Get excited! The Canberra Balloon Spectacular (and 45+ other things) is happening this week
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The Canberra Balloon Spectacular, the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival, Enlighten illuminations, Pride Weekend, International Women’s Day…Phew. There’s a lot to fit in this week.
Here’s your curated guide to life in Canberra—you can thank us later.
Special Events and Festivals
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 each Friday, Saturday and Sunday (10 – 12 March & 17 – 19 March). Bookings are essential and can be made at canberracentre.qicre.com.
Friday 10 until Sunday 19 | Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Ascent
In this stunning triple-bill contemporary performance, the Sydney Dance Company takes us on an uplifting climb through contemporary dance.
Coming to life at the hands of the Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, renowned international choreographer Marina Mascarell, and Antony Hamilton in his critically acclaimed Forever & Ever, this beautiful moving portrait is a love note to the power of moving forward.
Thursday 9 March until 11 March | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival
The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is back! Celebrate the beginning of the Festival with the Opening Night Gala on Thursday 9 March (including some French cheese, wine and champagne, and an after-party à la francaise with a DJ and canapés) or choose from 39 exceptional French films (or do both)!
Thursday 9 March until Wednesday 5 April | Palace Electric Cinema, 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Sydney Hotshots live at Casino Canberra
Love Magic Mike? You need to see this. A brand-new Sydney Hotshots show is locked, loaded and promises to bring high-powered dance routines, spectacular lighting, and fabulous costumes to Casino Canberra. Talk about the ultimate night out…
Saturday 11 March | Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Sound and Fury
Canberra’s beloved performance art party is taking over Dairy Road for Enlighten Festival! At this adult only event there will be probe performance artists, dancers, bands, DJs, in-betweeners and outsiders while a stage over an illuminated water sculpture will flow through the night. Enjoy while audiences can come and go from repeating performances in a new theatre, a yoga studio, a public square, a brewery, a dystopian depot and a sexed up play centre. Grainger Gallery and many food and bar options will be open. It is a tale, full of sound and fury, signifying everything.
Sunday 12 March | 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | facebook.com
Illuminations @Enlighten Festival
Some of Canberra’s most loved and iconic buildings is lighting up once again for the Enlighten Festival. From Australian Parliament House; the National Library of Australia; the National Gallery of Australia; Questacon; the National Portrait Gallery; and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, expect a stunning display of light, sound and movement!
Until Monday 13 March | Various locations | enlightencanberra.com
Enlighten Illuminations at Parliament House
As day turns to night, watch Parliament House light up with colourful animated scenes designed by Eggpicnic. Showcasing the birds, insects and gum trees found in the surrounding native gardens of Capital Hill, it will be accompanied by an immersive soundscape which brings the local landscape to life.
Until Monday 13 March | Australian Parliament House Forecourt, 1 Parliament Drive | aph.gov.au
Before Us: Night Walk Through Time
This March, in Civic Square the T-Rex and friends reign supreme! As part of City Illuminations @Enlighten, you will discover and follow 18 illuminated finely crafted creatures after dark through City Walk and Civic Square. This outdoor and free, family-friendly exhibition trail will be open daily (and you’ll have the chance to encounter life-size puppets roving the city each night from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm).
Until Monday 13 March | Civic Square, Canberra City | enlightencanberra.com
Parliament House degustation dinner
For one night only, Parliament House’s Executive Chef, David Learmonth, will be creating a six-course celebration of Australian master producers, featuring expert cheesemakers and Australia’s finest sustainable produce with the option of paired wines.
The evening will start on the Members and Guests Dining Room Terrace where guests can take in the colours of Enlighten and sweeping views of Canberra while they enjoy a pre-dinner glass of sparkling wine before ending with the signature dessert that has followed Learmonth throughout his career, the perfect dish to end summer.
Friday 10 March | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive | Book here.
Launch of BentSpoke Brewing Co’s Marion Beer
Join BentSpoke Brewing Co to celebrate International Women’s Day, and pay tribute to Marion Mahoney Griffin, through the release of their newest beer Marion. There’ll be some very special speakers, an exclusive first taste of Marion and some deliciously paired canapes.
12pm Wednesday 8 March | BentSpoke BrewPub, Elouera Street, Braddon | bentspokebrewing.com.au
Enlighten at the National Library
Head to the National Library to enjoy extended opening hours as the lawn is transformed into a play area complete with giant lawn games, hula hoops, face painting or watch a skipping rope demonstrations from Jazzy Jumpers. If you’re looking for food to go along wit your fun, grab a bite to eat from one of the food stalls or head to Bookplate Café to try a special Enlighten festival menu!
Friday 10 and Saturday 11 March | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | nla.gov.au
Pride Weekend
Honouring WorldPride in Sydney (the first time the global event has been staged in Australia and the first time in the southern hemisphere), Pride Weekend @ Enlighten will see a program bursting with events, all celebrating LGTBIQA+ pride and Canberra’s inclusive community—including the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Illuminations @ Enlighten Festival, Lights! Canberra! Action! and more.
Taking place from Friday 10 until Sunday 12 March (the second weekend of Enlighten), the best part is it’s all free to attend.
Friday 10 until Sunday 12 March | Various locations | enlightencanberra.com/pride
Lights! Canberra! Acton!
Head along to the Senate Rose Gardens to watch the works of Canberra’s talented film-makers during a special outdoor movie screening.
Friday 10 March | Senate Rose Garden, Parliament Square, Parkes | enlightencanberra.com
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).
Saturday 11 until Sunday 19 March | Patrick White Lawns, Patrick White Lawns, Parkes | enlightencanberra.com
Symphony in the Park
The Canberra Symphony Orchestra will take to the stage to perform with special guest, award-winning pop, soul and electronica band, Electric Fields. Sit back, relax and prepare for a night of great tunes and delicious eats. No tickets are required!
Sunday 12 March | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | enlightencanberra.com
A.C.T Seasonal Antique and Collectable Fair
Love to treasure hunt? Indulge yourself while searching for treasures and one-of-a-kinds at this year’s Autumn Antiques and Collectable Fair. Browse through the wares of 30 local and interstate dealers to discover a blend of antiques, old-world nostalgia, books, jewellery, everyday older items and collectables.
And the best part is the proceeds will go towards beneficiary charities supported by the Rotary Club of Murrumbidgee Canberra.
Friday 10 until Sunday 12 March | A.C.T Seasonal Antique and Collectable Fair, Albert Hall, Yarralumla | mc-rotary.org/antique-fair
Retro Depot at the Bus Depot Markets
Head back in time at the Retro Depot to browse fashion, jewellery, accessories, mid-century furniture, and macramé from the 60s and 70s. It’s sure to be fashionably nostalgic.
Sunday 12 March | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Autumn German Markets
Love German food? Head along to the German Markets to eat your way through a variety of stalls offering homemade cakes, deli goods and groceries, as well as wine, beer and schnapps, and even fresh German sausages. There will also be community stallholders (along with some new stalls), handmade crafts and other specialties. And to make it even better, there will also be a free jumping castle for the kids!
Sunday 12 March | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Hill Road, Jerrabomberra | fb.me/e
Fun Machine and Friends @ the Watson Microforest
Come and enjoy your Sunday afternoon with inspiring music and delicious snacks at the Watson Micro-forest!
Watson Micro-forest Sunday Sessions are delighted to bring you Canberra cult sensation, Fun Machine! Reunited for what may be their only live performance this year! The foursome – known and loved for their energy and fondness of glitter – are joined by uplifting alternative folk act, Hashemoto, and renowned Wiradjuri musician Uncle Johnny Huckle.
Join in for great food, stalls from local artisans, and fun kids’ activities. Le Petit Breton will be serving delicious french crepes, and Spilt Milk is back with Canberra’s favourite ice cream. Catch up with old friends and make new ones, and feel the warmth of the sun while enjoying cool music.
You are encouraged to BYO bowls and cutlery if you plan to purchase food, and take your waste home with you. BYO picnic blanket, camping chairs, or whatever makes you comfy.
The Watson Micro-forest is a volunteer-run project that aims to strengthen the community, combat climate change and re-connect people with nature. Please consider donating so they can keep bringing you events like this.
Sunday 26 Mar h from 2 pm – 5.30 pm at Watson Microforest, Wade Street, Watson | See Humanitix for more information.
Food and wine
International Women’s Day 2023 at Poachers Pantry
In honour of this year’s theme, the Poachers Pantry will unite and empower women in regional NSW, highlighting how politics and community can better support women living in the land. Panel discussions feature extraordinary women from the southern inland region, such as Sam Longmore, farmer and owner of OhBullDust and Slalom Water Skier. Anna Wyllie, Director of Regional Development in Southeast, Regional NSW. Allison Harker, GAICD, Chair Non-Executive Director of LLS State Board and Rhonda Daly, Managing Director and Co-founder of YLAD Living Soils.
A glass of bubbly, lunch and dessert will be on offer because you can push equality forward on an empty stomach.
Wednesday 8 March | 431 Nanima Road, Springrange | Book here.
Strong Female Lead – International Women’s Day Screening at Dendy
In recognition of the sound of sexism in Australian politics, Dendy Cinema is screening, ‘Strong Female Lead.’ A profoundly moving account of the struggles faced by women in power, their discrimination and blatant harassment. Using archival footage, we see the attacks that characterised Gillard’s time in office and how she bravely fought them to inspire women across the globe. The film also explores the media and public response to our first and only female prime minister, shining the spotlight on both the immediate and long-term effects this had on Australian society.
Wednesday 8 March | Bunda St, Canberra | Book here.
IWD International Women’s Day Braidwood Luncheon
Make your way to Braidwood this International Women’s Day for a free (yes, that’s right), luncheon at the Braidwood National Theatre. The IWD Luncheon will feature discussions by inspiring artists Alison Alder, whose exhibition ‘There are battles yet to win: Feminist Posters 1979 is currently showcased at the Rusten House arts centre Braidwood.
Wednesday 8 March | Braidwood National Theatre, 100 Wallace Street, Braidwood | 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 11 March | Various locations | Book here.
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
Instant Comedy
Join Lightbulb for a night of comedy mayhem that will never be repeated and that you’ll never forget! Delight in the quick-wit and creativity of improvised comedy masterminds. Combining the wit of stand-up and the intimacy of live theatre, Lightbulb creates memorable stories, colourful characters, enchanting songs and plenty of laughs.
Thursday 9 March | Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra City | Book here.
I Have No Enemies
An original post-dramatic play about surveillance, data collection, and how we make sense of our place in the digital world. This cyberpunk detective story will take you into a confronting, enlightening and absurdly entertaining world that will leave you wondering ‘Who are you trusting with your data? And who’s behind the screens?’
Until Saturday 11 March | Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, Batman Street, Braddon | Book here.
Jimmy Carr – Terribly Funny
You might know (and love) him from Netflix, but now Jimmy Carr is on his way to Canberra and he promises plenty of laughs. But just a warning: Jimmy’s show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But we promise they’re just jokes.
Monday 6 until Tuesday 7 March | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book tickets.
Exhibitions
Heaven and Earth—solo exhibition by Marilyn Hutchinson
Heaven and Earth is an exhibition of photography and soft pastels exploring the interconnections between sky, land and water. But for Marilyn (Marilyn is an established artist with an extensive record of exhibitions including a medal for photography in the 2015 Florence Biennale) the real exhibition is the connections that the viewer takes away emotionally and psychologically.
Saturday 11 March until Sunday 9 April | Humble House Gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | humblehouse.com.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
Floor Talk with Ali Aedy
Join M16 Artspace for a floor talk with Ali Aedy, discussing her exhibition Bind—an examination of the complexities in relationships between the self and others. Reflecting on the shared human experiences of trauma and loss it explores a dichotomy of materials that bind and connect.
Friday 10 March | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Cres, Griffith | Book here.
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.
Friday 10 March until Sunday 18 June | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Amelia Mollett: Shorelines
Transfixed by sunlight reflecting off the lake at Pryor’s arboretum, this exhibition sees the work of Amelia Mollett use collage and mixed media to explore how to represent this multi layered natural world in a way that mirrors how she feels, using the forms and colours that inspires her.
Until Sunday 12 March | 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | strathnairn.com.au
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.
Friday 10 March 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
Found Metaphors: Sophia Childs at the COX Gallery
Now showing at the COX Gallery, Sophia’s paintings are multilayered, textured, and non-compositional. And although she doesn’t paint identifiable subjects, the colours and textures are drawn from daily life. Head along to enjoy her work as she brings your attention to the messy, information-soaked reality of navigating life.
Until Friday 31 March | 1/19 Eastlake Pde, Kingston | coxarchitecture.com.au
Music
Music for Piano and Winds—Mozart and Beethoven
Looking for something to do at lunchtime? Gina Pontoni (oboe), Jordan London (bassoon), Michael Jackson (French horn), Peter Scott (clarinet) & Hilda Visser-Scott (piano) will be performing Beethoven’s Piano and Wind Quintet Op. 16 and Mozart’s Piano and Wind Quintet K.452.
Wednesday 8 March | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Eugene Hideaway Bridges at the Zeppelin Room
Born into a well-known musical family in New Orleans, Eugene whips up a storm with his distinctive southern sound. Headlining at major festivals in the USA, all over Europe, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia (and receiving three Grammy Music Award nominations), if you like your blues music laced with soul, funk, gospel and rock and delivered with buckets of class and warmth, then Eugene should not be missed.
Friday 10 March | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Australian Chamber Orchestra: The Four Seasons
Take a stunning adventure through Venice and the Mediterranean as Joseph Tawadros joins Richard Tognetti and the ACO to recreate Vivaldi’s masterpiece.
Saturday 11 March | Llewellyn Hall, William Herbert Place, Canberra City | Book here.
Rob Brydon – A Night Of Songs & Laughter
Award-winning comedian Rob Brydon and his eight-piece band is heading to the Canberra Theatre Centre for the ultimate show of songs and music alongside his acclaimed wit and comedy. Expect songs from Tom Waits to Tom Jones, and Guys and Dolls to Elvis (and almost everything in between).
Saturday 11 March | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Workshops, Webinars and More
Eggpicnic Artist Talk
Birdlife, insects and trees are taking over Parliament House thanks to Eggpicnic—and in this special event designers Camila De Gregorio and Christopher Macaluso will be joined by expert ecologist Dr Michael Mulvaney to tallk about the process of revealing the beauty of the ecosystem at Parliament House.
Wednesday 8 March | Australian Parliament House Forecourt, 1 Parliament Drive | Book here.
Eggpicnic Art Workshop
Join Camila De Gregorio and Christopher Macaluso of Eggpicnic in a dusk art workshop on the Parliament House forecourt where they’ll be guiding you on how to create your own artwork inspired by local birds, insects and trees.
Friday 10 March | Australian Parliament House Forecourt, 1 Parliament Drive | Book here.
Pride Week at the Tipsy Sketching Club
Set in one of Canberra’s favourite neighbourhood bars, join The Tipsy Sketching Club for an evening of sipping, snacking and sketching with some fun and fabulousness thrown into the mix. Try your hand at life drawing and get ready for a good time.
Tuesday 7 March | Juliet @ Verity Lane Market, 50 Northbourne Avenue | tipsysketching.club/events
Deadly Dialogues: Photographers in Conversation
Join First Nations photographers with Uncle Mervyn Bishop, Prof. Wayne Quilliam, Aunty Barbara McGrady, Tiffany Garvie, Michael Jalaru Torres, and Tamati Smith as they celebrate First Nations photographers, artists and creatives.
This event is free to attend, but bookings are essential.
Thursday 9 March | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.
Localjinni Pride Walk
Join Localjinni for a walk through the night, where they will be hosting and screening works by some of CBR’s leading lights, through a mobile film and sound show. With LGBTIQA+ safe guides it will spotlight Canberra’s underground art and activism through site-responsive stories, in celebration of International Women’s Day and World Pride.
Saturday 11 March | Barrine Drive, Acton (the walk will start and finish at the barbeques in Henry Roland Park) | localjinni.com.au
Canberra Day Oration 2023: Dr Ken Heffernan
Head along to the Canberra Day Oration to hear Dr Ken Heffernan deliver the 2023 address, ‘Canberra’s heritage in transition: A place for engagement and thought’. Born, raised and schooled in Canberra, Dr Heffernan has served on the inaugural ACT Heritage Council as a member and later Deputy Chair.
Sunday 12 March | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | nla.gov.au
Feature image: @snapsbysal
