A pet party in Haig Park, a city-wide art trail and Lanyon Homestead’s Kids Day Out. Here’s what’s on in Canberra this weekend.
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Canberra has officially woken from hibernation and is bursting at the seams with things to see and do!
Add the Lifeline Canberra Bookfair, the Canberra Art Biennial, Kite Fest, and Floriade to your calendar this week. Want even more inspiration? Read on!
Special Events and Festivals
Floriade
Your favourite seasonal celebration of spring is back in Commonwealth Park! The park will be transformed into a vibrant canvas of colour and creativity as the 2024 theme “Art in Bloom” is brought to life.
Along with beautiful flower displays, unleash your inner artist and take part in workshops and activities, enjoy live music, browse market stalls, and enjoy delicious food. The best part? Entry is free.
Until Sunday 13 October, 9.30 am – 5.30 pm | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
The Lifeline Canberra Bookfair
Bookworms, get excited. Your favourite bookfair is back at Exhibition Park!
Raising a major portion of the funding needed to keep the Lifeline mental health crisis support service running, you can discover a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, rare books and collectables, children’s books, textbooks and foreign language books. And that’s not all! From magazines to records and CDs, DVDs, games and jigsaws, you’ll be sure to take something home.
Friday 27 until Sunday 29 September, 9 am – 6 pm | Exhibition Park, Corner Northbourne Avenue and Flemington Road, Mitchell | More information here.
Canberra Art Biennial
Running across four weeks, this is a biennial festival of contemporary art in Canberra.
Explore the city to discover artworks that are hidden around the landscapes of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Arboretum Canberra, and the city. Make sure to also keep an eye out for works in collaboration with Commonwealth and Territory cultural facilities and private/temporary gallery spaces!
Friday 27 September until Saturday 26 October, 5 pm – 6 pm | Various locations | More information here.
PAWS Party in Haig Park
Canberra’s furry friends and flower lovers are invited to the City Renewal Authority’s spring-themed PAWS Party in Haig Park this Sunday.
The free event is an opportunity to snap some pet ‘pawtraits’ with a professional photographer, try out the dog agility course and reward your dog with some free treats.
It will also feature live music and take place alongside the Haig Park Village Markets.
Sunday 29 September from 11 am – 1 pm | Haig Park, Braddon (directly north of Mort Street)
Kids Day Out at Lanyon Homestead
Treat the kids to the ultimate day out! They’ll be kept busy and entertained with hours of fun arts and craft, gardening activities and the great garden discovery challenge in the spectacular springtime gardens at Lanyon Homestead.
From painting a flower portrait that captures the colours of spring to planting some seeds in a recycled roll, every activity is designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds. There’s something for every child!
Saturday 28 September, 10 am – 12 pm | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa | Book here.
Trove Canberra’s Meet & Make Day
This is a free, spring themed arts and crafts event that’s open to all ages!
Inviting the community to explore creative skills and celebrate local artistry, the event will feature hands-on workshops and demonstrations, including watercolour painting, floral collage, paper quilling, clay works, felting and more. You can also enjoy live music, tea or coffee, and browse handmade goods in our shopfront, with nearby cafés offering additional treats.
Saturday 28 September, 11 am – 2 pm | Trove Canberra, 25 Dickson Place, Dickson | More information here.
Localjinni’s Lakeside Moonwalk
Do you love cities at night but don’t like walking alone? This art walk is for you.
Beginning and ending at the Canberra Contemporary Art Space, re-imagine the National Triangle on this walking film and sound show, created by local artists and inspired by urban play.
Featuring Aaron Sun, Jacquie Reid, Dr Kirsty Guster, Sue Maslin, The Whitlams and so much more, you’ll enjoy alternative art-activism and histories, see projections re-skinning architecture, sculpture and conjuring creative landscapes and flex your democratic muscles and make your own walking drawing along the way.
Saturday 28 September, 7 pm – 8.30 pm | Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Drum & Space
Dress up for a night of immersive theatre, electrifying beats, and cosmic adventure within the depths of The Vault!
You’ll step into a world where reality bends, and drum and bass reign supreme. Dress to impress as an astronaut, alien, or robot, dance to the rhythm of the cosmos and prepare for an immersive experience that will transport you to another dimension.
Saturday 28 September until 8 pm – 11.59 pm | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Lightening The Load With Grace Tame
Touring around Australia and stopping in Canberra for one night only on Sunday 29 September, Lightening The Load With Grace Tame promises to be an unforgettable evening as Grace looks back on her experience of surviving the public eye and ahead to the future.
And for anyone wondering, the author, artist, critical thinker, and ultramarathon runner phrases it best herself: “Lightening the load is a diplomatic term for ‘taking the piss’.” Uplifting and scornful, Lightening The Load will be as muti-layered as the woman herself. And as one of Australia’s most powerful voices speaks up again, it’s a show not to be missed.
Sunday 29 September, 7.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Walk4BrainCancer Canberra
This Sunday, 29 September, Walk4BrainCancer Canberra is back. It’s a day of hope, community, and action, all in support of brain cancer research. The event will kick off at the stunning Lake Burley Griffin with a 5-kilometre walk starting from the National Library of Australia.
With live music, a BBQ, and family-friendly entertainment, it’s set to be a heartwarming day where survivors, fighters, families, and friends come together for one powerful cause.
Sunday, 29 September | Patrick White Lawns, Parkes | walk4braincancer.com.au
CSCC Family Fun Day
The Canberra Southern Cross Club is bringing back its free Family Fun Day to the Yacht Club!
Head along to the lawns of the Yacht Club for a day of fun, good food and festivities for the whole family. You can enjoy live music, delicious food and beverage stalls, plus lots of free activities for the kids, like face painting, balloon sculpting, lawn games and a visit from the Circus Warehouse and Canberra Reptile Zoo! It’s also an opportunity for you to support ACT Rescue and Foster, Tuggeranong Valley Australian Football Netball Club, Canberra Yacht Club, Pegasus Riding for the Disabled and Kidsafe, who will be there on the day.
Sunday 29 September, 11 am – 3 pm | Lotus Bay, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | More information here.
CATVIDEOFEST 2024
CATVIDEOFEST 2024 is coming to Dendy Cinemas in Canberra fur two limited screenings on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September. And it sounds like the puuurrfect way to spend an evening.
The 75-minute showcase is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. So basically, it’s our Instagram For You Page. Gather your fellow feline enthusiasts for an unfurgettable experience, and give your brain a break with the purrfect distraction of a bunch of unexpected and entertaining reels that’ll make you laugh out loud.
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September | Dendy Cinema, Level 2/148 Bunda Street, City | Book here.
Tidbinbilla Open Day
Get ready to enjoy great food and live music while immersing yourself in the natural and cultural wonders of the iconic Tidbinbilla valley!
You can look forward to amazing food from local vendors (including Hem & Co Pizza, Jarochos, and The Chameleon Ice Creamery), displays from the National Parks Association of the ACT, ACT Wildlife, Tidbinbilla Pioneers Association, Outward Bound, Canberra Bushwalking Club and Brindabella Bushwalking Club as well as family friendly activities. This is a cash only event and a great opportunity to have some fun in nature.
Sunday 29 September, 10 am – 2 pm | Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River | More information here.
Kite Fest
Head along to the Arboretum to make the most of the spring sun! Kite Fest is back for another year to bring attendees op-up food options, kite demonstrations in the amphitheatre, live entertainment and much more.
You can even book into a Kite Marking Workshop happening throughout the day, so you can make and decorate your own kite to fly at one of Canberra’s most scenic locations. BYO picnic and make a day of it!
Sunday 29 September, 9 am – 4 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | More information here.
Chicago The Musical
Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery, treachery and All That Jazz. The multi-award-winning musical, Chicago, is coming to Canberra.
Starring Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn, Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly, Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart, Peter Rowsthorn as Amos Hart and Asabi Goodman as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, it would be a crime to miss the chance to see the longest-running musical on Broadway right here in the nations capital.
Until Sunday 29 September | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Civic Square, City | Book here.
Markets
Garden Gather Up
This is a market especially for garden-lovers! Featuring bonsai, seedlings, cuttings, chilli plants and products, candles, preserves, Collector Wine tastings, yummy treats and so much more, there’s plenty of inspo for your garden.
And why not make a day of it? Located in Collector, visit the local cafés and wineries, to enjoy all the delights spring has to offer.
Sunday 29 September, 9 am – 2 pm | Murray Street, Collector (opposite Some Café) | More information here.
Super Sunday at the Old Bus Depot Markets
It’s one of the most bustling events at the Old Bus Depot! And you’ll never know what you’ll find.
Head along to make the most of the vibrant atmosphere, see some of the best handcrafts and high-quality items on offer, taste a wide selection of delicious food, see an array of fine jewellery, try on the latest styles from local designers and much more.
Sunday 29 September, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Capital Region Farmers Market – Market in Bloom
The Capital Region Farmers Market, is sowing the seeds for what will be a special spring market to celebrate this glorious time of year and the joys of gardening! Market in Bloom, will bring together many local plant growers specialising in plants that are just right for the Canberra environment, from vegetables and herbs to some hard to find plants.
There will also be an opportunity to paint your own Capital Region Farmers Market postcard, educational stands and more!
7 am – 11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Old Well Station Road, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Little Burley Markets
Offering a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisanal bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats, and much more, you’ll be able to find plenty of goodies at this bespoke lakeside market
8 am – 1 pm Saturday | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.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
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.
8.30 am – 2 pm Sundays | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Food and Wine
The First Ball Of The Season
Step into a world of opulence and charm with Contentious Character Urban Winery and Underground Spirits at their Bridgerton-inspired soirée! Immerse yourself in elegance as they transform the venue into a lavish escape of floral and lace, reminiscent of a bygone era.
You’ll enjoy a stunning evening starting with a signature cocktail featuring Underground Spirits Gin and Contentious Character wine before indulging in five mouthwatering tapas that promise to delight your palate, all set against a backdrop of sophisticated enchantment.
Saturday 28 September, 6 pm – 11 pm | Contentious Character Urban Winery, Building 4, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Civic Square Pop-Up Bar
An artisanal bar is popping up in the heart of the city and we’re very excited. Open every Thursday to Sunday to help you relax after a long week or celebrate the weekend in style, some of Canberra’s finest artisanal producers are coming together to tickle your tastebuds with their products – we’re talking premium wines from Ravensworth Wines, craft beers from Capital Brewing Co., and artisanal cheeses from Le Cheeserie. Plus live music and entertainment!
Friday 5 pm – 11.30 pm, Saturday 4.30 pm – 12.30 am and Sunday 4.30 pm – 10.30 pm | Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra City | More information here.
Floriade High Tea at Chifley’s Bar & Grill
To celebrate Floriade, Chifley’s Bar & Grill is hosting a very special high tea.
Treat yourself and your closest to sumptuous petite scones, mini quiches, finger sandwiches and a selection of sweet eats accompanied by herbal teas and barista-made coffee. You’ll also get a Floriade cocktail on arrival so you can say ‘cheers’ spring in style.
Every Saturday until 12 October, 12 pm – 2 pm | Chifley’s Bar & Grill, 8 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
Floriade High Tea at natural nine
Experience the vibrant beauty of Floriade at natural nine with a Floriade themed high tea.
Held every Saturday and Sunday throughout Floriade, you’ll indulge in a delightful selection of teas, pastries, and savoury treats as you celebrate the arrival of spring. Book to reserve your spot today (and remember that natural nine is located inside the Casino Canberra and is an 18+ venue).
Until Sunday 13 October, 12 pm – 3 pm | Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | Book here.
Stage and Screen
ARC by Earth
At the Canberra Theatre Centre for three nights only, ARC is a profound experience that embraces the natural world and the creatures that cohabit this place we call Earth.
Using exquisite puppetry, ARC presents intimate, magical encounters with rare and vulnerable species, raising important questions about our collective and individual relationship with nature and loss.
Saturday 28 September, 6 pm – 6.55 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Space Time! Episode 2
Step into the beauty and mysteries of the universe!
This immersive show features the latest breathtaking images from humanity’s best telescopes, a Bright Stars version for sensitive people (especially those under eight years old) each morning, and a longer version called Darker Matter for those wanting a deeper immersion in space. There will also be a delicious candy bar with cocktails, room to run around and super-cool space mementoes make this an unmissable experience.
Until Sunday 13 October | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Away
In this classic Australian story of found family and connection, three families set out on their own holidays before a storm brings them together on a Gold Coast beach to grieve, heal, and find hope for the future.
Written by Michael Gow and directed by Lainie Hart, stormy weather, secrets, and classic texts combine to unite these families in their seasons of change.
Until Sunday 29 September, 7.30 pm – 10 pm | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | Book here.
Work, But This Time Like You Mean It
Work, But This Time Like You Mean It is a darkly surreal comedy about young people’s first experiences in the workplace. It’s about having a good work ethic on less-than-minimum wage. It’s about perseverance when you just want to curl up under the counter and cry.
It’s an unhinged, deep-fryer-dive into deeply human relationships, forged within the most alienating of circumstances. So yes, you want to see it.
Until Sunday 29 September, 7.30 pm – 9.10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2024
From the heart-warming to the tear-jerking and hair-raising, Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns to Canberra with a standout selection!
Head along to watch ten fresh feature films from Japan and a free retrospective Special Series celebrating the works of the trailblazing filmmaker Shohei Imamura.
Until Tuesday 15 October | Palace Electric Cinemas, 2 Phillip Law Street, City | Book here.
A Kind of Magic at The Kazador Tent
Step into the enchanting and hilarious world of Kiki and Pascal at the Kazador Tent at Floriade, where magic and comedy collide in a dazzling display of grand illusions and delightful tricks. This multigenerational show captivates audiences of all ages with a heartwarming story filled with laughter and unforgettable moments.
Saturday 28 September until Sunday 13 October | Commonwealth Park | Tickets here.
True Blue James Landcruiser Single Launch
Ever wondered what the love child of Slim Dusty and Thom Yorke would sound like? True Blue James has been described as an ‘absolute genius’ and comes highly recommended for all your shearing needs.
He’s hard to sum up, but “Freddie Mercury except a redhead from Young who’s also funny and way hotter” comes close to describing James Cahill. He’s as funny as he is feeling, and he wants to see you at the launch of his debut single – Landcruiser. It’s the finale of his nationwide tour that included and was strictly limited to Young, Sydney and Canberra.
Landcruiser is a country song. It’s a sad song. It’s a beautiful song. James wants to play it for you, tonight, at Smith’s.
6.30 pm, Friday 27 September | Smith’s Alternative | Tickets here.
Circus Extravaganza at The Kazador Tent
Get ready for the Circus Extravaganza at the Kazador Tent at Floriade, a whirlwind of acrobatics, unicycling, juggling, hula-hoops, and comedy that delivers exactly what its name promises! Featuring renowned talents like Eloise Green from Circus OZ and international award-winning physical comedian Tamara Campbell, this fast-paced spectacle offers a high-octane hour of in-your-face entertainment for all ages. Be sure to grab your tickets now before they sell out!
Saturday 28 September until Sunday 13 October | Commonwealth Park | Tickets here.
Music
Lakeside At 5: Rachel Thoms Trio
Join vocalist Rachael Thoms, guitarist Lachlan Coventry, and bassist Chris Pound at Tuggeranong Arts Centre as part of their monthly jazz program: Lakeside at 5.
A versatile vocalist and a graduate of the ANU School of Music with degrees in jazz and classical vocal performance, don’t miss this two hour program of jazz music.
Friday 27 September, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
30th Anniversary Farewell Tour – Goldner String Quartet
Celebrating its 30th and final concert season in 2024, the Goldner String Quartet is playing at the Snow Concert Hall for one night only.
Receiving long-standing recognition as not only Australia’s pre-eminent string quartet but as an ensemble of international significance, favourably compared with the best in the world, this is your chance to say goodbye to this beloved quartet with much-loved gems from their expansive repertoire.
Saturday 28 September, 7 pm – 9 pm | Snow Concert Hall, Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.
Fire Songs and Madrigals
Showcasing works from Italian master Claudio Monteverdi to contemporary composers Morten Lauridsen and Gavin Bryars, join Australia’s finest ensemble singers as they present a beautifully curated program of unaccompanied songs and madrigals that will set your heart ablaze.
Sunday 29 September, 3 pm – 4.30 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Exhibitions
The Places We Inhabit: Vessels from the Villages
This is an immersive journey through the rugged and beautiful landscape surrounding the ACT, through the eyes of the artists who live and make there.
Coming together from the landscapes and villages of Braidwood, Sutton, Bungendore, Collector and Gundaroo, and the beautiful places in between, the exhibition includes artists Kate McKay, Robin Booth, Joey Burns, Moraig McKenna, Ian Jones, Mahala Hill, Lisa Maddern, Michael Warner and Lea Durie. Showcasing a range of diverse and beautiful ceramics forms, each piece bears the distinct imprint of the place these artists call home.
Until Sunday 20 October | Canberra Potters, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | More information here.
Gallery of Small Things Annual Group Show
Gallery of Small Things (GOST) is hosting its 6th annual group show!
The show runs seven days a week and will be open from 11 am until 4 pm. Eight artists were invited to respond to the theme Connections and they are all from outside of Canberra. They have been paired and working on creating new artworks since early this year. You’ll see works from two ceramicists, two painters, two photo media and one object maker paired with a multi-disciplinary artist. And the garden at GOST is also in full bloom making it the perfect place to extend your Floriade fix.
Until Sunday 13 October, 11 am – 4 pm | 27 Wade Street, Watson | More information here.
Searching For Goulburn
This is a solo exhibition by Phil Page.
Showcasing a unique perspective on Goulburn’s urban environment informed by personal curiosities, interactions and reactions to the city, it combines his geological, historical, sociological, and architectural knowledge, and explores Goulburn’s evolution through painting.
Until Sunday 29 September, 6 pm – 7 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Cutting Off One’s Nose
This solo exhibition by Luke Chiswell examines humanity’s interconnectedness with the environment through a series of aluminium sculptures.
From life to lifelessness, Chiswell’s practice engages with contemporary concerns of ecological preservation and the transformation of value through materiality.
Until Sunday 29 September, 6 pm – 7 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Bookbinding GUILD 24 Exhibition
Libraries ACT is excited to host the Canberra Craft Bookbinders’ Guild latest bookbinding exhibition.
GUILD 24 showcases 36 works by 15 local and interstate exhibitors. It highlights, the diversity of interests, creativity and willingness to experiment with styles and materials and demonstrates that contemporary fine binding techniques sit comfortably with artists’ books.
Until Wednesday 2 October | Libraries ACT, Civic Square London Circuit | More information here.
Over Seas
This is an open exhibition for Canberra’s migrant communities.
Featuring the works of over 75 Canberra region artists who have migrated to Australia, from the political to the personal (and including everything from traditional art forms to contemporary perspectives), these artists give us a glimpse into the diversity of their journeys and the rich array of stories that make up Canberra’s multicultural community.
Until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here
The Materialisation of Testament
This is the culmination of four years of research, and the artistic component of Kerry Martin’s creative practice PhD undertaken at the University of Canberra between 2020 and 2024.
Based primarily on the reports of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2012-2017), it seeks to provide another platform to continue the discussion around, and examination of the Catholic Church’s disturbing history of child sexual abuse in this country. Working with a reparative aesthetic, an approach to making beautiful art about brutal topics, it asks the viewer to consider what it might look like if the Church wore the shame of its offences.
Until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
2024 Annual Members Exhibition
The Craft + Design Canberra annual members exhibition is back!
Showcasing contemporary expressions of craft and design uniting time-honoured techniques with modern interpretations, it’s a wonderful demonstration of the trends in contemporary craft and design in Australia by practitioners from the ACT and surrounding region.
Until Saturday 19 October | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, City | More information here.
Hanging By A Thread – Mosaics For Afghan Women
Part of the Hanging by a Thread project, this project aims to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women and girls and involves over 1,200 experienced and amateur mosaic artists from 46 countries.
Brining together mosaics from SA, VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS, WA and New Zealand undertaken by communities during the 2022 International Year of Glass, each artist has made a small segment of glass mosaic, which is being joined together to create a series of giant scarfs.
Until Tuesday 20 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Vinyl Vista
This is a collaborative mural making project for young people!
In Vinyl Vista, participants will work with a team of professional artists to develop skills in drawing and printmaking, and work to create vinyl designs for installation in the Tuggeranong Arts Centre gender-neutral bathroom. Sessions include drawing with Robbie Karmel, printmaking with Clare Jackson, creating a collaborative work with Emma Rani Hodges, designing the mural, and installing the mural at TAC.
Open to young people aged 13 to 25, participants must attend all sessions and places are strictly limited to 12. Vinyl Vista will run weekly on Thursday evenings, from Thursday 26 September until Thursday 24 October.
Until Thursday 24 October, 6 pm – 8 pm | 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Apple Canberra Photo Tour: Taking Portraits on Location
From taking portraits to photographing Floriade’s finest flowers, in this workshop, you’ll learn how to capture great shots with vibrant backgrounds on your iPhone.
Taking place on location in Commonwealth Park you’ll, practice working with Portrait mode and macro photography to capture content from unique and new perspectives. Experiment with the latest iPhone or bring your own!. Recommended for all skill levels.
Saturday 28 September from 10 am – 11.30 am | Canberra Centre, Canberra City | Book here.
Sky Stories at Lanyon Homestead
Gather around the embers of a fire and enjoy a hot chocolate and damper while you listen to stories about the night sky by First Nations astronomer, Peter Swanton.
You’ll learn how the stars guide First Nations people at night, herald the changes of season and contribute to ancient cultural practices. There will also be a chance to see the stars through telescopes and hear how scientific study is helping to preserve this cultural knowledge.
Saturday 28 September, 6 pm – 7.30 pm | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | Book here.
Open Gardens Spring
Each spring and autumn, Open Gardens Canberra opens a diverse range of interesting and beautiful open gardens in Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounds. This weekend, ‘My Place’ in Brookman Street, Torrens, and ‘Cuumbeun’ in Severne Street Greenleigh will be open to the public.
All visitors are welcome and there is a $10 entry fee for non-member adults that helps fund community grants and a horticultural scholarship.
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September, 10 am – 4 pm | Toreens and Greenleigh | More information here.
Dream Procession Giant Puppet Making Workshops
The whole family can enjoy some free fun in these four three-hour community workshops with artists Julia Higgs and Tom Buckland as they co-create large, brightly coloured puppets.
Taking inspiration from the bird and botanical life of the park to create the characters, you will work with the artists to build the armatures and then collaboratively, decorate, paper-mache and paint the puppets. There will be a focus on the use of recycled materials. At the completion of these workshops, you are also invited to become a puppeteer and participate in a free public performance in Eddison Park!
Sunday 29 September, 10 am – 1 pm | Eddison Park, Woden | Book here.
Tours of Weston Park Heritage and Horticulture
Embark on a fascinating walk through the English Garden at Weston Park Yarralumla on a historical and environmental tour provided to the public for the first time.
The Rotary Club of Canberra, Camellia Ark Australia and the Friends of Weston Park Nursery Heritage invite you to discover the legacy of Thomas Charles George Weston (1866-1935) and the stories behind the remnant heritage trees and shrubs on the site, some over a century old.
The tour has been designed by Rotary District Environmental Leader Dr Stephen Utick, a Visiting Curator of Theaceae at the Greater Sydney Botanic Gardens, and one of the world’s foremost experts on camellias.
3 pm on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September, Sunday 20 October, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November | Gather at the English Garden sign in the car park of the Yarralumla Heritage Nursery and Oaks Brasserie, Robert Bowden Grove, Weston Park Yarralumla | Bookings essential through 0421972287 or su.env.envoy@gmail.com and select your tour.
Feature image of Haig Park’s PAWS Party by Buda Arnedo
