-edge astronomy with storytelling and creative expression to make the wonders of the Universe accessible to all.
Creative Computing for Seniors Workshop – Using Scratch. 15 August, Phillip.
Are you over 55 and curious about getting creative with technology? Join this free, beginner-friendly workshop and discover Scratch, a simple and fun visual programming platform used by millions around the world.
Using colourful drag-and-drop blocks, you’ll create interactive stories, games, animations and more, with no coding experience required. Learn new skills, exercise your creativity, and connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
A fun way to keep your mind active, explore digital creativity and become part of a growing local community.
Find more events across the ACT by visiting scienceweek.net.au
