What’s on this week in Canberra? The chance to wine, dine and have a darn good time
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Planning the week ahead? We have 35+ events for you to enjoy.
Want to know the highlights? The chance to wine, dine and have a darn good time. But don’t take our word for it, read on for what’s happening in Canberra.
Special events and festivals
Gift of Life Walk
Raising awareness on the importance of organ and tissue donation registration, the annual Gift of Life Walk is back. Head along to show your support and to enjoy the free breakfast afterwards.
Tuesday 21 March | Rond Terrace, Lake Burley Griffin | giftoflife.asn.au
Lark Hill x Braddon Merchant
A five-course dinner at Braddon Merchant with wines from Lark Hill Winery on a Thursday night—to that, we say wine not? Bring your partner in wine and join them on Thursday 23 March for an unforgettable dining experience. Expect delicious food in the company of winemaker Chris Carpenter—who will be discussing the vineyard’s fascinating approach to winemaking—paired with carefully selected organic wines from the cool climate of the Canberra District.
To make the night even better, four out of five wines will be poured alongside a European wine of the same varietal, allowing you to explore the parallels between the regions and the characteristics that make them unique. And with everything from Riesling, and Gruner Veltliner, through to Sangiovese and Shiraz, you’ll leave feeling on cloud wine.
Thursday 23 March | 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | Book here.
Belly Dancing at Bar Beirut
No plans on Thursday? Think again. There’s a new marvellously mischievous party in town, created especially for Canberran fun-lovers who like to give it a nudge in the middle of the week. Head along to Bar Beirut for a night filled with belly dancing, drinking and dining!
Thursday 23 March | 25 Garema Place, Canberra City | Book here.
Campbell Primary School Fete
A day filled with food, fun and entertainment…what more could you want? At the Campbell Primary School Fete head along to the Art Gallery, find a bargain at the White Elephant Store, win a prize in Sideshow Alley and so much more. See you there?
Saturday 25 March | 25 Chauvel St, Campbell | campbellps.act.edu.au
Freestyle Kings Live Show
It’s called the greatest show on two wheels—and we can see why. This all ages, family fun, action packed show will have you sitting on the edge of your seat at GIO stadium as Daredevil Superstar and multiple world record holder Robbie Maddison (and others), take it to the extreme.
Saturday 25 March | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Canberra Girls Grammar School Fete
The CGGS fete returns this weekend! This family-friendly event will feature over 40 stalls from local vendors, live entertainment, carnival rides, a climbing wall and pony rides, as well as food and refreshments from Canberra producers!
Saturday 25 March from 10 am – 3 pm | | 48 Melbourne Avenue, Deakin | cggs.act.edu.au
Sarah & Sebastian’s SOLDERED™ On The Road
Australian fine jewellery house Sarah & Sebastian has recently launched a new Soldered On The Road service which brings their unique Soldered jewellery offering to Canberra for the first time. For those not shy of commitment, SOLDERED™ is a unique, in-person experience, where signature chains are custom-fitted and soldered seamlessly onto the wrist or finger. Appointments can be made here.
Until Sunday 26 March | Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | sarahandsebastian.com
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 25 March | Various locations | Book here.
Julia
In 2012 Julia Gillard, Australia’s first female prime minister, gave a speech that sent shockwaves around the world. Now, ten years later, one of Australia’s most esteemed and celebrated playwrights, Joanna Murray-Smith, brings the human story behind that speech to the stage. Diving deep into the life and career of Julia Gillard in the lead-up to the famous speech, the play will explore the passion and rage that led to the globally sensational moment—hypothesising who Julia really is beneath the public gaze.
Until Saturday 25 March | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Wine Machine
Get ready to grab a Chardy and party as Wine Machine makes it’s way to Commonwealth Park for a full-bodied day of wine, food and live music. Showcasing both the splendour picturesque wine regions and the spectacular music artists born from Australian soil, expect a delectable line up (including Hot Dub Time Machine, Lime Cordiale and Vera Blue) and plenty of good vibes.
Saturday 25 March | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
Rotary Aussie Peace Walk
Love a good old walk and talk? This two-day walking festival for peace in Canberra has walks ranging from 7kms to 42kms on Saturday and 7km to 21km. Join in to enjoy some healthy fun!
Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 March | Albert Hal, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | aussiepeacewalk.com.au
The Canberra Fashion Market
Want to update your wardrobe? At the Canberra Fashion Market you might find Dior, Armani, Jimmy Choo, Guess, Decjuba, Kookai, Country Road and more. Perfect for those keen on supporting a sustainable lifestyle, who want to reduce waste by recycling quality, stylish fashion that is too good to discard, you won’t want to miss this.
Saturday 26 March | Fitters Workshop, Kingston, Printers Way, Kingston | canberramarkets.net.au
Food and wine
Urban Cocktail Trail
Love a good cocktail? Get ready, the city’s best bars are joining forces for the Urban Cocktail Trail! Celebrating all the art, the craftsmanship and fun a beautifully made cocktail, this self-guided experience allows you decide to stop and sip as you make your way around the trail to redeem your cocktail vouchers, choosing your favourites from the Signature Cocktail List! Cheers to that.
Saturday 25 March | Multiple venues | Book here.
Agostini’s at Lark Hill Winery
Did someone say one of Canberra’s most beloved Italian kitchens, at a winery? Delizioso. Serving Italian classics like calamari fritti, proscuitto e rucola pizza (and yes, tiramisu), Agostini’s at Lark Hill Winery is now open for lunch bookings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Offering stunning views across the Bungendore valley as well as delicious food, your weekend catch up just went up to a whole other level.
Open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays | Lark Hill Winery, cnr Joe Rocks and Bungendore Road, NSW (30 minutes from Canberra) | Bookings: eat@agostinis.com.au or by calling 02 6178 0038
Sunday suckling pig and paella feasts
The tradition of eating a Sunday roast for lunch just got upgraded—to a leafy al fresco courtyard setting with a big hit of Mediterranean flavour. Head along to Saint Malo for its new Sunday Sessions in the Garden, featuring a buffet with star attractions including enormous pans of paella, a whole suckling pig, Spanish-inspired small bites, marinated olives, grilled vegetables, and more.
Every Sunday between 11 am – 3 pm | $85 (not including alcohol which is table service or can be purchased from the Gin Cart) | Bookings are essential here.
The Dancing Queen Dining Experience
Ever been raging with jealousy whilst watching Donna and the gang sing and dance on stunning Greek islands? Well, rage no more. Grab your dancing queens, because a Mamma Mia-inspired Restaurant is landing in Canberra in January.
Until 31 March | Saint Malo, 19 London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Queer Screen’s 30th Mardi Gras Film Festival
Celebrating the best of homegrown and international queer storytelling, Queer Screen’s 30th Mardi Gras Film Festival is on the way to Canberra! Head along to watch the STEPHEN CUMMINS RETROSPECTIVE presented in collaboration with the National Film and Sound Archive (in honour of one of Queer Screen’s founders, a trailblazer who shaped queer storytelling on the screen before his death of HIV-related lymphoma in 1994), THE VENUS EFFECT (a delightful Danish romance about two young women daring to love each other and themselves), and more.
Until Sunday 26 March | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Cct, Acton | Book here.
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival 2023
The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is back in Canberra for its 34th edition! Running until 5 April, enjoy more than 260 screenings at Palace Electric Cinema of 39 exceptional French films.
Take part in some of the special events happening throughout the festival and savour French wine and delicacies before your screening including HerCanberra’s own Ladies Night as well as Taste of France, Human Rights Night and Closing Night…the possibilities are endless!
Until Wednesday 5 April | Palace Electric Cinema, 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra City | Book here.
The Canberra Comedy Festival Gala
The year’s biggest show is back to kick off the Canberra Comedy Festival! Kicking off the 2023 festival with an explosive line-up of comedians, head along to enjoy some of the festival line-up (including all of your favourite local and international comedy superstars).
Tuesday 21 March | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Love Letters
Correspondence is the key to this ultimately romantic story. From childhood, the friends communicate with each other through angst-ridden boarding school experiences, European adventures, failed marriages, and the ups and downs of career, Love Letters follows Andy and Melissa’s relationship as the sometimes-sweethearts/sometimes-friends go through periods of estrangement.
Love Letters explores how the written word can influence us to reimagine our reality and relationships.
Until Sunday 26 March | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | Book here.
The Canberra Comedy Festival
Canberra Comedy Festival is back for 2023! Featuring shows including our Gala, Wil Anderson, Geraldine Hickey, Stephen K Amos, Josie Long, Chris Ryan and loads more, you’ll definitely be in for a laugh.
Until Sunday 26 March | Various locations | Book here.
Choir Boy
Choir Boy, by the Academy Award winning writer of Moonlight, Tarell Alvin McCraney, arrives at Canberra Theatre Centre in March on its Australian premiere season. The Tony Award nominated play is threaded throughout with soul-stirring a cappella gospel hymns as it explores the moving story of sexuality, race, hope, gospel music, and a young gay man finding his voice.
Wednesday 29 March until Sunday 2 April | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Music
Fire & Shadow
Exploring the interplay of night and day, head to Llewellyn Hall to enjoy the works of Stravinsky (Divertimento from Le baiser de la fée), and Beethoven (Selections from Creatures of Prometheus), under the baton of guest conductor Dane Lam. This program also features Dances with devils by Australian composer Iain Grandage, performed by percussion master Claire Edwardes. Don’t miss the rare spectacle of a large-scale percussion concerto on a Canberra stage!
Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 March | Llewellyn Hall, Building 100, William Herbert Place | Book here.
Chopin Dances
Taking place at the Wesley Music Centre, pianist Mark Jurkiewicz, is returning with a glorious program of Mazurkas & Waltzes, Tarantella in A flat Major Opus 43 and the Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante in E flat Major Opus 22 (and as an avid dancer, you can bet Chopin would have known the moves and steps for all of the dances he composed).
Wednesday 22 March | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Hussy Hicks Same Boat EP Release Tour
Accompanied by its own iOS and Android mobile gaming app, this collection can be described in one word: unique. Straddling the line between Folk, Blues, Country, and Roots, HussyHicks have earned themselves a mighty reputation, growing, from festival openers to festival favourites, seeing the group now appear at the biggest blues and roots festivals in Australia.
Head along to hear Same Boat for yourself.
Friday 24 March | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Laetus: Australian Wind Symphony
Coinciding with the 2023 International Day of Happiness, the Australian Wind Symphony is offering a celebration of uplifting music with their hallmark inclusion of new work premiering throughout. The program includes Danse Folatre: Claude T. Smith (1987), Silver Screen: Paul Hart (2003) and more!
Saturday 25 March | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | 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
Kate Baker—Beyond the Material: At the intersection of glass and the digital image
This exhibition features work by contemporary, Australian artist whose practice merges photo, print and moving image technologies with studio glass.
Until Thursday 23 March | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Ellery Crescent, Building 105, Acton | soad.cass.anu.edu.au
Mycelium Sky
This is an exploration of fantastical interconnected worlds, botanical biomes and surreal dreamscapes. Head along to enjoy the work of Paul Summerfield, a digital artist, who blends traditional painting and drawing techniques with digital mediums as he takes viewers on journeys into vivid worlds.
Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Wrack and Salvage
Provoking questions in the face of the climate crisis—What do we value? What do we stand to lose? What will we see destroyed? What are we willing to sacrifice? What are we prepared to save?—this sculptural installation resembles the flying forms of flood debris. A reflection on how we have responded to climate change, artist Jacqui Malins explores themes of loss, hope and resoultion.
Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
earth unframed
This open exhibition uses the work of several artists to explore the concept of ‘earth’; our home, the environment, soil, land, fragility, strength or purpose. The result is a mix of drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media that uses imagination with a sense of play, political activism, boldness, experimentation, thoughtfulness, or contemplation.
Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
ground whisper softly
A celebrative dance of the abundance found on the ground, in the garden, along the water, at the rocky outcrop in the pocket of remnant bush, Belco Arts describes these works by emerging artist Valerie Schönjahn as meditative in process. Intrigued? See you there.
Until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
A Stranger I Know Well
The exhibition’s witty and purposeful use of reflection provides the viewer space to consider the value of (self) image in our visually saturated culture. Allowing the artist’s own insecurities to manifest themselves in a body of work that puts the gaze on display, it’ll make you think.
Until Sunday 9 April | 21 Blaxland Cres, Griffith | m16artspace.com
Fagpile—Pink Is Fun
Created by Gerald Jones, this work showcases unique iconography in their work, featuring recurring themes of the artist’s easel and the edifice, and the head. Inviting the viewer to form their own allegory of the queer artist’s “fagpile” or detritus. In this body of work, pink plays a central role with political and emotional connotations, particularly in relation to queerness.
Until Sunday 9 April | 21 Blaxland Cres, Griffith | m16artspace.com
Cosmotechnic Telepathics in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism
Through investigations into digital telepathic infrastructure such as The Internet of Everything (the aim to automate all human processes), and current developments in Brain Computer Interfaces, in this exhibition a range of artists explore the differences between ‘regenerative’ and ‘extractive’ forms of telepathy.
Until Sunday 9 April | 21 Blaxland Cres, Griffith | m16artspace.com
10th Anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions at Parliament House
This exhibition is a audio-visual display commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions at Parliament House. The apology acknowledged that the forced separation of mothers from babies ‘created a lifelong legacy of pain and suffering’.
Watch historic footage of speeches given in the Great Hall on 21 March 2013, including the full Apology and responses from former MP the Hon Steve Irons and former Senator Rachel Siewert.
Saturday 16 April | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | aph.gov.au
Portrait23: Identity
This is portraiture, but not as you know it. Portrait23: Identity is a major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, showcasing new work from multi-award-winning contemporary Australian artists and collectives working across every state and territory.
Twenty-three artists and collectives present dramatic, ambitious and thrilling work about who they are and what it means to represent themselves, their communities, histories and contemporary society. Expect street art, textiles, performance, photography, ceramics, painting, drawing, soft sculpture and more.
Until Sunday 18 June | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Chromology: a solo exhibition by Luca Siliquini
This exhibition of oil paintings shows the effects that the colours of Canberra have on an Italian-born artist.
Until Sunday 16 April | Humble House Gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | humblehouse.com.au
Workshops, Webinars and More
Local Yoga at Gorman Arts
It’s another season of free, fundraising yoga classes in the heart of the city. Head along to Gorman Arts on Sunday, Monday and Friday mornings (giving you the opportunity to start and end your week with a more mindful and balanced headspace) to enjoy ‘vinyasa’ classes that are suitable for all levels.
Until Sunday 30 April | 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | ainslieandgorman.com.au
ACT Claycourt International
Head along to watch some of the best male and female tennis players battle it out on the courts. Entry is free throughout the week, with the finals day on Sunday 26 March which is ticketed.
Until Sunday 26 March | 1 Riggall Place, Lyneham | tennis.com.au
Feared and Revered Lecture Series: Perceptions of Power
Inspired by the exhibition, Feared and Revered: Feminine Power through the Ages, this lecture series presents a wide array of thought-provoking topics, all connected by the diverse experiences of women through the ages.
In the first of the series, join Dr Monica M Jackson (a classical archaeologist and specialist in Hellenistic gold jewellery) as she discusses the multifaceted and contradictory perceptions of female power in both the ancient and the modern worlds.
Wednesday 22 March | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent | nma.gov.au
Urban Cinematic Nightscapes: Cinema Film Workshop
This nighttime-based workshop will walk you through capturing and developing nighttime urban landscapes on cinema film with artist and tutor James Harber. Learn how the difference between cinema film compared to other professional and consumer-based film, how to develop it in ECN2, and go on interesting nighttime walks, where you’ll learn how to expose nighttime scenes correctly with cinema film, with hands on help from James.
Until Wednesday 22 March | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Canberra Steam Train Rides: The Picnic Train
All aboard! Take your family and friends for a scenic steam train ride from Canberra to Bungendore and return through the scenic Molonglo Gorge behind one of their two steam locomotives, the 5917 or R766.
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March | Canberra Railway Station, Kingston | Book here.
Ngunawal language workshop with Tyronne Bell
Hosted by Tyronne Bell, this two hour workshop is designed to teach an Acknowledgement of Country in Ngunawal language (the language of the traditional inhabitants of the ACT and surrounds). You’ll also learn a few basic greetings/words and protocols for delivering an Acknowledgement.
Saturday 25 March | Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Barrine Drive, Parkes | Book here.
Feature image: Pew Pew Studio.
