Parents and kids will love Play Day, an easy weekly event at Dairy Road that kicks off this Sunday

Posted on 12 January, 2024

Sundays at Dairy Road, one of Canberra’s coolest precincts, just got cuter.

That’s because from this Sunday 14 January, Play Day, a free weekly event for kids and their adults, will kick off with theatrical performances, live bands, water play and activities for open-learning play in Dairy Road’s purpose built LESS Garden.

Happening on Sundays from 12- 4 pm until 24 March, Play Day is a drop-in, hang-out spot for parents and kids of all ages that was actually inspired by a visit to one of the world’s most beloved festivals.

“This new event has been inspired by the amazing kids’ program at Edinburgh Festival, where I had as much fun as my baby watching top performers explore great concepts in captivating ways,” says event organiser and Founder of placemaking agency Dionysus, Dave Caffery.

Each Play Day, a free performance will take place at 1pm, with a variety of performers – from dancers, to bubble makers, to live music, to circus – taking to the stage, all completely free.

“Hopefully this becomes a bit of a ritual for families and friends. We have gone to great lengths to program high-quality artists and present them in a comfortable garden setting for adults to enjoy and for kids to be entertained in multiple ways.”

For Dave and his team, it’s about creating an outing that can truly be enjoyed by everyone involved. Did we mention that you can order drinks and food from Capital Brewing Co., Canteen and Jasper & Myrtle Chocolates to enjoy in the LESS Garden? It’s also beside Grainger Gallery, so you can check out their changing exhibitions while the kids play.

“I don’t like dumb entertainment for kids” says Dave. “All ages can respond well to music and theatre shows that have layers of meaning. In Australian Dance Party’s show, a 10-year-old might enjoy the time travel story while babies enjoy the dancers’ movement and big facial expressions. And we always have tactile activities suitable for any child under about 12.”

Australian Dance Party.

Play Day will also be facilitated by playworkers from Green Hat Workshop and there will be plenty of unstructured ‘loose object’ play where little ones can build, imagine and create.

“1 pm is the key time to be there but activities and hospitality will be available midday to 4pm, every Sunday until Easter.”

For Dionysus Program Manager Rose Ricketson, Play Day is an opportunity to blend entertainment, education and a whole lot of fun.

“I am so excited to bring my kids to this program of events, to enjoy the great atmosphere and vibes at Dairy Road and be entertained by some of the best artists performing for families across Australia.”

“I am especially excited for shows by Amelie Ecology, DandyMan and Dad Band – and am thrilled that kids and families get to be both entertained and educated by these incredible artists.”

Ameile Ecology.

Dairy Road is also home to Care Club, a space that aims to bring mothers together once a week to share stories, create community, learn from one another and now, in 2024, sing together.

“Care Club 2024 brings the international success of the Singing Mamas network to Canberra for an hour of joy and connection,” explains Rosie. “Singing ticks so many wellbeing boxes, from stress relief to breathwork, celebration, connection and creative expression.”

“I have seen first-hand how this simple and timeless activity improves wellbeing, especially for mums who may need some positive social engagement.”

Read more about Care Club here.

PLAY DAY 2024 PROGRAM

14 January – Live Music with Lucky Jim, plus loose parts and water play 

Lucky Jim is a Canberra-based musician and storyteller who plays music for children aged 0 -112 years of age. His live performances are full of toe-tapping tunes, ridiculous stories, imaginative lyrics and general silliness.

You can expect the highest quality of musicianship at a Lucky Jim show as he plays songs that cover styles from calypso to rockabilly. When he performs with his band, His Imaginary Friends, the energy and mayhem escalate. Prepare to be entertained and amused by the ever-youthful Lucky Jim and His Imaginary Friends.

21 January – Comedy and Clowning with DandyMan, plus loose parts and water play

Step into a world of laughter with Daniel Oldaker, the award-winning physical comedian and circus maestro, aka “DANDY”! Experience a five-star adventure packed with circus tricks, comedy bits, and unbridled silliness. With a global legacy entertaining millions across 30+ countries, Daniel brings his charisma to stages, theatres, films, and streets. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the laughter.

You can also unlock your inner performer with his dynamic workshop for budding magicians, circus performers, clowns, and dance enthusiasts. Learn tricks and moves to impress friends and family, or create new routines for the local talent show. Daniel guides you step by step, infusing finesse into your performance.

Dandy Man.

28 January – Wombat Wobble with Johnny Huckle, plus loose parts and water play

A descendant of the Wiradjuri Nation, Johnny Huckle is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has enjoyed a long and celebrated career as an Aboriginal Folk Style Performer. He is well known for his hit children’s song “Wombat Wobble” which is loved across the country. Join Johnny at Dairy Road, as he delivers his full catalogue of playful kids songs.

4 February – Bubble Magic with Bambi and Alias, plus loose parts and water play

Delivered by two of Canberra’s most iconic cabaret performers, Bambi and Alias have developed a super fun and engaging bubble show designed to activate the LESS gardens with wonder, beauty and play.

11 February – Insect Cabaret with Amelie Ecology, plus loose parts and water play

Amelie Ecology is a bee scientist who writes and performs educational, ecology music for children (and inner children!) at festivals, in schools and in the community. Her insect cabaret is a science meets musical theatre show about the ecology of invertebrates. Expect a fun, educational and engaging show and workshop delivered by a committed nature lover!

18 February – Family Dance with Bec Reid, plus loose parts and water play

Bec Reid is a performer, producer, director and choreographer who will be delivering a super fun family dance program on Sunday 18 February.

Bec is an exuberant soul who encourages people to experience their worlds in revelatory ways through highly physical, participatory, practical and celebratory actions. For 20+ years, Bec has passionately collaborated where professional Artists and communities coalesce; locally, nationally and internationally.

25 February – Kiddo Songs with Dad Band, plus loose parts and water play

Canberra-born artist Michael Simic aka Mikelangelo has gathered fellow daddy-musicians to work up some classic hits for big and little children. You can expect some iconic covers of TV themes, from Sesame Street to Octonauts, as well as a handful of original songs inspired by Michael’s own kids, such as ‘Ice Cream Meltdown’ and ‘Big Girl Chino’. Bringing his usual flair and generous spirit to the stage, it’s going to be a super fun afternoon for all.

3 March – Bubble Magic with Bambi and Alias, plus loose parts and water play

Delivered by two of Canberra’s most iconic cabaret performers, Bambi and Alias have developed a super fun and engaging bubble show designed to activate the LESS gardens with wonder, beauty and play.

10 March – Circus Fun with Warehouse Circus, plus loose parts and water play

Canberra’s own Warehouse Circus will be delivering both a circus performance and workshop for young people (5-12 years old). Dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of young people through the medium of social circus, expect an afternoon of accessible circus play and entertainment.

Warehouse Circus.

17 March – Live Music by Mr Tim and the Fuzzy Elbows, plus loose parts and water play

Canberra favourites Mr Tim and the Fuzzy Elbows will be delivering a family and children’s show full of excitement and a whole lot of crazy hilarity, with their witty jokes and musical talents that bring new levels of fun and joy with their rocking beats and exuberant harmonies.

24 March – Escape From Plastika with Australian Dance Party, plus loose parts and water play

Inspiring sustainable behaviour and creative participation from kids and families, Escape From Plastika is a 40 minute, place based, dance and theatre work that takes audiences on an imaginative and active mission for the future – exploring the problem of plastic!

With the help of their mission recruits (that’s you), Alpha, Delta and Pi time travel to the year 2109 to planet Plastika – formerly known as Earth, and otherwise known as the playground or parkland in your neighbourhood or community. With the important task to lessen a most unwelcome makeover to beloved planet Earth, audiences discover their own power to change the future.