Oz Comic-Con, IKEA Festival and Girl from the North Country: 30+ things to do this week
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From Oz Comic-Con, to an IKEA Festival (yes really) and the award-winning Girl from the North Country, there’s plenty to keep you entertained this week.
Read on to discover over 30 things to do—you can thank us later.
Girl from the North Country
Multi award-winning hit musical Girl From the North Country by Conor McPherson, with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, is coming to Canberra!
A story of American life in 1934 Minnesota, it centres on a community living on a knife-edge in the local guesthouse: the owner, Nick, owes more money than he can ever repay, his wife Elizabeth’s mind is slowly deteriorating, and their daughter Marianne is carrying a child no-one will account for. When a preacher selling bibles and a boxer looking for a comeback turn up in the middle of the night, things start to spiral beyond the point of no return.
Thursday 25 August until Saturday 3 September | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com
IKEA Festival
Have you ever wanted to get your groove on in the Living Room Seating area of the IKEA showroom? What about embracing your inner zen and meditating in the IKEA mattress studio or sample some Swedish food? IKEA is launching a festival and it’s coming to Canberra! Kicking off on Friday 26 August and running until Saturday 10 September, Canberrans will have plenty of opportunities to get amongst the action, with cooking demos, DIY workshops, dance classes, guided meditation and MORE.
Friday 26 August until Saturday 10 September | 1030 Majura Rd, Pialligo | ikea.com
Oz Comic-Con Canberra
Whether you’re a Muggle, a Marshmallow, an Earper, a Jedi, a Whovian or someone who doesn’t understand a word we just said, this is a event everyone will love. Welcoming fans of all ages, interests and pop-obsessions, Oz-Comic Con is a truly immersive experience across two fun-filled days.
Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 August | Exhibition Park, Flemington Road, Mitchell | ozcomiccon.com
Thelma Plum at UC Refectory
Thelma Plum is a Gamilaraay woman, musician and creator. She has been making music her whole life and has told one chapter with her debut album ‘Better in Blak’ a story about culture, heritage, love, and pain. And you better be excited, she’s coming to the UC Refectory!
Saturday 27 August | 11 Kirinari Street, UC Refectory, Bruce | canberra.edu.au
Dance 4 Bruno Zumbathon
Join an afternoon full of fun with Zumba, performances from the talented Kokoloco dancers, amazing raffle prices and lots of grooves to fundraise for Bruno!
Bruno is a 7 y/o warrior fighting against leukaemia… You can learn more about his battle here. 100% of the funds raised at this event will go to Bruno’s family to assist with the expenses involved in Bruno’s treatment/surgery.
Doors will open at 1:00pm for a 1:30pm start. Wear comfy clothes for dance, a towel and a water bottle.
1.30–3.30pm Saturday 27 August | Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah | trybooking.com
Ngadjung
Could you imagine our city without water? It’s a scarily imaginable future that playwright Dylan Van Den Berg has brought to the Canberra stage in his latest creation, Ngadjung. The play, tracks an unlikely pairing between Cass from the city and Flick from the country, who have not only lost their access to water but their connection to country (but we won’t spoil any more of the details for you).
Until Saturday 27 August | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre | belcoarts.com.au
The Dancing Queen: Dining Experience
You can dance, you can jive, you can…visit a Mamma Mia inspired Restaurant in Canberra this August! Whilst being served a mouth-watering dinner in Niko’s Tavern, you will be serenaded by performers and immersed in a love story so real, that you will be begging for a man after midnight. The theatrical dining experience includes a theatrical performance, a two-course Mediterranean dinner and a disco that will have you sending out an S.O.S for some more appropriate dancing shoes.
Grab your dancing queens, and honey honey’s and go!
Friday 26 – Saturday 27 August | Saint Malo, 23 London Circuit | explorehidden.com
Canberra International Film Festival
The Canberra International Film Festival has returned for another three-day gala. Celebrating the work of two Australian’s who flourished in Hollywood in the 1940’s and 50’s – Dame Judith Anderson and John Farrow. Plus, two glorious classics by the great Ernst Lubitsch!
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 August | National Film and Sound Archive | ciff.com.au
In the Shadow of War
Selby & Friends tours is coming to Canberra with an immersive concert program entitled “In the Shadow of War”. On the program are works by three composers connected by the impact of wartime conflict, including Australian Matthew Hindson, Shostakovich and Franz Schubert.
Monday 22 August | Llewellyn Hall, Acton | Tickets here.
ABC Heywire Public Sessions
Got a story to tell? The Heywire competition wants to hear it. Heywire is a lived experience storytelling competition for young people aged 16-22 who live in regional Australia.
In a Heywire workshop run by an ABC Producer, you’ll cover the value of lived experience storytelling and how to safely find and share a story from your own life—and the best part is you’ll have the beginnings of a possible winning entry!
Monday 22 August | Corinna St &, Furzer St, Phillip | facebook.com/events
Talented Students from Canberra Girls School
On Wednesday 24 August, the Wesley Music Centre Lunchtime Concert series presents talented students from The Music Academy at Canberra Girls’ Grammar School in a delightful program of music for Wind, Brass, String instruments and Hand Bells. Running until 1:20 pm, the enjoy the music and refreshments.
Wednesday 24 August, 12:40 pm – 1:20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | wesleycanberra.org
Trivia Night at Holy Trinity Church
Come along to this trivia night, and help support an Afghan family living in dire financial circumstances in Pakistan as they wait for visas to join their extended family in Australia. With delicious snacks and great prizes, RVSP to Robyn at onebigmother8@gmail.com by Monday 22 to join in.
Wednesday 24 August | Rc Church, 3 Strangways St, Curtin
FUSE Glass Prize
Presented by JamFactory, the FUSE Glass Prize is a non-acquisitive biennial prize for Australian and New Zealand glass artists. Touring to Canberra, it provides a platform for artists to push themselves and their work to new limits and focuses public attention on the importance of glass as a medium for contemporary artistic expression.
Wednesday 24 August until Sunday 24 August | Canberra Glassworks | canberraglassworks.com
BANGARANG!
Do you like to support local performers, in an inclusive, queer-friendly space? Do you like burlesque, drag, belly dance, live music, comedy and more? Do you enjoy supporting Australian charities with a cocktail in hand? Then you might enjoy Bangarang! Showcasing a group of incredible performers for a great cause, it’s the perfect way to spend a Friday night.
Friday 26 August | Flazéda, 68 Emu Bank, Unit 4, Belconnen | fb.me
The Canberra Fair
Designed to help guests create their perfect occasion, the Canberra Fair is back! A free entry event, experience and explore wedding, event, travel and lifestyle business exhibits, market stalls, foodie fair with aerial artists and helicopter joy rides and stunning fashion parades!
Sunday 28 August | 1 Randwick Rd, Lyneham | canberrafair.com.au
Fire of Love
Katia and Maurice Krafft had a burning passion for two things – each other, and volcanoes. When geochemist Katia and geologist Maurice met in 1966, sparks flew immediately. In the decades that followed, the intrepid and unconventional scientists devoted themselves to their shared obsession: chasing lava around the world. Unfazed by extreme heat, acid lakes and flying boulders in their quest to film volcanoes up close, their pioneering research has helped save countless lives and resulted in some of the most spectacular natural imagery ever recorded. Narrated by Miranda July, their terrifyingly beautiful images — and red hot love story — are not to be missed on the big screen.
Friday 26 August, 6:30 pm | Dendy Cinemas, Level 2, North Quarter, Canberra Centre | dendy.com
Opera Gala
Together with the National Capital Orchestra under the baton of Louis Sharpe, the National Opera Chorus will perform some of opera’s most famous choruses and lift the roof of Llewellyn Hall. With featured artist Eleanor Greenwood and associate artists Emma Mauch and Hannah Carter, it”s not to be missed.
Saturday 27 August | ANU Llewellyn Hall | nationalopera.org
Opera Gala
Featuring Canberran born and bred Eleanor Greenwood and associate artists Emma Mauch and Hannah Carter, the Opera Gala will see a range of famous opera performances including Pagliacci (Leoncavalla), Lohengrin (Wagner) and Madama Butterfly (Puccini). Add to this, stunning arias such as Pace, pace mio Dio from La Forza del Destino, Richard Strauss’ sublime trio from Der Rosenkavalier as well as the Intermezzo from Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and more, and you have a night for lovers of opera or those wanting to put their ‘toe in the water’ and sample this glorious art form.
Saturday 27 August, 7:30 pm | ANU Llewellyn Hall | nationalopera.org.au
NRL: Raiders V Sea Eagles
With a 3 pm kickoff and the promise of an epic match with the Manly Sea Eagles, it’s a great chance to get behind the Green Machine. Soak up the atmosphere. Secure your tickets today.
Saturday 27 August | GIO Stadium | raiders.com.au
Jodi Phillis at Smith’s Alternative
Legendary singer-songwriter, composer and artist Jodi Phillis is celebrating the release of her 6th solo album, We Need To Be Free. Coming to Canberra with guitarist, composer Damien Lane, Matt Steffen and Phil Lally to perform, expect uniquely haunting, country-tinged, chamber folk-pop songs.
Saturday 27 August | 76 Alinga Street, Melbourne Building | smithsalternative.com
National Wattle Day at the National Arboretum
Celebrate National Wattle Day at the National Arboretum Canberra! Drop by Wattle Corner in the Village Centre to hear about our national floral emblem and how wattle is part of Australia’s story, or enjoy the glow and scent of Australia’s floral emblem in full bloom as you discover more about the significance, beauty and uses of Acacia Pycantha during a 30-minute talk in the Golden Grove. There’s something for everyone!
Saturday 27 August | National Arboretum Canberra | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Dolce Cantavi
The Luminescence Chamber Singers explore the perennial power of the female trio in myth and in music as they offer a contemporary take on this ancient trope, performing music for three female voices by Anne Cawrse, Alice Chance, Caroline Shaw, Gavin Bryars, and David Lang.
Sunday 28 August | Wesley Uniting Church, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | luminescence.org
The Vetting of Wisdom – Gender and Citizenship
Interested in gender and public law? On Sunday 28 August Professor Kim Rubinstein will give her lecture entitled ‘The Vetting of Wisdom – Gender and Citizenship’ for Manning Clark House. A leading expert in the field, Kim will speak on how her story “The Vetting of Wisdom: Joan Montgomery and the fight for PLC” “The Vetting of Wisdom: Joan Montgomery and the fight for PLC” story resonates with her own professional life and how Montgomery’s fall was Kim’s first experience of power triumphing over reason. Bookings are essential.
Sunday 28 August | Baptist Church Hall, 34 Groom Street, Hughes | trybooking.com
Wilder Haven Open Day
A new community initiative that aims to support new parents and children under five as well as create intergenerational links with senior Canberrans, Wilder Haven is opening it’s doors. Offering somewhere new for parents, grandparents and carers to have a coffee and catch up while children engage in a program of arts and crafts, it’s the perfect relaxing Sunday.
Sunday 28 August | 5 Felstead Vista, Denman Prospect | wilderhaven.co
Come to The Cabaret
Featuring the 2022 graduates of the Cabaret Winter Workshop with Queenie van de Zandt, Tuggeranong Arts Centre & Australian Musical Theatre Academy is presenting Come to The Cabaret. With a cast of twenty plus (including some of Canberra’s finest performers) expect singers of genres spanning opera, folk, pop and musical theatre, and dancers, actors, and comedians. This diverse ensemble is sure to impress and delight with their completely original work.
Sunday 28 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre | tuggeranongarts.com
Carved: Thor’s Hammer + Megalo
Collaborating with Megalo Print Studio and running at The Mixing Room Gallery at Thor’s Hammer, the artists exhibiting in Carved were invited to explore a range of salvaged and recycled timbers to develop new works in print media. Expect to see a thoughtfulness to the environment (both natural and built) and demonstrate innovative printmaking responses.
Until Saturday 17 September | The Mixing Room Gallery, Thor’s Hammer, 10 Mildura Street, Griffith | thors.com
Come Back, All is Forgiven
Inviting a selection of these now mid-career artists to return to where they first cut their teeth as fresh-faced graduates—the Canberra Contemporary Art Space—you can enjoy a slice of their work from then, and what they’re doing now. Featuring Justin Andrews, Stuart Bailey, Leah Bullen, Trevelyan Clay, Helen Shelley, Noël Skryzpczak and Bryan Spier, expect a beautiful range of art from the late nineties and the naughties.
Until Sunday 28 August | 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | ccas.com
Gardens Near and Far
The botanic gardens are welcoming a new exhibition for August. Gardens near and far feature artworks from Ruth Dodd. The exhibition depicts flora and landscapes inspired from visits to public, private and overseas gardens and from the artist’s local region of Yass, NSW.
Ruth’s art is representational, working from close observation and the use of colour to dramatise essential elements.
Until Thursday 28 August | Australian National Botanic Gardens | parksaustralia.gov.au
Reception this way: motels – a sentimental journey with Tim Ross
Travel around Australia revisiting your memories of the classic Aussie motel, from family holidays and long road trips to continental breakfasts and mid-century mod-cons.
In a land where the car has provided us with the ultimate freedom to hit the road and explore, it is no surprise that Australians wholeheartedly embraced the American concept of the motel. When motels began springing up in the 1950s, they represented a new, stylish and sophisticated way to travel.
Join National Archives and Tim Ross on a driving holiday through the quintessential Australian experience of staying in a motel. And find out why these images are part of the National Archives’ collection.
This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.
Until Sunday 4 Sep 2022 | National Archives of Australia | naa.gov.au
An Aboriginal Culinary Journey
See First Nations objects from the National Museum of Australia’s collection alongside a newly commissioned range of appliances featuring stunning designs from contemporary artists in An Aboriginal Culinary Journey: Designed for Living.
Part of the Breville Art Series, this exhibition is a partnership between First Nations peoples, Breville and the National Museum of Australia, producing objects for the heart of the home that celebrate contemporary design and reflect 65,000 years of ongoing Indigenous culture.
Until Sunday 18 September | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au
Connection
Yes, that’s right, the creators and producers of the multi-sensory spectacular that was Van Gough alive are back and back with a vengeance. Connection is reinventing visual storytelling, giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists a voice through 360-degree, large-scale projections and cutting-edge light and sound technology. A powerful and captivating exhibition that seeks to bind together spiritual connections to land, water, sea and sky through a vibrant and multi-sensory symphony of sound, light, and colour, it’s an important and much-needed tonal shift that we all should be popping on the top of our must-see June lists.
Until Sunday 9 October | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au/whats-on/connection
The Darling Portrait Prize and National Photographic Portrait Prize
Head along to the National Portrait Gallery of Australia to view the 2022 Darling Portrait Prize and the National Photographic Portrait Prize. Your ticket gets you into both, so what are you waiting for?
Until Sunday 9 Oct | National Portrait Gallery | portrait.gov.au
Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland
The first in a three-part series, this exhibition captures generations of cultural knowledge shaped by the diverse First Nations peoples who live there and their connection to Country. Enjoy the established and emerging artists from across Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait as they explore art using new materials and techniques as they share what it means to belong.
Until Sunday 12 February 2023 | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au
