13+ things to do this weekend in Canberra
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It’s a cooler than usual summer weekend—in more ways than one.
From celebrating the Year of the Water Tiger in Dickson to participating in (what could be) Canberra’s biggest water fight in Haig Park (pack that sunscreen!) and indulging in a cocktail (or two) at Armada Bar in Barton, here’s what to do this weekend around Canberra.
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Dickson
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Woolley Street in Dickson will come alive with the Lunar New Year Festival in a COVID-safe kaleidoscope of colour, sound, tastes and aromas over three consecutive long weekends, with the first running from Thursday 27 January, to the eve of Lunar New Year on Monday 31 January.
Dickson will light up with a beautiful stage, roving performances, dancing, live music and workshops to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The outdoor festival will extend to Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 February and Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 February. Entertainment is scheduled between 6-8pm, plus a daytime component on Saturdays.
Want even more ways to celebrate Lunar New Year? Click here.
Until 13 February | Woolley Street, Dickson | act.gov.au/cityrenewal/places/dickson/lunar-new-year
The Great Haig Park Water Fight
The Great Haig Park Water Fight (feature image) is back! Split into two fun-packed sessions from 11 am-1 pm, 1-3 pm and 3-5 pm, the water fight will be settled over different games.
Red Light/Green Light: Be the first to make it to the finish line while Jim the Referee isn’t looking. If he catches you moving, you’re out and soaked!
Castle Wars: Bring down the castle of boxes with your water pistols and sponges. You are not allowed to touch the boxes but you can soak them!
Capture the flag: Take home the glory and capture the flag from the other teams base.
Mini-Olympics: Are you Australia’s next Ariarne Titmus? Brave the water and the obstacles and try to complete the obstacle course as quickly as possible.
Bring: Yourself and your friends, a picnic, a water pistol and don’t forget a towel!
The Soul Defender will be playing music throughout the day and The Italian Place Providore & Bottega will have a pop-up stall offering a gourmet spread of goodies to add to your picnic, delicious coffee is available through the coffee cart and drinks are available from BentSpoke Brewing Co.
This is an all-ages event with all ages catered for.
Play Outside Day is proudly presented and funded by City Renewal Authority.
Saturday 5 February | Haig Park | Tickets via Humanitix
Drag Bingo with Phish and Phreak
Fancy a night in your pajamas…playing drag bingo??
That’s exactly what awaits you this Saturday 5 February from 6.30 pm at the Canberra Irish Club. Your hosts for the evening will be the fabulous Toni Kola and gorgeous Nigella Lawsuit from Phish & Phreak Productions and bingo kicks off at 8.30 pm.
Whether you’re into a robe and eye mask or something a little more risque, dress in your best (or worst) pajamas and join in the fun! There’s $500 cash up for grabs, plus $500 in prizes to be won.
Saturday 5 February from 6.30 pm | Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson Street, Weston | Facebook
Crack out some bubbles (or a spritz) at Armada Bar
Armada Bar. Credit: James Souter.
Have you visited summer’s hottest bar? The vibe: Elevated lakeside chic.
It’s the second summer of The Boat House’s outdoor offshoot, Armada Bar, and there are plenty of cocktails to go around—not to mention their phenomenal menu of snacks and share plates designed by The Boat House’s talented team of fine dining chefs.
Read more here hercanberra.com.au/food-drink/food-wine/summers-coolest-outdoor-bar-is-back-for-2021
Lunar New Year performances with Canberra Dragon Dance
Courtesy of the City Renewal Authority.
Welcome in the Year of the Tiger and celebrate Lunar New Year in Dickson!
The City Renewal Authority is putting on a three-week show in Canberra’s spiritual eat street and Canberra Dragon Dance is honoured to have been invited to spread much needed good luck to all Canberrans and work with other talented artists.
Their performances will be a free show outside and they ask that spectators socially distance themselves to keep Canberra safe.
Until 5 February | Woolley Street, Dickson | Facebook
UC Capitals V Southside Flyers
The UC Capitals will take on reigning champs the Southside Flyers. A 2019/20 Grand Final re-match, this will be the second time the Caps face-off with the Flyers this season.
The key match-up in this game will be former backcourt teammates Jade Melbourne and Maddy Rocci, who both had breakout seasons in the bubble for the Caps in 2020.
Saturday 5 February from 5 pm | National Convention Centre, City | Tickets via Ticketek
Canberra Fair: Weddings, Events, Travel & Lifestyle
The Fair will be packed with inspiration for any occasion. There will be a Foodie Fair, a small business market, a bridal showcase with wedding exhibits, a general business exhibit and a fashion parade.
Free entry and free parking.
Sunday 6 February from 10 am–3 pm | Thoroughbred Park | canberrafair.com.au
Jeffrey Smart: A Tuscan Lunch
Celebrate the art of Jeffrey Smart with a Tuscan-style lunch in the National Gallery’s dining room overlooking the Sculpture Garden.
Inspired by the excellent Italian trattorias, Head Chef Samuel McCarthy’s menu showcases locally sourced fresh produce as he introduces his spin on the traditional Italian Primi, Secondi and Dolce courses. Guests will be invited to choose two courses: Primi and Secondi or Secondi and Dolce. Guests will be able to select their courses from the menu on the day.
One glass of white or red wine is included in the adult per person price, and one glass of juice or soft drink is included in the children per person price. A third course is not included in the per person ticket price but can be ordered on the day as additional.
A Tuscan Lunch ticket does not include the exhibition entry. If you wish to visit the exhibition, please purchase your exhibition ticket separately.
National Gallery of Australia | Until 6 March | nga.gov.au/jeffreysmart/tuscanlunch.cfm
Celebrate iconic moments in contemporary Australian film
Credit: Nicole Kidman © RGR Collection/Alamy Stock.
Kicking off on Friday 21 January, Australians & Hollywood: A Tale of Craft, Talent and Ambition is a Canberra-exclusive exhibition celebrating iconic moments in contemporary Australian film.
This blockbuster exhibition by the NFSA features beloved cinema moments, rare behind-the-scenes footage and costumes and props from the NFSA collection on display for the first time. Discover the creativity and craft that goes into making a classic and get up close with personal treasures from Eric Bana, Paul Hogan, Baz Luhrmann and more.
Until 17 July | National Sound and Film Archive of Australia | nfsa.gov.au/australians-hollywood-exhibition-nfsa
Sunset Cinemas
Image via Facebook
Gather your friends and family, sit back, relax and watch the stars at your new summer local! Open multiple nights each week from November through to February at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
The season is packed with new release blockbusters, quirky comedies, award-winning features and cult classics—perfect for a date night, girls’ night out or some family fun.
Until 26 February | Australian National Botanic Gardens | sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra
Immerse yourself in history with Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes
This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition can’t be missed. Showcasing the competitive spirit of the Ancient Greek world through sports, politics, drama, music, and warfare, Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes is illuminated by more than 170 objects from the British Museum.
From large marble statues of athletes and gods to richly illustrated pottery and bronze weapons, the exhibition reveals a vibrant and innovative society that endures in its art, culture, and legends.
Until 1 May | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au/exhibitions/ancient-greeks
Lerida By The Lake
Join Lerida Estate at the Canberra Visitors Centre at Regatta Point for a one-hour personal wine tasting for two people with delicious antipasto and the best views in town—the only way to spend summer, in our opinion.
One of the team will guide you through five different wines whilst you graze on meats and cheeses. When your wine tasting session concludes, grab a seat in the wine bar and relax with award-winning wine and views over Lake Burley Griffin.
Various times and dates | Canberra Visitors Centre, Regatta Point | Tickets via eventbrite.com.au
Get cultured at Jeffrey Smart
Jeffrey Smart, Corrugated Gioconda, 1976, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased 1976, © The Estate of Jeffrey Smart, courtesy of Philip Bacon Galleries.
The year 2021 marks one hundred years since the birth of acclaimed Australian artist Jeffrey Smart. The National Gallery of Australia’s major exhibition celebrates and commemorates this significant centenary.
One of Australia’s most celebrated artists, Smart sought inspiration from the world around him – looking to the environment of urban and industrial modernity – which he transformed through his imaginative sense of theatre and intimate understanding of geometry and composition. These potent and intriguing images have become emblematic of 20th and 21st-century urban experience.
Showing until 15 May 2022 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Feature image: Canberra Dragon Dance. Courtesy of the City Renewal Authority.