This Week In The Can

Posted on 18 March, 2019

This Week in The Can is your essential guide to what’s happening in Canberra. From theatre to sport, food and wine to music, and much much more!

HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE LISTED? SUBMIT IT HERE BY COB WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO MONDAY PUBLICATION.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

Maddy Weeks

Canberra Comedy Festival

Canberra Comedy Festival presents more than 70 comedy shows in the capital over one week in March, bringing the finest comedic talent to Canberra from around the world.

See some of the very best acts from the festival in the Gala on Tuesday 19 March, as well as a variety of shows featuring everything from local Canberra talent to some of the biggest stars on the international comedy circuit.

Performing Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March at various venues. Check canberracomedyfestival.com.au for the full list of shows.

Handmade Market Canberra

They have everything from fashion, furniture, sculpture, ceramics, children’s toys and clothing, jewellery and accessories and including an indoor gourmet food & wine pavilion.

The Handmade Market is a quarterly indoor event to showcase over 280 Australian creative businesses. All products on sale are Australian made and designed.

Shop at Handmade to support Australian designers and find something unique, well priced, where you can meet the maker. They have everything from fashion, furniture, sculpture, ceramics, children’s toys and clothing, jewellery and accessories and including an indoor gourmet food and wine pavilion. Perfect for all your Easter and Mother’s Day shopping.

The market is held at EPIC, Exhibition Park in Canberra in the Coorong pavilion, Conference Centre & Budawang pavilion.

You can drive to the venue. Parking is on the main oval just follow the signs. Parking and entry are free. Disability parking is located at the front of the Budawang pavilion. ATMs are located on site. There is public transport to the event.

Unfortunately, they do not have wheelchairs for hire. Only service dogs are allowed at the venue.

Entry to the market is FREE but please support the door greeters, Menslink with a gold coin donation if you can. (Each event supports a different charity.)

Find out more at handmadecanberra.com.au.

Savour Snowy Mountains – A Weekend of Food & Wine

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa is once again hosting a weekend of delicious Food & Wine with Savour Snowy Mountains.

The weekend will celebrate the seasonal local produce on offer in the south-east region of New South Wales.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience and celebrate all things Autumn. The weekend will be filled with a series of food masterclasses and culinary collaborations, exclusive chef dinners, farmer’s market aswell as entertainment accompanied by a refreshing crisp glass of cool climate wine.

The Snowy Mountains is becoming well-known for rich, hearty ingredients. Many of these ingredients will be incorporated over the weekend in the chef dinners and through market stall offerings.

Happening 22 – 24 March at Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, 1650 Alpine Way, Thredbo, NSW.

See lakecrackenback.com.au for bookings and more information.

Canberra Kids Market

Canberra Kids Market is THE place to find new, handmade and pre-loved, clothing, toys, books, games, accessories and equipment for babies, toddlers and young ones.

Plenty of stalls to explore and great bargains to be had with more than 1,750 sqm of super shopping. You’ll find quality treasures for 0 to 12-year-old girls and boys, including designer labels and big-name brands.

Buying at the Canberra Kids Market is a great way to support a sustainable lifestyle, helping reduce waste by recycling quality goods too precious to discard.

Bring the family and enjoy a great day out.

Happening Saturday 23 March from 9am – 12pm at Exhibition Park.

See www.canberramarkets.net.au for more information.

Live by the Vines at Mount Majura Vineyard

Alliance Française French Film Festival 2019

2019 marks the 30^th anniversary of Australia’s most tantalising multi-cultural movie event, the Alliance Française French Film Festival. 

Screening at Palace Electric in NewActon from 7 March – 10 April, this cherished celebration of French culture will be presented by the Alliance Française in association with the Embassy of France in Australia and Unifrance Films. Read more about the program here.

Happening until 10 April at Palace Electric Cinemas, Philip Law Street, NewActon.

See affrenchfilmfestival.org for tickets and more information.

Inked: Australian Cartoons

Inked features a selection of the best cartoons from the National Library of Australia’s extensive collections.

The exhibition draws from over 14,000 cartoons by dozens of artists, from before the arrival of the  First Fleet in 1788 up to the present. Each work is a time capsule, offering a snapshot of Australian life.

Visitors will be captivated by the works on display by many greats of Australian cartooning, including Will Dyson, Judy Horacek, Michael Leunig, David Low, Phil May, Alan Moir, Bruce Petty, Martin Sharp, Cathy Wilcox and many more.

INKED: PLAY

Come and see the famous Gumnut Babies going off to war. Create your own cartoon or draw a protest sign to hang on our display wall. Get stuck into a book. Find all the hidden Inkie the Echidnas and explore whether the world is doomed or domed.

Inked Play is open daily as part of Inked: Australian Cartoons. Find it by following Inkie the Echidna.

Open 10am to 5pm every day from 7 March–21 July 2019

nla.gov.au

Beauty Masterclass with Shella Martin

Join Shella Martin as she shares her insider tips and tricks and reveals some of her current go-to beauty products.

Each attendee will receive a complimentary glass of champagne, canapes a gift bag and a $20 Canberra Centre Gift Card!

Shella Martin has mastered the art of balanced beauty by combining her considered approach to skincare with the versatility of makeup. A self-confessed beauty and fashion addict, Martin has been working with commercial clients, backstage at fashion events, on editorial shoots and hosting beauty masterclasses for over 18 years. Most notably for Rationale, Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Bioderma, L’Oréal Professional, Dion Lee and Toni Maticevski to name a few.

Her beauty work has featured in editorial publications including Vogue Australia, Vogue Italia and Elle, and her celebrity roster is equally impressive.

Happening Saturday 23 February on the Ground Level, Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre near Lush.

See canberracentre.com.au/play/events/beauty-masterclass-with-shella-martin for more information.

Free Bricks 4 Kidz®! Workshops, Marketplace Gungahlin

Young or old everyone loves LEGO!

Bricks 4 Kidz®! are hosting the next FREE Kid’s Club event at Marketplace Gungahlin and it’s going to be brick-tastic!

Bring the kids along to Marketplace Gungahlin on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March, 10am-2pm, where they can have fun at the free Bricks 4 Kidz Lego®, Kids Club workshops.

The little ones will love making amazing Lego creations inspired by popular themes such as Star Wars, Minecraft, and Superheroes. Plus, every child who takes part will take home a free BRICKS 4 KIDZ wristband.

With a range of amazing retail options, lunch and coffee spots plus an indoor playground, you can really make this a fun-filled family day out at Marketplace Gungahlin!

Be sure to sign up online to the Marketplace Kid’s Club to get your exclusive event invitation and to receive future free event information! Event will be hosted directly out the front of Big W.

Happening Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March from 10 am-2 pm from Marketplace Gungahlin

Find out more here and sign up to the Marketplace Kids Club here.

Three Sixty Fashion Market

The Three Sixty Fashion Market sells new and recycled fashion for stylish and discerning shoppers. You’ll discover quality garments of all sizes and styles, shoes, handbags, accessories and more. Stallholders sell vintage, retro and pre-loved fashion that is far too good to just chuck in a bin or send to landfill. The Three Sixty Fashion Market is committed to a circular economy and to providing fabulous shopping for those who ethical choices and ecological sustainability as much as they value style and fun. You’re guaranteed to uncover some intriguing fashion and great buys. The Three Sixty Market is held at the Fitters’ Workshop, a heritage-listed building and part of the Kingston Power House historic precinct. Free entry. Held indoors so protected from the weather. Plenty of parking in the area.

New stallholders welcome: www.canberramarkets.net.au

Happening Saturday 23 March from 9 am to 3 pm at Fitzroy Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra

Free entry

See canberramarkets.net.au for more information.

Amanda Summons: The Ladies: Part II

Harmony Day NETFIT Netball Fitness

National Press Club Gin Brunch

Pop Yum Cha at Natural Nine

Painting on Country

Five senior artists from Tjungu Palya art centre in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia have reinvigorated their ancestors’ practice of painting directly onto the land. Their work, captured in a series of large-format photographs, is both timeless and transient, bridging the ancient and the contemporary.

Exhibition on show at the National Museum of Australia until 30 September 2019. Free entry. More information at nma.gov.au.

FOOD & DRINK

Savour Snowy Mountains – A Weekend of Food & Wine

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa is once again hosting a weekend of delicious Food & Wine with Savour Snowy Mountains.

The weekend will celebrate the seasonal local produce on offer in the south-east region of New South Wales.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience and celebrate all things Autumn. The weekend will be filled with a series of food masterclasses and culinary collaborations, exclusive chef dinners, farmer’s market aswell as entertainment accompanied by a refreshing crisp glass of cool climate wine.

The Snowy Mountains is becoming well-known for rich, hearty ingredients. Many of these ingredients will be incorporated over the weekend in the chef dinners and through market stall offerings.

Happening 22 – 24 March at Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, 1650 Alpine Way, Thredbo, NSW.

See lakecrackenback.com.au for bookings and more information.

Live by the Vines at Mount Majura Vineyard

National Press Club Gin Brunch

Pop Yum Cha at Natural Nine

Summer High Tea at Pialligo Estate

Showcasing a range of sweet and savoury treats by Pialligo Estate, alongside an impeccable range of teas by Canberra based Tea Garden Co. High Tea at Pialligo Estate is as refined as its setting. Tuck into delicate pastries and cakes, classic finger sandwiches, scones with Estate jam plus a glass of bubbles for extra indulgence.

$60 per person and includes a Glass of Bubbles, Selection of Tea Garden Co. Teas, Selection of sweet and savoury items. For group bookings of above eight guests please contact Pialligo Estate on 02 6247 6060

Happening Sunday March 24 from 11 am to 1 pm or 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Glasshouse, Pialligo Estate.

See the website for more information and bookings.

Wine Not the Brand launch event

Canines, Cocktails & Catch-Ups

Whether you’re looking to adopt a greyhound or simply have had a hard week at work, this event is for you!

We’ll be filling up Treehouse Bar with over 10 foster Greyhounds so you can enjoy a cocktail or two while you pat some puppers!

The dogs are allowed to freely walk around and end up either curling up next to you for a nap, or playing prancer and showing you all their tricks! Did we mention we all have trays of treats for you to bribe them with???

What you ticket includes: a free drink, finger food, a portion of ticket sales donated to Greyhound Connections and FREE kisses and cuddles for the greyhounds!

Tickets are $30 per person.

Happening Wednesday 20 March from 6.30 – 8 pm at Treehouse Bar.

See Facebook for more information.

Special Q&A Screening: Journey Beyond Fear

Monster’s Afternoon Delight

Serene, methodical and exceptionally Monster.

Presenting a new Sunday afternoon blend, Monster Kitchen and Bar is adding a little extra flavour to your signature lazy day with its very own High Tea…

Amidst the hand-crafted furniture, bespoke artwork, and ambient lighting you will find the familiar flavours you have come to appreciate from the team at Monster with a range of exclusive tea flavours by Tea Garden co, tea inspired cocktails, Champagne all complemented by black and gold fixtures.

1pm every Sunday at Monster Kitchen, Ovolo Nishi. Tickets $70 to $120  – more information on facebook.com.

Freestyle Fridays at Vertikal

Join Vertikal every Friday for indoor ski lessons with indoor snow machines and music. Enjoy discounted sessions from $40 or kick back with a Jindabyne Brewing beers on tap or Canberra Distilling Co & Underground Spirits.

Every Friday at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports, Unit 2, Building 3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick. Find out more at vertikalsnowsports.com.

CELLAR DOOR

Cellar Door is a wine market for Canberra’s wonderful wine scene happening every Saturday from 3-6 pm. Buy wines from local makers every Saturday afternoon in the iconic Nishi Grand Stair, NewActon Precinct.

Grab a souvenir glass, taste the latest drops, and buy at cellar door prices.

Wine stalls rotate each week with complementing stalls like flowers, cheese, chocolate and books.

Make a day of it with a film at Palace Electric Cinema and NewActon’s leading food and drink destinations.

Happening every Saturday from 3-6 pm on the Nishi Grand Stair, inside the Nishi Building, Philip Law Street, NewActon.

See the website for more details.

GINX’d

Fire up the group chat, Monster Kitchen and Bar’s pop-up gin garden is happening every Saturday.

Whether you’re after a cheeky G&T or one of Monster’s exclusive gin cocktails we have it all with an ever-rotating list of gin’s, on trend fever tree varieties, Jenga and other fun games there will be something new to discover each week.

Drink up every Saturday for the month of March from 2 pm at Monster Kitchen and Bar, inside Ovolo Nishi.

See Facebook for more information.

SUNSET SESSIONS AT THE LAKES

The perfect way to end the week…Head to The Lakes every Friday from 4pm in the lounge, for the chance to see some of Canberra’s best local musicians!

Happening until 29 March at Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, Nicholls.

See the website for opening hours, details and performer schedules.

MUSIC

Live by the Vines at Mount Majura Vineyard

Karise Eden – Born to Fight

Karise Eden is back. One of world’s most distinctive singers and arguably Australia’s best soul & blues voice, Karise Eden hits the road early 2019 to showcase her brand new album Born To Fight. She will perform songs from her latest release as well as the soul classics that she is known and loved for.

At just 26 years of age, Karise Eden has achieved so much – her debut album was the biggest selling album for a local artist in 2012 and broke ARIA Chart records, her follow up 2014 album Things I’ve Done achieved Gold sales status and she’s just released her third album, Born To Fight.

Happening Sunday 24 March 2019 at the Canberra Theatre.

See canberratheatrecentre.com.au for more information.

Pierce Brothers | Kambri at ANU

Pierce Brothers have taken their unique brand of folk music from busking on the streets of Melbourne to touring the world. Comprising of twin brothers Jack and Pat Pierce, the multi-instrumentalists have been shaking dance floors and selling out rooms across UK, Europe, Canada, USA & their native Australia. Their irresistible energy and world-class live show has generated a word of mouth buzz not seen for some time.

2017 EP ‘The Records Were Ours’ came in at #9 on the ARIA chart after topping the iTunes charts across the globe. The same year saw the brothers embark on a huge North American tour in support of Tash Sultana. This led to the band signing with Paradigm agency who booked their first North America/Canada headline tour in 2018.

Happening Friday 22 March from 7pm-11pm at Kambri at ANU.

See www.facebook.com for more information.

Cumbia Cosmonauts

Tropical Bass phenomenon the Cumbia Cosmonauts blast cumbia into the future and beyond with a science fiction soundtrack lost in the Amazon jungle!

Expect dance floor Fire with Heavy Afro Tropical bass + digital cumbia from Saca La Mois DJ!! (Moses Iten) with distinct Mexican Sonidero-style MCing and live/digital percussion!

Happening Saturday and Sunday 23-24 March 2019 from 8:30am – 12pm at The Phoenix Pub.

See www.facebook.com for more information.

Wednesday Lunchtime Concert: Charles Huang in Recital

On Wednesday 20th March 2019 from 12.40 to 1.20pm, Wesley Music Centre Lunchtime Concert series presents young Canberra pianist Charles Huang performing Bach’s French Suite No. 6 and Haydn’s Sonata in D Major Hob.XVI:37, as well as two works by Australia’s own Miriam Hyde.

Happening Wednesday 13 March 2019, 12.40 – 1.20pm at Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest.

No bookings required. Tickets at the door

See wesleycanberra.org.au/music for more information.

Back to the Sixties

Presented by Strange Weather Gospel Choir, in collaboration with Canberra Chordsmen.

Let them take you on a fun journey in song through the 1960s. There will be performances by number of different groups, small and large, made up from members of one or both choirs under the musical direction of Dan Bennett.

Happening Saturday 23 February from 7 pm at Gungahlin College Theatre, 23 Gozzard Street Gungahlin.

See strangeweather.org for more information.

Season: Film Mash-Ups

From the instantly recognisable to the virtually never-before-seen, these mash-ups allow images from the big screen to collide with one another, re-emerging as something new to challenge, entertain and question the viewer.

Program

[CENSORED] – Saturday 23 March, 3.00pm

Terror Nullius – Saturday 30 March, 3.00pm

KinoKonzert: Berlin, Sinfonie der Großstadt with Sonic.Art – Tuesday 30 April, 6.00pm

Happening Saturday 23 March till Tuesday 30 April 2019 at National Film and Sound Archive Australia.

See www.nfsa.gov.au for more information.

Summer Sunday Sounds at Contentious Character

Each Sunday until 31 March, Contentious Character will bring you a different musician or band to play away the Summer afternoons while you watch the sun set sipping on a Happy Hour Wine of the Day.

Take the kids and they can play games on the lawn, play with the dogs or ogle the kangaroos. Bus pick up and return available from Civic.

Find out more at contentiouscharacter.com.au.

Carriberrie Indigenous VR experience

The story of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander song and dance is being presented through an interactive virtual reality experience. The National Film and Sound Archive allows David Gulpilil and Jack Charles to take you on a journey as you encounter contemporary dancers of Bangarra at the Sydney Opera house and The Lonely Boys doing their thing in Alice Springs. This experience aims to give viewers an in-depth insight into the cultural and historical significance of indigenous dance.

Free event until 1 June from 11 am- 2 pm at The National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton.

See the website for more information.

More local music

Check out BMA and CBR DIY for more local gigs!

STAGE + SCREEN

Canberra Comedy Festival

Canberra Comedy Festival presents more than 70 comedy shows in the capital over one week in March, bringing the finest comedic talent to Canberra from around the world.

See some of the very best acts from the festival in the Gala on Tuesday 19 March, as well as a variety of shows featuring everything from local Canberra talent to some of the biggest stars on the international comedy circuit.

Performing Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March at various venues. Check canberracomedyfestival.com.au for the full list of shows.

Ivan Aristeguieta

“Congratulations! You’ve made it to The Fourth Floor!”

That’s what Venezuelans say when someone turns forty, and this is the year that Ivan needs to get out of the lift and see what all the fuss is about.

He’s halfway to the rooftop party, and too far up to take the stairs back down.

Call it a mid-life crisis or mid-life celebration, Ivan is livin’ la mid-vida loca.

After a successful 2018 World Tour, Ivan is ready to take his life to the next level. Going up!

As seen on Have You Been Paying Attention? and star of ABC TV’s Lost in Pronunciation.

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Monday 18 March from 7 pm at Canberra Theatre Centre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Joel Creasey  

Strap in for a night of scandal and stories with Australia’s reigning Crown Prince of Comedy.

Joel Creasey has had quite the year. You may have seen him hosting Eurovision and Mardi Gras on SBS, or Take Me Out on Channel 7, his Famewhore special on Network 10 and as a team captain on Show Me The Movie. Or his worldwide Netflix stand-up special. Look, clearly he’s pissed someone off over at Channel 9. He also bought a house and dates a supermodel. Slay! He’s got it worked out, right? Oh you couldn’t be more wrong. You know how behind every amazing Instagram photo you post are 100 that simply weren’t Insta-worthy? Well, behind every one of these sparkling achievements is the unfiltered, chaotic and hilarious f**k ups that plague Joel’s daily life and have become a staple of his stand-up act. So strap in for a night of filthy, dishy, dirty stories from Australia’s showbiz darling!

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Wednesday 20 March from 7pm at Canberra Theatre Centre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

The Chaser’s War On History

Following sold-out runs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, The War on History is based on the book from The Chaser Quarterly and The Shovel “The Completely True History of Australia”. It is, by far, the least reliable, but most hilarious account of Australian history.

On 26 January 1788, a bunch of old white men arrived in Australia and started ruining it for everyone.

240 years later, you can relive that experience by having a bunch of slightly younger white men ruin your night as they present sketches, pranks, quizzes and a 150 page Powerpoint presentation on all the best moments in Australian history.

You’ll be joined on this journey by Australia’s least eminent historians, including The Chaser’s Charles Firth and The Shovel’s James Schloeffel. Plus there’s also a very special guest star, who we cannot announce for reasons that will become apparent during the show.

Presented as a part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Wednesday 20 March from 8:20pm – 10pm at Canberra Theatre Centre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Love and beauty: Poetry from the Pre-Raphaelites

The National University Theatre Society (NUTS) perform poetry written by the Pre-Raphaelite artists and literary works that inspired their wondrous dreamscapes and rebellious art movement. Programmed by ANU School of Art alumni and Art Curatorship student Natasha McDonald.

Tickets are $25.

Happening Saturday 23 February from 11 am at the National Gallery of Australia.

See nga.gov.au for more information.

Daniel Sloss – X

Internationally acclaimed, award-winning Scottish stand-up star, Daniel Sloss returns to Canberra Comedy Festival with his new show, X. Brilliantly dark with razor-sharp wit and the ability to deftly spin a narrative, Sloss returns off the back of two recent Netflix specials. It’s time to find out why he is fast becoming one of the world’s biggest names in comedy!

Presented as a part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Thursday 21 March from 8:30pm – 9:45pm at the Canberra Theatre Centre.

See canberratheatrecentre.com.au for more information.

John Safran – Jew Detective: Sarcasm is not a Crime

John Safran has made a career of turning up where he isn’t wanted.

Recently the writer & filmmaker has been snooping around Aussie Nazis and jihadis. He wants to tell you the hilarious stories of how he gets in and (mainly) avoids being thumped.

Join John as all the beans are spilt.

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Thursday 21 March from 7pm – 8pm at The Canberra Theatre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Anne Edmonds – What’s Wrong With You?

What’s wrong with her? Nah. What’s wrong with them? She is sick of talking about herself; it’s time to talk about everyone else (She’ll probably still talk about myself a bit).

You might have seen me on Have You Been Paying Attention? (TEN), as Helen Bidou or in my own show The Edge Of The Bush (ABC).

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Friday 22 March from 8:30pm – 9:30pm at The Canberra Theatre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Becky Lucas – Um, Support Me?!

Becky Lucas is a 29 year old woman and is passionate about two things: getting every surface of the bathroom incredibly wet and blaming her mood and behaviour on the moon.

In the past year, she has filmed a bunch of stuff for Comedy Central, performed in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival gala, filmed a pilot for the ABC, performed her show solo at the Sydney Opera House as part of the JFL comedy festival.

She was banned from twitter for making a joke about chopping the prime minister’s head off, which she thought was ridiculous because she does not have the time. She’s got a show to perform, so support her!

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Thursday & Friday 21-22 March from 7pm – 8pm at The Canberra Theatre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Jimeoin – Result!

The man with the best brows in the business brings you his new show Result! The master of observational humor will take you on a hilarious rollercoaster as he discusses the absurdities of everyday life.

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Friday 22 March from 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm at The Canberra Theatre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Nazeem Hussain – Basic Idiot

It’s been a massive year for Nazeem. He became a Dad, his sketch show Orange Is The New Brown began airing on Ch 7, he recorded his first Netflix special, and was finally invited to speak at his high school assembly (Rex Hunt pulled out). But more than fatherhood itself, Nazeem is most excited about joking about these things AND MORE on stage!

If you’ve never seen Nazeem, where have you been? Selling out shows across Australia, New Zealand, Edinburgh, London, China, Malaysia, Montreal & even Sri Lanka – Nazeem is a comedian at the top of his game. Twice nominated for a Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer, you don’t want to miss his 5th consecutive solo show.

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Friday 22 March from 7pm – 8pm at The Canberra Theatre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Akmal – Open for Renovations

Have you always wanted a perfect body, with rock hard abbs and buns of steel without ever getting out of bed? Imagine having enough confidence to get out of your car during a road rage incident that wasn’t your fault, instead of apologising and cowardly driving off as quickly as you can.

If you have ever wanted to be so financially wealthy that you could pay Rupert Murdoch to drop his pants and perform a silly dance while singing in a high pitch voice, just for a laugh.

Well in this one-hour show, Akmal will be asking the audience if they know how he can achieve these things. A life changing experience or your money back.

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Saturday 23 March from 8:30 pm- 9:30 pm at The Canberra Theatre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Charlie Pickering – Us & Them

There’s two types of people in this world: those who think that everyone can be divided into two neat groups and those who don’t.

Charlie Pickering – host of The Weekly – is coming to Canberra with a brand-new stand up show about why the world is so divided and what might bring it together again.

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Saturday 23 March from 7-8pm at The Canberra Theatre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Dave Hughes – Hairy

Dave hasn’t had a haircut since last year’s Festival. His fringe is now a face curtain.

What has prompted this radical change? Is it a crisis? Is he going through manopause? The only way to know the answers is to come along. Only your own ears and eyes can be trusted. Book now.

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening Saturday 23 March at The Canberra Theatre.

See canberratheatrecentre.com.au for more information.

Rhys Nicholson – Nice People Nice Things Nice Situations

Hello there. It’s Rhys, from comedy. Would you like to come to see his comedy concert? Why not, you know? It will be nice. HOORAY!

Please come.

Best International Act WINNER, New Zealand Comedy Festival 2018
ARIA Award Nominee Best Comedy Release 2017
Best Show nominee, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2016
Helpmann Award Best Comedy Performer Nominee 2018

Presented as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival.

Happening 21-23 March from 8:15pm – 9:15pm at The Canberra Theatre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

THRONES! The Musical Parody

Total Edinburgh Fringe sell-out 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and worldwide smash hits Canberra for the very first time – and it’s bigger and bloodier than ever! Updated with new deaths & sexcapades from the 7th series. From the twisted minds of Baby Wants Candy comes the immensely popular comedy musical parody.

Hilarious, gory Game of Thrones send-up. Nudity? Maybe. Laughs? Yes! Brothers and sisters shagging? No comment.

Age 14+, unless you don’t mind explaining some things to your 14-year-old after the show.

Happening Thursday 21 March at 7:15pm to 8:30pm at the Canberra Theatre.

See canberracomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

The Full Monty

Drop Everything! Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty, follows six down-on-their-luck steelworkers who are desperately looking for work to support their families when they come up with a bold way to make some quick cash.

Filled with honest affection, big laughs, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show, audiences will be wondering if these lovable misfits will really pull it off.

Supa Productions cooks up an aggressive crowd-pleaser that both entertains and grabs your heart as the guys work to overcome their fears and self-consciousness to discover the power of their strength in solidarity.

Performing at The Q in Queanbeyan on Saturday 23 March. Tickets $45-55 from theq.net.au.

RAW Comedy 2019 – ACT State Final

Launch into LOLs with RAW Comedy, Australia’s largest and most prestigious open mic comedy competition! For more than 20 years RAW Comedy has seen performers ride that comedy wave, with past competitors including Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Celia Pacquola, Anne Edmonds, Luke McGregor and Rhys Nicholson.

The ACT State Final has whittled down the competitors to the final field. This is it, the best of the best making one final dash to the finish line!

8:30pm Monday 18 March at The Street Theatre as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival. Tickets from canberracomedyfestival.com.au.

Ivan Aristeguieta – The Fourth Floor

“Congratulations! You’ve made it to The Fourth Floor!”

That’s what Venezuelans say when someone turns forty, and this is the year that Ivan needs to get out of the lift and see what all the fuss is about.

He’s halfway to the rooftop party, and too far up to take the stairs back down. Call it a mid-life crisis or mid-life celebration, Ivan is livin’ la mid-vida loca.

As seen on Have You Been Paying Attention? and star of ABC TV’s Lost in Pronunciation.

Performing 7pm Monday 18 March at Canberra Theatre Centre as part of the Canberra Comedy Festival. Tickets online from canberracomedyfestival.com.au.

Special Q&A Screening: Journey Beyond Fear

Paul Foot – Image Conscious

Greetings! It’s a brand-new show, baybayyy! Ever considered the unique predicament of the soft-shell crab? Paul has. What about the numerous problems of organising a suburban orgy? The catering, for example. It’s an absolute nightmare! A brand new show from the award-winning British, surrealist comedian Paul Foot.

Performing 7pm Monday 18 March at The Street Theatre as part of the Canberra Comedy Festival. Tickets from canberracomedyfestival.com.au.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Liquidfest 2019

SPORT + FITNESS

Harmony Day NETFIT Netball Fitness

ACT Claycourt International

The ACT Claycourt International are back to back ITF World Tennis Tour UDS$25,000 women’s events. Players from Australia and across the globe will compete for valuable ranking points at the Canberra Tennis Centre.

A free women and girls sports day will be held in conjunction with the event on Sunday 24 March from 9am-11am.

Playing until 31 March at Canberra Tennis Centre, Lyneham. Find out more at tennis.com.au/act.

Freestyle Fridays at Vertikal

Join Vertikal every Friday for indoor ski lessons with indoor snow machines and music. Enjoy discounted sessions from $40 or kick back with a Jindabyne Brewing beers on tap or Canberra Distilling Co & Underground Spirits.

Every Friday at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports, Unit 2, Building 3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick. Find out more at vertikalsnowsports.com.

Calm Abiding Meditation

Eight-week Meditation course of sequential set of teaching sessions that go for one hour per week, and provide a complete introduction to help establish a daily meditation practice.

Calm Abiding Meditation is a proven and effective way to obtain balance and manage our lives through peaceful means. It reduces anxiety, stress and helps us to live in the moment. Single-pointed concentration and visualisation meditation is a natural process that helps you to focus better on ordinary tasks.

7:45 pm to 8:45 pm Monday 18 March to Monday 6 May at Nishi Gallery, NewActon.

$140 for eight-week course.

More information from newacton.com.au.

YOGA BY THE LAKE 

Yoga by the Lake is perfect for all experience levels and aims to bring together the yoga community in a beautiful location at Bowen Park in Barton.

With a class every Thursday, it’s a BYO mat event. Entry is free with donations welcome. All ages and experience welcome.

Every Thursday evening from 6 pm at Bowen Park, Bowen Drive, Barton.

See Facebook for more information.

Zumba with Lachlan

Lachlan is a trained American Ballroom and Latin dance teacher who has been instructing Zumba for over three and a half years.

Lachlan hopes to bring a more dance-oriented style of Zumba to Gungahlin. Whether you have been dancing Zumba for years, or have always wanted to try, this is the perfect way to get started.

Exercise shoes and a water bottle are strongly encouraged.

Happening every Monday at 9.30 am at the Gungahlin Club, 51 Hinder Street, Gungahlin.

See Facebook for more information.

MARKETS & FAIRS

Handmade Market Canberra

They have everything from fashion, furniture, sculpture, ceramics, children’s toys and clothing, jewellery and accessories and including an indoor gourmet food & wine pavilion.

The Handmade Market is a quarterly indoor event to showcase over 280 Australian creative businesses. All products on sale are Australian made and designed.

Shop at Handmade to support Australian designers and find something unique, well priced, where you can meet the maker. They have everything from fashion, furniture, sculpture, ceramics, children’s toys and clothing, jewellery and accessories and including an indoor gourmet food and wine pavilion. Perfect for all your Easter and Mother’s Day shopping.

The market is held at EPIC, Exhibition Park in Canberra in the Coorong pavilion, Conference Centre & Budawang pavilion.

You can drive to the venue. Parking is on the main oval just follow the signs. Parking and entry are free. Disability parking is located at the front of the Budawang pavilion. ATMs are located on site. There is public transport to the event.

Unfortunately, they do not have wheelchairs for hire. Only service dogs are allowed at the venue.

Entry to the market is FREE but please support the door greeters, Menslink with a gold coin donation if you can. (Each event supports a different charity.)

Find out more at handmadecanberra.com.au.

Canberra Kids Market

Canberra Kids Market is THE place to find new, handmade and pre-loved, clothing, toys, books, games, accessories and equipment for babies, toddlers and young ones.

Plenty of stalls to explore and great bargains to be had with more than 1,750 sqm of super shopping. You’ll find quality treasures for 0 to 12-year-old girls and boys, including designer labels and big-name brands.

Buying at the Canberra Kids Market is a great way to support a sustainable lifestyle, helping reduce waste by recycling quality goods too precious to discard.

Bring the family and enjoy a great day out.

Happening Saturday 23 March from 9am – 12pm at Exhibition Park.

See www.canberramarkets.net.au for more information.

Three Sixty Fashion Market

The Three Sixty Fashion Market sells new and recycled fashion for stylish and discerning shoppers. You’ll discover quality garments of all sizes and styles, shoes, handbags, accessories and more. Stallholders sell vintage, retro and pre-loved fashion that is far too good to just chuck in a bin or send to landfill. The Three Sixty Fashion Market is committed to a circular economy and to providing fabulous shopping for those who ethical choices and ecological sustainability as much as they value style and fun. You’re guaranteed to uncover some intriguing fashion and great buys. The Three Sixty Market is held at the Fitters’ Workshop, a heritage-listed building and part of the Kingston Power House historic precinct. Free entry. Held indoors so protected from the weather. Plenty of parking in the area.

New stallholders welcome: www.canberramarkets.net.au

Happening Saturday 23 March from 9 am to 3 pm at Fitzroy Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra

Free entry

See canberramarkets.net.au for more information.

Old Bus Depot Markets – Collectable Sundays

On the fourth Sunday of the month, the Old Bus Depot Markets highlight collectables – anything from records, to furniture and antiques.

The Old Bus Depot Markets host a range of different stallholders who deal in an ever-changing stock of collectable items including ceramics and glassware, china and vintage clothing.

If you’re into collecting smaller items, you’ll find things like small antiques, lamps and vinyl records. Larger collectables featured on this day include furniture such as Chippendale chairs.

Happening Monday 28 January to Sunday 24 November fourth Sunday of the month from 10am – 4pm at Old Bus Depot Markets.

See www.obdm.com.au for more information.

The 2019 Canberra Harvest Festival

The Canberra Environment Centre will be celebrating Canberra’s bounty of local and sustainable food at the annual Canberra Harvest Festival on Saturday the 23rd of March from 2pm to 6pm. This free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to bask in the delicious food that our region has to offer and participate in free workshops to help you reduce your ecological footprint.  Whether it’s the local produce and eco-friendly products for sale, the live music on the grass or the delicious local food and wine, the Canberra Harvest Festival has something for everyone to enjoy.

While the kids are running around in the supervised play area you can kick back and enjoy a glass of organic wine from the Local’s Bar.  If your kids are keen gardeners themselves they can enter the best of their produce in our Kids Veggie Competition or peruse our recently installed display garden.

Throughout the day we will be providing a free taste of our popular SustainAbility workshops including keeping backyard chickens, growing mushrooms, improving your compost, understanding solar, electric fences and home energy efficiency. With live music from local artists and delicious coffee from Here’s The Coffee, the 2019 Harvest Festival will be a great way to spend an Autumn Saturday afternoon.

Cost: Free

Happening Saturday the 23rd of March from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Canberra Environment Centre- corner of Lawson Crescent and Lennox Crossing (by the National Museum).

See www.canberraenvironment.org for more information.   

NORTHSIDE FAMILY MARKETS

Northside Farmers Markets brings you the best quality fresh produce from the region. Select from leafy vegetables, free range pork, pastured eggs, luscious peaches and juicy apples.

Grab a sit and enjoy the amazing aroma and refreshing taste of our freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy with some pastry or bakery product. Do all your weekly grocery shopping while enjoying the spacious and sunny atmosphere. Brings friends and family and friends, share a cuppa and stories from your week.

Happening every Saturday from 9.30 am – 4.30 pm at Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham.

See the website for more information.

SOUTHSIDE FARMERS MARKETS 

Get along to the Southside Farmers Markets every Sunday morning and pick up the finest fruit and vegetables and produce our region has to offer.  There are over 50 stalls made up of farmers and producers who sell their food direct from their farm or kitchen.  Many farmers are out picking their produce the night before the market and you can certainly taste the difference.

Talk to the farmer direct and find out where your food is being grown, how they grow it, and even how they best like to cook it.  Not only do they provide us with fresh food every week but they are a wealth of information on the food that nourishes week in week out.

What’s in season this week?  Annual herbs, beans, peas, beetroot, capsicums, carrots, chillies, corn, cucumber, daikon, eggplant, garlic, onion, radishes, rhubarb, squash, zucchini, melons, stonefruit, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes and more!

Every Sunday from 8.30am to 11 am at Canberra College, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip. Entry is free, visit the website for more information.

MARKET GARDEN PRODUCE STALL

Selling fresh, clean, chemical-free vegetables, preserves and baked goods in the Courtyard of 56 Wallace Street, Braidwood every Saturday morning from 8.30am until 12.00 or sold out. Wynlen House is a small urban micro-farm specialising in offering a broad range of seasonal vegetables all year round.

They also run workshops to show people how to grow vegetables, garlic, and raise small farm animals on a large suburban block and offer slow food events to showcase the benefit and deliciousness of produce grown locally, without chemical inputs and picked fresh.

On every Saturday from 8.30am – 12 pm, at The Courtyard, Braidwood. For more information visit the website.

WORKSHOPS, TOURS & TALKS

Beauty Masterclass with Shella Martin

Join Shella Martin as she shares her insider tips and tricks and reveals some of her current go-to beauty products.

Each attendee will receive a complimentary glass of champagne, canapes a gift bag and a $20 Canberra Centre Gift Card!

Shella Martin has mastered the art of balanced beauty by combining her considered approach to skincare with the versatility of makeup. A self-confessed beauty and fashion addict, Martin has been working with commercial clients, backstage at fashion events, on editorial shoots and hosting beauty masterclasses for over 18 years. Most notably for Rationale, Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Bioderma, L’Oréal Professional, Dion Lee and Toni Maticevski to name a few.

Her beauty work has featured in editorial publications including Vogue Australia, Vogue Italia and Elle, and her celebrity roster is equally impressive.

Happening Saturday 23 February on the Ground Level, Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre near Lush.

See canberracentre.com.au/play/events/beauty-masterclass-with-shella-martin for more information.

NGA PLAY: SALLY SMART

Sally Smart invites visitors to enter a Ballets Russes inspired world of colourful cut-out assemblages and activities. Participants can create their own costumes and headwear before stepping into their own performance, dancing alongside projections of Brooke Stamp who has responded to the original dances with her own dance improvisation. The space also unfolds to reveal immersive places to create personal narratives in pencil and felt, blackboard activities and paper construction.

Happening until 31 March at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

GUIDED TOURS OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA 

Visiting the National Library of Australia? Take a tour and see a side of the Library most visitors never experience. Whether this is your first visit or the next of many, you can learn more about the Library and its exhibitions by joining a free guided tour. Tours are offered by trained Volunteer Guides who have a passion for sharing their knowledge of the Library and its collections. Your Guide will welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the National Library, its collections and the stories of Australia.

Treasures Gallery – Daily at 11.30am. Take a tour and come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.

Behind The Scenes – Thursdays at 2 pm. Take a tour to visit enormous stacks where the books are stored and learn about strange curiosities in the Library’s collection that have been acquired over more than a century of collecting.

Discover your National Library – Saturdays at 2 pm. Join a Library guide for a journey around the building and discover the stories in the Reading Rooms and public spaces.

For more detailed information visit the website.

FRIDAY WITH A FRIEND

An engaging tour of the NGA collection for people with dementia and their carers. This event is free however it is recommended that participants register interest.

Happening 10.30am – 11.30am every Friday at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS TOUR 

The National Portrait Gallery offers a free thirty-minute tour of their Collection every day. Explore the building and be immersed into the artistic world. Learn some background information on specific works and the artists behind the masterpiece.

Participants should feel free to ask any questions. Guides are more than happy to answer.

Happening daily until 22 April at 11.30am at the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes

See the website for more information.

Behind the Scenes tours at Parliament House

Discover the stories behind the building on a special tour of Parliament House. Learn how the building’s impressive architecture is symbolic of the national identity and gain a rare view into private areas.

These tours run only on non-sitting days (except Christmas Day and when seasonal tours are running). Visit the website for more information.

It is recommended that you arrive at least 20 minutes before your tour or event for screening and check-in as places are limited to 10 participants. tours operate for 55 mins.

Happening Wednesday 13 March to Sunday 31 March at 10am, 12pm and 3pm at Australian Parliament House.

See www.aph.gov.au for more information.

Bonsai Week

Bonsai Week 2019 at the National Arboretum Canberra offers an international bonsai experience with a week of demonstrations, workshops, panel discussions, exhibition, curator guided tours and social events.

This year Bonsai Week celebrates “Women in Bonsai” with internationally renowned artists Heike van Gunst and Sandra Grlica joining us from Germany.

Bonsai Week highlights the ancient art of Bonsai and will capture the imagination for the Bonsai professional, enthusiast and the curious.

Happening daily from Monday 25 March until Sunday 31 March at the National Arboretum.

See www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au for more information.

Canberra’s ACT Autumn Antique and Collectables Fair

Twenty-four recognised antique dealers will exhibit and will have for sale quality furniture, maps, prints, jewellery, dolls, fine books, china, pottery, clocks, watches, glassware and bric-a-brac.

Light lunches and refreshments will be available at the venue.

Happening Friday 22 March to Sunday 24 March at various times at Albert Hall.

See rotaryclubofcanberracity.org.au for more information.

Art for lunch

Drop into 30-minute weekly talks or creative activities interpreting works of art in the NGA’s collection.

Check our website for further details. This event is free but bookings are essential.

Happening Thursday 14 Feburary until Thursday 28 November, every Thursday from 12:45-1:15pm at the National Gallery of Australia.

See nga.gov.au for more information.

Happy and Glorious

The Queen’s Visit in 1954. The phrase conjures up memories of a young Queen in summer dresses and ball gowns, crowds of Australians excitedly waving flags and charming tableaus spelling out heartfelt messages.

Old Parliament House was central to the royal tour while the Queen was in Canberra. The Queen alighted from the Daimler and walked up the front steps in her coronation gown to rousing cheers. She was escorted through King’s Hall by a very proud Prime Minister Menzies to attend the State Banquet. In her most formal duty, the Queen opened the 20th Parliament in the Senate Chamber. A room in the President of the Senate’s suite was redecorated and furnished for her private use while she was in the house.

Relive the memories of her visit at the Happy and Glorious exhibition. Enter the very room the Queen used while she was at Old Parliament House.

Happening Saturday 4 January until Thursday 16 January 2020 daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy.

See moadoph.gov.au for more information.

OUTDOORS 

The Carramar Koala Quest

In search of a new adventure? The Carramar Koala Quest is a larger-than-life Koala sculpture trail throughout the Australian National Botanic Gardens and at select partner locations. Each koala has been created by a different artist and is named with its own story to tell. Get the koala map and set off on a discovery trail to find the 20 unique koalas.

The koala trail will be at the Gardens throughout the month of March. They will also feature in Luminous Botanicus IV, an after dark event that will light up the Gardens’ plants from the Rainforest to Red Centre.

9 am to 5 pm daily until 31 March at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Find out more at anbg.gov.au.

Critters of the Eucalypt Forest

Take a short walk with a ranger and learn about the potoroos and other important inhabitants of the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Eucalypt Forest and get back in time for “Koalas in the Canopy”.

This wildlife walk is suitable for all ages, there are no bookings required and the cost is included in the Reserve entry fee.

Available Saturdays, 2 pm – 2.45 pm until 29 June. Meet at the koala enclosure in the Eucalypt Forest.

Find out more at tidbinbilla.act.gov.au

Koalas in the Canopy

From 2.45 pm – 3.15 pm every Saturday until 29 June you can search for koalas and enjoy a ranger-guided walk through the tall eucalypt forest at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Hear a ranger’s story or two about these fascinating marsupials.

Meet at the Eucalypt Forest car park. Normal entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required for Koalas in the Canopy.

Find out more at tidbinbilla.act.gov.au.

WETLAND WONDERS

Take a walk with a ranger through Tidbinbilla’s wetlands to learn about its amazing inhabitants and if you are lucky catch a glimpse of an elusive platypus.

Entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required. Arrive early to explore the rest of the sanctuary or the eucalypt forest.

Happening until 31 March from 4pm-4.30pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River

Find out more at tidbinbilla.act.gov.au.

YOGA BY THE LAKE 

Yoga by the Lake is perfect for all experience levels and aims to bring together the yoga community in a beautiful location at Bowen Park in Barton.

With a class every Thursday, it’s a BYO mat event. Entry is free with donations welcome. All ages and experience welcome.

Every Thursday evening from 6 pm at Bowen Park, Bowen Drive, Barton.

See Facebook for more information.

Re-Discovering Ginninderra

For half a century during the 1860’s, Ginninderra flourished and in it’s prime boasted a church, two schools, store, Police Station, post and telegraph office, school of arts, nursery, farmers union hall, annual show, sports team and hotel. By 1915 Ginninderra was finished. Find this out and more by visiting the Re-Discovering Ginninderra exhibition.

Happening 25 February to the 9 February at various times at the Former Hall Primary School.

See www.museum.hall.act.au for more information. 

Soul Sunday

Soul Sunday is the signature event of Sacred Soul Yoga & Wellness. It incorporates everything the founders are passionate about – self-care, yoga, mindfulness, meditation, community and connection.

Soul Sunday returns to Gold Creek Station, Hall Village – a rural escape just 20 minutes from the centre of Canberra, with natural landscapes as far as the eye can see and a beautiful venue. As summer wraps up, step away from the hustle and bustle to transition into autumn, recharge and reinvigorate your mind, body and soul.

Happening Sunday 24 March at 1pm – 6pm at Gold Creek Station.

See sacredsoulyogawellness.com for more information.

Land: Place: Site (variation one)

Originally conceived for Sculpture by the Sea 2018 and now re-imagined for the courtyard of Belconnen Arts Centre, Land: Place: Site (variation one) is a rural overlay upon the urban alignment of the Belconnen Arts Centre Outdoor Gallery. Its intention is less defined as object in place than as a site relocated.

It stands as a reminder of the agricultural heritage of Australia, and our need to frame and tame spaces through creating boundaries and fences, while acknowledging the fragility of tenure we have within our places.

Happening Friday 22 March to Sunday 28 April daily at the Belconnen arts centre.

See belconnenartscentre.com.au for more information.

KIDS

Free Bricks 4 Kidz®! Workshops, Marketplace Gungahlin

Young or old everyone loves LEGO!

Bricks 4 Kidz®! are hosting the next FREE Kid’s Club event at Marketplace Gungahlin and it’s going to be brick-tastic!

Bring the kids along to Marketplace Gungahlin on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March, 10am-2pm, where they can have fun at the free Bricks 4 Kidz Lego®, Kids Club workshops.

The little ones will love making amazing Lego creations inspired by popular themes such as Star Wars, Minecraft, and Superheroes. Plus, every child who takes part will take home a free BRICKS 4 KIDZ wristband.

With a range of amazing retail options, lunch and coffee spots plus an indoor playground, you can really make this a fun-filled family day out at Marketplace Gungahlin!

Be sure to sign up online to the Marketplace Kid’s Club to get your exclusive event invitation and to receive future free event information! Event will be hosted directly out the front of Big W.

Happening Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March from 10 am-2 pm from Marketplace Gungahlin

Find out more here and sign up to the Marketplace Kids Club here.

Canberra Kids Market

Canberra Kids Market is THE place to find new, handmade and pre-loved, clothing, toys, books, games, accessories and equipment for babies, toddlers and young ones.

Plenty of stalls to explore and great bargains to be had with more than 1,750 sqm of super shopping. You’ll find quality treasures for 0 to 12-year-old girls and boys, including designer labels and big-name brands.

Buying at the Canberra Kids Market is a great way to support a sustainable lifestyle, helping reduce waste by recycling quality goods too precious to discard.

Bring the family and enjoy a great day out.

Happening Saturday 23 March from 9am – 12pm at Exhibition Park.

See www.canberramarkets.net.au for more information.

DRESSUP: CHANGE THE WORLD

Discover the incredible journeys of some of the world’s most inspiring people, taking the time to walk in their shoes in DressUP: Change the World.

Connect with the lives of historical and contemporary figures, including Frida Kahlo, Adam Goodes, Beyoncé, and many others, by dressing up in their most iconic outfits.

Immerse yourself in their stories of triumph as they go from ordinary people to visionary leaders who have made a difference in the world. Listen to their stories and learn about the challenges they overcame to leave their mark.

Visitors can also tell their own story in the new Zine Lounge. Whether you prefer writing or sketching, the Zine Lounge lets you carve out a space for your voice to be heard.

This engaging exhibition space provides a bold and quirky environment that will inspire young people and asks them “How will you change the world?”

On until 31 December 2019 at the Museum of Australian Democracy Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

LITTLE GRIFFINS

The National Capital Authority’s popular and entertaining Little Griffins program for children four years and under and their parents and carers is back for 2019, every Friday from 10 am – 11 am at the National Capital Exhibition, Regatta Point.

The free, fun and interactive session will include building with DUPLO, songs, stories, and games. No bookings required – just come along!

Happening every Friday from 1 am at the National Capital Exhibition, Regatta Point.

Visit nca.gov.au for more information.

The Carramar Koala Quest

In search of a new adventure? The Carramar Koala Quest is a larger-than-life Koala sculpture trail throughout the Australian National Botanic Gardens and at select partner locations. Each koala has been created by a different artist and is named with its own story to tell. Get the koala map and set off on a discovery trail to find the 20 unique koalas.

The koala trail will be at the Gardens throughout the month of March. They will also feature in Luminous Botanicus IV, an after dark event that will light up the Gardens’ plants from the Rainforest to Red Centre.

9 am to 5 pm daily until 31 March at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Find out more at anbg.gov.au.

PLAYUP

After an exciting transformation, the imaginative family space in the Museum of Australian Democracy has all-new hands-on activities to educate, excite and challenge young minds.

This creative exhibition space celebrates the role of children in our community and provides a welcoming environment for families to engage in the rights and responsibilities of children through imagination, discovery, role-play and fun.

Happening every day from 9 am – 5 pm at the Museum of Australian Democracy, King George Terrace, Parkes. Entry costs vary.

Visit the website for more details.

LEAP INTO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY  

Your local library is a treasure trove…not only are there free books and resources, there are regular amazing events! Giggle & Wiggle with your little ones (up to two years) and help them learn through language play using interactive rhymes, songs, games and stories.

Looking to improve your English and make new friends, then head along to your local library for one of the informal English conversation groups. For more events and info check them out here. 

EXHIBITIONS

Inked: Australian Cartoons

Inked features a selection of the best cartoons from the National Library of Australia’s extensive collections.

The exhibition draws from over 14,000 cartoons by dozens of artists, from before the arrival of the  First Fleet in 1788 up to the present. Each work is a time capsule, offering a snapshot of Australian life.

Visitors will be captivated by the works on display by many greats of Australian cartooning, including Will Dyson, Judy Horacek, Michael Leunig, David Low, Phil May, Alan Moir, Bruce Petty, Martin Sharp, Cathy Wilcox and many more.

INKED: PLAY

Come and see the famous Gumnut Babies going off to war. Create your own cartoon or draw a protest sign to hang on our display wall. Get stuck into a book. Find all the hidden Inkie the Echidnas and explore whether the world is doomed or domed.

Inked Play is open daily as part of Inked: Australian Cartoons. Find it by following Inkie the Echidna.

Open 10am to 5pm every day from 7 March–21 July 2019

nla.gov.au

Painting on Country

Five senior artists from Tjungu Palya art centre in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia have reinvigorated their ancestors’ practice of painting directly onto the land. Their work, captured in a series of large-format photographs, is both timeless and transient, bridging the ancient and the contemporary.

Exhibition on show at the National Museum of Australia until 30 September 2019. Free entry. More information at nma.gov.au.

Amanda Summons: The Ladies: Part II

onetoeight: Australia’s first prime ministers

Visually arresting, humorous and thoughtful, Canberra-based artist Alison Alder reinterprets and reinvigorates portraits of the first eight prime ministers in onetoeight, a contemporary art exhibition. Developed from Alder’s fellowship with the Australian Prime Ministers Centre and motivated by the early period of our nation’s democracy, onetoeight brings these important historical figures a little bit closer to us.

Inspired by a picture of Stanley Bruce’s cabinet where they were all wearing a lapel badge, Alder presents each prime minister wearing at least one badge to reference a key aspect of their time in office. Neither explicitly positive or negative, we are left to form our own opinion.

Through the portraits, intense patterned wallpaper honouring the prime minister’s wives and a Term-O-Meter animation tracking the changing political hues of individuals and governments, Alder gives us a sense of our nation’s history that is lively, dynamic and parallels the present day.

Showing at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Find out more at moadoph.gov.au.

The Carramar Koala Quest

In search of a new adventure? The Carramar Koala Quest is a larger-than-life Koala sculpture trail throughout the Australian National Botanic Gardens and at select partner locations. Each koala has been created by a different artist and is named with its own story to tell. Get the koala map and set off on a discovery trail to find the 20 unique koalas.

The koala trail will be at the Gardens throughout the month of March. They will also feature in Luminous Botanicus IV, an after dark event that will light up the Gardens’ plants from the Rainforest to Red Centre.

9 am to 5 pm daily until 31 March at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Find out more at anbg.gov.au.

National Photographic Portrait Prize

The National Photographic Portrait Prize is an annual event intended to promote the very best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers.

On show daily at the National Portrait Gallery until 7 April. Find out more at nppp.portrait.gov.au.

Life Through the Lens

This photographic display highlights just a few of the 3,000 Commonwealth documentaries and educational short films in the Film Australia Collection, which recorded life as it was lived in Australia during the 20th century.

The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) is the proud custodian of the Film Australia Collection, preserving and providing access to the nation’s documentary record – our collective memory. The works in this photographic display are still frames taken during the production of the films.

On show daily at the NFSA until 31 May. Find out more at nfsa.gov.au.

LOVE AND DESIRE

Discover a stunning world of Love & Desire as the Tate’s pre-Raphaelite masterpieces come to Australia for this Summer’s most romantic exhibition.

Fall in love with John Everett Millais’ Ophelia and John William Waterhouse’s The Lady of Shalott, as the Tate’s most visited works of art leave the gallery together for the first time.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of brilliant colour, meticulous detail and exquisite layering in paintings inspired by the great love stories of history and literature.

Showing until 28 April at The National Gallery of Australia, Parkes from 10 am.

For more information visit National Gallery of Australia. 

A Tale of Two Villages

A Tale of Two Villages tells the story of the Hall-Ginninderra district from Aboriginal times, through the early pioneer farming settlement at Palmerville and then Ginninderra, to the establishment of the village of Hall from 1881.

Showing at Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, Victoria Street, Hall each Thursday 9am-12pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Find out more at museum.hall.act.au.

Season: John Carpenter

What better way to appreciate the craft of genre master John Carpenter than through these vibrant 4K restorations?

His minimalist lighting, widescreen photography, long takes and distinctive synthesised scores have permeated the popular culture and his influence is still felt far and wide.

Happening 22 – 29 March 2019 from 6:00pm – 9:30pm at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

See www.nfsa.gov.au for more information.

Drawn Together Exhibition

The Official opening of ‘Drawn Together‘, an exhibition by the Artist Society of Canberra Drawing Creatively Workgroup. Celebrating the artists shared exploration of a diversity of mark making which draws them together.

Happening Friday 1 – Sunday 24 March at the Capital Wines.

See capitalwines.com.au for more information.

Mr Squiggle Exhibition – Royal Australian Mint

To coincide with the recently released 2019 Mr Squiggle 60th anniversary coin set, the Royal Australian Mint is hosting an exhibition to commemorate Mr Squiggle and his creator, Norman Hetherington.

The exhibition includes children’s letters to Mr Squiggle, script books, original artwork and a portrait loaned from the National Portrait Gallery of Australia ‘Norman Hetherington OAM (and friends)’ by artist Kate Rae.

The exhibition also showcases one of the most loved and longest running Australian children’s programs, honouring Norman Hetherington, the brilliant man behind the iconic puppets and television series

Happening from 5 March 2019 until 28 July 2019 at the Royal Australian Mint.

See www.ramint.gov.au for more information.

Artist in residence 2018: Cupped Hands. Simon Cottrell & Vicky Shukuroglo 

The annual international artist-in-residence program supports a local, national and international artist to each undertake a residence at Gudgenby Ready-Cut Cottage in the Namadgi National Park, and a two week research component within a national cultural institution in Canberra. The program facilitates access for the artist to national cultural, tertiary and research institutions and their collections, curators and researchers.

A group exhibition of new work by each of the artists is held annually, and a catalogue produced about the program is disseminated internationally.

Happening 21 March until 11 May 2019 from 10:00am – 5pm (most days) at Craft ACT: Craft Design Centre.

See craftact.org.au for more information.

Cosmic Speculations

As astronomers discover more about our universe, they find it is often stranger than we could have imagined. David Jensz’s practice involves the construction and fabrication of sculptural objects that reflect on the patterns that underpin the intricacy of life.

The simplicity in his work alludes to greater complexity and he views the work as fragments of a much larger whole. In practical terms, Jensz contemplates the world by engaging with physical materials: his working process is a journey from the known to the unknown.

Happening Friday 22 March until Sunday 28 April from 10am – 4pm at Belconnen Arts Centre.

See belconnenartscentre.com.au for more information.

Maori Markings: Ta Moko at the NGA

By marking the skin and face with connecting patterns, Māori Tā Moko artists tell stories of prestige, authority and identity. To receive and wear Moko is a great cultural privilege. Captivating photographs, paintings and sculptures trace the history of Tā Moko from the 18th century to its contemporary resurgence, including illustrations created during Captain Cook’s first voyages to Māori Chiefs.

This exhibition includes a unique art event featuring Moko artists engaging in a live demonstration of this phenomenal practice. Free.

Happening Saturday 23 March until Sunday 25 August 2019 daily at the National Gallery of Australia.

See nga.gov.au for more information.

Magna Carta—An Australian Story

Magna Carta is one of the most famous and significant documents for democracy and human rights around the world.

First written in 1215, it set down rules limiting the power of the monarchy and safeguarding basic human rights and freedoms. Over its long history it has been reinterpreted as an icon of justice and liberty. In this exhibition, created with the assistance of the British Library, explore the history and relevance of Magna Carta from an Australian perspective.

The Magna Carta: An Australian Story exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy takes you on a journey through the history of the Magna Carta. You will discover the spirit and legacy of the Magna Carta and learn the significance it plays in Australia’s democratic history.

Happening Friday 4 January until Monday 3 February daily at Museum of Australian Democracy.

See www.moadoph.gov.au for more information.

Hall WW1 Commemorative Exhibition

“When Hall Answered the Call” – Visit the small community of Hall’s School Museum and see their moving exhibition to commemorate the district’s contribution to World War 1 as part of the ANZAC Centenary.

The exhibition features photos, medals, letters, and other memorabilia that tell the story of the boys and men from the district who went off to fight in WW1. Learn about the support provided by their families, the local community and Welcome Home celebrations.

Happening Friday 1 March until Sunday 9 February at various times at the Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre.

See museum.hall.act.au for more information.

I Thought I Heard a Bird

I thought I heard a bird is a collection of Interdisciplinary artworks based on observations, habitations, and re-imaginings of birds in the Anthropocene utilising methodologies of birdwatching, habitecture, and design fictions.

Artists involved: Ashley Eriksmoen | Fernando do Campo | Joyce Hwang | Madeleine Kelly | Patsy Healy | Raquel Ormella
Happening Thursday 21 March until Saturday 11 May 2019 daily at Craft ACT.

See craftact.org.au for more information.

A Flag of our Own

It’s been flying on flag poles for 25 years but how much do you know about the Canberra flag?

Discover the history, controversy and humour of the current Canberra flag…and why there is a discussion for it to be changed.

Happening 9 February until the 4 May 2019 at Canberra Museum and Gallery.

See cmag.com.au for more information.

‘Clouds: Ethereal Splendor Above’ – Marilyn Hutchinson and Steffie Wallace

This exhibition, by two different artists, provides depictions of clouds in all their floating and ephemeral diversity. The exhibition presents imagery of clouds and their diversity, beauty and changing nature. The works will be in oil, soft-pastels and photography.

The theme of this exhibition is clouds and their diversity, beauty, and changing nature. The sky gives perspective to our existence: it is limitless and ever-changing, yet provides a constant in our visual perception. Dark at night, light during the day, the clouds give beauty and substance to the sky, inciting emotions ranging from inspiration to fear, depending on the weather they bring. The sheer magnificence of cloud formations give us an ever-changing landscape in the sky: spiritually uplifting and frequently providing hope when none seems forthcoming. Both in our darkest moments and in celebratory joy, we often turn to the sky above.

Showing Thursday 7 to Sunday 31 March at Strathnairn Arts Homestead Gallery 1 and 2, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt.

Lunch with Wally Masur

As part of the masterclass series, Australian Tennis legend Wally Masur will speak on his tennis career, what motivated him and his inspiring storywhile enjoying a three course lunch.

Highlights of his career include reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open in 1987 (l. to Edberg) and at the US Open in 1993 (l. to Pioline). He made the last 16 at Wimbledon on three occasions 

Happening Monday 23 March from 12:30 until 2:30 pm at Marble & Grain.

See marbleandgrain.com.au for more information.

DRESSUP: CHANGE THE WORLD

Discover the incredible journeys of some of the world’s most inspiring people, taking the time to walk in their shoes in DressUP: Change the World.

Connect with the lives of historical and contemporary figures, including Frida Kahlo, Adam Goodes, Beyoncé, and many others, by dressing up in their most iconic outfits.

Immerse yourself in their stories of triumph as they go from ordinary people to visionary leaders who have made a difference in the world. Listen to their stories and learn about the challenges they overcame to leave their mark.

Visitors can also tell their own story in our new Zine Lounge. Whether you prefer writing or sketching, the Zine Lounge lets you carve out a space for your voice to be heard.

This engaging exhibition space provides a bold and quirky environment that will inspire young people and asks them “How will you change the world?”

Happening until 31 December at the Museum of Australian Democracy Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

BREAKING THROUGH: 75 YEARS OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT

Why did it take so long for women to get elected? And once they were there, what was their experience within the parliament?

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first women elected to Australian Federal Parliament, Breaking Through exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy explores the journeys of 11 trailblazers who were the first to hold particular parliamentary positions.

These are stories of resilience, perseverance and ground-breaking achievements.

From 1943 when Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons were the first women elected to parliament through to today where woman have held the highest positions in all areas of parliament, including Prime Minister.

Breaking Through exhibition, recognises the significant contribution these women made in Australia’s democracy. Look back on their lives, uncover their motivations and what they view as their greatest achievements.

Told through never before seen portraits, each a unique representation by a young artist, and powerful stories of change-makers breaking through, this exhibition will inspire visitors to think about the role of women in parliament, what it took to get there and whether we’ve come far enough.

Showing until 28 August from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

BEHIND THE LINES 2018

Venture down the rabbit-hole for Behind the Lines: The Year’s Best Political Cartoons 2018, with this year’s theme Curiouser and Curiouser inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Kids of all ages can visit the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland at MoAD for dress ups, games and adventures.

Step through the Looking Glass and dress up as the colourful and curious characters of Wonderland including Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat or the Mad Hatter.

There is also a wall of crazy mirrors that will stretch or shrink you and games with a special Wonderland twist that will delight the whole family.

Older kids can go on a cartooning trail through the exhibition, following clues and learning about the art of political cartooning.

While the children are entertained in Wonderland, parents can grin, smirk and grimace at the cartoons that explore the unexpected twists and turns of politics in 2018.

For more information visit www.moadoph.gov.au/family. 

DEMOCRACY. ARE YOU IN? 

Your voice, your hands and even your feet have the power to be heard. Our freedoms and our way of life have been built on the foundation of democracy. This living system is sustained through the participation of each and all of us. Democracy is sustained by you.

Australian democracy is a work in progress. Curiously, at a time of stability and unparalleled economic growth, confidence in our political and social institutions is at its lowest point in decades. But giving up on them is not the answer. Our democracy needs us. Are you in?

Open daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Find out more at moadoph.gov.au.

PLAYUP 

Discover PlayUP – The Right to Have an Opinion and Be Heard, where kids can explore the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child in a playful way. Adults can even join in the fun too!

From listening pods and a roleplay Kindness Café to a fuzzy felt wall and craft activities, PlayUP has a range of exciting and immersive experiences that flip the traditional idea of museums completely on its head.

See the website for more information. Free after museum admission. Open from 9 am to 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Cost: Free.

THE ANTARCTICA EXPERIENCE: A VIRTUAL REALITY ADVENTURE

Antarctica as you’ve never seen it before

Travel to Antarctica using the latest 360-degree virtual reality technology and follow in the footsteps of the scientists researching this mysterious continent.

Explore Antarctica from a helicopter cockpit; cruise through icy waters to meet a penguin colony; visit Davis Station and learn about daily life in these harsh conditions; and marvel at the spectacular Southern Lights.

An immersive theatre experience only at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

On until 26 June at the National Museum of Australia, Acton.

For tickets and session times visit nma.gov.au/antarctica.

Nature’s Spectral Arch

Acclaimed artist Sharon Field returns to Suki & Hugh Gallery with her second solo exhibition, entitled Nature’s Spectral Arch. It explores aspects of a changed environment around the former slate mining village of Corris, Wales where the artist recently completed a month-long artists residency with Stiwdio Maelor. With time, nature is reclaiming this once degraded landscape with a gentle persistence and dignity.

Showing until 24 March 2019 at the Suki & Hugh Gallery, Bungendore. See the website for more information.

AFTER THE WAR EXHIBITION, AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

After the war is a new exhibition exploring the personal stories of hope, loss, and love of ordinary Australians whose lives have been altered by war, from those who have served to loved ones left behind. Take an intimate journey of the personal costs and consequences of war, unfolding over 100 years from 1918 to 2018.

Entry is free as always, and this event runs until 11 July. For more information, check out the War Memorial website.

ELECTRIC! PORTRAITS THAT POP!

Celebrate the Gallery’s 20th birthday summer with Electric! Portraits that pop! The collection exhibition features a mix of bright, bold and colourful paintings, prints and photographs, and buoyant video portraits.

Happening until 22 April at the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

Facing new worlds 

This summer the Robert Oatley Gallery is curated with a focus on the relationships forged between Europeans and Indigenous peoples during the formative Age of Empire – roughly the 1760s to the 1840s. The rehang explores both how these relations of mutual interest formed, and what effects they had in the making of modern life in the southern hemisphere.

Showing until 22 April at the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes.

See the website for more information. 

CARTE-O-MANIA!

Drawn from the NPG’s burgeoning collection of cartes de visite, Carte-o-mania! celebrates the wit, style and substance of the pocket-sized portraits that were taken and collected like crazy in post-goldrush Australia.

Showing until 22 April at the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

Finders keepers: collectors and their stories

Peek into the personal collections of five fascinating collectors. Diverse, rich and often surprising, these collections are brimming with stories. Dedicated to the act of preserving and collecting, the exhibition tells the stories of individuals through the objects they chose to safeguard revealing extraordinary stories about the ideas, individuals and events that have shaped the nation.

From cherished mementoes of political careers, to well-worn protest T-shirts, each collection takes you on a journey through Australia’s democratic history. Families can explore the exhibition and discover what makes collectors tick with fun, hands-on Finders Keepers Collector Kits.

Finders Keepers asks why do people collect, why do museums collect and what do our collections say about us? With 269 objects on display, the most in the history of the museum, Finders Keepers unveils the collector in us all and invites you to share your own collection story.

Showing until 31 August at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

NGA TALKS AND WORKSHOPS  

Talks and workshops cater for a range of different age groups.

For full details visit the NGA website.