Laughter and Legacy: My Brilliant Career and the Comedy Festival Headline Friday Night

A Packed Friday Night in the Capital

Welcome to your guide for Friday, 13 March 2026. While the city sits in the quiet transition between the recent light festivals and the upcoming balloon launches, the local arts and entertainment scene is far from dormant. Tonight, Canberra offers a sophisticated mix of award-winning musical theater, side-splitting comedy, and thought-provoking exhibitions. Whether you are looking for a high-energy concert or a late-night laugh, the nation’s capital has a seat waiting for you.

The Stage is Set: My Brilliant Career

The highlight of the evening is the opening of the much-anticipated musical adaptation of My Brilliant Career at the Canberra Theatre Centre. Based on the iconic Australian novel by Miles Franklin, this production arrives in the capital following a triumphant run in Melbourne. Audiences can expect a funny and feminist reimagining of Sybylla Melvyn’s journey, brought to life with a vibrant live score and a cast that doubles as the orchestra. It is a landmark event for the local theater community and a must-see for those who appreciate classic Australian storytelling with a modern twist.

Canberra Comedy Festival Hits Its Stride

The laughs are coming thick and fast tonight as the Canberra Comedy Festival takes over multiple venues. Key highlights for this Friday include:

• Dave Hughes: Cooked

  – The Australian comedy veteran brings his latest show to the Canberra Theatre, promising a night of his signature observational humor and unfiltered takes on modern life.

• The Festival Club

  – For the night owls, the late-night Festival Club kicks off at 10:00 PM. This is the ultimate "insider" event where the comedians go after their own shows. Expect a loose, legendary smorgasbord of surprise guests, local stars, and experimental sets in an intimate setting.

• Queer PowerPoint

  – Over at the Belconnen Arts Centre, this community favorite offers a unique blend of storytelling and niche interests, where speakers share their passions via the medium of the humble slide deck.

Music and Public Exhibitions

If you prefer a different rhythm, The Basement in Belconnen is hosting The Rhythm for a live concert starting at 7:00 PM. It is a prime opportunity to support the local live music scene in one of the city's most enduring venues.

For art lovers, the National Gallery of Australia continues to host the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial, titled After the Rain. This major exhibition features immersive projects by First Nations artists from across the country, exploring themes of resilience and cultural continuity. Additionally, the National Film and Sound Archive is hosting the final night of the Ocean Film Festival, celebrating the beauty and mystery of the world's deep blue through a series of short films.