What’s on this long weekend in Canberra? (hint: it’s a lot)
Posted on
The long weekend is finally here—and we are very excited.
Because from Canberra’s biggest party, spaced-themed kids workshops, and hot air balloons, to a food festival and Canberra Day festivities, there are 40+ things to do around town.
Here are some of our suggestions—see you there?
Special Events and Festivals
Ascent
In this stunning triple-bill contemporary performance, the Sydney Dance Company takes us on an uplifting climb through contemporary dance.
Coming to life at the hands of the Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, renowned international choreographer Marina Mascarell, and Antony Hamilton in his critically acclaimed Forever & Ever, this beautiful moving portrait is a love note to the power of moving forward.
Until Saturday 11 March | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Sydney Hotshots live at Casino Canberra
Love Magic Mike? You need to see this. A brand-new Sydney Hotshots show is locked, loaded and promises to bring high-powered dance routines, spectacular lighting, and fabulous costumes to Casino Canberra. Talk about the ultimate night out…
Saturday 11 March | Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Sound and Fury
Canberra’s beloved performance art party is taking over Dairy Road for Enlighten Festival! At this adult only event there will be probe performance artists, dancers, bands, DJs, in-betweeners and outsiders while a stage over an illuminated water sculpture will flow through the night. Enjoy while audiences can come and go from repeating performances in a new theatre, a yoga studio, a public square, a brewery, a dystopian depot and a sexed up play centre. Grainger Gallery and many food and bar options will be open. It is a tale, full of sound and fury, signifying everything.
Sunday 12 March | 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | facebook.com
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
It’s time to brave the dawn—Canberra skyline will be turning into a sea of colour and movement. Enjoy a hot breakfast to enjoy as the balloons lift off and drift across the dawn sky (weather permitting).
Saturday 11 until Sunday 19 March | Patrick White Lawns, Patrick White Lawns, Parkes | enlightencanberra.com
Enlighten at the National Library
Head to the National Library to enjoy extended opening hours as the lawn is transformed into a play area complete with giant lawn games, hula hoops, face painting or watch a skipping rope demonstrations from Jazzy Jumpers. If you’re looking for food to go along wit your fun, grab a bite to eat from one of the food stalls or head to Bookplate Café to try a special Enlighten festival menu!
Saturday 11 March | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | nla.gov.au
Pride Weekend
Honouring WorldPride in Sydney (the first time the global event has been staged in Australia and the first time in the southern hemisphere), Pride Weekend @ Enlighten will see a program bursting with events, all celebrating LGTBIQA+ pride and Canberra’s inclusive community—including the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Illuminations @ Enlighten Festival, Lights! Canberra! Action! and more.
Taking place from Friday 10 until Sunday 12 March (the second weekend of Enlighten), the best part is it’s all free to attend.
Until Sunday 12 March | Various locations | enlightencanberra.com/pride
World Pride Gin tastings
Celebrating diversity and inclusivity, the Underground Spirits X DEFGLIS Tropical World Pride Gin will transport your taste buds—and you can only try it this weekend. Crafted with a unique blend of tropical botanicals, this gin is sure to tantalize your taste buds and take you on a mouth-watering adventure. Try it in a G&T and sip away knowing your celebrating the diversity and richness of the world we live in.
Until Sunday 12 March | Located in the Festival Hub close to the National Portrait Gallery | enlightencanberra.com
Symphony in the Park
The Canberra Symphony Orchestra will take to the stage to perform with special guest, award-winning pop, soul and electronica band, Electric Fields. Sit back, relax and prepare for a night of great tunes and delicious eats. No tickets are required!
Sunday 12 March | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | enlightencanberra.com
Illuminations @Enlighten Festival
Some of Canberra’s most loved and iconic buildings is lighting up once again for the Enlighten Festival. From Australian Parliament House; the National Library of Australia; the National Gallery of Australia; Questacon; the National Portrait Gallery; and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, expect a stunning display of light, sound and movement!
Until Monday 13 March | Various locations | enlightencanberra.com
Enlighten Illuminations at Parliament House
As day turns to night, watch Parliament House light up with colourful animated scenes designed by Eggpicnic. Showcasing the birds, insects and gum trees found in the surrounding native gardens of Capital Hill, it will be accompanied by an immersive soundscape which brings the local landscape to life.
Until Monday 13 March | Australian Parliament House Forecourt, 1 Parliament Drive | aph.gov.au
Before Us: Night Walk Through Time
This March, in Civic Square the T-Rex and friends reign supreme! As part of City Illuminations @Enlighten, you will discover and follow 18 illuminated finely crafted creatures after dark through City Walk and Civic Square. This outdoor and free, family-friendly exhibition trail will be open daily (and you’ll have the chance to encounter life-size puppets roving the city each night from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm).
Until Monday 13 March | Civic Square, Canberra City | enlightencanberra.com
Canberra Day
Say happy birthday to Canberra as Canberra Day @Enlighten Festival brings Commonwealth Park to life! Expect a showcase of local multicultural community activities with fabulous food, beverages and performers from around the globe.
Monday 13 March | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Park, Parkes | enlightencanberra.com
National Sheep Dog Trial Championships
The National Sheep Dog Trial Championships serve as an enduring link between the Bush Capital and rural Australia. Competitors come from all over the country to support this sport, rich in Australian rural heritage.
The sheep dog trials, commencing on Monday 13 March (and entry to the day is free!), will be a riveting spectator experience with every trial a mini-drama arising from dog-sheep-human encounters. It is the ultimate level playing field—it doesn’t matter if you are male, female, young, old or in a mobility scooter. Every competitor starts with 100 points —after that anything can happen!
Monday 13 until Sunday 19 March | 21 Gladstone Street, Hall Showground, Hall | Book here.
It’s Not Rocket Science
To infinity and beyond! Get along to Canberra Centre for a galaxy-first, space-themed activation called ‘It’s Not Rocket Science’ that will see 11 giant inflatable characters across the centre.
From 10 – 19 March, visitors and their children can enter a Space Station pop-up between 11 am and 2 pm daily. Space staff will be on hand to assist in their exploration of the interactive pods, space suit dress-ups and photo moments in front of interstellar backdrops.
Little explorers are sure to have a blast at exciting workshops where they can make everything from jet packs to alien headbands and alien slime. The workshops will be held each Friday, Saturday and Sunday (10 – 12 March & 17 – 19 March). Bookings are essential and can be made at canberracentre.qicre.com.
Until Sunday 19 March | Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Portait23: Identity at the NPG
Visitors to the National Portrait Gallery usually arrive with an expectation of viewing any number of two-dimensional faces. But when the gallery unveils its major new exhibition—Portrait23: Identity—it will be helping to redefine the genre of portraiture, and often in 3D.
The ambitious project, three years in the planning and to mark the Portrait Gallery’s third decade of operation, considers the broad concept of identity by inviting 23 preeminent contemporary artists from across the country to make a contribution. These include artists and collectives such as Nell, Abdul Abdullah, Angelica Mesiti, Atong Atem, Baby Guerrilla, Christopher Bassi, Deborah Kelly, Latai Taumoepeau, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Naomi Hobson, Amrita Hepi, and Sally Smart.
Until Sunday 18 June | National Portrait Gallery, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Food and wine
Tasting Notes
Boasting some of Canberra’s hottest restaurant openings of the last two years, Constitution Place hasn’t just become a foodie playground for the corporate set but the whole of Canberra. Now, a new festival is showcasing the culinary precinct in all its glory.
Tasting Notes food festival, running now until 31 March, sees five restaurants and cafés along Lyric Lane host special events and menus, creating a choose-your-own-adventure foodie experience. So, what should you be booking in for?
Until Friday 31 March | Lyric Lane, Constitution Place, City | Book here.
Culture Cruise boat and walking tours
Hop aboard the Culture Cruise for the ultimate multi-sensory adventure.
Explore the National Museum of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery from the water and gain a different perspective in witnessing local, national, and international artists amidst the natural and built beauty of the environment (Psst! You’ll be wined and dined as well).
Saturday 11 March | Various locations | Book here.
Karen’s Diner On Tour
Looking for an absurdly fun experience dining experience? Full of laughs, banter and top-notch American diner-style grub, Karen’s Diner is on tour and it’s coming to Canberra. But don’t expect to be treated nicely, this is dining with a twist—the food is great, the service is ungrateful but your experience will be unforgettable.
Friday 17 until Sunday 19 March | Clubhouse Kaleen, 16 Georgina Crescent, Kaleen | explorehidden.com
Agostini’s at Lark Hill Winery
Did someone say one of Canberra’s most beloved Italian kitchens, at a winery? Delizioso. Serving Italian classics like calamari fritti, proscuitto e rucola pizza (and yes, tiramisu), Agostini’s at Lark Hill Winery is now open for lunch bookings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Offering stunning views across the Bungendore valley as well as delicious food, your weekend catch up just went up to a whole other level.
Open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays | Lark Hill Winery, cnr Joe Rocks and Bungendore Road, NSW (30 minutes from Canberra) | Bookings: eat@agostinis.com.au or by calling 02 6178 0038
Sunday suckling pig and paella feasts
The tradition of eating a Sunday roast for lunch just got upgraded—to a leafy al fresco courtyard setting with a big hit of Mediterranean flavour. Head along to Saint Malo for its new Sunday Sessions in the Garden, featuring a buffet with star attractions including enormous pans of paella, a whole suckling pig, Spanish-inspired small bites, marinated olives, grilled vegetables, and more.
Every Sunday between 11 am – 3 pm | $85 (not including alcohol which is table service or can be purchased from the Gin Cart) | Bookings are essential here.
The Dancing Queen Dining Experience
Ever been raging with jealousy whilst watching Donna and the gang sing and dance on stunning Greek islands? Well, rage no more. Grab your dancing queens, because a Mamma Mia-inspired Restaurant is landing in Canberra in January.
Until 31 March | Saint Malo, 19 London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival
The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is back! Celebrate the beginning of the Festival with the Opening Night Gala on Thursday 9 March (including some French cheese, wine and champagne, and an after-party à la francaise with a DJ and canapés) or choose from 39 exceptional French films (or do both)!
Until Wednesday 5 April | Palace Electric Cinema, 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra City | Book here.
I Have No Enemies
An original post-dramatic play about surveillance, data collection, and how we make sense of our place in the digital world. This cyberpunk detective story will take you into a confronting, enlightening and absurdly entertaining world that will leave you wondering ‘Who are you trusting with your data? And who’s behind the screens?’
Until Saturday 11 March | Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, Batman Street, Braddon | Book here.
Exhibitions
Craft ACT X Rainbow Takeover Exhibition
This exhibition is a celebratory patchwork of pieces by queer artists from across the nation, centered around the nucleus of LGBTQIA+ pride. Reacting to collective and individual experiences of queerness, love, and togetherness, the exhibition explores storytelling, truth telling, and the coming-together through the commonalities of the larger plight of being queer.
Until Thursday 23 March | Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City | craftact.org.au
Heaven and Earth—solo exhibition by Marilyn Hutchinson
Heaven and Earth is an exhibition of photography and soft pastels exploring the interconnections between sky, land and water. But for Marilyn (Marilyn is an established artist with an extensive record of exhibitions including a medal for photography in the 2015 Florence Biennale) the real exhibition is the connections that the viewer takes away emotionally and psychologically.
Saturday 11 March until Sunday 9 April | Humble House Gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | humblehouse.com.au
Amelia Mollett: Shorelines
Transfixed by sunlight reflecting off the lake at Pryor’s arboretum, this exhibition sees the work of Amelia Mollett use collage and mixed media to explore how to represent this multi layered natural world in a way that mirrors how she feels, using the forms and colours that inspires her.
Until Sunday 12 March | 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | strathnairn.com.au
Daisy Chain
This group exhibition see’s JamFactory’ showcase, accelerate and develop the skills of emerging artists and designers. The focus of Daisy Chain is to utilise the JamFactory’s environment for collaborative learning and mutual exchange of techniques and ideas across disciplines.
Until Saturday 18 March | Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City | craftact.org.au
Emerging Contemporaries
Playing a pivotal role in supporting and transitioning artists into professional practice, Emerging Contemporaries s the Craft ACT National Award Exhibition for early career artists. Featuring the works of Dianne Bourke, Gabriela Renee, Nathan Nhan, Sabina Moore and more, it’s free to attend.
Until Saturday 18 March | Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City | craftact.org.au
Mycelium Sky
This is an exploration of fantastical interconnected worlds, botanical biomes and surreal dreamscapes. Head along to enjoy the work of Paul Summerfield, a digital artist, who blends traditional painting and drawing techniques with digital mediums as he takes viewers on journeys into vivid worlds.
Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Wrack and Salvage
Provoking questions in the face of the climate crisis—What do we value? What do we stand to lose? What will we see destroyed? What are we willing to sacrifice? What are we prepared to save?—this sculptural installation resembles the flying forms of flood debris. A reflection on how we have responded to climate change, artist Jacqui Malins explores themes of loss, hope and resoultion.
Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
earth unframed
This open exhibition uses the work of several artists to explore the concept of ‘earth’; our home, the environment, soil, land, fragility, strength or purpose. The result is a mix of drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media that uses imagination with a sense of play, political activism, boldness, experimentation, thoughtfulness, or contemplation.
Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
ground whisper softly
A celebrative dance of the abundance found on the ground, in the garden, along the water, at the rocky outcrop in the pocket of remnant bush, Belco Arts describes these works by emerging artist Valerie Schönjahn as meditative in process. Intrigued? See you there.
Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Found Metaphors: Sophia Childs at the COX Gallery
Now showing at the COX Gallery, Sophia’s paintings are multilayered, textured, and non-compositional. And although she doesn’t paint identifiable subjects, the colours and textures are drawn from daily life. Head along to enjoy her work as she brings your attention to the messy, information-soaked reality of navigating life.
Until Friday 31 March | 1/19 Eastlake Pde, Kingston | coxarchitecture.com.au
Music
Australian Chamber Orchestra: The Four Seasons
Take a stunning adventure through Venice and the Mediterranean as Joseph Tawadros joins Richard Tognetti and the ACO to recreate Vivaldi’s masterpiece.
Saturday 11 March | Llewellyn Hall, William Herbert Place, Canberra City | Book here.
Rob Brydon – A Night Of Songs & Laughter
Award-winning comedian Rob Brydon and his eight-piece band is heading to the Canberra Theatre Centre for the ultimate show of songs and music alongside his acclaimed wit and comedy. Expect songs from Tom Waits to Tom Jones, and Guys and Dolls to Elvis (and almost everything in between).
Saturday 11 March | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Markets
A.C.T Seasonal Antique and Collectable Fair
Love to treasure hunt? Indulge yourself while searching for treasures and one-of-a-kinds at this year’s Autumn Antiques and Collectable Fair. Browse through the wares of 30 local and interstate dealers to discover a blend of antiques, old-world nostalgia, books, jewellery, everyday older items and collectables.
And the best part is the proceeds will go towards beneficiary charities supported by the Rotary Club of Murrumbidgee Canberra.
Friday 10 until Sunday 12 March | A.C.T Seasonal Antique and Collectable Fair, Albert Hall, Yarralumla | mc-rotary.org/antique-fair
Retro Depot at the Bus Depot Markets
Head back in time at the Retro Depot to browse fashion, jewellery, accessories, mid-century furniture, and macramé from the 60s and 70s. It’s sure to be fashionably nostalgic.
Sunday 12 March | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Autumn German Markets
Love German food? Head along to the German Markets to eat your way through a variety of stalls offering homemade cakes, deli goods and groceries, as well as wine, beer and schnapps, and even fresh German sausages. There will also be community stallholders (along with some new stalls), handmade crafts and other specialties. And to make it even better, there will also be a free jumping castle for the kids!
Sunday 12 March | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Hill Road, Jerrabomberra | fb.me/e
The Little Burley Market
Say hello to Canberra’s lakeside market. Head along to enjoy multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisan bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats and much more. See you there?
Every Saturday, 9am – 1.30pm | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
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.
Every Sunday, 8:30 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
With more than 100 stalls (including your old favourites), you’ll have the chance to shop for a brilliant variety of Australian-made, handcrafted and premium products. Sneak a walk around the foreshore while you’re down there.
9.30 am – 2.30 pm Sunday | Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
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
Workshops, Webinars and More
Ausdance ACT Workshop with Sydney Dance Company’s Charmene Yap
Get ready for a very special opportunity! This workshop will guide participants through a warm-up and contemporary technique exercises before exploring some of the choreographic tasks the company dancers utilised when creating the works that are included in the Ascent triple bill. From there, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the Sydney Dance Company repertoire.
Designed for dancers aged 15+ at an intermediate to advanced level, pre-professional dancers, and independent artists, what are you waiting for.
Saturday 11 March | Gorman House Arts Centre, Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | Book here.
Localjinni Pride Walk
Join Localjinni for a walk through the night, where they will be hosting and screening works by some of CBR’s leading lights, through a mobile film and sound show. With LGBTIQA+ safe guides it will spotlight Canberra’s underground art and activism through site-responsive stories, in celebration of International Women’s Day and World Pride.
Saturday 11 March | Barrine Drive, Acton (the walk will start and finish at the barbeques in Henry Roland Park) | localjinni.com.au
Canberra Day Oration 2023: Dr Ken Heffernan
Head along to the Canberra Day Oration to hear Dr Ken Heffernan deliver the 2023 address, ‘Canberra’s heritage in transition: A place for engagement and thought’. Born, raised and schooled in Canberra, Dr Heffernan has served on the inaugural ACT Heritage Council as a member and later Deputy Chair.
Sunday 12 March | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | nla.gov.au
Feature image: @snapsbysal
