Consider this your essential guide to what’s on in Canberra this weekend
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You’re welcome.
If you always struggle to think of fun things to do on Saturday and Sunday, we have a solution: our weekend guide to what’s on in Canberra. Packed to the brim with events, from festivals to food, here’s what’s happening around town.
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.
Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October, 9.30 am – 5.30 pm | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
DC Fit Revue 2024
This adult-only artistic revue will be transporting audiences from Canberra to the West End – and it sounds steamy.
Seeing 107 local dancers aged between 18 to 67 take to the stage on Saturday 14 September for an unforgettable night of dynamic performances, the DC Fit Revue is bringing some joy to the adult Canberra arts community in a fun (and slightly naughty) way. Featuring fifteen styles of dance – from hip hop to burlesque – you don’t want to miss out.
Saturday 14 September, 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Kambah Outdoors events to celebrate 50 years of the suburb
This coming weekend is a big weekend of outdoor celebrations to mark 50 years of the suburb Kambah.
Sunset walk on Urambi Hills
Meet at 4.30 pm on Saturday 14 September at the corner of Athllon and Learmonth Drives in the Urambi Hills Nature Reserve carpark. Walk up the new path to the trig, watch the sunset. Wear closed shoes and long pants. BYO drinking water and a small torch as we will come down on dusk. Book your ticket here.
Champagne sunrise on Mt Taylor – for the hardy!
Gather on the summit of Mt Taylor about 6 am on Sunday 15 September for a glass of bubbles as the sun rises. This is a Mt Taylor community December tradition – a special edition is happening to celebrate the 50th in conjunction with Mt Taylor Parkcare. Just turn up for this one.
Community planting, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony
Meet at the corner of Athllon and Learmonth Drives in the Urambi Hills Nature Reserve carpark at 9 am on Sunday 15 September.
Ngunawal community who live in Kambah will give a Welcome and do a Smoking Ceremony, a special event for Urambi Hills and all the Kambah community. Then plant some shrubs, forbes and grasses. At 11 am, you can go for a walk down Tuggeranong creek with the catchment group. Book your ticket.
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September | Various locations | More information here.
Music On The Green
Afternoon picnic on the green, anyone? Grab your family and friends and relax on the grass while listening to soothing tunes from Emma Jones.
From hoola hoop fun and giant bubbles from the Warehouse Circus to live mural painting by Ngunnawal Artists, Wilay Designs, there’s plenty to see and do. But if you just want to relax, pack a picnic or grab some food from Heartbeat Café by SV.
Saturday 14 September, 1 pm – 3 pm | SLA Display Village Climate Wise Gardens, 3 Klaus Moje Street, Whitlam | More information here.
Hughes Repair Café
Have something that needs fixing? Join the Hughes Community Centre for their Repair Café. Not only will money be saved by fixing things instead of replacing them, but waste will also be reduced.
Bring in your broken items and learn how to fix them with the help of their skilled volunteers and learn some gardening tips from Helen’s Garden Mentoring.
Saturday 14 September, 10 am – 1 pm | Hughes Community Centre, Whittle Street, Hughes | More information here.
Gungahlin Moon Festival
The Gungahlin Moon Festival is back!
Featuring performances of singing, dance, martial arts, waist drum dance, recitation, and traditional Chinese musical instruments, there will also be Asian food stalls and plenty of chances to get your hands on some mooncakes.
Saturday 14 September, 10 am – 4 pm | Gungahlin College Lawn Area, 23 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin | More information here.
The Epic Travel Expo
Already thinking about your next holiday? The EPIC Travel Expo @ Epic is the place for great holiday ideas and even greater travel deals!
You’ll talk to leading travel brands, meet award-winning local travel agencies and be able to start planning in detail what you want from your next holiday. From small group tours to bucket-list events, they have you covered.
Saturday 14 September, 10 am – 3 pm | Coorong Pavilion EPIC, Exhibition Park in Canberra, Lyneham | Book here.
Canberra Stamp and Coin Show
Come along to Australia’s only National Stamp and Coin show in 2024!
You’ll be able to browse and buy from a wide range of Stamp and Coin dealers from across Australia, USA and Europe, view stamp exhibits from national and international collectors, meet like-minded people and explore an extensive range of topics, countries and themes, showing the breadth and range of stamp collecting as a hobby.
Until Sunday 15 September, 12 pm – 5 pm | Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham | More information here.
Thai Festival
Traditional dances, music, food, performances and more – this is what you can expect from the Thai Festival.
Head along to spend the day enjoying all the goodies on offer!
Sunday 15 September, 10 am – 5 pm | Royal Thai Embassy, 111 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla | More information here.
The Co-mmunity Series: Promoting Your Health
Need some help managing and improving your well-being while living with health conditions? Join a team of multidisciplinary speakers to chat about navigating chronic health conditions and living your best life!
Educating, supporting, and enlightening you as you navigate your healthcare journey to determine what ‘your best life’ looks like for you, hear from Rosalie Poesiat (Flexible Psyche), Kate Freeman (The Healthy Eating Clinic, AYLA Health) and Danielle Chesher (Danielle Chesher Health and Wellness) as they offer new strategies to enhance your quality of life and feel empowered in your health journey.
Sunday 15 September, 10 am – 1 pm | Ovolo Nishi, 25 Edinburgh Avenue, City | Book here.
Springfest
This spring the Crossroads Christian Church is hosting a series of fun-filled events throughout September and you’re invited.
From a bake-off to a Story Slam, a family-friendly fete and more, there’s plenty to keep everyone of all ages entertained. Make sure to keep an eye out to see what’s coming up!
Until Thursday 19 September | Various locations | 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.
Apple Canberra Photo Tour: Taking Portraits on Location
From taking portraits to photographing Floriade’s finest flowers, learn how to capture great shots with vibrant backgrounds on iPhone. On location in Commonwealth Park, 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.
The first session will be hosted on Saturday 14 September from 10 am – 11:30 am. You can register here.
Thrift Event at Groundbreak Studio
Groundbreak Studio is hosting its first thrift event, bringing together fashion lovers, bargain hunters, and sustainability advocates. This event features a curated selection of designer clothing, accessories, and shoes from local vendors including Dels Locker, Second Change Vintage and Thrifted Joints.
The event aims to bring people together, fostering connections within the local community while promoting sustainability. Best of all, it’s free entry!
The event will include music by DJ KG, award-winning pizza by Hem&Co Mobile Pizzeria, and opportunities for community engagement.
10 am-3 pm Sunday, 15 September | 3/82 Parramatta Road, Phillip | More information here.
Markets
Three Sixty Fashion Market
Looking to update your wardrobe or sell some pre-loved clothing? The Three Sixty Fashion Market is a niche Canberra market dedicated to sustainable fashion.
Head along to browse stalls selling high end designer and vintage clothing and accessories.
Sunday 15 September, 10 am – 3 pm | Fitter’s Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | More information here.
Capital Region Farmers Market
Fresh produce, flowers and the ready-to-eat food and coffee. What more could you need? The Capital Region Farmers Market has everything you need.
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
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.
Add in live music and entertainment on weekends, and we’re predicting that the Civic Pop-Up Bar might just be the coolest catch-up spot this spring.
Thursdays and Fridays, 5 pm – 11.30 pm, Saturdays 4.30 pm – 12.30 am and Sundays, 4.30 pm – 10.30 pm | Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra City | More information here.
A Taste of Floriade: Skipping Through the Tulips
Celebrate the magic of Floriade 2024 with Skipping Through the Tulips at Midnight Bar – a cocktail that captures the very essence of this year’s theme, Art in Bloom!
Featuring rose-infused Antipodes Watermelon Gin, combined with the delicate notes of lavender liqueur and a hint of lemon juice for a refreshing, zesty twist, it’s inspired by the vibrant colours and blooms of spring, this exclusive nightcap is designed to be a multi-sensory experience that transports you to a garden in full bloom.
Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October | 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | 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 from 14 September 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).
Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October, 12 pm – 3 pm | Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | Book here.
Stage and Screen
In A Nutshell: The Poetry Of Violence
Prepare to be entertained, enriched, and inspired by this production.
Join Artistic Director Peter Evans and a crack team of actors as they jump from scene to scene and play to play, exploring the poetry of violence in Shakespeare’s work with relish and delight. From Macbeth to Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet to Richard III, you’ll gain insights into Shakespeare’s concerns and preoccupations and the inner workings of the plays.
Saturday 14 September | Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, City | Book here.
August: Osage County
A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harbouring shady little secrets.
Written by Tracy Letts and Directed by Cate Clelland, August: Osage County was the recipient of the 2008 Tony Award® for Best Play and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama – so you know it’s worth seeing. Unflinchingly (and uproariously) exposing the dark side of this Midwestern American family, this is a tragi-comedy that explores the worst things about family life.
Until Sunday 15 September, 7.30 pm – 9 pm | ACT Hub, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | Book here.
The Cut
Exploring themes of power, control, and the ethical compromises individuals and societies are willing to make for a sense of security and order, you won’t want to miss The Cut by Mark Ravenhill.
Immersing audiences in a dystopian society where a mysterious procedure, known only as “the cut,” promises salvation at a significant moral cost, characters grapple with their roles in the regime and raises raising questions about personal responsibility and collective morality. With an all-female cast exploring the dark intersections of power, morality, and media influence, pop this one in your diary.
Until Saturday 21 September | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3/1 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.
Music
Tognetti. Mendelssohn. Bach.
Love Tognetti, Mendelssohn and Bach? This is for you.
Taking place at Llewellyn Hall from 8 pm until 10 pm, like all the best performances, this concert will remind you of why you love music.
Saturday 14 September, 8 pm – 10 pm | Llewellyn Hall, 100 William Herbert Place, City | Book here.
Ben Hoadley and Ellery String Quartet
The Ellery String Quartet is joining with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s principal bassoonist Ben Hoadley to present a dynamic recital of works old and new.
Including works from Ben’s own string quartet in its Australian premiere, alongside Gillian Whitehead’s seminal bassoon solo “Ngā hā o neherā” in a special 20th Anniversary performance, it will be an exciting concert.
Sunday 15 September, 3 pm – 5 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Exhibitions
Embroiderers’ Guild ACT Exhibition
Featuring many colourful and unique embroidery styles from around the world, this is the Embroiderers’ Guild’s annual exhbition.
Whether you stitch yourself or just admire great embroidery designs these designs will impress everyone. Plus, a small café, gift shop and recycle table will be available.
Until Sunday 15 September, 10 am – 4 pm | Albert Hall Yarralumla, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | More information here.
Cobi Cockburn Solo Exhibition
Cobi Cockburn is a celebrated contemporary Australian artist, who sis known for her large wall panels and installations that use shifting tonal linework, that connect and respond to the gallery’s architecture.
Curated by Aimee Frodsham, this exhibition uses neon to further her exploration of line and light. Focusing on the warm glow and rich line quality rather than the intensity expected from neon, it is an exploration into the beauty of energy and the intertwined relationships of art, memory and spirituality.
Until Sunday 22 September | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | 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.
Euan Macleod: Flux
Calling all art lovers, you need to add Euan Macleod: Flux, to your bucket list.
Curated by Orange Regional Gallery Director Bradley Hammond with Drill Hall’s Anthony Oates and Anne-Marie Jean, Flux surveys a series of Macleod’s en plein air works created on the rugged Haupapa Tasman Glacier in New Zealand’s South Island, alongside a suite of studio paintings whose grand scale emulates their site of inspiration.
Until Sunday 3 November | Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Acton | More information here.
Sport
Come and Try Dragon Boating For Free
Head along for a Dragon Boating experience on Lake Burley Griffin! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a complete beginner, this is a fantastic opportunity to dive into the exhilarating world of Dragon Boating.
Did we mention that it’s free?
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September, 10 am – 2 pm | Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton | More information here.
GIANTS v Suns
The GIANTS are taking on the Suns in the second and final AFLW game at Manuka Oval for 2024.
Promising an important match-up, don’t miss this awesome game and the off-field entertainment in the GIANTS Fan Zone. There’s something for the whole family, from face painting to inflatables and more, plus explore the awesome local food offerings on Manuka Oval’s food trail.
Sunday 15 September, 5 pm – 7.30 pm | Manuka Oval, Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Raiders v Eels
Cheer on the Canberra Raiders NRL Women’s team in their last home game! Who doesn’t love a Sunday arvo at the footy?
Sunday 15 September, 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Meet the Maker
Midnight Hotel’s Meet the Maker Series showcases the artwork, craftsmanship, and culinary delights of Australian Artisans. This Spring, to coincide with Floriade’s 2024 theme ‘Art In Bloom’, the series will spotlight the local talent of Print Media Artist GWENYTH with an exhibition of her bold and colourful floral designs featuring exclusively throughout Midnight Hotel.
Saturday 14 September until Thursday 31 October | 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | More information 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 14 September, 6 pm – 7.30 pm | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | Book here.
Young Rangers Program
The Young Rangers Program is for young nature enthusiasts between the ages of seven and 15 who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the natural environment.
They’ll be able to explore a variety of nature-based topics, make friends, and ask as many questions as they like!
Sunday 15 September, 10 am – 12 pm | Jerrabomberra Wetlands Office, 2 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Feature image: Haig Park Market. Via Facebook.
