Design Canberra: Seven things not to miss

We've picked out seven highlights not to miss.

The festival runs from November 5-26, 2017. Check out the whole program at designcanberrafestival.com.au

The Canberra Centre comes alive with an exhibition featuring new lighting, furniture and homewares from the best emerging designers from Canberra and across the nation. Featuring Elliot Bastianon, Richilde Flavell, Chelsea Lemon and Rene Linssen, among others. Presented by Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, the Canberra Centre and In The City. Free. From November 5-26. Canberra Centre opening hours.

Canberra Glassworks keeps the light on for this fun event. There's Southside Artsy Bingo, with registrations available at all inner south arts hub organisations. The first to post all nine photos to Instagram and tag #bingo #artafterdark #innersouthartshub wins a prize. Or join in the Torchlight Tour and explore the nooks and crannies of the century old building. As well there'll be chances to watch demonstrations, or make your own glam slump, and enjoy a Brodburger meal. Wash it all down at the Scissors Paper ROCK! Afterparty. Free. November 10. 5-9pm.

Explore the living rooms of acclaimed Canberra houses and discover pop-up exhibitions with works on sale by local artists, makers and craft practitioners. Held over three Sundays and divided into Inner South, Inner North and Women in Design, here's your chance for a sticky-beak and a shop. Afterwards, join in the Sunday Sessions as Canberra comes alive with music by local acts and an award-winning architectural pop-up wine bar, the Pop Inn. November 12, 19 and 26, 10am-4pm, various locations.

Alt-Route is an exhibition of custom maps and guide books documenting unrecognised, unusual or under-represented geographies of Canberra. Think along the lines of: best dumpster-diving sites; McMansions of O'Malley; rehabilitated wetlands and reserves; forgotten public artworks; inspired letterbox architecture; open wifi hotspots; sublime hedges. Whether practical, whimsical or critical, the geographies presented in Alt-Route reveal a rich culture that is seldom represented in conventional mappings of the Capital. The custom maps and the specific geographies they represent have been designed and developed by students of the ANU School of Art & Design. Free. November 9, 10am-5pm. Prompt Gallery, ANU Pop-Up Reunion Village.

There is a growing unease from consumers about cheap, poor quality goods and the need for consumers to reconnect with ethically made, quality clothing and products. Learn about the wasteful and unsafe nature of the fashion industry. Discover the connections between ethical and unethical production practices and forced habits of consumption. From an ethical industry panel to a twilight designer market, all surrounded by an installation of 1500 pieces of white clothing from the Salvos, constructed by local artists. Steered by Pure Pod, drinks and food will be available but tickets are limited and they'll include a drink and gift. $39. November 11, 6pm, New Dairy Road Studios, Fyshwick.

There are several bus tours during the festival, but make sure you jump aboard with the Australian Institute of Architects to look at a selection of the residential projects in the ACT Architecture Awards. $50-$55, November 18, 10am-4pm, leaving from 2a Mugga Way, Red Hill. Other bus tour highlights include the mid-century modernists ones looking at the homes by icons such as Robin Boyd and Harry Seidler. There are also tours of artists studios. Various dates. Check the website.

Come and be part of transforming the Dickson Courtyards into places to linger, play and connect with a seven-day makeover is planned for November 19-25. The Dickson Traders Association is planning to demonstrate what is possible in just seven days, with community initiatives such as pavement stencilling, yarn-bombing and installing new seating, planter boxes and lights. Get involved by registering at MyDickson.com.au as a Friend of Dickson or email dicksontraders@gmail.com. Free.