Star Wars burlesque and The Pop Inn’s birthday: What to do this week in Canberra
Posted on
Yes, we know that’s quite the attention-grabbing headline but it’s all true—and it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you’re after some live music, a romantic dinner, a celebratory tipple or, yes, some burlesque, here’s what’s happening in Canberra this week.
Spice things up at The Empire Strips Back
2022 marks the 11-year anniversary of The Empire Strips Back so they have decided to put on a very special anniversary tour for fans, old and new.
The Empire Strips Back has been packing out Australian theatres since 2011, when it opened in Sydney in a 100-seat venue and swiftly became a word-of-mouth phenomenon, touring both nationally and internationally over the last 11 years.
For the many that missed out on previous tours be prepared for some seriously sexy Stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, some tantalising Twi’leks, a delightfully luke-warm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker, the Droids you are looking for, and much, much more!
Get your tickets now and come along to celebrate everything Star Wars… and the removal of clothing…
Friday 18 February from 8 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/the-empire-strips-back
Celebrate The Pop Inn’s 5th birthday
Photography: Collections From Him.
Canberra’s pop-up wine bar, The Pop Inn, is celebrating its fifth birthday with an afternoon of Sunshine and Citrus in Telopea Park this Saturday 19 February.
The celebration will take place from 1 pm in Telopea Park. Customers can enjoy Fish and Chips by The Italian Traveller, wine tastings, live music from Rhythm and Girl and a range of citrus inspired cocktail specials to set the mood.
The Pop Inn will be celebrating the Birthday with a COVID-safe party. Gather with friends and family to enjoy good food, wine, and each other’s company. Patrons are encouraged to bring along their own picnic rugs so they can remain socially distanced over the afternoon. Everyone welcome.
Saturday 19 February from 11 am | Telopea Park | facebook.com/thepopinnwinebar
Fred Smith welcome concert to aid recently arrived Afghan refugees
Singer-songwriter Fred Smith will be presenting a special concert to welcome to Canberra recent evacuees from Afghanistan and celebrate the efforts of public servants and Defence Force members during the evacuation.
Backed by an all-star band, he will be performing songs from his acclaimed Dust of Uruzgan album as well as new material drawing on his experiences working on the evacuation.
Proceeds will support the purchase of educational supplies for recently arrived Afghan students to Canberra to be distributed in conjunction with Rotary and Red Cross.
Thursday 17 February from 7.30 | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/fred-smith
Shop local at theCBRwoman summer market
A free event that brings you all your favourite local makers and creators in one place, spend your Saturday supporting local and treating yourself (or someone else deserving) at theCBRwoman summer market.
The 30+ stallholders include Baroque by Bec, Florence & Frida, Miami & Co, Peachbud, Splendour and Style, Sokach Candles
The Canberra Distillery, The Happy Uterus, The K Flowers Project, Natura Maga, Xtend Barre, Luxury Fabric By Bianca, MayFred Jewels, Magic With Flowers And Numbers, Bianca Pavlic The Label, Amy Creative, Live In Harmony, Writing With Fire, Bukiyou Designs, Clay By Fox, Amala & Co, Nconic, Dessert Quartets, V+IN+E Florist, AKTIVARO, Aryka Art Design, Captial Socks and Sophie Edwards Music
Saturday 19 February, 10.30 am–2 pm | The Fitters Workshop, Kingston | Facebook
Dance the day away at Summer Latin Reggae Fiesta
With live bands LOS CHAVOS + SHADOW MINISTERS, samba percussionists RAIO DE SOL, DJ DEDE DA CRUZ and a Brazilian BBQ, what’s not to love about this reggae fiesta?
Saturday 19 February from 5 pm | Mercure Canberra | mercurecanberra.com.au/packages/latin-fiesta
Love in the Vines at Contentious Character
Why not toast to love in the vines this Valentine’s Day at Contentious Character?
In the rolling hills of Wamboin, just 30 minutes from Canberra, Contentious Character is hosting a Valentine’s dinner featuring white linen tablecloths, candles, live music by the renowned Alex Rapauch accompanied by their new Seasonal Tasting Menu.
Monday 14 February from 6 pm | Contentious Character, 810 Norton Road | Facebook
Experience Shakespeare Down the Pub at the preview of Lakespeare’s As You Like It at Verity Lane Market
Eat, drink and be merry as Lakespeare run you through their fast and loose, immersive, no frills version of our 2022 summer show, As You Like It.
It’s a cheeky preview of their 2022 summer season of As You Like It and you’ll get to experience it in Verity Lane Market, Canberra’s boutique food hall.
This is Shakespeare unplugged. No costumes, no props. Lots of improvisation and audience interaction. Eat, drink and be merry as Lakespeare run through their paces, bringing language to places you wouldn’t normally expect.
Tickets: $12
Tuesday 15 February from 6.30 pm | Verity Lane Market, City | Facebook
Carman’s Fun Run 2022: Run Anywhere Anytime
Take up the virtual challenge this February and run or walk a half marathon, 10km or 5km to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
Carman’s Fun Run is in Melbourne on Sunday 20 February but you can join in and Run Anywhere Anytime, wherever you live in Australia and raise funds for BCNA.
You can participate anytime from 18–28 February and by doing so will help BCNA continue to provide free information, support and connection to more than 20,000 Australians who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.
You’ll receive a race pack and a free pair of pink BCNA sport socks if you raise more than $50.
Run for fun for yourself, or in honour of someone you love.
Register to Run Anywhere Anytime via: solemotive.com/pages/carmans-fun-run-pricing
*Registration closes on: Thursday, 17 February 2022 at 11:59 PM – GMT
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: The Pop Inn. Credit: Collections From Him
