The Weekend Edit

Posted on 12 February, 2021

Things are changing in Canberra as we work together to keep our community safe.

While restrictions are lifting, we strongly encourage you to keep physical distance between each other when you leave the house and be mindful of the current restrictions.

Let’s stay safe and sensible, Canberra, and we’ll get through this together.

Valentine’s Day at Pialligo Estate

With a special four-course menu designed with love, Pialligo Estate will be setting the scene for a special occasion from the moment you walk in and receive your first glass of sparkling with two choices of dining destination—the Glasshouse and the Pavilions.

With a four-course menu featuring such highlights as freshly shucked oysters, prawns and the Estate’s own famous Smoked Salmon, roasted spatchcock with smoked potato puree, and peaches and white chocolate for dessert, there is nowhere more decadent to spend lunch or dinner on Sunday 14 February—or if you want to sneak in earlier, dinner on Saturday 13 February. Want to spoil your loved one with Pialligo Estate’s regular menu? Book into the Pavilions for lunch on Sunday 14 February.

Did we mention the glass of sparkling on arrival and the option of either a Pialligo Regional wine pairing or Valentine’s Day wine pairing? Romance never tasted so good.

18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | Dinner bookings on Saturday 13 February, Lunch and dinner bookings on Sunday 14 February from 11.45 am–2 pm or 2.30-4.30 pm for lunch and 6-8 pm for dinner | $199 per couple, with the option of a Pialligo Regional Wine pairing for $35 per person or Valentine’s Day wine pairing for $49 per person | Book at thepialligoestate.com.au/valentines-day

Valentine’s Day at Buvette and Hotel Realm

Credit: Ashley St George.

Barton’s five-star Hotel Realm is pulling out all the stops this Valentine’s Day with not one, not two, but three ways to spoil you and your lover.

First, their Valentine’s Dinner at their luxe Buvette Bistro on Saturday 13 February from 6 pm. Indulge in a six-course grazing-style menu that heroes fresh, seasonal ingredients with deliciousness like buttermilk snapper ceviche, Miso glazed grilled Queensland scallops with seaweed butter and 36-hour slow-cooked Angus beef short ribs with gremolata and crispy polenta with a glass of sparkling on arrival. Yum.

Want to dial things up a notch? Why not book in for an extra-special staycation?

From just $299 per couple, experience the luxury of the five-star Hotel Realm with a set menu two-course dinner at Buvette with wine as well as a night in one of their luxe hotel rooms.

Or, if you’re looking to experience what might just be Canberra’s most decadent high tea, book into a special Valentine’s Day High Tea on Sunday 14 February for a long and luscious celebration of love that includes treats like Tasmanian smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, dark chocolate mousse with mandarin cream, matcha and rosewater Madeleines, gin and tonic cheesecake with lime jelly and buttermilk strawberry scones with whipped cream and strawberry jam.

Need we say more?

 Valentine’s Buvette Dinner | Saturday 13 February | $90 per person | Contact foodandbeverage@domahotels.com.au or phone 6163 1802

Date Night at Hotel Realm | $299 per couple| Contact reservations@domahotels.com.au or phone 6163 1888

Buvette High Tea | Sunday 14 February from 12–2 pm or 2.30–4.30 pm | $75 per person with a glass of Piper Rose or $115 with bottomless champagne | Book at buvette.com.au/high-tea or phone 6163 1802

Farrah’s Liquor Collective Massive Warehouse Sale

If you managed to get through more alcohol than you thought you might last year or over the Christmas break, then it’s time to clear the boot of the car and restock for 2021.

Farrah’s Liquor Collective is having its annual warehouse sale on Saturday 13 February and there will be heavy discounts on already discounted wine and beer.

This Saturday 13 February, Matt will have over 200 products on tasting, ensuring that you can narrow down the field to the range you are best going to enjoy during the coming weeks and months.

From Tumut River Brewing Co to Matsos, Willie the Boatman, and the new range from alcohol-free Indigenous brewers Sobah, Matt says beer lovers need to only buy a four or six-pack to enjoy an additional 20 per cent discount.

The same applies to any dozen bottles of wine which will be an additional 20 per cent cheaper and which will include popular labels including Peartree, Lou Miranda, Maverick and Brash.

Farrah’s Liquor Collective sells labels you won’t find at the big grog shops, from the tiny organic vineyard Tasmanian Organic Wines—which cannot produce enough to satisfy the big commercial contracts—to small boutique breweries.

And the best bit about having such a vast range is that you can taste before you buy.

Happening Saturday 13 February from 9 am to 6 pm at Farrah’s Liquor Collective, 8 Townsville Street Fyshwick

See farrahsliquorcollective.com for more information.

Get loud as Yarralumla Tennis Club present Open Court Sessions!

Embrace fresh and fun new tennis activities and get ready to have some fun. Enjoy drinks from Capital Brewing Co, food from local producers and tunes from a local DJ!

Witness all the action of the Australian Open on the big screen, while showing us your best tennis moves on court. Off-court, feel free to grab a drink, or a bite to eat, then sit back and relax while watching the Grand Slam.

This event is open to all ages, so grab your mates or bring your family for a fun-filled time.

Happening 12-13 February at Yarralumla Tennis Club, Mueller Street, Yarralumla.

See Facebook for more information.

Roundabout Canberra fundraising screening of Mamma Mia

Roundabout Canberra is holding a fundraising movie night on Friday 12 February at Dendy Canberra.

We’ve secured a screening of Mamma Mia and are selling tickets to a super fun night out!

Tickets are $50pp and include an adult ticket, a beer/wine/champagne/soft drink, a choc top and popcorn. We are aiming to have lucky door prizes for 20-25% of the audience.

We also now have a fabulous sponsor on board for the whole event, so 100% of the proceeds will go directly to supporting Canberra families experiencing hardship.

What do I wear? Come dressed in your favourite ABBA-inspired costume for a chance to win our costume contest! How much? $50 per ticket with 100% of the proceeds going to Roundabout.

What’s included? Each ticket includes a complimentary beer, wine or soft drink, a choc top and a medium popcorn! 1 in 5 tickets will also win a lucky door prize donated by generous local Canberra business!

More information about Roundabout Canberra and what we do can be found at: roundaboutcanberra.org.

Happening Friday 12 February at 7 pm arrival for 7.30pm start at Dendy Canberra

See trybooking.com/BOFAS for more information.

Haig Park Village Markets

The Haig Park Village Markets are about creating a vibrant farmers market filled with fresh, nutritious, quality produce and products at reasonable prices, with the added bonus of supporting and promoting our regional farmers and businesses.

Rosie and Alex are born and raised Canberrans who love all things markets. Their markets will be an evolving collaboration of many farmers, bakers, artisans and talented people, seeking to share their crafted specialties. They want to support local creative talent and nurture local businesses.

Working together with regional growers and local business they can create a lively and community-driven market that seeks to become a destination for locals and visitors alike.

Happening Sundays from 7 February from 8 am at Haig Park, Braddon.

See Facebook for more information.

Sign of the Times

Sign and screen of the Sundown Drive-in, Canberra, 1970. National Archives of Australia via cmag.com.au

Sign of the Times is an exhibition of Canberra signs representing a history of life in the capital, from the early 1900s to the present day.

See signs and hear stories from some of our most recognisable and fondly remembered establishments and places including the Brickworks, Electric Shadows, the Cotter, Impact Records and many more.

Showing until 20 February 2021 at Canberra Museum and Gallery, Civic Square, City.

See cmag.com.au/exhibitions/sign-of-the-times for more information.

Sunset Cinema Canberra

Canberra’s favourite outdoor cinema is back! From the lush surrounds of the Botanic Gardens, enjoy the sun going down and the stars coming out as Sunset cinema brings you the ultimate Australian summer experience.

Sunset Cinema is perfect for getting back outdoors and in this time of social distancing the event is tailored for your safety, whilst maintaining the signature Sunset vibe you know and love.

Along with government approval, Sunset Cinema brings their knowledge and experience to create a fun and COVID safe event for Canberrans. Whether you’re treating the kids, catching up with girls or taking someone on a date to remember, there’s something to delight everyone this season.

This summer will be a real showstopper with fresh new releases The Prom, Trolls World Tour and The Witches. There is also a feast of festive movies, watch timeless classics Love Actually and Home Alone to get your Christmas spirit jingling.

Your welcome to pack a picnic hamper or satisfy your taste buds at the yummy food trucks.

Enjoy the warm evening air with a refreshing drink from the licensed bar and stock up on all your essential movie snacks like fresh, hot popcorn.

Happening until 14 February at The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton.

See sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra for more information.

Galentine’s Day at the National Film and Sound Archive

Enjoy Galentine’s Day at the NFSA and celebrate your friendship with the amazing women in your life with screenings of Booksmart and Thelma and Louise at the National Film and Sound Archive!

Happening Saturday 13 February at 6 pm (Booksmart) and 8.30 pm (Thelma and Louise).

See nfsa.gov.au/events/season-galentines-day for tickets and more information.

Canberra Aqua Park

That’s right, Canberra Aqua Park will return for another summer of blow-up obstacle fun in the heart of Canberra on Saturday 28 November.

The 1,600 square metre inflatable obstacle course is located at the Tarcoola Reach swimming area (park at Black Mountain Peninsula).

Canberra Aqua Park will run through the warmer months and we bet it will be a popular spot for getting the kids out of the house over the school holidays, with 50-minute sessions starting from just $20 per person.

But don’t fret—those of you that are young at heart are most definitely welcome to partake in all the fun too as there is no age limit—although there is a minimum age of five.

Happening until March 2021 at the Tarcoola Reach swimming area adjacent to Black Mountain Peninsula.

See canberraaquapark.com/tickets for more information.

Introduction to Cloth Nappies

Interested in using cloth nappies, but feeling overwhelmed? This information session will show you how easy they are to use and clean. Learn about pros and cons of different styles and fabrics and washing systems that can work around busy lifestyles.

$5 per person

Happening Sunday 14 February from 10 am-12 pm at Canberra Environment Centre cnr Lennox Crossing & Lawson Crescent Acton.

See Eventbrite or contact sustainability@canberraenvironment.org for more information.

Celebrate the Italian way at Agostinis

Is there anything more romantic than Italian food? How about five courses of Italian food with a glass of Prosecco on arrival at Kingston’s Agostinis? Now you’re talking—there’s even a five-course option for vegetarians.

Ensconce yourself and your loved one in Agostini’s chic modern surrounds to enjoy a feast like no other for either lunch or dinner on Sunday 14 February.

69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston | Lunch and dinner on Sunday 14 February | $95 per person | Book at agostinis.com.au or on 02 6178 0048

Graze the day away this Valentine’s Day with The Merchant’s Feast

Love your way this Valentine’s Day with a portable feast from The Merchant’s Feast.

Their delectable Valentine’s Day grazing box includes freshly basked baguette, charcuterie, fresh and dried fruit, cheese and quince paste—all the essentials for a stellar grazing platter.

To top it all off, they’ve included a bottle of Third Estate Shiraz, two glasses for you and your love and even some Ferrero Rochers to finish. Better yet, place your order before 10 February and receive a free rose on delivery.

The only question is—where will you take it? Pillow fort in the living room? Romantic boat ride? Picnic in the park? The choices are endless.

Delivery to all suburbs across Canberra and Queanbeyan | $120 + shipping | Order from themerchantsfeast.com.au

Love among the vines at Lake George Winery

Fancy a romantic road trip? Take a scenic 40-minute drive out to Lake George Winery’s Westering restaurant for a two or three-course lunch.

Why not finish off the afternoon with a Wine Tour with the Winemaker at 4 pm or pop into their boutique Valentine’s Day Market from 10 am–4 pm.

The perfect day for any vino enthusiast!

Lake George Winery, Federal Highway, Lake George, NSW | Two-course lunch, $55 per person, three-course lunch, $70 per person, Wine Tour $50 per person | Book by emailing info@lakegeorgewinery.com.au

Beer is the way to everyone’s heart at BentSpoke

BentSpoke’s BrewPub in Braddon knows that the way to many people’s heart is through an excellent boutique beer—and they’re here to make your Valentine’s Day all that more special.

BentSpoke will be putting on some delicious Valentine’s Day specials across Sunday 14 February with their ‘cupid’ front of house team ready and waiting to hook you up…with the beer of your dreams, that is.

As they put it—give love a chance!

48/38 Mort Street, Braddon | Book now for Sunday 14 February | bentspokebrewing.com.au

Have a Wild Thyme this Valentine’s Day

Head into the city for a luxurious three-course Valentine’s dinner at Wild Thyme.

With a Valentine’s Cocktail on arrival and the option for paired wines, this is an unmissable option for foodies, with a menu that includes Sydney rock oysters with salmon caviar and a Dijon popcorn vinaigrette, zucchini blossoms with lobster and mascarpone, and roast pumpkin gnocchi with cauliflower, pine nuts, silverbeet and scarmorza affumicata in a browned lemon butter, mushroom and sage ragu.

197 London Circuit, City | Dinner on Sunday 14 February with bookings from 5.30–9.30 pm | $85 per person with the option of a $35 per person wine pairing | Book at  or on (02) 6267 5675

First Edition’s Luxe Portable High Tea

Does your lover love high tea and the outdoors? Marry the two with First Edition‘s luxe portable High Tea.

Giving you the opportunity to set the scene where and when you like, this three-tiered High Tea extravaganza includes all your favourite savoury and sweet options (it even has cheese from Tilba Dairy Farm!) and will be ready for you to take away around either lunch or dinner so you can spend Valentine’s Day where you like.

A picnic by the lake, perhaps? Or maybe a drive into the mountains? Whenever you choose to enjoy it, you and your loved one will surely appreciate the inclusion of mini bottles of chilled Italian Prosecco. The pack even includes picnic plates, cutlery, glassware and a special gift locally made by @gemdcreations. Cheers to that!

Want to dine in? From Thursday 11 February until Sunday, First Edition will host a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner which includes a romantic take-home gift.

Pick up your high tea from First Edition, Level 1/65 Northbourne Avenue, City | Lunchtime hampers collected between 11 am and 12 pm, dinner hampers collected between 3 and 5 pm | $75 per person, minimum of two people per order | Find more information and the full menu for both hampers and First Edition’s Valentine’s dinner at firsteditioncanberra.com.au/menu

Craft Class with Cocktails (Anti Valentine’s Day)

Calling all singles, couples, friends and lovers! POP invites you to an open craft session to express your feelings about love this Galentine’s Day* on Saturday 13 February.

This event is not prescriptive. Whilst love is the theme, POP lets you decide if you want to approach it romantically, ironically or platonically.

Craft a date, make your bestie a friendship bracelet, or write some love notes. What you make is up to you. You’re in for a light-hearted, self-guided craft affair!

A crafternoon session with your playmate would not be complete without some cocktails, chocolate and some banging tunes. We will be taking love song dedications, so email us in advance any tunes you want to hear played.

This craft event is designed to be fun and enjoyed with friends or your other half. Bring your plus one and craft the afternoon away.

*Galentine’s Day, popularised in the TV show Parks and Recreation, encourages us to celebrate our female friendships on the eve of Valentine’s Day.

Happening Saturday 13 February from 3 – 5 pm at POP Canberra, 27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon.

See classbento.com.au/craft-class-with-cocktails-anti-valentines-day-canberra for more information.