What’s on this Easter long weekend?
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It’s finally here! Four blissful days off to unwind and relax.
Here’s what’s happening in Canberra this Easter long weekend.
Special Events and Festivals
National Folk Festival
The National Folk Festival is back with a bang with five days filed with folk culture. Bringing world-class performers, established and emerging artists and music lovers together to discover, share, experience and celebrate the exciting world of folk, it’s iconic for a reason. See you there?
Until Monday 1 April | Various locations | Book here.
The Great Treat Hunt
Think Easter treat hunts are just for humans? Hop over to Haig Park this Easter Sunday for a pawsome treat hunt for your pup. Dress your pooch and strike a pose in the photo booth adorned with Easter baskets and props, enjoy some chocolate free Easter treats and explore the bustling Haig Park Village Markets.
Saturday 30 March | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | More information here.
Hercules + Children’s Egg Hunt
This is fun for the whole family! Head along to the National Film and Sound Archive to watch Disney’s version of the Ancient Greek myth Hercules in the stand-out 1990s animation. It has an epic storyline, heroic characters, plenty of laughs, and an inspiring soundtrack…and for those with keen eyes, there are plenty of hidden references to spot too. And to celebrate Easter, a pre-screening chocolate egg hunt for children will take place in the NFSA Courtyard. All children will also receive a complimentary activity sheet to identify the Easter eggs within the film!
Sunday 31 March | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Dahlicious Festival
A yoga flow class among a field of dahlias, a guided dahlia tour, masterclasses, and more – this beautiful festival is a celebration of design, colour and dahlias. Running for the month of March, check out the program to see what’s happening when.
Until Sunday 31 March | The Commons at Pialligo, 12 Beltana Road, The Potting Shed, Pialligo | Book here.
Canberra Steam Train Rides
The Canberra Steam Train Rides are back for the Easter Long weekend! Experience the unique thrill of a heritage rail journey behind steam locomotive 5917 as you travel from Canberra to Bungendore and return. Choose from a private compartments for large groups or classic seating for four or two and enjoy views of the spectacular Molonglo Gorge, and the rolling country scenery.
Until Monday 1 April | Canberra Railway Station, Kingston | Book here.
Bollywood Dance Workshop
Toybox Australia has teamed up with Next Gen Canberra to host a fundraising Bollywood dance workshop to support children battling cancer.
All age groups are welcome and Bollywood dress-up is encouraged.
11 am–12 noon Saturday 30 March | Next Gen Canberra, 1 Riggall Place, Lyneham | Book by calling 1800 077 177
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Journey back in time to discover the wonders of ancient Egypt in this must-see exhibition featuring over 220 objects from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden). You’ll learn all about the lifestyles of the ancient Egyptians, their religion and society, their creativity and their belief in an afterlife where they hoped to live for eternity.
Until September 2024 | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Markets
Little Burley Markets
Offering a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisanal bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats, and much more, you’ll be able to find plenty of goodies at this bespoke lakeside market
8 am – 1 pm Saturday | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Haig Park Markets
Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.
8:30 am – 2 pm Sunday | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta and pet treats.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
Meet the Easter Bunny at the Old Bus Depot Markets
The Easter Bunny is hopping into the Old Bus Depot Markets for an egg-cellent day. Take place in a chocolate egg hunt, explore the stalls for some unique treasures and make the most of the long weekend with a relaxing Easter Sunday out and about!
Sunday 31 March | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Three Sixty Fashion Market
Calling all fashion lovers, don’t miss this niche Canberra market dedicated to sustainable fashion. Shop for high end designer and vintage clothing and accessories!
Sunday 31 March | Fitter’s Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | More information here.
Food and Wine
Easter High Tea
This Easter, Hyatt Hotel Canberra is partnering with Haigh’s Chocolate to create the ultimate High Tea indulgence, and it sounds delicious. Book in over the Easter weekend to eat your way through a three-tiered stand of sweet and savory items, including desserts inspired by Haigh’s famous recipes such as Honeycomb mousse with brandy snaps and shaved chocolate, Haigh’s chocolate lamingtons and Haigh’s chocolate chip scones with clotted cream and jam. Talk about a sugar rush.
Until Sunday 31 March | 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla Book here.
Bottomless High Tea at Parlour Restaurant
Freshly made finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries with all the trimmings, and bottomless cocktails and wine – this isn’t your stuffy high tea. Book into Parlour to make the most of the long weekend and to enjoy a refreshing twist on a traditional high tea.
Saturday 30 March | 16 Kendall Lane, Canberra City | Book here.
Luna Saturdays
Have you been to Luna yet? On Saturdays watch the bar transform for an evening where intrigue and luxury intertwine. There will be Cabaret Dancers, DJs and more! Book online or walk in.
Saturday 30 March | Luna, 99 London Circuit, City | More information here
Sunday Soirée
Live music, a Bentspoke pop-up bar and gourmet food and drink offers…what’s not to love? Head along to the Hyatt Hotel for a relaxing Sunday afternoon that will have something for the whole family. Perfect for friends, families and couples looking for a chilled Sunday afternoon catch-up, book ahead or walk in on the day!
Sunday 31 March | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Stage, Screen and Music
DARKFIELD: FLIGHT
Calling all thrill seekers, this one is for you. Sitting at the nexus of technology and theatre, FLIGHT takes you on a deeply hypnotic journey that challenges your sense of what is real, and what is imagined through two worlds, two realities and two outcomes to your journey. We won’t say anymore, you need to experience it for yourself…
Until Sunday 14 April | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
DARKFIELD: SÉANCE
Step inside, take a seat but don’t get comfortable. SÉANCE is an intense sonic performance that explores the psychology of a group of people who have been bombarded with suggestible material. In complete darkness, your senses become vulnerable to persuasion. You’ll need to proceed with an open mind…
Until Sunday 14 April | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Live Jazz at Purple Rain Music Cafe
Purple Rain Music Cafe is bringing live jazz to Campbell this Saturday 30 March. Starting at 10 am, the cafe will host the talented Mereki Leten and Michael Larsen-Collins to kick off Easter. It’s a chance to enjoy some live music while sipping on your favorite coffee in a cozy spot. The event is totally free, making it a great way to relax and enjoy some quality tunes without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on a lovely morning at Purple Rain Cafe.
From 10 am, Saturday 30 March | Purple Rain Café, C03/51 Constitution Ave, Campbell | Tickets are not required | @purple.rain.music.cafe
Exhibitions
All Sorts Collective – From The Outside To The Inside
Showing at the Strathnairn Arts Association, From The Outside To The Inside explore the relationship between public and private spaces through a series of works in acrylic, watercolour in and pastel. Featuring contrasting views of outside lives to personal interiors exploring the quiet sanctity of a home, head along to see the works of Shakir Rayman, Stephanie Boyle, Louise Spencer, Katie Volter and Belinda Gill.
Until Sunday 21 April | Strathnairn Arts Association, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information here.
Layered Land: Time, Fragility, Repair
This is a solo exhibition by Barbara Dawson. Creating a series of drawings and textiles that investigates the way a place is remembered, Barbara’s intention is not to represent the landscape, rather it is to capture and communicate her lived experience of being in it. Through combining and layering different procedures – reclaiming and repurposing materials, drawing, layering, dyeing, stitching – she is able to capture and communicate her relationship and concern for landscape. And remind us we are not separate from it but are inextricably part of it.
Until Sunday 14 April | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
# by Guy Morgan
Guy Morgan’s debut solo exhibition, ‘#’ features Morgan’s ‘Evaporation’ series – a blending of oil and acrylic paintings with archival prints and his acclaimed ArtScreen 2023 project. Exploring the transient nature of creativity, the exhibition also features works from Morgan’s book, ‘The Empire Sells Out’, offering an alternative societal narrative.
Until Sunday 14 April | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
HARD YAKKA
HARD YAKKA delves into the cultural significance of the flannel shirt, a beloved garment transcending social divides from artists to farmers and labourers. Created by UK Frederick, it delves into the intersection of art and labour, drawing on photographic practices, ceramics and pattern to investigate the sensory qualities of disembodied clothing and the memories they invoke.
Until Sunday 14 April | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Ralph Heimans: Portraiture. Power. Influence
This is the first major exhibition of the Sydney-born artist’s work in his home country. Featuring some of the most significant portraits in the artist’s career to date (from early major works such as his painting of HM Queen Mary of Denmark through to his most recent paintings), you’ll see some amazing works that have cemented Ralph Heimans as a internationally sought-after portraitist known for his meticulously realised paintings.
Until Monday 27 May | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Vincent Namatjira: Australia in Colour
This exhibition of acclaimed Western Aranda artist Vincent Namatjira, Vincent Namatjira: Australia in Colour, charts the artist’s career, revealing the power of his painting and the potency of his words. Showcasing Namatjira’s burgeoning artistic practice, this major exhibition brings together paintings, works on paper and moving image from public and private collections nationwide, the exhibition will also feature a selection of watercolours from the national collection by the artist’s great-grandfather and critically acclaimed Western Arranda artist, Albert Namatjira.
Until Sunday 21 July | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Sport
2024 Paddle Australia Canoe Polo National Championships
Witness teams from across Australia battle it out for titles in the Australian Canoe Polo National Championships! We’re the reigning champions in Open’s and Open Women’s, so head along to support local and learn more about Canoe Polo as well as the other disciplines offered by the Burley Griffin Canoe Club.
Until Sunday 31 March | Burley Griffin Canoe Club, Molonglo Reach, Campbell | More information here.
Workshops, webinars and more
Floor Talk | UK Frederick
Loved the ‘HARD YAKKA’ at M16 Artspace? Attend an engaging floor talk where UK Frederick will unveil the creative process behind her exhibition. They will delve into the cultural significance of the flannel shirt, and the intersection of art and labour. RSVP’s are encouraged, head to the website to learn more!
Saturday 30 March | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
