Here’s HELEN MUSA’s latest Arts in the City column.

Troubadour and 2023 CityNews Artist of the Year, Fred Smith brings America to the stage in a musical safari through the main streets and back roads of the “United States of Anxiety”, drawing on his years of living, working and touring in the country through song, story, images and comedy. The B, Queanbeyan, November 3.

The “Godfather” of Australian piano playing, Piers Lane, a five-time soloist at the BBC Proms, once more brings his touch to Snow Concert Hall for a landmark performance of Chopin’s complete Nocturnes, the final concert of the 2026 season. Snow Concert Hall, Red Hill, October 29.

Ausdance ACT’s Youth Dance Festival 2026, The Metaverse, will see young dancers take to the stage for three evenings of student-devised performances. The Playhouse, October 27 to 29.

The British Film Festival brings a host of dramas, documentaries and romantic comedies to the screen, including Wicker, starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård. Palace Electric October 28-November 29.

Drag queen, singer and television personality Courtney Act joins artist Paul Yore in conversation about the creation of Yore’s elaborate new portrait of Courtney and the shared experiences that brought them together. National Portrait Gallery, October 24.

Tempo Theatre is back with another whodunit, Arnold Ridley’s Tabitha, directed by George Belibassakis. Three dear old ladies, one poisoned cat and one murdered landlady should leave audiences guessing who did it and why. Belconnen Theatre, October 23 to 31.

Sandy Evans and Andrea Keller bring their new project Resonance to Canberra with vocalists Jenny Barnes and Kristin Berardi. The project explores what it means to sustain a creative life across decades and the experiences of women working in the male-dominated jazz landscape. The Street Theatre, October 28.

Indie rock band Youth Group celebrates the 20th anniversary of its number one single Forever Young with a tour featuring songs from Skeleton Jar, other favourites and, of course, Forever Young. Dissent Café and Bar, Civic, October 31.

News all day, every day at CityNews.com.au.