A giant plant sale, sheep dog trials, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and more: 45+ ways to fill your weekend | HerCanberra

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A giant plant sale, sheep dog trials, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and more: 45+ ways to fill your weekend

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Want to keep busy this weekend? We have plenty of suggestions.

Make the most of the warm weather and head along to a giant plant sale, sheep dog trials, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and more. Here’s what’s happening around town.

Looking for even more to do in Canberra? Check out our What’s On section to find hundreds of events happening around town.

Special events and festivals

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

It’s time to brave the dawn—Canberra skyline will be turning into a sea of colour and movement. Enjoy a hot breakfast to enjoy as the balloons lift off and drift across the dawn sky (weather permitting).

Until Sunday 19 March | Patrick White Lawns, Patrick White Lawns, Parkes | enlightencanberra.com

The ShowRoom 2023

If you’re in (or into) the Home Design, Build, Garden and Lifestyle industry, The Showroom Canberra’s 2023 event might be what you’re looking for. The two-day event brings together Canberra’s most creative, innovative and informative industry professionals all under one roof at Exhibition Park.

Expect quality home design, build, garden and lifestyle exhibitors, the popular Speaker Series presentations and unlimited inspiration (and entry is all free).

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March | Budawang Pavillion Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Rd & Northbourne Ave, Mitchell | theshowroomcanberra.com.au

Sarah & Sebastian’s SOLDERED™ On The Road

Australian fine jewellery house Sarah & Sebastian has recently launched a new Soldered On The Road service which brings their unique Soldered jewellery offering to Canberra for the first time. For those not shy of commitment, SOLDERED™ is a unique, in-person experience, where signature chains are custom-fitted and soldered seamlessly onto the wrist or finger. Appointments can be made here.

Until Sunday 26 March | Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | sarahandsebastian.com

CATS The Musical

Based on the poetry of T..S. Eliot, Cats The Musical has been thrilling audiences for over 40 years and now it’s coming to Erindale Theatre! Make sure to pounce on tickets, they’re selling out fast.

Until Saturday 18 March | 115 McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa | Book here.

It’s Not Rocket Science

To infinity and beyond! Get along to Canberra Centre for a galaxy-first, space-themed activation called ‘It’s Not Rocket Science’ that will see 11 giant inflatable characters across the centre.

From 10 – 19 March, visitors and their children can enter a Space Station pop-up between 11 am and 2 pm daily. Space staff will be on hand to assist in their exploration of the interactive pods, space suit dress-ups and photo moments in front of interstellar backdrops.

Little explorers are sure to have a blast at exciting workshops where they can make everything from jet packs to alien headbands and alien slime. The workshops will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday 17 – 19 March. Bookings are essential and can be made at canberracentre.qicre.com.

Until Sunday 19 March | Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Canberra City | Book here.

The Jungle Collective

Forget the Bunnings plant section, The Jungle Collective will be your new obsession—and they’re back in town this weekend after a brief COVID-related pause.

This Saturday from 8 am until 4 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, HQThirtyFour out in Fyshwick will be converted into pot plant heaven with more than 300 species to choose from and thousands and thousands of plants to sort through. Get ready to shimmy and shake through this jungle maze picking up everything from your favourite staples (hello, Peace Lily) to the rare and unique.

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March | HQThirtyFour, 1/34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick | thejunglecollective.com.au

Project Supercars Festival of Speed

80 exotic supercars from all around the world. What more could you want? Raising money for Heartkids Canberra, it’s a car event that you don’t want to miss.

Sunday 19 March | Gerhards Quality Cars, 34 Pirie Street, Fyshwick | Book here.

Canberra Rock Swap

Love rocks? Don’t miss this. At the Canberra Rock Swap dealers and fossickers will be selling jewellery, gemstones, fossils, rocks, mineral specimens and lapidary supplies for all of your needs. And to make the day even better there will also be activities for the whole family—lucky dips, sapphire sieving, gold panning, sausage sizzle and much more.

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March | Parrot Park, EPIC (Exhibition Park), Flemington Rd, Mitchell | canberralapidary.org.au

National Sheep Dog Trial Championships

The National Sheep Dog Trial Championships serve as an enduring link between the Bush Capital and rural Australia. Competitors come from all over the country to support this sport, rich in Australian rural heritage.

The sheep dog trials, commencing on Monday 13 March (and entry to the day is free!), will be a riveting spectator experience with every trial a mini-drama arising from dog-sheep-human encounters. It is the ultimate level playing field—it doesn’t matter if you are male, female, young, old or in a mobility scooter. Every competitor starts with 100 points —after that anything can happen!

Until Sunday 19 March | 21 Gladstone Street, Hall Showground, Hall | Book here.

ANU Chancellor’s Panel hosted by the Hon Julie Bishop

Join ANU for an engaging and informative discussion featuring leading experts in the field of cyber and national security. The esteemed panel will share their insights and expertise on the latest trends in cyber threats, the role of artificial intelligence, and the potential consequences of a major cyber-attack. The distinguished speakers include the Hon Julie Bishop, Chancellor, ANU, Suthagar Seevaratnam, Chief Information Security Officer, ANU, Olivia Shen, Director (Program and Delivery), National Security College, ANU and more.

Saturday 18 March | Manning Clark Hall, The Australian National University, Canberra | Book here.

Autumn Fair at Wesley Uniting Church

Head along to the Wesley Uniting Church for the ultimate celebration of autumn—and to indulge in Devonshire tea, a sausage sizzle, wontons and spring rolls, cakes, all while shopping for antique and collectibles, books, plants, craft and more!

Saturday 18 March | 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | facebook.com/events

Alliance Francaise French Film Festival 2023

The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is back in Canberra for its 34th edition! Running until 5 April, enjoy more than 260 screenings at Palace Electric Cinema of 39 exceptional French films.

Take part in some of the special events happening throughout the festival and savour French wine and delicacies before your screening including HerCanberra’s own Ladies Night as well as Taste of France, Human Rights Night and Closing Night…the possibilities are endless!

Until Wednesday 5 April | Palace Electric Cinema, 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra City | Book here.

Julia

In 2012 Julia Gillard, Australia’s first female prime minister, gave a speech that sent shockwaves around the world. Now, ten years later, one of Australia’s most esteemed and celebrated playwrights, Joanna Murray-Smith, brings the human story behind that speech to the stage. Diving deep into the life and career of Julia Gillard in the lead-up to the famous speech, the play will explore the passion and rage that led to the globally sensational moment—hypothesising who Julia really is beneath the public gaze.

Saturday 18 until Saturday 25 March | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.

Culture Cruise boat and walking tours

Hop aboard the Culture Cruise for the ultimate multi-sensory adventure.

Explore the National Museum of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery from the water and gain a different perspective in witnessing local, national, and international artists amidst the natural and built beauty of the environment (Psst! You’ll be wined and dined as well).

Saturday 18 March | Various locations | Book here.

Food and wine

Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival

Love beer and cider? Featuring over 45 exhibitors from around Australia, head along to the Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival to enjoy the ‘best of the best’, with opportunities to sip on beer, cider, and seltzers (as well as gin, vodka and other premium spirits). There will also be plenty of live entertainment throughout the day, high-quality food and a range of family-friendly activities!

Saturday 18 March | Mercure Canberra, 39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon | Book here.

Vegan Feast

Love yourself some plant-based food? Feast away at the Pialligo Estate Glasshouse. Commencing with a selection of crudites pulled that morning from the ground mere metres from your table, indulge in a technicoloured feast of heirloom varietals, ancient grains and herb-laden dishes bursting with flavour and texture. Add in the vegan wine package and add in a farm tour for the ultimate Sunday out.

Sunday 19 March | 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | Book here.

Karen’s Diner On Tour

Looking for an absurdly fun experience dining experience? Full of laughs, banter and top-notch American diner-style grub, Karen’s Diner is on tour and it’s coming to Canberra. But don’t expect to be treated nicely, this is dining with a twist—the food is great, the service is ungrateful but your experience will be unforgettable.

Until Sunday 19 March | Clubhouse Kaleen, 16 Georgina Crescent, Kaleen | explorehidden.com

Agostini’s at Lark Hill Winery

Did someone say one of Canberra’s most beloved Italian kitchens, at a winery? Delizioso. Serving Italian classics like calamari fritti, proscuitto e rucola pizza (and yes, tiramisu), Agostini’s at Lark Hill Winery is now open for lunch bookings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Offering stunning views across the Bungendore valley as well as delicious food, your weekend catch up just went up to a whole other level.

Open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays | Lark Hill Winery, cnr Joe Rocks and Bungendore Road, NSW (30 minutes from Canberra) | Bookings: eat@agostinis.com.au or by calling 02 6178 0038

Sunday suckling pig and paella feasts

The tradition of eating a Sunday roast for lunch just got upgraded—to a leafy al fresco courtyard setting with a big hit of Mediterranean flavour. Head along to Saint Malo for its new Sunday Sessions in the Garden, featuring a buffet with star attractions including enormous pans of paella,  a whole suckling pig, Spanish-inspired small bites, marinated olives, grilled vegetables, and more.

Every Sunday between 11 am – 3 pm | $85 (not including alcohol which is table service or can be purchased from the Gin Cart) | Bookings are essential here.

The Dancing Queen Dining Experience

Ever been raging with jealousy whilst watching Donna and the gang sing and dance on stunning Greek islands? Well, rage no more. Grab your dancing queens,  because a Mamma Mia-inspired Restaurant is landing in Canberra in January.

Until 31 March | Saint Malo, 19 London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.

Stage and Screen

The Canberra Comedy Festival

Canberra Comedy Festival is back for 2023! Featuring shows including our Gala, Wil Anderson, Geraldine Hickey, Stephen K Amos, Josie Long, Chris Ryan and loads more, you’ll definitely be in for a laugh.

Until Sunday 26 March | Various locations | Book here.

The Women’s Room 2

From swagging and swearing to swigging champagne, The Women’s Room 2 is back! Comprised of a widow, an ex-nurse, a midwife, a carer and a self-proclaimed “Belconnen bogan,” get ready to giggle away as they prepare to take the stage on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March as part of the Canberra Comedy Festival.

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March | The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit | Book here.

Sunset Soirée In the Embrace of the Brindabellas

Two internationally renowned contemporary dance companies from Taiwan, Dancecology and Ku and Dancers, will take you meandering around some of Terroux’s ‘garden rooms’ in a rare oppertunity to experience their affecting work.

The companies will respond to place and time with works made just for this occasion while you enjoy a glass of bubbly, wine or soft drink and a delicious selection of home-made country style finger food as the dusk falls on the beautiful peace garden at Terroux.

Saturday 18 March | Terroux Peace Garden 88, Rochford Road, Wallaroo | Book here.

Love Letters

Correspondence is the key to this ultimately romantic story. From childhood, the friends communicate with each other through angst-ridden boarding school experiences, European adventures, failed marriages, and the ups and downs of career, Love Letters follows Andy and Melissa’s relationship as the sometimes-sweethearts/sometimes-friends go through periods of estrangement.

Love Letters explores how the written word can influence us to reimagine our reality and relationships.

Until Sunday 26 March | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | Book here.

Exhibitions

Daisy Chain

This group exhibition see’s JamFactory’ showcase, accelerate and develop the skills of emerging artists and designers. The focus of Daisy Chain is to utilise the JamFactory’s environment for collaborative learning and mutual exchange of techniques and ideas across disciplines.

Until Saturday 18 March | Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City | craftact.org.au

Emerging Contemporaries

Playing a pivotal role in supporting and transitioning artists into professional practice, Emerging Contemporaries s the Craft ACT National Award Exhibition for early career artists. Featuring the works of  Dianne Bourke, Gabriela Renee, Nathan Nhan, Sabina Moore and more, it’s free to attend.

Until Saturday 18 March | Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City | craftact.org.au

Kate Baker – Beyond the Material: at the intersection of glass and the digital image

This exhibition features work by contemporary, Australian artist whose practice merges photo, print and moving image technologies with studio glass. Drawing on her background in photography and studio glass, Sydney based artist Kate Baker integrates complex techniques and industrial processes.

Until Thursday 23 March | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Ellery Crescent, Building 105, Acton | soad.cass.anu.edu.au

Chromology: a solo exhibition by Luca Siliquini

This exhibition of oil paintings shows the effects that the colours of Canberra have on an Italian-born artist.

Saturday 18 March until Sunday 16 April | Humble House Gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | humblehouse.com.au

Portrait23: Identity

This is portraiture, but not as you know it. Portrait23: Identity is a major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, showcasing new work from multi-award-winning contemporary Australian artists and collectives working across every state and territory.

Twenty-three artists and collectives present dramatic, ambitious and thrilling work about who they are and what it means to represent themselves, their communities, histories and contemporary society. Expect street art, textiles, performance, photography, ceramics, painting, drawing, soft sculpture and more.

Until Sunday 18 June | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au

Jonathan Jones: untitled (walam-wunga.galang)

Created by renowned Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist, Jonathan Jones this is a collaborative project with Uncle Stan Grant Senior and Beatrice Murray that  emphasises the sophistication of Aboriginal agricultural economy, which was erased by colonial narratives of First Nation’s people as hunters-gatherers.

Until Sunday 23 July | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au

Kate Baker—Beyond the Material: At the intersection of glass and the digital image

This exhibition features work by contemporary, Australian artist whose practice merges photo, print and moving image technologies with studio glass.

Until Thursday 23 March | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Ellery Crescent, Building 105, Acton | soad.cass.anu.edu.au

Mycelium Sky

This is an exploration of fantastical interconnected worlds, botanical biomes and surreal dreamscapes. Head along to enjoy the work of Paul Summerfield, a digital artist, who blends traditional painting and drawing techniques with digital mediums as he takes viewers on journeys into vivid worlds.

Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Wrack and Salvage

Provoking questions in the face of the climate crisis—What do we value? What do we stand to lose? What will we see destroyed? What are we willing to sacrifice? What are we prepared to save?—this sculptural installation resembles the flying forms of flood debris.  A reflection on how we have responded to climate change, artist Jacqui Malins explores themes of loss, hope and resoultion.

Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

earth unframed

This open exhibition uses the work of several artists to explore the concept of ‘earth’; our home, the environment, soil, land, fragility, strength or purpose.  The result is a mix of drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media that uses imagination with a sense of play, political activism, boldness, experimentation, thoughtfulness, or contemplation.

Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

ground whisper softly

A celebrative dance of the abundance found on the ground, in the garden, along the water, at the rocky outcrop in the pocket of remnant bush, Belco Arts describes these works by emerging artist Valerie Schönjahn as meditative in process. Intrigued? See you there.

Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au

Sport

Canberra United v Melbourne Victory

You don’t want to miss this! It’s the final home game of the 2022/23 season for Canberra United, as they face off against the defending premiers, Melbourne Victory. It’s yet another massive clash for the side, with only three games remaining in the season!

Saturday 18 March | McKellar Park, Walkley Pl, Mckellar | canberraunited.com.au

ACT Brumbies v Moana Pasifika

Consider yourself a Brumbies fan? The ACT Brumbies are taking on Moana Pasifika for Round 4 of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby 2023 season! See you there?

Saturday 18 March | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.

Canberra Girls Get Active Day

This free community event is aimed at inspiring, energising and empowering young women to be more active. Women and girls will have the opportunity to try out a number of sports onsite and there will also be plenty of fun activities—think  roaming characters, face painting, tunes from a local DJ and much more! Oh, and the first 200 girls aged 12 or under through the gates will receive a free tennis racquet!

Sunday 19 March | 1 Riggall Place, Lyneham | tennis.com.au

Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks

Cheer on the Raiders in their first home game at GIO Stadium for 2023!

Sunday 19 March | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | raiders.com.au

Ramsay Health Care Triathlon Pink

All about the ladies and is all about fun (okay, and a little fitness), this is not your average triathlon. Featuring a pool swim, closed roads and more pink than you’ll see in an under 5’s ballet class, all ages and genders are welcome to participate.

Sunday 19 March | Stromlo Forest Park and Leisure Centre, Uriarra Road, Stromlo | theeventcrew.com.au

ACT Claycourt International

Head along to watch some of the best male and female tennis players battle it out on the courts. Entry is free throughout the week, with the finals day on Sunday 26 March which is ticketed.

Until Sunday 26 March | 1 Riggall Place, Lyneham | tennis.com.au

Markets

The Little Burley Market

Say hello to Canberra’s lakeside market. Head along to enjoy multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisan bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats and much more. See you there?

Every Saturday, 9am – 1.30pm  | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au

Haig Park Markets

Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.

Every Sunday, 8:30 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au

Old Bus Depot Markets

With more than 100 stalls (including your old favourites), you’ll have the chance to shop for a brilliant variety of Australian-made, handcrafted and premium products. Sneak a walk around the foreshore while you’re down there.

9.30 am – 2.30 pm Sunday | Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au

Southside Farmers Markets

This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta and pet treats.

8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com

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