Galentine’s Craft Nights and Latin Melodies Highlight Canberra This Friday

Community and Creative Celebrations

Welcome to Friday, February 13, 2026. While many locals are preparing for tomorrow’s traditional Valentine’s Day festivities, Canberra is alive today with 'Galentine’s' celebrations, world-class exhibitions, and a touch of classical romance. Whether you are looking to get creative with friends or enjoy an evening of international culture, there is plenty on offer across the capital.

For those looking to celebrate friendship and community, two unique literary-themed events are taking place tonight:

• Galentine’s Craft Night at Astoria Bookstore: Located in Fyshwick, the Astoria Romance & Fantasy Bookstore is hosting a specialized craft night starting at 7:00 PM. Attendees can enjoy a themed ceramic crafting session along with snacks, refreshments, and a curated gift bag.
• QBD Galentine’s Night: In the heart of the city, QBD Books at the Canberra Centre is holding an after-hours event from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Highlights include a 'blind date with a book,' exclusive in-store discounts, and goody bags for the first twenty registered guests.

Theatrical and Musical Performances

The performing arts scene is providing a sophisticated start to the weekend with unique musical journeys. At The Street Theatre, audiences can experience 'Love Notes from Ibero-America.' This classical concert takes listeners on a journey across Latin lands, exploring the rich heritage and romantic melodies of Ibero-American culture. For those seeking variety and a more spontaneous atmosphere, local venues like Smith’s Alternative are also offering seasonal performance specials throughout the evening.

Museums and Public Exhibitions

If you have some time during the day, Canberra’s major cultural institutions are currently hosting significant 'must-see' exhibitions:

• Hallyu! The Korean Wave: This major exhibition at the National Museum of Australia is open today from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It explores the global rise of South Korean culture, covering everything from K-pop and K-drama to innovative fashion and technology.
• 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: The National Gallery of Australia is presenting 'After the Rain,' a landmark exhibition featuring large-scale projects by First Nations artists that focus on the themes of environmental renewal and connection to country.
• A Total Work of Art: At the Canberra Museum + Gallery (CMAG), you can visit the Sidney Nolan collection, which highlights the artist’s work in stage and costume design, open today from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Evening Socials and Meetups

As the sun sets, the city’s social scene gears up with community favorites. Mooseheads in the city center is hosting its popular Friday trivia night starting at 6:30 PM, providing a competitive yet social atmosphere for teams. Alternatively, Blackbird Bar in the city is hosting live music sessions from 7:30 PM, offering a cozy underground setting for those who prefer cocktails and local acoustic talent to kick off the weekend.