Your essential guide to what’s on in Canberra this weekend!

Every Monday for more than seven years, we’ve published This Week in The Can, our comprehensive guide to everything happening around the city this week – but sometimes it’s just too epic to get through!

That’s why each Friday we publish our Weekend Edit… Here are the things you shouldn’t miss!

HERCANBERRA AND CANBERRA OUTLET SHOPPING TOUR

Join HerCanberra, Canberra Outlet Centre stylist Tracey Davis and Sofia Polak from the Fashion Vault for a shopping tour full of styling tips and tricks.

First up, head to the Lindt Chocolate shop for a coffee or hot chocolate to get you powered up, and then join our shopping tour as Canberra Outlet’s style team takes you through a selection of their favourite stores.

Happening from 9.10 am Saturday 8 December at Canberra Outlet Centre.

See Eventbrite for bookings. Bookings essential.

THE CHRISTMAS HANDMADE MARKET

The Christmas Handmade Market is an indoor event showcasing over 280 Australian creative businesses. All products on sale are Australian made and designed. Shop at Handmade Market to support Australian designers and find something unique, well priced, where you can meet the maker.

There will be everything from fashion, furniture, sculpture, ceramics, children’s toys and clothing, jewellery and accessories and including our indoor gourmet food and wine pavilion. Perfect for all your Christmas shopping in one place!

The market is held at EPIC, Exhibition Park in Canberra. You can drive to the venue, there is lots of parking including coach parking and a large disabled parking area. ATMs are located on site. There is public transport to the event.

Happening Friday 7 December from 5 pm – 9 pm and Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December from 10 am – 4 pm.

SUMMER OASIS AT THE HOWLING MOON

This summer, Canberra’s first rooftop bar has transformed into a tropical retreat, offering guests an early afternoon happy hour, speciality cocktails, summer snacks, live music and an ambience that promises to cool things right down.

With local performers lifting the vibe from 1 pm – 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday, this incredible Braddon bar has your weekend plans covered.

Grab a cocktail pitcher and some snacks, capture your photo amongst the palm leaves and soak up the sun from the fully enclosed rooftop.

Happening every Saturday from 1 – 4 pm at The Howling Moon, The Rex Hotel.

See the website for more information.

SUNSET CINEMA

Sink into a beanbag, sip on fine wine…. laugh long and loud.

Sunset Cinema is back at the Botanic Gardens from November til January. Featuring foot-stomping blockbusters, family favourites and VHS classics under the stars.

With full bar facilities and more food than you can poke a fork at, Sunset Cinema is the ultimate way to soak up Summer in Canberra this year.

Feature films include Bohemian Rhapsody, Fantastic Beasts 2 & Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Check the website to see the full program.

Happening 28 November 2018 – 12 January 2019 at the National Botanic Gardens.

See the website for more information.

FRIDAY NIGHT DRINKS AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE

A Canberra must-do during spring and summer, Friday Night Drinks at Old Parliament House is happening again for summer 2018/19!

With seating across Old Parliament House’s gorgeous Senate Courtyard and its adjoining restaurant Hoi Polloi, Friday Night Drinks is an all-weather event, and the expansive venue means that large groups are welcomed, no matter the size. With its Parliamentary Triangle location, lots of parking and regular public transport access it’s also a perfect meeting place.

Happening every Friday from 4 pm until late at Hoi Polloi, inside Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

THE ILLUSIONISTS: DIRECT FROM BROADWAY

This completely new, mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of eight of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Audiences will witness stunning acts of grand illusion, levitation, mindreading, and disappearance.

The group of world-class performers takes their cue from the showmanship of the great illusionists of the past such as Harry Houdini and pair it with a new and updated contemporary aesthetic, whose set and costumes design lend the genre theatricality and artistry that has rarely been seen before.

Happening 6 – 11 December from various times at Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra. Tickets from $45.

Visit the website for more details.

CANBERRA CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Canberra Christmas Market is one of the capital’s biggest and best. Over two-days, shoppers will uncover wonderful gifts, specialty items, gourmet foods and more. The market has more than 90 stallholders–a one-stop shop for all your Christmas needs.

Gather family and friends and get into the Christmas spirit. Listen to wonderful carols. Meet Santa. Get the kids to help decorate gingerbread houses. Celebrate the most special time of the year. The Canberra Christmas Market is accepting applications from stallholders now. It’s quick and easy to apply online.

Happening 7 – 8 December from 9 am – 3 pm at Exhibition Park, Flemington Road, Canberra. Entry and parking is free.

Visit the website for more information.

AN EVENING WITH THE HEATH LEDGER CURATOR: DR ALLISON HOLLAND

Heath Ledger. Credit: Karin Catt.

The blockbuster exhibition, Heath Ledger: A life in Pictures, has already attracted more than 14,000 visitors since opening at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) in August.

On Saturday 8 December join curator Dr Allison Holland, for a discussion on what it was like to produce the exhibition, sharing stories about Heath learned from family, friends and colleagues.

Developed by the Western Australian Museum, the exhibition includes research journals and hand-written notes, original costumes from films Heath Ledger starred in, his Academy Award and BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Dark Knight, and two of his motorcycles.

Dr Holland also sorted through more than 5000 photographs and 30 hours of film footage while deciding which images captured the life and times of the late actor best. Some were taken by Ledger on set. Others are by renowned photographers Karin Catt, Frances Andrijich, Platon and Anthony Amos.

It was a surprise to Dr Holland that Legend was a prolific photographer, and that he was working towards becoming a grandmaster in chess. He even created journals to help him better understand the characters he portrayed. These are displayed in a glass case, along with memorabilia reflecting Heath’s interest in music videos and directing.

Tickets to Dr Holland’s talk include a welcome drink and a private viewing of the exhibition.

Happening Saturday 8 December from 5.30 pm at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Mc Coy Circuit, Acton.

Purchase tickets here.

Tickets: $20 (includes welcome drink). Adults 18+ 

SANTA’S ENCHANTED GARDEN AT CANBERRA CENTRE

Santa arrives in-centre on Saturday 10 November, taking up residence in his brand-new Enchanted Garden. Father Christmas will be available for photos daily up until Christmas Eve…skip the queue and pre-book your ticket online.

Pre-booking will commence early November.

Level One, Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, City.

See the website for more information.

CANBERRA BEER, WINE AND BARBEQUE FESTIVAL

This year on Saturday 8 December, local breweries, wineries and all things barbecue will be found at one of the region’s most stunning event venues, Goolabri. Hosting the very first Canberra Beer Wine & Barbeque Festival, “The Wedgetail Pavilion” is the perfect setting.

The Canberra region has some incredible wines and fantastic craft beers, found from Murrumbateman to Fyshwick, Wamboin to Wee Jasper. Take this opportunity to sample the best of what Canberra has to offer, all in one place.

Expect some of the nation’s finest BBQ stalls from a variety of different cultures. Be tantalised by everything from spit roasted and smoked meats all the way down to the humble sausage sandwich and of course some vegetarian options! Beat the heat with ice-creams and cold drinks.

The line-up includes the smooth solo performance of Canberra darling, FELIX, followed by one man band Richard Perso on didgeridoos, acoustic guitars combining electric overdrive, kick drum, tambourine and vocals, and the chilled vibes of Guyy Lilleyman. The energy will build into the evening with the rootsy coastal sounds of The Somedays and the funky bassy rhythms of the legendary Changeable Dan leaving us well sated. Raio de Sol, Canberra’s Community Samba Band tend to pop up at festivals like this, bringing the Carnivale atmosphere with them.

Gather your people for some drinks and a dance or even make a solo mission and enjoy the natural serenity of Goolabri. There will be multiple attractions to suit all ages including activities to keep those kiddies happy!

Happening Saturday 8 December from 12 – 9 pm at Goolabri, 202 Goolabri Drive, Sutton.

Find tickets and more information via the website. The event itself is free entry

It is only 10 mins from inner Canberra so they recommend car-pooling or booking a seat on the shuttle bus so you are free to relax, and enjoy getting home from the event responsibly.

Free Entry.

BREAKING THROUGH: 75 YEARS OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT

Why did it take so long for women to get elected? And once they were there, what was their experience within the parliament?

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first women elected to Australian Federal Parliament, Breaking Through exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy explores the journeys of 11 trailblazers who were the first to hold particular parliamentary positions.

These are stories of resilience, perseverance and ground-breaking achievements.

From 1943 when Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons were the first women elected to parliament through to today where woman have held the highest positions in all areas of parliament, including Prime Minister.

Breaking Through exhibition, recognises the significant contribution these women made in Australia’s democracy. Look back on their lives, uncover their motivations and what they view as their greatest achievements.

Told through never before seen portraits, each a unique representation by a young artist, and powerful stories of change-makers breaking through, this exhibition will inspire visitors to think about the role of women in parliament, what it took to get there and whether we’ve come far enough.

Showing until 28 August 2019 from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

KIDS CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

Democracy. Are you in?

Your voice, your hands and even your feet have the power to be heard. Our freedoms and our way of life have been built on the foundation of democracy. This living system is sustained through the participation of each and all of us. Democracy is sustained by you. Australian democracy is a work in progress. Curiously, at a time of stability and unparalleled economic growth, confidence in our political and social institutions is at its lowest point in decades. But giving up on them is not the answer. Our democracy needs us. Are you in?

Open daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Find out more at moadoph.gov.au.

ROME: CITY + EMPIRE

Medallion of Constantine the Great minted in Thessalonica, Greece, 335 CE gold © Trustees of the British Museum Media credit line © Trustees of the British Museum, 2018. All rights reserved. Image supplied.

Stories of Rome and its vast empire continue to captivate and intrigue people almost 3000 years after their foundation.

Rome: City and Empire brings to Canberra more than 200 of the British Museum’s most engaging and beautiful Roman objects. They tell the story of how Rome grew from a series of small villages to become a mighty empire.

Explore how the empire was won and held, witness the grandeur of Rome and appreciate the rich diversity of its peoples.

Happening until 3 February from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton.

See the website for more information.

Image via facebook.com/pg/CellarDoorCBR

Cellar Door is a new wine market for Canberra’s wonderful wine scene. Buy wines from local makers every Saturday afternoon in the iconic Nishi Grand Stair, NewActon Precinct.

Grab a souvenir glass, taste the latest drops, and buy at cellar door prices.

Wine stalls rotate each week with complementing stalls like flowers, cheese, chocolate and books. Capital City Soul Club are the resident DJs.

Make a day of it with a film at Palace Electric Cinema and NewActon’s leading food and drink destinations.

Happening Saturday 8 December from 2-5 pm on the Nishi Grand Stair, inside the Nishi Building, Philip Law Street, NewActon.

See Facebook for more details.

PET PHOTOGRAPHY AT WESTFIELD

Get the purr-fect pet photo this Christmas!

Make sure the entire family is involved in the Christmas photo this year with Santa pet photography! Pet’s are invited to attend Westfield’s Christmas set for their exclusive photo with Santa.

Happening Friday 7 December 6 pm – 9 pm at Belconnen: Level 1, Centre Court at the Santa Set and Woden: Santa Set The Level 1, near JB HiFi.

See more information about Belconnen here and Woden here.

Bookings are essential for pet photography.

HEATH LEDGER: A LIFE IN PICTURES

Heath Ledger. Credit: Karin Catt.

Audiences around the world know and love Heath Ledger as a charismatic movie star who pushed boundaries and created iconic roles. Now they have a chance to discover Heath’s creative process and deep passion for the film industry and the visual arts, in a unique exhibition curated in collaboration with his family.

Explore a selection of film costumes and props, Heath’s own character research journals, celebrity portraits and acting awards and more. A Life in Pictures offers a rare insight into the man behind the camera.

A program of special screenings and talks will complement the exhibition

Happening until 10 Feb 2019, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton.

See the website for more information.

BEAUTY RICH AND RARE

An immersive sound and light experience illuminating the natural beauty of Australia through the eyes of Sir Joseph Banks.

Feel the excitement and wonder of Banks and his team of botanists, scientists, and illustrators as they documented Australia’s unique botanical and animal species, astonishing eighteenth-century Europe.

Open daily 10 am – 5 pm until 10 February 2019 at the National Library of Australia.

See the website for more information.

MATHSALIVE!

MathsAlive!, the one-of-a-kind interactive maths and science exhibit, that has drawn record-breaking crowds in five countries around the world is coming to Canberra in December!

Experience how maths plays a role in our everyday lives through sports, nature, robotics, design, dancing, movie-making and more. Ride in a live-action snowboard race, control a Mars rover, design your own 3-D animation or capture your image in a 360 freeze-motion video. 

MathsAlive!, a Raytheon Company initiative consists of dozens of immersive interactive exhibits and is suitable for years 3 – 10.

Happening until 17 March 2019 from 9 am – 5 pm daily (closed 25 December) at East Space, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place, Parkes.

More information on the website.

EXTENDED TRADING HOURS AT CANBERRA CENTRE

Enjoy Canberra Centre’s extended opening hours this festive season so you can get more done.

For a comprehensive list of opening times, click here.

Happening 8 December 2018 – 2 January 2019 at Canberra Centre.

See the website for more information

EXTENDED TRADE AT WESTFIELD

Need more time?

With so much to do at this time of year, it feels like there is never enough hours in the day! Westfield Woden and Belconnen will be open longer to make it easy this Christmas. Enjoy extended trading hours at Westfield from Sunday 9^th December – Wednesday 26^th December.

Plus, this year Westfield will be offering customers the opportunity to shop until Midnight on Wednesday 19 December.

At Westfield Woden you will be able to enjoy a complimentary prosecco bar, live music and sweet treats while you shop!

Happening 9-26 December at Westfield Belconnen and Westfield Woden. Click on the centres now for opening hours.