Markets, music, movies and more: 40+ things to do this weekend
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From markets to music, this weekend there are 40+ things to do around town.
Read on for the best events, exhibitions, movies, stage shows and more.
Special events + festivals
SouthFest Battle of the Bands
Bringing the Tuggeranong Town Centre to life this Friday, the SouthFest Battle of the Bands will see Tuggeranong’s best up and coming local bands (aged 15 to 19) performing live and battling it out for the crown— and the opportunity to perform at The Basement.
This free all ages event will also feature much more than the music with youth-led activities, market stalls and food. See you there?
Friday 11 November, 4 pm – 7 pm | Lake Tuggeranong College Carpark, Corner of Cowlishaw and Pitman Streets, Greenway | tuggcc.com/southfest-in-the-suburbs
Art of Christmas Exhibition
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—and Kinkora Gallery has a special exhibition to help you celebrate. Paying tribute to the magic of Christmas, local artists Emily Birks, Julie Bradley, Fiona Boxall, Liz Faul, Fenja T. Ringl and Joan McKay are each showcasing a small number of their artworks in the private gallery.
Entry is free but bookings are essential.
Saturday 12 November until Saturday 10 December | 5 Stornaway Road Queanbeyan | Tickets here.
M16 Artspace Annual Open Day
A champagne opening, the chance to meet talented artists and the opportunity to explore the M16 Artspace galleries—this sounds like the perfect Saturday. Head along to the M16 Artspace Annual Open Day to meet with artists and learn all about their practice and ideas and see their creative spaces. Some of the artists will be selling their work on the day, including but not limited to jewellery, textiles and paintings.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to explore the resident community arts organisations: NatureArt Lab, Canberra Art Workshop, Hands-On Studio, Artists Society of Canberra, and studioMAP. There will be an array of art displays and demonstrations in each workshop for you to get involved with. Anyone want to sign up for a class or two?
Saturday 12 November, 11 am – 4 pm | 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
2022 WALK-A-THON Launch- Sydney Dingo Rescue
Head along to Lake Tuggeranong to help raise much needed funds for rescue dingoes! Bring the whole family (including your four legged friends) and enjoy a dingo puppy cuddle area, BBQ, jumping castle and a mini-market with goodies for your pets including treats, toys, collars, bandanas and more.
On the day there will also be a family fun-run (or walk!) around the lake ($5 donation to enter, all participants will receive a participation certificate and a custom dog bandana).
Saturday 12 November, 9 am | Lake Tuggeranong | facebook.com/events
Dragons Abreast
Head along and try dragon boating with Dragons Abreast. This event is for people who have had breast cancer who are looking for help and support in returning to an active life and would like to try out a fun activity which has been proven to be beneficial post breast cancer. Head along for a short welcome and some on land instruction on paddling technique. This will be followed by a delicious morning tea at the end of the paddle where participants can chat with other women who have experienced breast cancer.
Saturday 12 November, 9 am – 11 am | Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive | dacanberra.com
Narrabundah Family Fun Day
Enjoy the warming weather at the Narrabundah Family Fun Day hosted by Community Services. There will be various stalls, a BBQ, live music, games, children’s activities, a petting zoo and more.
Saturday 12 November, 10 am – 2pm | 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah
The LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance
Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres in partnership with All The Queens Men and Meridian is proud to present the LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club as part of the annual SpringOUT Festival.
Dance Club is a regular safe space for LGBTIQ+ elders to express themselves, without fear of discrimination or judgement. The Dance Club is a fun opportunity for elders to share stories and foster and strengthen community amongst LGBTIQ+ elders and their allies
Saturday 12 November | Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre, Ainslie | ainsliegorman.com.au
Canberra Garage Sale Trail
Garage Sale Trail is Australia’s festival of pre-loved stuff, dedicated to helping you extend the life of your stuff and find the ultimate pre-loved gem. This year you can sell, shop and learn on the Garage Sale Trail with the Trail Tutorial series of online workshops hosted by Aussie icons Barry du Bois, Annabel Crabb and Craig Reucassel as well as two big weekends of garage sales happening across Canberra.
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November | Various locations | garagesaletrail.com.au
Questacon Sensory Friendly Session
Questacon, whilst amazing can be a bit overwhelming for those who prefer things at a quieter volume. That is why they are holding a sensory-friendly session where friends and families are welcome to come along for a low-sensory Spectacular Science Show! You can also spend the hour before the show exploring all the rooms and enjoying the space before the crowds descend.
Sunday 13 November, 8 am – 9:30 am | Questacon, Parkes | questacon.com.au
DESIGN Canberra Festival
Throughout the month, over 200 events, exhibitions, talks, tours, activations, markets, collaborations, artist studios, and open homes will be showcased as apart of DESIGN Canberra, transforming the nation’s capital. The festival, now in its 8th year, is for all interests and ages and most events are free. Check out the DESIGN Canberra website to see what’s on around the capital.
Until Sunday 20 November | Various locations | designcanberrafestival.com
SouthFest
Returning after a couple of years away the South side will be transformed this month. Whether it is markets, music, sport, art, dance, the environment or just the community coming together that you are into, SouthFest in the Suburbs has something for you! With over 50 activities spread out over three weeks find the perfect way to celebrate your home.
Until Sunday 20 November | Various locations | tuggcc.com
Florey Fair
Entertainment and music, food and market stalls, face painting and fairy floss, prizes to be won and more! Florey Fair will have a range of community, volunteering and sporting organisations to connect and create opportunities for families to get involved in sporting, musical and cultural activities.
Special Guests: Kulture Break and Canberra Lego Users Group as featured in The Canberra Brick Show.
Saturday 12 November, 11 am – 2 pm | Florey Primary School, 57 Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey | facebook.com/FloreyFair
Food + Wine
The Grounds of Bhoomi
The Table is all set at the Glass Vergola for the festivities to begin. Head along and enjoy the breath-taking space, exquisite canapés and drinks, impeccable service, jazz piano performance, lucky door luxury gift hamper and the atmosphere so inviting you never want to leave.
Saturday 12 November | The Grounds of Bhoomi, Bonner | Eventbrite.com.au
Cressida Campbell: Grazing by the Garden
Inspired by Cressida Campbell’s love of gardens and shared food between friends, the National Gallery is hosting Grazing by the Garden. Design your own grazing experience and choose from a selection of delicious scones with ribbon sandwiches, local grazing boards or a rustic pizza flatbread prepared daily. Espresso coffee, specialty tea or wine and beer will also be available, perfect for a light lunch in the Gallery’s dining room with scenic views of the Sculpture Garden and Lake Burley Griffin.
Until Sunday 19 February 2023 | National Gallery of Australia | nga.gov.au
Stage + screen
Chalkface
What happens in the staff room, stays in the staff room. Played by the fantastic Catherine McClements, Pat is a jaded, stalwart primary school teacher who isn’t afraid to voice her opinions: all kids are terrors, the school’s a zoo and her colleagues are nitwits. Enter Anna, played by Stephanie Somerville, who is bright-eyed, idealistic and just out of university. Anna’s going to change the world, one gold star at a time.
Until Saturday 12 November | The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Cunard British Film Festival
Some of the greatest British films are coming to your screens this October at the Cunard British Film Festival hosted by Palace Cinema! It will feature big names such as Stephen Frears, Sally Hawkins, Colin Farrell and Bill Nighy, and will include the highly anticipated premier of Mrs. Harris goes to Paris! Some other movies that will be showing include numerous James Bond films, Emily, the story of Emily Brontë, The Lost King and so much more.
Until Wednesday 16 November | Palace Electric Cinemas | britishfilmfestival.com.au
Canberra Short Film Festival
Let the screenings begin. From Friday 4 November through until Sunday 20 November, head along to the Canberra Short Film Festival to enjoy 18 screening sessions showcasing a wealth of talent in a range of films, animations and music videos, all touching on topics like gender politics and sexuality, masculinity and mental health and First Nations’ stories.
Until Sunday 20 November | Various locations | csff.com.au
Japanese Film Festival
Enjoy a bite of Japanese culture at the 26th Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia: the largest celebration of Japanese film in the country. Bringing new and old films to local audiences, there’s bound to be something to suit everyone’s tastes in this year’s line-up!
Until Sunday 20 November | Palace Electric, Acton | japanesefilmfestival.com.au
Music
The Celebration of Swing
Nostalgic, unforgettable music from the most famous big bands of the 1940s. The Celebration of Swing is concert spectacular honouring the famous American Big Band leaders and their Orchestras from the 1940’s, the golden era of swing.
Saturday 12 November | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatre.com.au
Queen Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen is amongst the greatest rock bands of the 20th century and Freddie Mercury is hailed by many as the most charismatic and flamboyant performer in contemporary rock.
Now, fresh of the heels of the successful Bohemian Rhapsody movie, comes an all new Queen tribute show from well-known Australian Freddie Mercury impersonator Thomas Crane. Thomas with his hot band Bohemian Rhapsody bring back to life the visual excitement, sound and stage energy as witnessed at a Queen concert.
Saturday 12 November | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
Buddy Holly in Concert
Let’s go back to where it all began – Rock & Roll at its very best! During this dynamic two-hour production show, Scot Robin who played the lead role in the smash hit musical “Buddy”, together with his Crickets, will perform over thirty of Buddy Holly’s hit songs.
Sunday 13 November | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
Brahms Symphony No. 2
It’s the final concert of the year–and it’s a mystery. Under the baton of Music Director Louis Sharpe, National Capital Orchestra presents a “mystery overture” by a highly talented German composer who was a contemporary of Beethoven and Brahms before being joined by talented soloist Teresa Rabe for the Canberra premiere of the “Night and Now” Flute Concerto.
Head along to hear the final triumphant chords ring out after an enjoyable year of performances.
Sunday 13 November | The Q, Queanbeyan | Tickets here.
Coal Miners Daughter
Multi-awarded, look-alike songstress, Amber Joy Poulton, brings Coal Miner’s Daughter – the mega-hits and stories of inspirational pioneer and superstar Loretta Lynn, to Australia this year, following a sold-out national tour run in 2017.
Sunday 13 November | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatre.com.au
Bower
Performed by Genevieve Lacey (recorders) and Marshall McGuire (harp), Bower is a gentle experience of music and light. Inspired by bowerbirds and their obsessive collecting habits, Bower is a musical haven, conjured from exquisite fragments. Music old and new, familiar and yet-to-be discovered, sumptuously lit, elegantly staged, and beautifully performed: as a live experience Bower is a 60-minute balm for the soul.
Sunday 13 November | The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatre.com.au
National Capital Orchestra Brahms
The National Capital Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Louis Sharpe, is pleased to present its final concert for the year, commencing with a “mystery overture” by a highly talented German composer who was a contemporary of Beethoven and Brahms. They will then be joined by talented soloist Teresa Rabe for the Canberra premiere of the flute concerto “Night and Now” by Elena Kats-Chernin. The final work on the program is the Symphony No. 2 by Johannes Brahms.
Sunday 13 November | The Q, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
Exhibitions
Canberra Potters 2022 Members’ Exhibition
Showcasing some of the best work created by the Canberra Potters over the last 12 months, head along to Canberra’s major ceramic show of the year. Expect an inexhaustible breadth of ceramic arts, showcasing innumerable combinations of making, decorating and firing techniques to create works that are unique in form, texture and colour.
Until Sunday 4 December | 1 Aspinall St, Watson | canberrapotters.com.au
Kath Inglis – Entanglements
Interested in the(mis)use of plastic and the significant impacts on marine environments? At this exhibition you’ll see a collection of new works by Kath Inglis jewellery investigating the marine algae (seaweed) collection at the State Herbarium of South Australia. To view the exhibition call 0433694669 or email gallery@bilk.com.au for the address.
Saturday 12 November | Bilk Gallery | bilk.com.au
Selection
This exhibitions showcases new works by Daniel DiCaprio, Marian Hosking, Julie Blyfield, Zachery Lechtenberg, Melissa Cameron, Takashi Kojima, Fumiki Taguchi, Claire McArdle, Jill Hermans and other artists represented at Bilk Gallery. Visit the full collection online or to view the exhibition call 0433694669 or email gallery@bilk.com.au for the address.
Saturday 12 November | Bilk Gallery | bilk.com.au
Terraform by David Lindesay
Speaking to our desire to control the environment and the imprints left by our presence, Lindesay’s photographs depict places that appear to exist naturally but are human-made. Reflecting the inherent tension between wild and contrived nature, these photographs are marked, carved, and defaced in a process that intervenes directly into and onto the film.
Until Saturday 12 November | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Cir, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Earth to Images by Melanie Cobham
Addressing migration, colonisation and belonging through a conscious observation of nature and its unfolding, Earth to Images embodies the fraught translations between the analogue and the digital, between gesture and image, and between communication and misunderstanding.
Until Saturday 12 November | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Cir, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Found Perceptions by Tessa Ivison
Found Perceptions explores the infinite number of ways we can perceive and interpret the world. Traditionally, cameras are used to share a photographer’s perspective. However, in Found Perceptions, Ivison asks what if the camera has its own way of seeing?
Until Saturday 12 November | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Cir, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Great Goddess
Created by Sally Blake, this is her third exhibition exploring regenerative symbolism in ancient European mythology through drawings and wire sculptures. Full of spirals, labyrinths and multitudes of patterns that are drawn within the Goddess’s body, the generative female form of Sally’s drawings appears repeatedly in European mammoth, ivory, ceramic and stone figurines from c. 30,000 – 10,000 BCE.
Until Sunday 13 November | Grainger Gallery, Studio 1 & 2, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Net Works
Paying tribute to our traditional weavers and these ancient cultural practices through the contemporary medium of glass, Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello’s exhibition concentrates on “the incredibly beautiful forms of traditional woven eel traps, fish traps and baskets, fish scoops, sieves, scoops and dillibags of our peoples, seeking to evoke the interplay of light and form found in those objects.”
Until Sunday 13 November | Grainger Gallery, Studio 1 & 2, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Autumn Bounty
Featuring the work of well-known Canberra artist, ceramicist and sculptor Camelia Smith, this exhibition embraces the glory of this past Autumn Bounty from her Kambah garden, in a group of still life miniatures along with a selection of reproduction luminous watercolour prints and sculptures.
Until Sunday 13 November | Designer Op Shop Emporium, Corner Of Barrier Street And, 1 Lyell St, Fyshwick | dosemporium.com.au
Viewfinder: Photography from the 1970s to Now
Featuring 125 images from the last 50 years, all uniquely captured by celebrated documentary photographers, Viewfinder is an exhibition that provides a fascinating glimpse into the changing face of Australia.
Walk through the exhibition and you’ll see the faces and stories of migrants, shearers, dancers, miners, gardeners, surfers, and bronzed bodies at the beach—but it also reveals how much photography has evolved over the years, from black and white captures to the vibrant high-definition images of today.
This is a reflective exhibition that can be enjoyed by all ages. Read more here.
National Library of Australia | Until Sunday 30 April 2023 | nla.gov.au
The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize
Celebrating its 20th year, the National Archives of Australia’s latest exhibition showcases artists’ interpretations of the scientific properties that surround us. Exploring nature’s triumphs, disasters, and the scientific issues we currently face, the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is a multimedia collection that encourages artists to offer their view of the world.
A much-loved fixture in many art calendars, come explore the beauty and destruction of natural sciences by some incredibly talented artists.
Until Sunday 13 November | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop
In this exhibition, influential Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee explores identity, history, spirituality and our relationship to the cosmos. She creates meditative works using light, shadow and scale across many artforms. Moon in a Dew Drop takes an in-depth look at four decades of extraordinary practice.
Until Thursday 3 December | Canberra Museum & Gallery, London Circuit | cmag.com.au
The Robert F!NK National Metal Prize
We’re all obsessed with the F!nk jug (hello Christmas present inspo), but did you know that there’s a Robert Foster F!NK National Metal Prize celebrating outstanding work in the field of contemporary metalworking?
Recognising the exceptional skill and innovative design of both established and emerging designers and craftspeople, head along to see the work of 10 finalists and see the winners of the three awards: an established artist, an emerging artist, and an acquisition prize.
Until Saturday 10 December | Craft ACT, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
Seeing Seventies: Photography Competition
There’s no denying that Canberra has some iconic architecture—and this exhibition at Craft ACT is the ultimate celebration of design in the 70s. Capturing the best of Canberra’s design and architecture from the decade, the exhibition has over 90 photographs from professional and amateur photographers—perfect for spending an afternoon immersing yourself in architecture and art.
Until Saturday 10 December | Craft ACT, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
Swooming, Shimmering, Sparkling
Tuggeranong Arts Centre is swooning, shimmering, and sparkling its way to the end of 2022 with the Spring exhibitions, Swoon! We are Dizzy with JOY!, by Hands On Studio and All That Glitters by local artists Helen Braund, Tiffany Cole, Romany Fairall, Michele Grimston and Emma Rani Hodges.
Until Saturday 17 December | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Tuggeranong | tuggeranongartscentre.com
Assembly
Angelica Mesiti explores the notion of how communities are formed through shared movement and communication. A mix of dance, music, verbal, and non-verbal musical forms, Mesiti shows the different ancestries that make up modern Australia while investigating the nature of connection
Until Sunday 29 January 2023 | The National Gallery | nga.gov.au
Blanche Tilden – ripple effect: a 25 year survey
An artist with an international reputation in the fields of contemporary jewellery and studio glass, this 25-year survey of the Tilden’s work reveals her remarkable and critically acclaimed practice.
This major survey exhibition includes both historical and contemporary works looking at the key themes of mechanical movement, and industrial and architectural uses of glass as well as a series of photographic portraits of collectors wearing their Tilden jewellery or ‘bringing out their Blanche.’
Until Sunday 12 February 2023 | Canberra Museum & Gallery, London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
JamFactory ICON Tom Moore: Abundant Wonder
Born in Canberra, Tom Moore is one of Australia’s leading glass artists and over the course of his career has carved out a singular voice in Australian glass art making. Expect to see ybrid creatures of part animal, vegetable, mineral and personal such as ‘plantbirds’ and ‘photofishcars’ that critique the current human condition and the impact humans have wrought on our environment.
Until Sunday 12 February 2023 | Canberra Museum & Gallery, London Circuit | cmag.com.au
Markets
The Little Burley Market
The team from Local Village Markets, who revitalised Haig Park with their farmers and foodies market are launching The Little Burley Market, a bespoke market by the lake. Launching on the opening day of Floriade, the market will offer a diverse array of 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
Sutton Village Markets
A new farmers market has entered the Canberra region. Located only thirty minutes away in Sutton, take a Sunday drive to enjoy some entertainment and the chance to explore a little slice of the countryside. The fresh and local produce is also a plus!
Fortnightly | Corner of Camp and Victoria Street, Sutton | suttonvillagecountrymarkets.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
Capital Region Farmers Markets
With more than 100 stallholders each week, the Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC Park has endless options when it comes to freshly picked, grown and handcrafted produce.
Fill the garden using their great selection of native and landscape plants, fruit trees, seedlings and shrubs or fill your stomach with freshly baked bread, cakes, macarons and croissants.
7 am–11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra | capitalregionfarmersmarket.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
