The Long Weekend Edit

Posted on 30 March, 2018

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! 

THE NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL 2018

Join the celebration of traditional and contemporary folk life at the National Folk Festival with high-end entertainment and a program designed to inspire, enliven and entertain.

With over 200 acts representing diverse styles such as acoustic, blues, roots, bluegrass, world, Celtic, traditional, gypsy and country in a program including music, dance, spoken word, film, circus and traditional crafts, there is something for everyone.

The National Folk Festival showcases top Australian acts alongside international headliners across 20 venues.

Take advantage of food and beverage outlets, browse the festival market place and enjoy an exciting mix of entertainment.

Happening Thursday 29 March to Monday 2 April at Exhibition Park, Canberra, Corner Flemington Road and Federal Hwy, Mitchell.

See the website for more information.

CARTIER: THE EXHIBITION

Cartier Paris. Crocodile necklace 1975 special order, gold, yellow diamonds, emeralds, rubies 30 and 27.3 cm (length each) Collection Cartier © Cartier Photo Nils Herrmann Made as a special order for María Félix.

Cartier: The Exhibition is a breathtaking display of some of the world’s most exquisite jewels, featuring items from royal families, celebrities and the astonishing Cartier collection showing exclusively at the National Gallery of Australia.

Immerse yourself in over 300 spectacular items, including royal tiaras, necklaces, brooches and earrings.

Never before have so many incredible diamonds, pearls, sapphires, emeralds and other precious stones been seen in Australia. Highlights include the Queen’s ‘Halo’ tiara worn by Kate Middleton at her wedding to Prince William, Princess Grace of Monaco’s 10.48 carat diamond engagement ring, Dame Elizabeth Taylor’s diamond and ruby necklace, Dame Nellie Melba’s diamond stomacher brooch, and a selection from the NGA’s exceptional Ballets Russes costumes.

Step into the dazzling world of the Maison Cartier and its clients to discover concepts of glamour throughout the 20th century, accompanied by our rich program of talks, tours and events and Cartier: The Exhibition catalogue.

Cartier: The Exhibition is on show at the NGA, exclusive to Canberra.

Happening Friday 30 March until Sunday 22 July at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

BLACK IS THE NEW WHITE BY NAKKIAH LUI

Love, politics and other things you shouldn’t talk about at dinner. At the centre of this production is Charlotte Gibson, a lawyer with a brilliant career ahead of her. As her father Ray says, she could be the next female Indigenous Waleed Aly. But she has other ideas. First of all, it’s Christmas. Second of all, she’s in love.

The thing is, her fiancé, Francis Smith, is not what her family expected – he’s unemployed, he’s an experimental composer… and he’s white! Inviting him and his conservative parents to Christmas is a bold move that has all sorts of unintended consequences.

Secrets are revealed, prejudices outed and old rivalries get sorted through. With a toe-tapping soundtrack and an array of brilliant, eccentric, loveable characters, this is a great night in the theatre and a thoroughly beguiling, very Australian story from award-winning playwright Nakkiah Lui.

Happening Wednesday 28 March and Thursday 29 March from 8pm, and Saturday 31 March from 2pm and 8pm at Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City.

See the website for more information.

HOT DUB WINE MACHINE

Get ready for a magnificent day of music, wine and fresh local produce on the picturesque banks of the Molonglo River at Hot Dub Wine Machine!

WINE MACHINE 2018 NATIONAL ARTIST LINE-UP

• HOT DUB TIME MACHINE
• SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM
• THE KITE STRING TANGLE
• TOUCH SENSITIVE
• LUKE MILLION
• HAIKU HANDS
• LUEN JACOBS
• FALCONA DJs
• + MANY SPECIAL GUESTS TBA

…and host, TOM TILLEY from Triple J.

Happening Saturday 31 March from 1pm-11pm at Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Rd, Canberra.

See the website for more information.

THE GREAT EASTER EGG TRAIL

Credit: Museum of Australian Democracy.

Hop along to the cleverest Easter egg trail in town at the Museum of Australian Democracy on Easter Sunday! Challenge friends and family to follow the trail, find the clues, crack the code and collect a yummy reward, all while exploring iconic Old Parliament House.

Bookings are essential to this free event. Your ticket includes entry to the Great Easter Egg Trail, a chocolate reward and activities in the courtyards.

Rotary Club will also be on hand with a BBQ offering a hot breakfast, or take a coffee break and enjoy sweet treats at the Terrace Café or in the courtyards.

Happening Sunday 1 April from 8am-1:30pm at Museum of Australian Democracy, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

PORTOBELLO ROAD ON EASTER SUNDAY – ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

After the chocolate egg hunt, it’s a hunt for original antiques, jewellery and collectables with Portobello Road.

So take a break from the chocolate and the hot cross buns and fossick through an eclectic mix of quirky and interesting treasures. The fun is in the hunt and you’re bound to find something you love and that has a story to tell.

Happening Sunday 1 April from 10am-4pm at Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston.

See the website for more information.

ADULTS ONLY EASTER EGG HUNT

Image: Facebook.

The Duxton is open all Easter long weekend with trading hours and entertainment as usual PLUS their inaugural ADULTS ONLY EASTER EGG HUNT!

Kids shouldn’t be the only ones who have fun on Easter. The Duxton is hosting a fun twist on this tradition. You will scour the pub, hunting for the carefully placed eggs containing not only tasty treats but dinner vouchers, drink cards and more!

Must be 18 and over to participate.

Happening Saturday 31 March 3pm-8pm at the Duxton at O’Connor, Cnr Sargood & MacPherson Sts, O’Connor.

See the website for more information.

PLAY UP

Discover PlayUP – The Right to Have an Opinion and Be Heard, where kids can explore the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child in a playful way. Adults can even join in the fun too! From listening pods and a roleplay Kindness Café to a fuzzy felt wall and craft activities, PlayUP has a range of exciting and immersive experiences that flip the traditional idea of museums completely on its head.

See the website for more information.

Free after museum admission.

TIDBINBILLA SANCTUARY CELEBRATIONS

Image: VisitCanberra

In April 2018 the Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla celebrates its 10 year reopening anniversary after being destroyed by fire in 2003. Visit us over Easter while staff and volunteers celebrate the re-emergence of this wonderful open air visitor and education site. Check out the Tidbinbilla website for the Explore Program for Easter activities.

Happening Friday 30 March to Monday 2 April at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Paddys River Road, Paddys River.

See the website for more information.

CHINESE HIGH TEA AT NATURAL NINE, CASINO CANBERRA

Canberra’s only ‘pop Chinese” restaurant, Natural Nine, is holding a weekly Chinese High Tea! Not only does this High Tea bring a delicious Asian twist to the high tea experience, but it also allows you to purchase treat stands rather than pay per head. If you love high teas or modern Asian cooking than this event is a must!

One stand including tea selection for two: $35pp. One stand including Sparkling to begin and tea selection for two: $45pp.

Happening every Friday and Saturday from 2.30pm – 4.30pm at Natural Nine, Casino Canberra.

Bookings required in advance, so to book via 02 6257 7074 or online at casinocanberra.com.au.