Wondering what’s on this week in Canberra? You need to read this…
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The answer is Winter in the City, watching Bangarra’s first mainstage cross-cultural collaboration, the Whisky Show and more!
Read on for your curated guide to what’s on in Canberra.
Special Events and Festivals
The Alby Trivia Night
Boasting Canberra’s newest trivia night, The Alby in Woden offers everything you could want in a venue – a dedicated space for trivia, a bar close by and a cracking menu of elevated pub classics. Happening every Wednesday from 7 pm in The Basement and run by Fame Trivia, groups of all sizes are welcome. Did we mention the pinball machines?
Wednesdays from 7 pm | Albemarle Building, 45 Furzer Street, Phillip | More information here.
44 Sex Acts in One Week
This is David Finnegan’s slippery and subversive take on a classic radio play 44 Sex Acts in One Week – and it will have you howling with laughter. Described as a ‘sexcom’, the premise is simple: Girl meets boy. Girl hates boy. Girl f**s boy 44 times. World collapses.
A bit horny and unhinged, for 80 minutes you can sit back and watch as Celina, a journalist stuck writing clickbait for a lifestyle blog, is challenged to road-test a new book, The 44 Sex Acts that Will Change your Life. All she has to do is experience 44 different kinds of sex, across the full spectrum of kink by Friday. The problem is: she needs a partner. And the only person available is her nemesis, brooding animal activist/office mail boy Alab Delusa.
Given one week to explore the endlessly undulating terrain of sex, from BDSM to role-play, from polyamory to exhibitionism (and with no time to recover), this show might just be the perfect way to heat up your winter.
Thursday 18 until Saturday 20 July | Get tickets here.
Horizon
From two of the world’s great First Nations comes a brand-new work: Horizon. It’s the place where sea meets sky, the horizon you look to, the compass that guides you home.
In Bangarra’s first mainstage cross-cultural collaboration, leading Māori choreographer and Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson joins beloved Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown, to present stories that honour their mother countries and the spirit that calls them home.
Thursday 18 until Saturday 20 July | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
The Australian Fertility Summit
Struggling with complexities and challenges surrounding fertility? This innovative gathering will help you delve into a world of knowledge, support, and empowerment as renowned experts, including four IVF doctors, share insights and strategies for navigating the fertility journey.
From informative sessions to interactive discussions, attendees will gain invaluable resources and connect with a supportive community. You’ll be able to explore the latest advancements, connect with 23 stall holders, all fertility experts in their fields, and don’t miss the chance to participate in a free IVF giveaway from Genea Fertility!
Friday 20 July, 9.30 am – 5 pm| Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden | More information here.
Winter In The City
Winter is here, but Canberra City Centre is about to become the hottest spot in town, with a cool twist.
From the icy thrill of the ice rink in Glebe Park to the mesmerising warmth of fire performances at Garema Place and the return of hot business offers, there’s plenty to light up your winter evenings.
Until Sunday 21 July | Canberra City Centre, City Centre, Canberra | Book here.
Christmas In July Cruise
Step aboard this festive Christmas in July Cruise for two hours of merriment on Lake Burley Griffin!
Indulge in the festive spirit, enjoy the stunning views, and snuggle up under the heaters. BYO your own food and drinks or add on a Christmas in July Grazing Box (which includes a selection of cheeses paired with gourmet crackers, gingerbread men and more.
Sunday 21 July, 2 pm – 4 pm | Canberra Cruises and Parties, 8 Trevillian Quay, Jetty 4, Kingston | Book here.
Warm Trees
Winter is here and that means one of our favourite installations is back: Warm Trees.
See the forests at the National Arboretum come alive with colour this July with hundreds of hand knitted and crocheted colourful scarves and created themed decorations.
Until Wednesday 31 July | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | More information here.
And if you feel like road trip…
Fungi Feastival 2024
The Fungi Feastival is back for 2024 with a full month of workshops, and decadent dinners and honestly? It sounds delicious. We’re talking over 15 restaurants, cafes and makers offering fungi-themed dinners, cooking classes, menu items and take-home goodies.
Offering Canberrans an educational and delicious excuse for a winter weekend somewhere warm(er), foodies can delight in a culinary tour of the coast, with offerings like truffle and fungi dinners, classes in cooking mushrooms with Asian flavours, truffle hunts and locally-made truffle cheese for purchase. Road trip, anyone?
Until Sunday 21 July | Various locations between Batemans Bay and Eden, NSW South Coast | fungifeastival.com.au
Markets
Capital Region Farmers Market
Fresh produce, flowers and the ready-to-eat food and coffee. What more could you need? The Capital Region Farmers Market has everything you need.
7 am – 11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Old Well Station Road, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
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
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
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 Sundays | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
Every Sunday | 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Food and Wine
The Whisky Show
They had us at over 60 whiskies to taste. Australia’s favourite Whisky Festival is coming to Canberra for one day only, and this is your chance to to sample different whiskies from all over the world including Scotland, USA, Australia and World Whiskies.
Each session is three hours long, with plenty of time to browse each exhibitor, learn about each distillery and try their whiskies. Along with new, exclusive and limited edition whiskies available to taste, there will also be a pop-up bottle shop at every show, so you can purchase any favourite whiskies!
Saturday 20 July, 1 pm – 2 pm | The Fitter’s Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | Book here.
Truffle Infused Weekends at Mount Majura Vineyard
It’s finally truffle season and that means it’s time to book your favourite truffle and wine experience.
Enjoy truffle infused triple-cream brie-style cheese with a flight of three 80ml glasses that have been perfectly matched for $40 per person. With sessions available all day Saturday and Sunday, online bookings close the day prior.
Every weekend until Sunday 1 September, 10 am – 5 pm | Mount Majura Vineyard, 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | Book here.
Stage and Screen
The Girl Who Glows by Zeeko and Jo Turner
This is an awesome musical adventure about a girl who glows. It’s magical, joy-filled, playful and just a little bit scary.
Told by three incredible musician/singer/actor/puppeteers called Zeeko, this is a show that the whole family can enjoy. Expect plenty of twists and turns and songs and jokes, as this part pop concert, part theatre show, part foley studio and part audio-visual playground, takes you on a journey with Luna, girl who glows a bit more brightly than anyone else.
Thursday 18 until Sunday 21 July, 6 pm – 7 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.
Antarctica The Giant Awakens Documentary
This is a special screening of new groundbreaking documentary by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Liz Courtney as she sheds light on the looming threat of sea level rise.
The documentary follows a team of climate scientists as they embark on a mission to Antarctica, to conduct innovative scientific research, including sampling airborne molecules, to provide critical insights into the pace of Antarctica’s transformation, the impact of atmospheric river systems, and the rapid changes occurring in glacier melt, from warming oceans and changing environmental conditions.
Saturday 20 July, 4 pm – 6 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
The National Arboretum Canberra – A twenty-year story
This is a free 30-minute film that traces the development of the National Arboretum from its initial concept to its status as one of the most popular destinations in the ACT.
Head along to watch both historical footage and personal accounts from those involved in the Arboretum’s establishment!
Sunday 21 July, 10 am – 2 pm | National Arboretum, Forest Drive, Canberra | For further information, email contact@friendsarboretumcanberra.org.au
Music
Free Lunchtime Jazz Concert
Held at the ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, this free lunchtime features musicians from the ANU Community Music Centre.
Bring your lunch and grab a seat!
Wednesday 17 July, 12:30 pm – 1 pm | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Corner Ellery Crescent and Liversidge Street, Acton | Book here.
Echoed Voices: Siobhan Stagg in Concert
This is a rare opportunity to see a world class Australian soprano right here in Canberra.
Don’t miss this formal evening featuring international superstar Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg, in recital with Nico de Villiers at Canberra’s historic Albert Hall. It will feature works from Richard Hageman, Richard Strauss and Henri Duparc.
Friday 19 July, 7 pm – 9 pm | Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Wonderful World
This is an immersive “concert-show”, imagined and created by French star cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca.
Created as part of his commitment to raising public awareness about saving the planet as well as issues of protecting the environment, Wonderful World questions the current global situation, and the climate emergency and outlines prospects for ecological conversion and has themes that speak about nature, cities, animals, endangered species, climate change.
Saturday 20 July, 7 pm – 9 pm | Snow Concert Hall, Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.
Chase The Sun
This is a show not to be missed by lovers of loud guitar blues and blazing hard funk played with a cranking 70’s southern rock feel.
Presently proudly by the Canberra Blues Society, Chase The Sun is coming to the Harmonie German Club to play some new music that combines elements of acoustic blues, stoner rock, Psychedelia and Stevie Ray Vaughn boogie into a unique and unforgettable sound.
Saturday 20 July, 8 pm – 10:30 pm | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Los Chavos
Canberra locals Los Chavos are back with a bang thanks to Belco Arts and Smith’s Alternative.
Their vibrant live sound was captured in their first EP in 2008, showcasing their unique artistic vision that blended ska, Latin rock and Andean rhythms. Don’t miss them live at Belconnen Arts – with another new album is in the works, expect some songs that have been tried and tested and some newbies!
Saturday 20 July, 7 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Stuart Long: Variations
Calling all music lovers, accomplished Canberra pianist Stuart Long is presenting four wonderful works for solo piano by Haydn, Longo, Rachmaninov and Muczynski.
The pieces explore the enormous range of possibilities offered by the variations form. Stick around for complimentary refreshments afterwards!
Sunday 21 July, 3 pm – 4 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Entrance via Fitzroy Street, Forrest | Book here.
Exhibitions
Resonance
Opening on Thursday 18 July, this is an immersive exhibition by Canberra based artist, Hannah Quinlivan.
Hannah’s practice is multi-disciplinary and includes installation, painting and sculpture. Resonance is uses the threads of her spacial drawings to examine the convergence of a sense of time and place with material and sensory elements. Inviting the audience into a dialogue on mediation and individual experience, this show will be the first time Hannah has shown commercially in Canberra since her graduation from the ANU School of Art in 2013, with works available for sale to a local audience.
From Thursday 18 July | Building 3.3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | More information here.
Self Portrait in the Anthropocene
Presented by artist Rebecca Selleck, Self Portrait in the Anthropocene combines curved stainless-steel furniture with intricate bronze work, blown glass, living plants and bodily upholsteries.
This exhibition is a showcase of the artists creation of dissonant spaces that explore our increasing destruction of natural environments and the inherent hypocrisies of being human.
Friday 19 July until Saturday 24 August | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, 1, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here
Five Dresses for a Wari Goddess
This exhibition explores colour, materiality and iconography in fashion through an Andean lens.
Artist Ximena Briceño has created five dresses crafted from titanium, aluminum and cardboard using camelids as a main form of decoration, showcasing Trans-Pacific craft and skill.
Friday 19 July until Saturday 24 August | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, 1, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here.
Chasing Clouds
Jonathon Zalakos is a contemporary jewellery and object maker based in Canberra. In this exhibition he employs motifs of cloud-like abstraction, utilising silver inlay on steel to create representational relief work as externalised models of the unconscious in a modern context.
Friday 19 July until Saturday 24 August | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, 1, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here.
Exhibition with Work by Marian Drew
Held ay the ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, this exhibition features three-dimensional photographic artworks by Marian Drew.
Aiming to disrupt historical perspectives of the lithic as a stable backdrop, Marian’s work is held in national and international collections including the John Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles; Fonds National D’Art Contemporain (FNAC), Museum of Photographic Art, San Diego, National Gallery of Australia; Art Gallery of South Australia; National Gallery of Victoria, and Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art.
Until Thursday 25 July | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Corner Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton | More information here.
The Painted Double by Shanti Shea An
The works in The Painted Double address this duality through the formal qualities of mirroring, symmetry, and folding.
Developed out of Shanti Shea An’s interest in the relationship between painting and textual experience, the project attends to the complex sense of twofoldness by interrogating how painted images place us at a threshold between looking and reading.
Until Thursday 25 July | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Corner Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton | More information here.
NYARU
This is an exhibition of new works in glass by Yankunytjatjara / Western Arrernte artist, Robert Fielding. Co-curated by Erin Vink and Aimee Frodsham, the works challenges the perception of Central Desert artwork in the medium of glass with the artist combining strong cultural roots with contemporary views on the tensions between community life and global concerns.
Until Sunday 21 July | 11 Wentworth Avenue Kingston | More information here.
Sisters Interwoven
From Wiradjuri artist Rechelle Turner and Ngunnawal Wiradjuri artist Megan Daley comes Sisters Interwoven, a new exhbition exploring their culture and connection to Country.
Created using a variety of media, these works were produced during Megan Rechelle’s residency at Megalo Print Studios
Until Saturday 10 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | More information here.
All Guns Blazing
All Guns Blazing is a body of work of artist Jamie-Lea Trindall, a Wiradjuri woman who explores the ancient traditions of carving and string making.
Described as “a voyage of discovery”, the exhbition uncovers the depths of intrinsic connections, where generations of brave trailblazers have carved winding paths through the outback country and how deeply connected her own bold life experiences are to the stories.
Until Saturday 10 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | More information here.
Breaking Ground
In Breaking Ground, Michele England and Heidi Smith have responded to significant Tuggeranong Valley sites by creating experimental mixed media artworks highlighting changes to urban and natural spaces.
Place, material, and contemplative conversations transform the mundane into the unexpected in this collaboration by incorporating found objects, creating pigments, using drawing apparatus and repurposing discarded items to create Breaking Ground: Chaos Theory and the Valley.
Until Saturday 10 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | More information here.
Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao
This is a rare opportunity to experience the enduring art of French Post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin. Featuring some of his most recognised masterpieces, many of which were created in the Pacific region, the exhibition offers new perspectives on Gauguin’s life and work, his artistic influences and networks, as well as his historical impact and contemporary legacies.
Keep an eye out for talks, public programs, a podcast series and films at the National Gallery that will also explore Gauguin’s life, art and controversial legacy.
Until Monday 7 October | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
AIM Annual Group Exhibition, Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre
A.I.M Canberra (Art in Miniature Group) is pleased to present their 24th Annual Group Exhibition at Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre, officially opened by Anne Masters, Director, Gallery of Small Things.
This exhibition will include 105 miniature works from 15 artists created in a range of styles inspired by landscapes through to contemporary still life.
Exhibiting artists include Margaret Bice, Sharon Buckland, Margaret Carr, Lyn Cottingham, Claire Cusack, Sue Ford, Jocelyne Godber, Eva Henry, Janet Hicks, Sandra House, Val Johnson, Michaela Laurie, Stuart Marshall, Isla Patterson, Heather Prickett, Neil Renfree, Camelia Smith and Arlene Willams.
Entry is free
Showing until 18 August, Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre, Gallery open Wednesday to Sunday, 9-11 Lambie St, Cooma | raglangallerycooma.com
SaVĀge K’lub
SaVĀge K’lub is a multi-disciplinary vehicle to explore ideas of hospitality, culture and identity. Presented alongside Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao it celebrates all forms of art and culture, collaborating to acti.VĀ.te people and things.
First conceived by artist and scholar Rosanna Raymond in 2010, The SaVĀge K’lub have participated in large-scale research-based art projects in Australia, Aotearoa NZ, UK and Hawaii working with Queensland Museum, QAGOMA, Auckland Museum, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongawera, the Bishop Museum and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Until Monday 7 October | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Darling Portrait Prize
The biennial event honours the legacy of Mr L Gordon Darling AC CMG who was instrumental in establishing the National Portrait Gallery of Australia – and nurtures the art of Australian portrait painting.
The Darling Portrait Prize offers a generous $75,000 cash prize for the winner, in addition to Highly Commended, Art Handlers’ Award and People’s Choice award. Head along to see the finalists, this is one not to miss!
Until Sunday 13 October | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
National Photographic Portrait Prize
This is one of the most popular photographic competitions in the country. Since its establishment in 2007, the much-anticipated annual event offers substantial cash and equipment prizes for professional, amateur and aspiring Australian photographers.
Celebrating established and emerging artistic talent from across the country, the works by the 34 selected finalists provide a powerful visual record of the year, reflecting a particular time in Australian culture, both socially and artistically.
Until Sunday 13 October | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize
This exhibition invites audiences to be inspired by beautiful and profound nature-themed works of art.
Since 2002, the South Australian Museum’s Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize has called for established and emerging artists to turn their gaze to the natural world. Named after the South Australian Museum’s first curator, Frederick George Waterhouse, this is the only opportunity to view the artworks outside of South Australia. Explore a compelling display of art and science seen through the eyes illustrators, sculptors and contemporary artists. Every day at 11 am, they also offer a free object talk, inviting visitors to learn more about the artworks in this exhibition.
Until Sunday 27 October | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
Sport
Raiders v Warriors
Love Friday night footy? Don’t miss the Canberra Raiders as they take on the New Zealand Warriors in NRL Round 20 action. See you there?
Friday 19 July from 8 pm | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Straight from the Strait – In Conversation about the Torres Strait Island Musical
What’s ‘Straight from the Strait’? It’s an upcoming musical set to premiere at the Brisbane Festival in August 2024, paying tribute to the occurrence on May 8, 1968 where a track laying crew involving mostly Torres Strait Islander workers broke the world record for laying the greatest length of railway in a single day.
Join Aunty Ruth Ghee, Uncle Luke Captain and Rhianna Patrick in a panel discussion about the details of this performance.
Wednesday 17 July, 6 pm – 7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.
The Fish That Wanted To Fly: Puppet Show and Workshop at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
This is a great way to keep the kids entertained! Set in the mangrove swamps of east-coast Australia, The Fish That Wanted to Fly is about having the courage to pursue something even if it seems likely you will never reach it.
All about friendship, resilience and sustainability, following the show an Under the Sea puppet-making workshop will take place, where they will learn some puppetry skills and create their own deep-sea story.
Thursday 18 and Friday 19 July, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Crazy Rich Asians + Discussion with Mimi Kwa and Qin Qin
A cultural phenomenon, Kevin Kwan’s 2013 satirical bestseller Crazy Rich Asians garnered international accolades – including breaking new ground in the romantic comedy film genre, soaring at the box office to become one of the highest-grossing rom-coms of all time.
Head along to see this special screening, which will be followed by a discussion of the film and the novel with special guest Mimi Kwa, in conversation with Qin Qin.
Sunday 21 July, 1 pm – 3:30 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Magnificent MEGAfauna: Hide and Seek
Take the kids to the National Botanic Gardens for a fun filled hide and seek session!
They’ll meet the magnificent MEGAfauna that roamed Australia more than 20,000 years ago, discover ‘living plant fossils’ and investigate the landscapes of Australia’s past. It’s a great opportunity to explore the gardens.
Until Wednesday 31 July | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | More information here.
Workshops and Classes at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Refine technical abilities, expand theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and try new things in Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s Winter season of short courses!
Designed for curious adults who are keen to extend their creative art practice, these six-week classes are an opportunity to explore new techniques without having to purchase expensive materials and equipment. Weekly classes are scheduled from 6 pm to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. It costs $250 to attend and all materials are provided!
Running until September | Tuggeranong Art Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Book here.
Feature image: Daniel Boud.