15+ seriously fun things to do this Father’s Day
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Father’s Day is coming up quickly—it’s weekend in fact!
Celebrate your dad (or father figure) and all his quirks in a way that shows him you care on Sunday 3 September. And if you’re struggling for ideas (aren’t we all?), here’s a list of some seriously fun things to do.
It’s fitting for Father’s Day—my dad certainly loves a list!
Things to do
Botanica Spirits and Food Festival
Bring your dad along to explore the world of botanicals at the Botanica Spirits and Food Festival. Offering an immersive experience, taste, smell and learn your way through the botanicals that get crafted into your favourite gins and spirits. With tastings offered by over 20 curated distillers, a lineup of the best local food trucks, and a live stage that will host talks and demonstrations, have this year be remembered as your dad’s favourite (boozy) Father’s Day!
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September | Australian National Botanic Gardens | More info here.
Local Canberra Markets
The first Sunday of the month means that Canberra fathers are spoiled for their choice of markets! A special Father’s Day edition of the Hartley Hall Markets will be running, as will our favourite weekly Old Bus Depot and Haig Park Village markets. Spend the morning enjoying your favourite local stalls—and make sure you keep an eye on your dad as he browses! You never know what he might find.
Canberra Railway Museum
Not to be stereotypical, but whose dad doesn’t love old vehicles? Make your dad’s day at the Canberra Railway Museum in Fyshwick, who will be putting on a barbecue to help celebrate Father’s Day as he explores their collection of locomotives! Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, and $5 for children (between 5 and 15). And the best part? Lunch is sorted by a gold coin donation.
Sunday 3 September, 10 am – 3 pm | 7 Geijera Place, Fyshwick | More info here.
Sixth Father’s Day Car Show
Talking about dad’s and their love for old vehicles, Meteors Hot Rod Association is back again for their sixth Father’s Day Car Show! Raising money for ‘Beards of Hope’, indulge your dad to a collection of gorgeous cars that are on show for a great cause.
Sunday 3 September, 9 am – 12.30 pm | Federation Square, Gold Creek, Nicholls | More info here.
Father’s Day at the National Dinosaur Museum
Turn Father’s Day into a weekend all about family at the National Dinosaur Museum! Hosting a range of special activities and attractions for this extra special weekend, as well as a sausage sizzle and donut van, the National Dinosaur Museum is celebrating and honouring the caregivers of Canberra. All Father’s Day extras are included in their regular ticket price.
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September, 10 am – 4 pm | 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls | More info here.
Korean Film Festival in Australia
Is your dad an international film buff? The Korean Film Festival in Australia is in town this Father’s Day weekend! Offering two screenings every day of the three-day event, it’s the perfect way to celebrate your cinema-loving father.
Friday 1 to Sunday 3 September, 3 pm and 6.30 pm | Palace Electric Cinema, 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra | More info here.
Moondog Live at Old Canberra Inn
Liven up Father’s Day with live music at the Old Canberra Inn! Moondog, who performs both solo and as frontman of the Moondog Blues band, will be showcasing his mastery of the blues—his voice reminiscent of the singers of old.
Sunday 3 September, 4 pm – 7 pm | 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham | More info here.
Catch a movie at Hoyts
There are some fantastic movie options available this Father’s Day weekend. Does your dad love films based on historical events? Oppenheimer and Sound of Freedom could be a good choice. Or maybe he prefers something more thrilling, like The Equalizer 3 or Meg 2: The Trench? Whatever his choice, get the gift and the activity sorted in one with a Hoyts movie package voucher. That’s at least an hour and a half free of dad jokes!
HOYTS, Westfield Belconnen and Westfield Woden | More info here.
Things to eat
Father’s Day at the Labor Club
If your dad or father figure loves a pub meal, booking into The Labor Club for one of their special meal deals is sure to make him smile. Make sure to check out what each location is offering, because no matter where you are in Canberra there’s sure to be something happening at your local.
Lunch or dinner at Lazy Su
Has your dad got his eye on something from the new menu at Lazy Su? If you book in for either lunch or dinner at Lazy Su to celebrate this Father’s Day, dad’s first beer (Sapporo) will be on the house! When has dad ever said no to free beer?
Sunday 3 September, 12 pm – 3 pm or 5.30 pm – 10 pm | 1/9 Lonsdale St, Braddon | More info here.
Wagyu mixed grill BBQ lunch at Ostani Bar
Celebrate Father’s Day at Ostani Bar this year with a Wagyu mixed grill BBQ lunch! Hosted in the newly renovated outdoor pavilion, dad (and family) can enjoy live music, drinks specials, and giveaways.
Sunday 3 September, from 12 pm | Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton | More info here.
Father’s Day brunch at QT
Capitol Bar & Grill at the QT are hosting the ultimate Father’s Day brunch this year, making celebrations easy. Offered in a self-service format (because dad always goes for seconds!), enjoy a curated brunch that dad is sure to enjoy.
Sunday 3 September, 11 am – 1.30 pm | 1 London Circuit, Canberra | More info here.
Father’s Day High Brew at Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison
Don’t forget that dad enjoys the dainty things in life too! Indulge this Father’s Day with a ‘High Brew’ at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison – their fun twist on a high tea. Enjoy a grazing tower for two, alongside five beers from Capital Brewing Co. What a way to say you love him!
Sunday 3 September, 2 pm – 5 pm | Corner Catchpole &, Bowman St, Macquarie | More info here.
A seven-course lunch at XO
Celebrate dad this Father’s Day in the most special way—a seven-course lunch at XO. Normally closed on Sundays (and with XO’s final service coming up in late October) make this years Father’s Day memorable in every way. Ensure you reserve your spot quickly!
Sunday 3 September, from 11.45 am | 16 Iluka Street, Narrabundah | More info here.
Father’s Day at the National Arboretum
Treat Dad to a day of fun at the National Arboretum Canberra with The Ginger Group! Think a beer and a BBQ on the events terrace followed by lazing around on the hillside or dining in the restaurant for brunch or lunch.
Sunday 3 September | The National Arboretum | thegingergroup.com.au/fathers-day
Dad’s Day at Assembly
Take dad to the pub for a relaxing afternoon with a schooner and steak sando. With tasty food special on all day (and live music), Father’s Day at Assembly is sure to be a winner.
Sunday 3 September | 11 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | Book here.
