This Week In The Can

Posted on 1 October, 2018

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

HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE LISTED IN THIS WEEK IN THE CAN? SUBMIT IT HERE BY COB WEDNESDAY PRIOR.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

Parliament House 30th Anniversary Open Day 

You’re invited to Parliament House Open Day. There will be plenty to keep both young and young-at-heart entertained!

• Salute the sun on the lawns of Parliament House with Yoga Australia (from 8am).
• Enjoy special access and see the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers up close.
• Be among the first to see LEGO Parliament House by The BrickMan.
• Find Shawn the Prawn on the all-new kids’ trail.
• Channel your inner-politician in the intense glare of the cameras.
• Test your skills in a parliamentary role-play.
• Help put the AFP dogs through their paces.
• Feast on a BBQ and a yummy birthday cupcake in one of the courtyards.
• Enjoy live entertainment.
• Be in the running to win one of only 15 Gold Tickets and you and a friend could experience Parliament House like never before! (comp only open to Open Day visitors—terms and conditions apply).

Happening 6 October 9 am – 5 pm at Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, City

See website for more information.  

Women in Media Canberra Networking Night with Julie Inman Grant

Join Women in Media Canberra for a Networking Night Featuring eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

Hear from WiM national patron Caroline Jones, enjoy drinks and canapés, and mingle with Canberra’s women in media!

ABOUT THE EVENT

Social media is a powerful tool to amplify the voices of women.

Regrettably, social media is also a platform on which women’s voices can be silenced in response to persistent abuse.

Women in media both benefit enormously from social media and are one of the groups most targeted with abuse.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Women Influencing Tech Spaces (WITS), a new initiative from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, aims to combat abuse and protect and promote women’s voices online.

Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, and Ginger Gorman, journalist and author of the soon-to-be-released book Troll Hunting, will discuss WITS and their experiences as women online.

You’ll hear tips for interacting online safely and techniques for building your psychological armour.

You’ll also learn the important role you, as an influential woman in media, can play in raising awareness of cyber abuse and the skills and strategies for coping with abuse.

This is your call to action. By banding together and supporting each other, women can protect and promote their own voices and the voices of other women online.

Happening Wednesday 3 October from 6.30 – 8.30 pm at the National Press Club, Barton.

Grab your tickets from Eventbrite.

The Forage

Canberra’s only dedicated street food event showcasing and celebrating our local (and surrounds) cafes, restaurants, food trucks, bars, wineries & breweries.

Gather around the live music lounge and soak up the street party atmosphere.

Happening 6 October 2 pm – 7 pm at The Little National Hotel, 21 National Circuit, Barton

See website for more information.

Justine Clarke Silly Songs Tour 2018

The homegrown queen of children’s entertainment, Justine Clarke, is getting ready to perform a show with her fans this coming September – October, on the Silly Songs Tour.
How do you make a Silly Song?

That’s the question Justine will ask her audience as they traverse through a marvellous musical cacophony! Performing her favourite songs as well as hits from her TV show and new album, The Justine Clarke Show! the concert centres around a shared joy of singing, dancing and all the excitement of show time. From singing songs that make you smile, to stomping like a dinosaur, together Justine and her audience will find their own silly song to perform as one for the grand finale.

Justine Clarke said: “I’m so excited to bring these silly songs to a live audience and co-create the show with the kids. I’m looking forward to sending out some rehearsal videos before the concert so kids can learn the words and the moves. It’ll be wonderful, organised chaos!”

Tickets cost $39.40 pp, and bookings are essential.

Happening 6 October at the Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City.

See website for more information.

Cellar Door

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 6 October from 3-6 pm on the Nishi Grand Stair, inside the Nishi Building, Philip Law Street, NewActon. See the Facebook event for more details.

Fearless Comedy Gala

A night of hilarity for charity – The Fearless Comedy Gala returns in 2018 for its 3rd year with a bigger line-up and the guarantee of an outrageously “feel-good” night of fun. Promising more show-stopping, gut-bustingly hilarious moments than last year, this is one show you do not want to miss. Last year’s event featured Denise Scott, Randy Feltface, Jean Kittson, Susie Youssef and Dane Simpson, raising over $39,000 for the domestic violence support services in the ACT. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Canberra’s only charity comedy gala – a 2-hour jam packed night of comedy for a great cause.

All proceeds raised at this event will be donated to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and Toora Women’s Service, providing much needed support for families experiencing violence in the Canberra community.

Tickets costs range from $39.00 – $79.00 per person, and bookings are essential

Happening 4 October 7.30pm – late at Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City

See website for more information.

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.

PIALLIGO URBAN HIGH TEA @ FLORIADE 

Showcasing a range of sweet and savoury treats alongside an impeccable range of teas by Canberra based Tea Garden Co. Unwind with High Tea at Floriade – set amongst the tulip gardens, treat yourself to an afternoon delight in the Pialligo Urban Café including pastries, cakes, finger sandwiches and scones.

Gluten-free dietaries can be accommodated, just let the staff know when booking tickets.

Tickets cost $42 pp, and booking is essential

Happening until 14 October, Friday –  Sunday, 2.30pm and 3.30pm at Pialligo Urban Cafe at Floriade, Commonwealth Avenue, City

See website for more information.

Three Sixty Fashion Market

The Three Sixty Fashion Market is a truly unique, niche Canberra-based market dedicated to sustainable fashion. This recycled fashion market for stylish, discerning shoppers who love genuine, quality vintage, retro and pre-loved fashion.

Stallholders with new items are created by those who value ethical choices in materials and/or design methods. You’ll discover a world of wonderful fashion–clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery and other accessories across all styles.

Uncover top brands, designer labels and fabulous bargains. Beauty products and other great finds are also yours to discover.

The markets have free entry, quality coffee, yummy food,  live entertainment and convenient parking!

New stallholders welcome. It’s quick and easy to register.

Happening 7 October 10 am – 3 pm at Fitters Workshop, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston

See website for more information.

American Masters

Drawn exclusively from the National Gallery of Australia’s (NGA) outstanding collection of American art, American Masters celebrates that nation’s artists from the 1940s to the 1980s. When the NGA acquired Jackson Pollock’s Blue poles in 1973, at the time the most expensive American painting ever sold, our emerging collection hit the global headlines. This exhibition tells the story of the formation of our incredible American collection and includes many major works not seen together for a long time.

From Abstract Expressionism, Colour Field, Pop, Neo-Dada and Photo-Realism, to Conceptual, Land and Performance Art, American Masters examines how a generation of young Americans, inspired by European émigrés, challenged local traditions and reinvented modern art. The sensational international impact of the era’s major artists is captured in masterpieces by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Chuck Close, Donald Judd, Eva Hesse and Louise Bourgeois.

Highlights include paintings and works on paper by the New York School; Sol LeWitt’s huge Wall drawing No. 380 a-d 1982, specially re-made for this exhibition; and a selection of spectacular light works by Dan Flavin, Bruce Nauman, Keith Sonnier and James Turrell.

Showing daily until 11 November at the National Gallery of Australia.

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.

Charity Golf Day

Canberra International Pitch & Putt (CIPP) golf club is holding a charity golf day to raise money for Jarrod Lyle’s family.

All money raised will go directly to the Lyle family.

Visit CIPP to play Pitch & Putt (P&P) and the entry fee will go to the Lyle family. Green fees are payable to the golf centre as usual. If you think your children are too young for P&P, bring them out and play mini golf and make a donation and buy a raffle ticket.

Cost: $15 entry fee per player and, children under 14 free, payed to the CIPP representative. Cash is preferred for the entry fee as there is no EFTPOS machine. Green fees payable at the counter.

A sausage sizzle will be run by the CIPP members, Sausages can be purchased by gold coin donation and money raised will also go to the Lyle family.

CIPP asks that as a mark of respect, please wear something yellow as a tribute to Jarrod who fought cancer. Also bring along some loose change to buy a raffle ticket or just to donate to the cause. Raffle prizes will include caps, balls and other golf related merchandise. Individuals or businesses that can’t make the event can make a pledge donation by contacting us via a “private message” on Facebook.

Happening Thursday 7 October from 8.30 am – 2.30 pm at Canberra International Golf Course.

Sculpture in the Paddock

In it’s 6^th year, Sculpture in the Paddock has become a firm fixture on the national arts calendar as well as the Spring “to do” list for Yass Valley and Canberra residents alike.

The outdoor event features sculptures by world-renowned artists, local sculptors of national acclaim as well as emerging artists. For the first time the event will feature food stalls and entertainment on the weekends as well as an exhibition of smaller sculptures. Again the organisers of SinP bring you a student exhibition with works created by students from around the Yass Valley.

SinP is relaxed and completely inclusive – art lovers or just lovers of a great day out  are all welcome.

2018 marks a great change for Sculpture in the Paddock – a change of venue – moving to Shaw Vineyard Estate, Murrumbateman. This new venue brings terrific amenities for the visitor, more stunning rural vistas (as we had at Cooma Cottage, Yass), access to great wine, dining options and only 35minutes drive from Canberra.

Pack a picnic rug, bring the kids, settle in for a great day out. And be sure to bring a camera – each weekend two lucky visitors will win helicopter flight over the exhibition with thanks to Canberra Helicopters.

Happening until Sunday 7 October. More information and tickets available online.

Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures

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.

Showing until 10 February 2019 at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton. See website for more information.

Trivia Tuesdays at Casino Canberra

Got a brain full of useless facts and information? Make some money off it at Casino Canberra!

Trivia kicks off at 6:30 pm every Tuesday with free entry and cash prizes to be won!

Visit the website for more information.

PLAYUP

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. Open from 9 am to 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Cost: Free.

So Fine: Contemporary women artists make Australian history

As conceptually thrilling as it is aesthetically rich, So Fine features new works from ten women artists reinterpreting and reimagining elements of Australian history. Forming part of the Portrait Gallery’s twentieth birthday celebrations, the exhibition enriches the contemporary narrative around Australia’s history and biography, reflecting the tradition of storytelling in our country.

So Fine’s contributing artists – of various ages and backgrounds, and hailing from different parts of Australia – have all created new works for the exhibition. Aside from gender, their common attributes are a meticulous approach to creation, driven by considered, nuanced thinking. Their works are intricate, refined and affecting objects that reconceive events, people and places from Australia’s past.

The artists involved are Shirley Purdie, Linde Ivimey, Bern Emmerichs, Leah King-Smith, Nusra Latif Qureshi, Nicola Dickson, Pamela See (Xue Mei-Ling), Fiona McMonagle, Valerie Kirk and Carol McGregor. Charged with these makers’ passionate, intensely individual takes, and incorporating themes from pre-history to the present, So Fine challenges and delights, as well as interrogating the boundaries of contemporary portraiture.

Showing until Monday 1 October at the National Portrait Gallery. See the website for more information.

Trivia Tuesdays

Grab your mates, grab a drink and get ready for a good time. MOLO Live will be hosting trivia every Tuesday – and if that wasn’t good enough, the winners get to ‘pluck a duck’ for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

If your team is the brainiest you stand a chance to win a keg, vouchers from Brodburger, Bentspoke or STA Travel and heaps more!

Happening every Tuesday from 5.30 pm at MOLO Live, in the ANU Pop-Up Village on ANU Campus, Acton.

Food & Drink

The Forage 

Canberra’s only dedicated street food event showcasing and celebrating our local (and surrounds) cafes, restaurants, food trucks, bars, wineries & breweries.

Gather around the live music lounge and soak up the street party atmosphere.

Happening 6 October 2 pm – 7 pm at The Little National Hotel, 21 National Circuit, Barton

See website for more information.

After Work | Wine & Dine

Lanterne Rooms if offering a fantastic ‘After Work | Wine & Dine’ special this Spring. With the choice of four small plates and one large plate to share for just $50 per person, this grazing style dinner is the perfect opportunity to come out of hibernation and have those long overdue catch ups!

Get your first glass of house wine for just $5, and any additional glasses of house wine after that for just $10. Eat at your leisure and affordably order more if you feel like it, by adding any additional small plate for $6pp extra or any large plate for $9pp extra.

Available from Tuesday to Friday only (until 7 15PM on Fridays).
Minimum of 2 persons, maximum of six.
Conditions apply and seating is limited, so be sure to book.

Happening 18 September – 31 October Lanterne Rooms, Shop 3, Blamey Place, Campbell

See website for more information

LABOUR DAY FESTIVAL AND UNION PICNIC

Labour Day Festival and Union Picnic is a day of fun and celebration for the whole Canberra community with free entry and free face-painting.

Kids of all ages will enjoy affordable carnival rides, a petting zoo and festival fun like sack races and tug of war. Come for a bite to eat and check out the food trucks, community BBQ and the Canberra Wine House pop-up bar. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a day of community fun and celebrate Labour Day with us. Free parking nearby.

This event is sponsored by the ACT Government.

Happening Monday 1 October at Eddison Park, Easty Street, Phillip.

See the website for more information.

Cellar Door  

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 6 October from 3-6 pm on the Nishi Grand Stair, inside the Nishi Building, Philip Law Street, NewActon. See the Facebook event for more details.

PIALLIGO URBAN HIGH TEA @ FLORIADE 

Showcasing a range of sweet and savoury treats alongside an impeccable range of teas by Canberra based Tea Garden Co. Unwind with High Tea at Floriade – set amongst the tulip gardens, treat yourself to an afternoon delight in the Pialligo Urban Café including pastries, cakes, finger sandwiches and scones.

Gluten-free dietaries can be accommodated, just let the staff know when booking tickets.

Tickets cost $42 pp, and booking is essential

Happening until 14 October, Friday –  Sunday, 2.30pm and 3.30pm at Pialligo Urban Cafe at Floriade, Commonwealth Avenue, City

See website for more information.

HIGH TEA AT PIALLIGO ESTATE

Showcasing a range of sweet and savoury treats by Pialligo Estate, alongside an impeccable range of tea’s by Canberra based Tea Garden Co.

High Tea at Pialligo Estate is as refined as its setting. Tuck into delicate pastries and cakes, classic finger sandwiches, scones with Estate jam plus a glass of bubbles for extra indulgence.

This High Tea is perfect for celebrations, birthdays, hen parties, dates, family get-togethers and friends wanting something different! Bookings are essential.

Inclusions | Glass of Bubbles, Selection of Tea Garden Co. Teas, Selection of sweet and savoury items.

Happening weekends until Saturday 22 December from 10am at Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo. From $55. See the website for more information.

TIPSY TEA AT WHITE RABBIT COCKTAIL ROOM  

It’s always time for tea at White Rabbit Cocktail Room, Tipsy Tea that is! Kicking off from two every Saturday and Sunday, Tipsy Tea is perfect for those seeking a little adventure.

Tipsy Tea ($65 pp), in true White Rabbit style combines classic high tea flare with signature concoctions encouraging the curious to explore their senses. To eat, you are greeted by a 3- tier platter with an array of flavoursome bites including; spiced pork sausage rolls, smoked salmon and cream cheese pinwheel sandwiches and semi-dried tomato and caramelised onion tarts. Looking for something a little sweeter? Try the sour rhubarb and marshmallow tarts or the delightful dark chocolate and peanut brownies topped with caramel icing.

Every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5 pm at White Rabbit Cocktail Room, 65 Northbourne Avenue, City.

Book your table via info@whiterabbitroom.com.au or on (02) 6257 7779.

GARDEN BAR HAPPY HOUR  

Select wine, beer, basic spirits, cocktail specials while you enjoy live music from Canberra’s most talented local musicians. Make your Friday happy and relaxing with a various selection of popular drinks.

Happening Friday every week between 5pm – 7pm at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, inside Hotel Realm 18 National Circuit, Barton.

Cost: $5 wine, beer, spirits.

FRIDAY SOIRÉE AT BUVETTE  

Add a little sparkle to your Friday night with Buvette Bistro’s Friday Soirée. Set outdoors in the Parisian-style Buvette Terrace, celebrate the weekend with this exclusive event. Enjoy VIP service with a personal bartender and select your drink of choice from the special cocktail menu, designed exclusively for Friday Soirée.

Sip on a French 75 or a Lychee Torsadée whilst enjoying fresh oysters, charcuterie or a duck liver parfait.

Every Friday from 4pm to 7pm at Buvette, inside the Realm Hotel, 18 National Circuit, Barton. Find more information here.

HIGH TEA ON THE BURBURY TERRACE  

Designed to blend tradition with innovation, the new Burbury High Tea menu also offers signature favourites with freshly- baked scones, strawberry macaron and finger sandwiches. Burbury Terrace is also proud to introduce a fully-dedicated gluten-free high tea menu. Remaining as innovative as the standard menu, it also includes the traditional sandwiches and indulgent sweets.

$50.00 per person including TWG Tea and freshly-brewed coffee. $60 per person including a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, TWG Tea and freshly-brewed coffee.

Available Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 4.30pm at Burbury Terrace, Barton. Find more information here.

Sculpture in the Paddock

In it’s 6^th year, Sculpture in the Paddock has become a firm fixture on the national arts calendar as well as the Spring “to do” list for Yass Valley and Canberra residents alike.

The outdoor event features sculptures by world-renowned artists, local sculptors of national acclaim as well as emerging artists. For the first time the event will feature food stalls and entertainment on the weekends as well as an exhibition of smaller sculptures. Again the organisers of SinP bring you a student exhibition with works created by students from around the Yass Valley.

SinP is relaxed and completely inclusive – art lovers or just lovers of a great day out  are all welcome.

2018 marks a great change for Sculpture in the Paddock – a change of venue – moving to Shaw Vineyard Estate, Murrumbateman. This new venue brings terrific amenities for the visitor, more stunning rural vistas (as we had at Cooma Cottage, Yass), access to great wine, dining options and only 35minutes drive from Canberra.

Pack a picnic rug, bring the kids, settle in for a great day out. And be sure to bring a camera – each weekend two lucky visitors will win helicopter flight over the exhibition with thanks to Canberra Helicopters.

Happening until Sunday 7 October. More information and tickets available online.

PETIT FEAST AT BUVETTE  

Spoil yourself with a bountiful spread including savouries, charcuterie, cheeses and decadent desserts. Every Saturday at Buvette Bistro & Wine Bar.

It’s not breakfast, it’s not lunch…but it is an indulgent feast for all the senses. The Buvette Petit Feast features freshly made savouries and sweets as well as lavish desserts. In addition to tea and coffee, you can order a Bloody Mary, French Champagne and Rosé.

Available between 11.30am – 2.30pm every Saturday at $65 per guest, including a complimentary glass of Rosé. For $15 guests can add unlimited Mimosas. Buvette is fully licensed and has free parking all weekend, outdoor covered seating and complimentary WiFi.

For bookings, call 02 6163 1818 or email buvette@domahotels.com.au. Find out more at hotelrealm.com.au.

TACO TUESDAY  

Your choice of chicken, pork, or beef in a soft shell taco with cabbage, shallots & coriander. Happening every Tuesday from 1pm-5pm at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. For more information visit the website.

BURGERS & BEERS  

A selection of Burgers and tap beer. Happening every Wednesday from 5pm-10pm at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. For more information visit the website.

PIZZA & PALE ALE THURSDAYS  

A selection of housemade Pizza paired with a schooner of James Squire Pale Beer. Happening at 5pm every Thursday at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. For more information visit the website.

MUSIC, STAGE AND THEATRE  

Deez Nuts & Special Guests

Clear the Lane! OG Heavy-Hitters Deez Nuts are hitting the road around Australia in September and October 2018 on the Deez Nuts Does Australia 2018 tour, presented by Destroy All Lines!

Deez Nuts are currently tearing their way around the USA on the final ever Warped Tour and late last year saw them headline the Never Say Die Tour in Europe. This Australian tour takes the band to regional areas and capital cities around this fair land, stopping in at a whopping 19 locales over 2 months – Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Sydney, Albury, Ballarat, Port Adelaide, Mt Gambier, Melbourne, Bunbury, Perth, Geelong, Belgrave and Frankston.

Tickets available online.

ArtSound Garden Party Fundraiser

ArtSound is throwing a Garden Party on Saturday 6 October to raise funds to assist with the renewal process across all areas of the Station’s operations.
Throughout the day there’ll be live music by the Zimmer Twins, the Canberra Mandolin Group, the ArtSound Wonders and a dance performance by Tanga Capital.

Entry fee includes:
– A raffle ticket to the “Private Gardens of the Monaro” valued at $400;
– Light refreshments supplied by Kitchen Witchery;
– Art Exhibitions and sales;
– Garden tours with the head gardener and horticulturalist at Reid House;
A variety of artisan crafts for sale and much more!

More information on the website.

Vinyl Lounge Turns 5!

It’s the Vinyl Lounge’s birthday! Join them in celebrating five years of analogue magic on October 5 from 5.30pm. Legendary producer Mark Opitz will be the guest of honour, talking about his career and some of his (many) musical highlights. Plus, door prizes and more.

Bring your favourite records, especially if they were produced by Mark Opitz. Drinks and snacks available from 5.00 pm.  More information here.

An Evening with the Waifs

The Waifs have always had an affectionate, close relationship with fans in regional Australia, thanks to relentlessly touring every corner of the country over the past 26 years.

Late last year they made a promise to return to those regional areas in 2018 that missed out on the sold out dates during their Ironbark 25th Anniversary Tour in 2017. It’s a promise they have kept, from Townsville to Frankston, Noarlunga to Warrnambool, the Waifs have you covered.

The Waifs soared into 2017 celebrating their 25th Anniversary in style – releasing their eighth studio record Ironbark, completing a sold out national tour, and with the help of their amazing fans, gained their first No.1 album debut on the ARIA Charts and reminding them that like a bottle of fine wine, they only get better with time.

Tickets cost $61.50 per adult and $45.95 per child, and bookings are essential.

Happening 1 October 8 pm – 10 pm at the Canberra Theatre Centre London Circuit, City.

See website for more information.

Zoltan Fecso: ‘Shimmer Raga’ Album Launch

To celebrate the launch of his album Shimmer Raga, Zoltan Fecso (Melbourne) will perform his minimalist electroacoustic music in the serene environment of the Gorman Main Hall 7pm on 3 October.

The evening will also feature performances from Reuben Ingall and Marlene Claudine Radice.

Zoltan Fecso is a musician and composer, known for his live performances on an augmented guitar built by luthier Ian Noyce. Zoltan’s compositions are created by combining small fragments of single notes repeating at varying speeds, inspired by ‘pointillism’, a painting technique using individual coloured dots to create images. Tickets: $20 full / $15 concession.

Dual Aura Ben Dollman & Monica Schmidt Andersen

Join Dual Aura’s Monica Schmidt Andersen (Recorder) and Ben Dollman (violin) as they take you on an exciting journey of discovery through the life force of world music all within the architecture of the High Court of Australia.

Starting with the Celtic tradition including variations by the 19th century violinist Scott Skinner, you will travel on to Denmark with music originating from Sønderho then to North Germany with Telemann providing a counterpoint to the folk traditions, and further to the fascinating world of Breton folk music originating from Brittany. The concert concludes with one of Australia’s finest composers, Ross Edwards, highlighting his Ecstatic Dance inspired by both traditional music of the world and by the natural environment of Australia.

Happening 7 October 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm at the High Court of Australia 40 Parkes Place East, Parkes

Tickets are free, however admission to the concert is by registration only. Registration is free

See website for more information.

The World Superstars of Ballet Gala 

Go and see world famous ballet dancers all of whom have torn up the stages of five continents of the globe, winning many international ballet competitions, as well as winning over a worldwide following of fans and dance critics alike with their inimitable style and jaw dropping technical prowess. An unforgettable evening of ballet of incredible technique and breathtaking artistry from some of the finest dancers on the planet, this is ballet of the highest order as Canberra has yet to experience. Be a part of ballet history in Canberra. For two shows only.

Bravissimo Productions presents for the first time in Canberra the Canberra International Ballet Festival World Superstars of Ballet Gala. Never before has there been such an incredible ensemble of the world’s most amazing ballet dancers gracing the stage of the Canberra Theatre in one show-stopping production as they perform some of ballet’s greatest pas de deux in a way that will leave you begging for more.

Happening 2 – 3 October at the Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City

See website for more information.

Fearless Comedy Gala

A night of hilarity for charity – The Fearless Comedy Gala returns in 2018 for its 3rd year with a bigger line-up and the guarantee of an outrageously “feel-good” night of fun. Promising more show-stopping, gut-bustingly hilarious moments than last year, this is one show you do not want to miss. Last year’s event featured Denise Scott, Randy Feltface, Jean Kittson, Susie Youssef and Dane Simpson, raising over $39,000 for the domestic violence support services in the ACT. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Canberra’s only charity comedy gala – a 2 hour jam packed night of comedy for a great cause.

All proceeds raised at this event will be donated to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and Toora Women’s Service, providing much needed support for families experiencing violence in the Canberra community.

Tickets costs range from $39.00 – $79.00 per person, and bookings are essential

Happening 4 October 7.30pm – late at Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City

See website for more information.

William Crighton & Gawurra 

Two story tellers, William Crighton and Gawurra, unite to present remarkable music from two unique Australian perspectives.

Both artists returning from Europe and USA tours have been prominent in the music scene over the past year, with Crighton buoyed by the success of his fascinating self-titled debut album and the equally impressive follow-up EMPIRE, captivating audiences with his live work. He played a seamless string of shows on the East coast, West Australia, and Adelaide including WOMADelaide, alongside a plethora of festival appearances in Australia including Byron Bay Bluesfest and showcases in Canada, New York City and Kansas.

Since his 2016 debut album, Ratja Yaliyali, Yolngu singer-songwriter Stanley “Gawurra” Gaykamangu is hailed as a must see performer. Gawurra sings in his native tongue of Gupapuynga, with a deeply resonant and soulful voice, which won 4 NIMAs Awards and was nominated for an ARIA.

Tickets cost $35.00 pp and bookings are essential.

Happening 6 October 7.30 – 9.30 pm at The Street Theatre 15 Childers Street.

See website for more information.

Australian String Quartet presents Schubert Ledger Shostakovich 

Works by two of the great quartet composers bookend this fascinating program. Schubert considered his thirteenth quartet to be a new beginning, where a command of dramatic expressiveness, gathered from his recent experiments in composing for plays and opera, infuses his natural lyrical gift with a new dimension of emotional and pictorial power.

Shostakovich wrote his tenth quartet at the idyllic spa resort of Dilizhan and the spirit of respite and communion with nature lends the work a rare sense of ease. But powerful feelings are by no means absent and in its wild twists of mood and pace, the quartet essays a rich journey towards emotional wisdom.

A contemporary flavour is added with an electric new work by James Ledger, now a leading figure among Australia’s composers, renowned for his ability to create striking imagery in musical form.

Ticket costs range from $35.00 – $75.00 pp, and bookings are essential

Happening 7 October at James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes.

See website for more information.

ACT Mental Health Month Launch Carnival

Go along and celebrate the launch of Mental Health Month 2018 in Canberra!

See live circus performances, listen to music by local artists and grab a bite to eat under the city lights in a fun, laid-back carnival atmosphere.

This event is a free family-friendly event!

Happening 5 October 4.30pm – 6.30pm at Garema Place, City

See website for more information.

Heath Franklin’s Chopper – Bogan Jesus

In the beginning, God created the moustache… and it was good. Then he took the next six days off, because once you’ve nailed it, treat yourself to a lie-down.

The world has had religion ever since God was in nappies, and what have we got to show for it: wars, terrorist attacks and Christian rock. It’s time religion took a hard look at itself. So Chopper is starting his own one, in his own image and giving hell to the almighty.

There’s a new ‘mo-ssiah’ for a new age and he’s holier than Oscar Pistorius’ bathroom door. Thou shalt harden up and become a Chopostle! So gather round and be healed by Bogan Jesus!

Tickets to the event cost $42.00 per person, and bookings are essential

Happening 5 October 7.30 pm – late, at Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City

See website for more information.

Justine Clarke Silly Songs Tour 2018

The homegrown queen of children’s entertainment, Justine Clarke, is getting ready to perform a show with her fans this coming September – October, on the Silly Songs Tour.
How do you make a Silly Song?

That’s the question Justine will ask her audience as they traverse through a marvellous musical cacophony! Performing her favourite songs as well as hits from her TV show and new album, The Justine Clarke Show! the concert centres around a shared joy of singing, dancing and all the excitement of show time. From singing songs that make you smile, to stomping like a dinosaur, together Justine and her audience will find their own silly song to perform as one for the grand finale.

Justine Clarke said: “I’m so excited to bring these silly songs to a live audience and co-create the show with the kids. I’m looking forward to sending out some rehearsal videos before the concert so kids can learn the words and the moves. It’ll be wonderful, organised chaos!”

Tickets cost $39.40 pp, and bookings are essential

Happening 6 October at the Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City

See website for more information.

Lightbulb Improv: Switched On!

Canberra’s very own improvised theatre troupe gives you a fresh take on comedy each month. All based on audience suggestion, watch the Lightbulb players create an unscripted comedy variety show. In a lively and daring journey, the players craft stories, games, songs and fearless theatre that frees the mind, delights the intellect and basically distills the meaning of life!

Happening 7.30pm 5 October at Smith’s Alternative. Tickets $15 via the Facebook event.

The Diggers’ Requiem

The Diggers’ Requiem is a major new Australian work and a concert not to be missed. The Australian Premiere is a significant event to commemorate the end of World War One, 100 years on.

The Requiem was jointly commissioned by the Australian War Memorial (AWM) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), produced and directed by Chris Latham and will be performed at Llewellyn Hall by a large orchestra and choir. The concert will be recorded and broadcast by ABC FM.

In an astonishing piece of musical teamwork, The Requiem has been composed by seven contemporary Australian composers working with Chris Latham on existing and new pieces. Composers Nigel Westlake, Elena Kats-Chernin, Richard Mills, Graeme Koehne, Ross Edwards, Andrew Schultz and Christopher Latham have all written movements.

The concert will be performed by the newly formed Australian War Memorial Orchestra and Choir with the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon as well as 28 young artists selected from across Australia with French or German ancestry or WWI family connections. Seven Australian and international soloists will also perform.

Tickets cost between $24.00 – $65.00 pp, and bookings are essential

Happening 6 October 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm at Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, William Herbert Place, City

See website for more information.

Trivia Tuesdays

Grab your mates, grab a drink and get ready for a good time. MOLO Live will be hosting trivia every Tuesday – and if that wasn’t good enough, the winners get to ‘pluck a duck’ for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

If your team is the brainiest you stand a chance to win a keg, vouchers from Brodburger, Bentspoke or STA Travel and heaps more!

Happening every Tuesday from 5.30 pm at MOLO Live, in the ANU Pop-Up Village on ANU Campus, Acton.

Trivia Tuesdays at Casino Canberra

Got a brain full of useless facts and information? Make some money off it at Casino Canberra!

Trivia kicks off at 6:30 pm every Tuesday with free entry and cash prizes to be won!

Visit the website for more information.

SUNSET SESSIONS AT THE LAKES  

The perfect way to end your week…Head to The Lakes every Friday from 4pm in the lounge, for your chance to see some of Canberra’s best local musicians!

Happening until Friday 29 March 2019 at Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls. Free entry. See the website for more information.

FILM  

Screening: The Seventh Seal 

Inspired by the frescoes on church walls that a young Ingmar Bergman observed when his pastor father preached, this film is set in the plague-stricken Middle Ages.

A Knight (Max von Sydow) returns home from the Crusades to enter an ongoing conversation with Death over a game of chess.

Did you know that Heath Ledger was a budding chess champion? This screening complements the Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures exhibition, as well as the NFSA (National Film and Sound Archive) daytime school holidays screenings about games of strategy.

Happening 5 October 7 – 9pm at Arc cinema, Mccoy Circuit, ACTON

Cost per ticket $10.00, bookings are essential

See website for more information

Pasifika Film Festival 

The Pasifika Film Festival showcases the art of Pacific storytelling through film while also working to inspire Pasifika writers, directors and actors to explore links to their culture.
Program includes:

Niu Kids – 6 October, 12.30pm

Leitis in Waiting – 6 October, 4.00pm
The Opposition – 7 October, 2.00pm
Tales of Oceania – 7 October, 4.00pm

Happening 6 – 7 October at Arc cinema, Mccoy Circuit, ACTON

See website for more information.

Spring School Holiday Free Film Screening

Celebrate the building of the People’s House these school holidays with everyone’s favourite building blocks – Lego! Bring the kids to Parliament House and enjoy the Lego movies free on the big screen!

Program includes:

2 October
10.00am – The LEGO Movie (PG)
2.00pm – The LEGO Batman Movie (PG)

9 October
10.00am – The LEGO Batman Movie (PG)
2.00pm – The LEGO Movie (PG)

This is a free event and no bookings are required, however it is recommended that visitors arrive at least 20 minutes before the movie for screening and check-in.

Happening 2 and 9 October at the Theatre located on level 1 at Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, City

See website for more information

FESTIVALS  

FLORIADE 

Developed in 1988 as a grand, one off floral tribute to mark Australia’s Bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th anniversary, Floriade has become Canberra’s most iconic annual tourism event and Australia’s premier spring festival.

The floral display of more than a million bulbs and annuals planted across 8,000 square meters of inner city parkland is more than just a flower show. Floriade is a diverse, ever expanding program of music, cultural celebrations, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market traders, artistic displays, entertainment and recreational activities.

Happening until 16 October at Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Parkes

See website for more information.

MARKETS

The Forage

Canberra’s only dedicated street food event showcasing and celebrating our local (and surrounds) cafes, restaurants, food trucks, bars, wineries & breweries.

Gather around the live music lounge and soak up the street party atmosphere.

Happening 6 October 2 pm – 7 pm at The Little National Hotel, 21 National Circuit, Barton

See website for more information.

Three Sixty Fashion Market

The Three Sixty Fashion Market is a truly unique, niche Canberra-based market dedicated to sustainable fashion. This recycled fashion market for stylish, discerning shoppers who love genuine, quality vintage, retro and pre-loved fashion.

Stallholders with new items are created by those who value ethical choices in materials and/or design methods. You’ll discover a world of wonderful fashion–clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery and other accessories across all styles.

Uncover top brands, designer labels and fabulous bargains. Beauty products and other great finds are also yours to discover.

The markets have free entry, quality coffee, yummy food,  live entertainment and convenient parking!

New stallholders welcome. It’s quick and easy to register.

Happening 7 October 10 am – 3 pm at Fitters Workshop, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston

See website for more information.

Suitcase Rummage in Canberra

Suitcase Rummage is a mini scaled market with giant rewards; it promises to be everything that is a market but without the hassle. It’s about bringing a suitcase (or two!) filled to the brim with all sorts of goodies.

You can be a part of the Rummage experience by selling wares, or come along to buy some real beauties! There will be brilliant vintage, artwork, bric-a-brac, clothing, books, jewellery, seconds, hand-made, shoes, records, music, badges, cards, handmade paper… You name it!

You must register to sell your wares online.

Happening 6 October 10 am – 2 pm at NewActon Precinct, 15 Edinburgh Avenue, City

See website for more information

SOUTHERN HARVEST FARMERS MARKET AT BUNGENDORE  

The Southern Harvest Farmers Market: selling sustainable, authentic, regional food: grown and made by the Community, for the Community.

The market is open every Saturday. It is a great source of fresh food and farm produce from around the region including meat, eggs, seafood, honey, fruit, vegetables, preserves and refreshments.

Happening until Saturday 20 October from 9am-1pm at Bungendore Anglican Hall, 25 Butmaroo Street, Bungendore Anglican Hall, New South Wales, Australia. Free entry. See the website for ore information.

YASS COMMUNITY MARKETS  

Support the local producers and come to the Yass Community Markets. Local wine, jams, sauces and craft items. Oil, baked goods and great coffee or juices. Vegetables and plants too. Home made food, arts and crafts.

It’s a great place to catch up with friends or to take a family and friends, with good weather expect to see the jumping castle and more stalls outside.

The Yass Community Markets have become a fantastic community event every first and third Saturday of the month. Come and have a coffee, relax and enjoy the ambiance and perhaps take in a local vineyard for lunch.

Happening until Saturday 2 February 2019 from 10am-1pm at St Augustines Church, Meehan Street, St Augustines Church. $2 entry. See the website for more information.

SOUTHSIDE FARMERS MARKETS  

Get along to the Southside Farmers Markets every Sunday morning and pick up the finest fruit and vegetables and produce our region has to offer.  There are over 50 stalls made up of farmers and producers who sell their food direct from their farm or kitchen.  Many farmers are out picking their produce the night before the market and you can certainly taste the difference.

Talk to the farmer direct and find out where your food is being grown, how they grow it, and even how they best like to cook it.  Not only do they provide us with fresh food every week but they are a wealth of information on the food that nourishes week in week out.

What’s in season this week?  Annual herbs, beans, peas, beetroot, capsicums, carrots, chillies, corn, cucumber, daikon, eggplant, garlic, onion, radishes, rhubarb, squash, zucchini, melons, stonefruit, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes and more!

Every Sunday from 8.30am to 11 am at Canberra College, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip. Entry is free, visit the website for more information.

MARKET GARDEN PRODUCE STALL  

Selling fresh, clean, chemical-free vegetables, preserves and baked goods in the Courtyard of 56 Wallace Street, Braidwood every Saturday morning from 8.30am until 12.00 or sold out. Wynlen House is a small urban micro-farm specialising in offering a broad range of seasonal vegetables all year round.

They also run workshops to show people how to grow vegetables, garlic, and raise small farm animals on a large suburban block and offer slow food events to showcase the benefit and deliciousness of produce grown locally, without chemical inputs and picked fresh.

On every Saturday from 8.30am – 12 pm, at The Courtyard, Braidwood. For more information visit the website.

WORKSHOPS, TOURS & TALKS 

Julie Inman Grant. Credit: Martin Ollman.

Women in Media Canberra Networking Night with Julie Inman Grant

Join Women in Media Canberra for a Networking Night Featuring eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

Hear from WiM national patron Caroline Jones, enjoy drinks and canapés, and mingle with Canberra’s women in media!

ABOUT THE EVENT

Social media is a powerful tool to amplify the voices of women.

Regrettably, social media is also a platform on which women’s voices can be silenced in response to persistent abuse.

Women in media both benefit enormously from social media and are one of the groups most targeted with abuse.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Women Influencing Tech Spaces (WITS), a new initiative from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, aims to combat abuse and protect and promote women’s voices online.

Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, and Ginger Gorman, journalist and author of the soon-to-be-released book Troll Hunting, will discuss WITS and their experiences as women online.

You’ll hear tips for interacting online safely and techniques for building your psychological armour.

You’ll also learn the important role you, as an influential woman in media, can play in raising awareness of cyber abuse and the skills and strategies for coping with abuse.

This is your call to action. By banding together and supporting each other, women can protect and promote their own voices and the voices of other women online.

Happening Wednesday 3 October from 6.30 – 8.30 pm at the National Press Club, Barton.

Grab your tickets from Eventbrite.

Government House Open Day Spring 2018 

Open Day at Government House enables you to go beyond the gates and explore the house and gardens of Australia’s Vice-Regal residence. With free entry, Government House Open Day includes:
– access to the house and gardens
– expert staff and volunteers from the Australiana Fund
– food and beverage vendors
– picnic space for families seeking to bring their own lunch; and
– free parking.

Throughout the day, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Lady Cosgrove and staff from Government House staff will be on hand to answer your questions and share perspectives of life at one of Australia’s most iconic residences.

This year, the Government House Open Day will be held on the same date as Parliament House Open Day, with a free shuttle bus service to operate between the two locations, Floriade and the city every 20 minutes

Happening 6 October 10 am – 2 pm at Government House, Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla

See website for more information.

Parliament House 30th Anniversary Open Day 

You’re invited to Parliament House Open Day. There will be plenty to keep both young and young-at-heart entertained!

• Salute the sun on the lawns of Parliament House with Yoga Australia (from 8am).
• Enjoy special access and see the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers up close.
• Be among the first to see LEGO Parliament House by The BrickMan.
• Find Shawn the Prawn on the all-new kids’ trail.
• Channel your inner-politician in the intense glare of the cameras.
• Test your skills in a parliamentary role-play.
• Help put the AFP dogs through their paces.
• Feast on a BBQ and a yummy birthday cupcake in one of the courtyards.
• Enjoy live entertainment.
• Be in the running to win one of only 15 Gold Tickets and you and a friend could experience Parliament House like never before! (comp only open to Open Day visitors—terms and conditions apply).

Happening 6 October 9 am – 5 pm at Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, City

See website for more information.  

MEET THE GARDENER TOURS

For two days only, experience the private courtyards and gardens with those who know them best: the Parliament House gardeners! Learn how the landscaping team keep the gardens looking beautiful and get some tips from the professionals.

The tour will finish with morning/afternoon tea at Queen’s Terrace Café. Pre-booking is essential.

Happening every Sunday until Sunday 14 October at Parliament House, Parliament Drive, Capital Hill. Tickets between $50–$60pp.

Check out the website for more information.

Floor Talk with ceramics artists

Halfway through the 2018 Members exhibition Craft ACT have already hosted two successful floor talks with some of Canberra’s most acclaimed textiles and mixed media artists. On Saturday 6 October 2018 at 12:30pm you can hear from the ceramics artists involved in Place Makers celebrates and explores the Canberra region’s distinct design identity defined by place, craftsmanship and experimentation.

The exhibition is Craft ACT’s biggest, best and most beautiful annual members show, featuring 75 artists spanning art, craft and design mediums including jewellery, furniture, metal, textiles, ceramics, paper and glass. PLACE MAKERS is inspired by the thoughts of acclaimed Japanese architect (and distinguished DESIGN Canberra 2018 collaborator) Kengo Kuma: a place is ‘rich’ not because of its natural environment, resources, or skilled craftspeople but instead gains its value through the relationship between these things. More information on the Facebook event.

Localjinni – Lakeside Stories Twilight Video Walks

Do you want to hear stories about Lake Burley Griffin only the locals know?

A new art tourism initiative titled Localjinnni, led by Fiona Hooton and Catrina Vignando, is making that possible. Their first participatory – place-making experience, Lakeside Stories brings visual artists, filmmakers, writers, oral historians and animators together to tell hidden stories of place.

Held around Lake Burley Griffin’s northern foreshore their Lakeside stories –twilight video walks, take storytelling to the streets. Transforming footpaths and walls into screens using video, sound and light projections.

Included in Lakeside Stories – twilight video walks are works by: Caren Florance (text artist), Melinda Smith (poet), Megan Watson (filmmaker), Matchbox Pictures (film and TV production), Ros Lemoh (visual artist), Dr Kirsty Guster (Acton Walkways place-maker), Roslyn Russell (historian), ANU’s School of Art animation students as well as collection content from the National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive.

Localjinni has a cultural and environmental mission – to make our public spaces more fun, more functional, more of the time. Take a cultural dip into Lake Burley Griffin’s many fluid identities through film, animation, poetry, visual art and oral history. Join us on an illuminating walk as we screen stories onto footpaths and walls around the Lake’s foreshore.

Discover why Canberra begins and ends at the Lake through an immersive experience, shared ideas and social yarning. Designed for artful, urban adventurers.

Held in association with Contour 556 / Canberra’s Public Art Biennial. (Supported by YWCA creativity grant)

7.45pm Saturday and Sundays 6-27 October

7.45pm Wednesday 17 October, Lake Burley Griffin’s B’day

Meet Henry Roland Park, Acton. Free – numbers limited

Eventbrite bookings essential.

BRICKMAN EXPERIENCE

Ryan McNaught’s Brickman Experience is one of the largest touring exhibitions of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Arriving in the capital these school holidays, the interactive exhibition is suitable for little and big kids (LEGO® code for adults!). It will be at Exhibition Park in Canberra from 28 September through to 14 October 2018.

Made with over five million LEGO® bricks, this epic exhibition will showcase some of the world’s largest and most detailed LEGO® models including Ryan’s biggest ever Star Wars LEGO® build, a model Airbus A380, a quarter scale LEGO® Ferrari and the world’s largest LEGO® flower.

Brickman Experience features a collection of over 60 individual works by Ryan McNaught – the only LEGO® Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere and one of only 14 in the world. Ryan and his team’s award-winning creations have featured in locations around the world, and now Canberra for the first time.

Canberra’s budding brickies will also have the opportunity to build their own LEGO® creations in the interactive master builder zones.

Happening until Sunday 14 October at Fitzroy Pavillion, EPIC, Flemington Road, Mitchell.

See the website for more information.caye

A Starry Night at Hogwarts: Harry Potter meets Van Gogh

Bring home a piece that everyone will be jealous of! Whilst you’re sipping on your favourite wine, beer or cocktail and enjoying the banter and atmosphere, our creative workshop leaders will guide you through an enjoyable and social painting session.

By the end of the evening you and your friends will take home your very own masterpiece. Everyone is an artist at The Social Creative! Happening 7pm October 5 at Treehouse Bar, tickets $55.95. More information here.

Living Mindfully with Mental Anguish

A nurturing, empowering, interactive 1-day workshop with Petrea King on 6 October at Mantra on Northbourne. Learn ways to regain control over your life and move forward towards greater peace of mind and a deeper understanding of yourself and others.

There are many events in life that stop us in our tracks and cause us to question who we are and how we’re going to embrace our difficulties. Mental anguish may have many causes including bereavement, loss, insomnia, a broken relationship, family disputes, childhood trauma or abuse, grief, depression, a diagnosis, betrayal, bullying, disappointment – amongst many other forms of suffering.

TOPICS INCLUDE
Moving from reacting to responding
Managing difficult emotions
Neuroplasticity – change your mind = change your brain
Epigenetics – how YOU contribute to your health
Understanding and improving relationships

YOU’LL LEAVE THIS DAY
With a deeper understanding of yourself and others
Able to respond rather than react to people or situations
Knowing the keys to peace and resilience
With practical skills, strategies and evidence-based tools to live a better life

Petrea King is founder and CEO of the Quest for Life Foundation. She is a frequent keynote speaker at medical and other conferences, facilitator, teacher, trainer and, for the past 15 years, a monthly guest on ABC’s Midweek Conference and Nightlife where she discusses the challenges of living a meaningful life in the midst of illness, trauma, difficult circumstances and tragedy.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. Call 1300-941-488 or book online.

Fire and Sacrifice Book Signing

For lovers of historical fiction @ Harry Hartog Woden 10am to 12pm on 6 October. Fire and Sacrifice is based on a little known true story of ancient Rome, of one of the most deadly scandals to hit the unique, 1000-year strong cult of the priestesses of the hearth fire goddess, the Vestal Virgins. Meet debut local author Victoria Collins, hear about these amazing women of fire, and the 10-year research project that brought to life their story, and that of the good man tragically forced to preside over their life or death.

TenantTalks Lunch and Launch

The ACT could soon pass new laws to bring renting into the 21st century – and you can make sure that people who rent get the chance to have their say.

TenantTalks is a way for renters to have a conversation about their experiences of renting and what they would like to change. Renters volunteer to host an event and then invite other renters to join a structure conversation about renting in the ACT. Then, we’ll use feedback from all the events to create a report on your experiences of being a renter in Canberra.

TenantTalks will be launched on Sunday, 7 October at 1pm. Come along to hear what is involved and how you can take part. Delicious, free lunch will be provided. More information here.

CELEBRATE WORLD ANIMAL WEEK AT THE NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM

Visit the National Zoo & Aquarium to help celebrate all things animal for World Animal Week, marked by World Animal Day on the 4th. We will be holding a range of exciting activities throughout the week such as special zoo keeper talks focusing on encouraging and educating people on animal care and conservation.

There will even be an awesome prize for the best photo taken with your favourite zoo animal uploaded to Instagram! Make sure to tag us to be in the running to win!

Happening daily until Sunday 7 October at the National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek.

See the website for more information.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE  

Discover the stories behind the building on a special tour of Parliament House. Learn how the building’s impressive architecture is symbolic of our national identity and gain a rare view into private areas.

These tours run only on non-sitting days (except Christmas Day and when seasonal tours are running). We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before your tour or event for screening and check-in as places are limited to 10 participants. tours operate for 55 mins. For security purposes, all participants must present photo identification and ticket confirmation to join any behind the scenes tours or events. If you do not have these, you will be unable to participate.

Participants on a paid tour can take advantage of a 10% discount on any purchase from The Parliament Shop on the day of the tour.

Happening until March 2019 at Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, Capital Hill. See the website for more information.

GUIDED TOURS OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA  

Visiting the National Library of Australia? Take a tour and see a side of the Library most visitors never experience. Whether this is your first visit or the next of many, you can learn more about the Library and its exhibitions by joining a free guided tour. Tours are offered by trained Volunteer Guides who have a passion for sharing their knowledge of the Library and its collections. Your Guide will welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the National Library, its collections and the stories of Australia.

Treasures Gallery – Daily at 11.30am
Take a tour and come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.

Behind The Scenes – Thursdays at 2 pm
Take a tour to visit enormous stacks where the books are stored and learn about strange curiosities in the Library’s collection that have been acquired over more than a century of collecting.

Discover your National Library – Saturdays at 2 pm
. Join a Library guide for a journey around the building and discover the stories in the Reading Rooms and public spaces.

For more detailed information visit the website.

ART FOR LUNCH  

Drop into 30-minute weekly talks or creative activities interpreting works of art in the NGA’s collection. Check our website for further details. This event is free but bookings are essential.

Happening every Thursday until November 29 2018 from 12.45pm–1.15pm at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes. See the website for more information.

STEPPING FORWARD: COMBINING SOCIAL INTERACTION WITH LIGHT EXERCISE  

This free group is suitable for women wanting to reconnect socially with other women after domestic violence. The group gets together each fortnight to go for a relaxed 30-minute walk and catch up at a local café. Guest speakers are invited to join providing information about topics of interest in the group. This group is an open group, making it easy for new members to join throughout the term. This group is organised and run by the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT.

On fortnightly in Tuggeranong on Wednesday mornings and fortnightly in Gungahlin on Friday mornings, during school terms only. Children not yet at school are welcome to attend. Complete the online contact form to register.

Create with Trove

Do you knit? Crochet? Bead? Quilt? Cross-stitch? Scrap? Colour? Weave? Trove loves all things handmade and we would love to see what you’re making! Bring along any craft project you’re working on and they’ll bring the tea and bickies!

Create with Trove is a FREE monthly event on the first Saturday of each month from 12-3pm where you can craft, chat and meet other crafters.

Any children under 16 who would like to join in are asked to please bring a responsible crafting adult and their own craft project to work on. More information here.

THE SCIENCE OF US  

The 2018 Canberra Speaker Series held across the year at the iconic Shine Dome. The series will investigate the science of our lives and our health, from the moment of conception through to death, focusing on some of the issues we face during our lives and what science is doing to resolve them.

We’ll feature leading experts in the areas of reproduction, embryo development, personalised medicine, addiction, mental health, aging and more.

Happening until Tuesday 11 December from 5.30pm at The Shine Dome, 15 Gordon Street, Acton. $10. See the website for more information.

NOT-FOR-PROFITS WORKSHOP SERIES  

Managing a not-for-profit (or for purpose) entity is not what it used to be. The level of competition has increased 10 fold and the amount of money available for supporting your activities has decreased by an even bigger number. Throw on top of this all the added expectations of corporate governance, best practice, competing for great staff and the high burn out rates and you wonder why you do it.

That’s easy – you’re passionate about the cause, but is that enough to make you sustainable? Times are a-changing and this sector has many opportunities and challenges not affecting other sectors. This series of workshops will look at some of the biggest issues facing organisations in the not-for-profit/for purpose sector today and present options on how to address them. There will also be an opportunity for you to connect with other local community groups and share your knowledge and experiences with one another.

Happening until Friday 9 November 2:30pm at Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre, 6/65 Tennant Street, Fyshwick. See the website for more information.

SPORT

Charity Golf Day

Canberra International Pitch & Putt (CIPP) golf club is holding a charity golf day to raise money for Jarrod Lyle’s family.

All money raised will go directly to the Lyle family.

Visit CIPP to play Pitch & Putt (P&P) and the entry fee will go to the Lyle family. Green fees are payable to the golf centre as usual. If you think your children are too young for P&P, bring them out and play mini golf and make a donation and buy a raffle ticket.

Cost: $15 entry fee per player and, children under 14 free, payed to the CIPP representative. Cash is preferred for the entry fee as there is no EFTPOS machine. Green fees payable at the counter.

A sausage sizzle will be run by the CIPP members, Sausages can be purchased by gold coin donation and money raised will also go to the Lyle family.

CIPP asks that as a mark of respect, please wear something yellow as a tribute to Jarrod who fought cancer. Also bring along some loose change to buy a raffle ticket or just to donate to the cause. Raffle prizes will include caps, balls and other golf related merchandise. Individuals or businesses that can’t make the event can make a pledge donation by contacting us via a “private message” on Facebook.

Happening Thursday 7 October from 8.30 am – 2.30 pm at Canberra International Golf Course.

Heart Foundation Early Morning Floriade Walks

Hosted by the Heart Foundation, Early Morning Floriade Walking Groups meet next to the crossing on Commonwealth Avenue bridge for a 3km walk each morning (except Sundays) during Floriade (until 14 October). Please wear comfortable shoes, and bring a water bottle and gold coin donation.

Meeting point: Look out for ‘Heart Foundation’ volunteers, just across from the pedestrian lights on Commonwealth Avenue.

Happening until 14 October at Floriade, Commonwealth Park.

Make sure you register – the walks are held before Floriade opens to the public so be quick! It’s a great way to get some exercise and beat the crowds!

Wakeboard ACT Come and Try wakeboarding day

Wakeboard ACT is having a Come and Try wakeboarding day to build a bigger member base for the up and coming wakeboarding Season.

On display, will be Wakeboard Boats, boards and gear from WetSpot Water Sports and Straightline Ski and Scuba.

BBQ with food and drinks will be available.

Happening 6 October 10 am – 3 pm at Ski Lane Fyshwick ACT (Molonglo River), Ski Lane, Fyshwick.

See website for more information.

Women’s International: Australia vs. New Zealand

Cheer on the Aussies against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the second match of the Commonwealth Bank T20I Series.

Led by captain Meg Lanning, the Aussies return to home soil for the first time since retaining the Ashes and will have their hands full. Watch some of the world’s best players in action as the two sides fine tune their preparations for the looming ICC World T20 in the Caribbean later this year.

Ticket costs range from $10.00 – $15.00, and bookings are essential

Happening 5 October 6.25pm – 10.25pm at Manuka Oval, Manuka Circle, Griffith.

See website for more information.

New Zealand 2018 Lexus VRC Melbourne Cup Tour

Enjoy a great afternoon of horse racing in the nation’s capital on one of the best tracks in the country at Thoroughbred Park.

The Belconnen Magpies Race Day has snack bar, bookies and tote facilities available.

Book a table in the members-only Black Opal Room or enjoy superb bar facilities in the Winning Post Bar (open to the public on non-feature race days). Purchase a members’ day ticket for $15 and enjoy a carvery luncheon in the Black Opal Room. Table bookings $30.

Happening 5 October at the Thoroughbred Park, Randwick Road, Lyneham

Students Race Day

Students from Canberra’s University institutions including CIT, University of Canberra and Australian National University will gather at the races to enjoy a great afternoon of racing and fashion.

Entry is free with action on and off the track including the Fashions on the field competition for the Students providing plenty of colour!

Hospitality bookings are available in the official Tony Campbell Memorial Cup function or book into the members room for the day. Bookings are essential and close 10 days prior to race day.

One of Canberra’s biggest student events, a great atmosphere and a fantastic afternoon of quality racing in Canberra.

This is strictly an 18+ event. The day will also include the Lexus Melbourne Cup tour. Have your photo taken with this years iconic Melbourne Cup

Happening 5 October 11am – 6pm at Thoroughbred Park, Randwick Road, Lyneham

See website for more information.

Conor McGregor VS Khabib Nurmagomedov at Casino Canberra

If you thought the press conference was heated, wait until you see the match! Head to Casino Canberra to watch boxing legends Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov go head to head on Sunday 7 October.

The party starts from 12pm with live UFC 229 on the big screen, $1 roulette, $5 blackjack and a $20 burger, beer and match play voucher.
So don’t miss one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season. For a full fight atmosphere, gather your friends and get to the Casino!

OUTDOORS 

Sculpture in the Paddock

In it’s 6^th year, Sculpture in the Paddock has become a firm fixture on the national arts calendar as well as the Spring “to do” list for Yass Valley and Canberra residents alike.

The outdoor event features sculptures by world-renowned artists, local sculptors of national acclaim as well as emerging artists. For the first time the event will feature food stalls and entertainment on the weekends as well as an exhibition of smaller sculptures. Again the organisers of SinP bring you a student exhibition with works created by students from around the Yass Valley.

SinP is relaxed and completely inclusive – art lovers or just lovers of a great day out  are all welcome.

2018 marks a great change for Sculpture in the Paddock – a change of venue – moving to Shaw Vineyard Estate, Murrumbateman. This new venue brings terrific amenities for the visitor, more stunning rural vistas (as we had at Cooma Cottage, Yass), access to great wine, dining options and only 35minutes drive from Canberra.

Pack a picnic rug, bring the kids, settle in for a great day out. And be sure to bring a camera – each weekend two lucky visitors will win helicopter flight over the exhibition with thanks to Canberra Helicopters.

More information and tickets available online.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Open Day

The annual Tidbinbilla Open Day is on again this year.

Mark this date in your diary for a fun-filled day of nature-based experiences, kid’s activities, live music, displays, demonstrations and more – held in the greatest venue of all, the great outdoors! The theme this year is ‘Rediscover Tidbinbilla’ where we encourage you to explore the Reserve with renewed curiosity and a fresh perspective.

Rediscover the rich Indigenous culture of Tidbinbilla through a guided experience on Ngunnawal Country. Rediscover adventure and take the chance to explore our natural environment through immersive NaturePlay activities.

Rediscover science with a hands on experience to learn about our Threatened Species Breeding Programs.

Rediscover heritage and take a step back in time to explore the stories of the Tidbinbilla Valley and how they have shaped the reserve to what it is today.

The festivities will run in a relaxed family friendly atmosphere with free entry to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve all day. A full schedule will be provided closer to the event.

Happening 7 October 10 am – 3 pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Paddy’s River

See website for more information

ACT Pipe Band Championships 2018

The Canberra Burns Club Highland Gathering is an annual free event, held on Kambah Oval. The Gathering offers a day of traditional Scottish activities including the ACT Pipe 10Band championships with bands from around Australia competing.

Enjoy the Scottish Highland Dancing Competition, Scottish themed markets and watch the many Pipe Bands compete in the ACT Pipe Band Championship. The Tartan Warriors provide an amazing exhibition of heavy athletics including the lifting of the heavy stones. There are many more activities and band displays held throughout the day including the Canberra Capital Spirit Drill Teams,

Taste the food from a variety of food trucks including traditional Scottish food such as Haggis and more. Check out the many Clan tents and the Canberra Scottie Dogs Visit the children’s corner for face painting and jumping castle and other activities. Concluding at 5 pm with a final Massed Bands this is a fun day out for all the family.

Happening 6 October 10 am – 5 pm at Kambah Oval, Kett Street, Oval, Kambah

See website for more information

Celebrate World Animal Week at the National Zoo & Aquarium

Visit the National Zoo & Aquarium to help celebrate all things animal for World Animal Week, marked by World Animal Day on the 4th. The Zoo will be holding a range of exciting activities throughout the week such as special zoo keeper talks focusing on encouraging and educating people on animal care and conservation.

There will even be an awesome prize for the best photo taken with your favourite zoo animal uploaded to Instagram! Make sure to tag The National Zoo and Aquarium to be in the running to win!

Happening 1 – 7 October 10 am – 5 pm at National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek

See website for more information

Localjinni – Lakeside Stories Twilight Video Walks

Do you want to hear stories about Lake Burley Griffin only the locals know?

A new art tourism initiative titled Localjinnni, led by Fiona Hooton and Catrina Vignando, is making that possible. Their first participatory – place-making experience, Lakeside Stories brings visual artists, filmmakers, writers, oral historians and animators together to tell hidden stories of place.

Held around Lake Burley Griffin’s northern foreshore their Lakeside stories –twilight video walks, take storytelling to the streets. Transforming footpaths and walls into screens using video, sound and light projections.

Included in Lakeside Stories – twilight video walks are works by: Caren Florance (text artist), Melinda Smith (poet), Megan Watson (filmmaker), Matchbox Pictures (film and TV production), Ros Lemoh (visual artist), Dr Kirsty Guster (Acton Walkways place-maker), Roslyn Russell (historian), ANU’s School of Art animation students as well as collection content from the National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive.

Localjinni has a cultural and environmental mission – to make our public spaces more fun, more functional, more of the time. Take a cultural dip into Lake Burley Griffin’s many fluid identities through film, animation, poetry, visual art and oral history. Join us on an illuminating walk as we screen stories onto footpaths and walls around the Lake’s foreshore.

Discover why Canberra begins and ends at the Lake through an immersive experience, shared ideas and social yarning. Designed for artful, urban adventurers.

Held in association with Contour 556 / Canberra’s Public Art Biennial. (Supported by YWCA creativity grant)

7.45pm Saturday and Sundays 6-27 October

7.45pm Wednesday 17 October, Lake Burley Griffin’s B’day

Meet Henry Roland Park, Acton. Free – numbers limited

Eventbrite bookings essential.

Tulip Top Gardens

Until 14 October, explore an array of blooms as they herald spring’s arrival. Stroll through 10 acres of tulips and other flowers that provide a magical pathway to the cascading waterfall and hidden valley at Tulip Farm, Sutton.

Happening until 14 October at Tulip Top Gardens, 20 Old Federal Highway Sutton, Bywong.

ACT PARKS CRITTERS OF THE EUCALYPT FOREST  

Every Saturday take a short walk with a ranger and learn about the potoroos and other important inhabitants of the Eucalypt Forest and get back in time for “Koalas in the Canopy”. Meet at the koala enclosure in the Eucalypt Forest.

Normal entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required. Happening until Saturday 16 February 2019 from 2pm-2.45pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River. See the website for more information.

ACT PARKS KOALAS IN THE CANOPY  

Every Saturday you can search for koalas and enjoy a ranger guided walk through the tall eucalypt forest at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Hear a ranger’s story or two about these fascinating marsupials. Meet at the Eucalypt Forest car park.

Normal entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required for Koalas in the Canopy. Happening until Saturday 16 February 2019 from 2.45pm-3.15pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River. See the website for more information.

KIDS 

BRICKMAN EXPERIENCE

Ryan McNaught’s Brickman Experience is one of the largest touring exhibitions of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Arriving in the capital these school holidays, the interactive exhibition is suitable for little and big kids (LEGO® code for adults!). It will be at Exhibition Park in Canberra from 28 September through to 14 October 2018.

Made with over five million LEGO® bricks, this epic exhibition will showcase some of the world’s largest and most detailed LEGO® models including Ryan’s biggest ever Star Wars LEGO® build, a model Airbus A380, a quarter scale LEGO® Ferrari and the world’s largest LEGO® flower.

Brickman Experience features a collection of over 60 individual works by Ryan McNaught – the only LEGO® Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere and one of only 14 in the world. Ryan and his team’s award-winning creations have featured in locations around the world, and now Canberra for the first time.

Canberra’s budding brickies will also have the opportunity to build their own LEGO® creations in the interactive master builder zones.

Happening Friday 28 September until Sunday 14 October at Fitzroy Pavillion, EPIC, Flemington Road, Mitchell.

See the website for more information.

Art Scene Investigation: The mystery of modern art

Who’s Pop, what’s neo-dada and where’s the colour field? Join the Art Scene Investigation Squad in their next big adventure into the American Masters exhibition.

Suitable for children aged 7-12 years, ticket costs vary between $10 – $12, and it includes morning or afternoon tea.

Happening 2 October 10.30 am-12 pm & 1.30 pm-3 pm at the National Gallery of Australia Parkes Place East, Parkes

See website for more information.

NFSA Kids: Spring School Holidays

Get excited these school holidays as the NFSA brings you a program full of action and adventure. Did you know that Heath Ledger was a budding chess champion? Complementing the Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures exhibition, we are showcasing films about games of strategy.

Tickets cost $5.00 per person, and bookings are essential

Queen of Katwe
Tuesday 2 October, 10am

Zathura: A Space Adventure
Wednesday 3 October, 10am

Jumanji
Thursday 4 October, 10am

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Friday 5 October, 10am

The Seventh Seal
Friday 5 October, 7pm

War Games
Monday 8 October, 10am

Tron
Tuesday 9 October, 10am

Tron: Legacy
Wednesday 10 October, 10am

Dungeons and Dragons
Thursday 11 October, 10am

Happening 2 – 12 October starting from 10 am at Arc cinema, Mccoy Circuit, ACTON, ACT

See website for more information.

School Holidays at the Australian Institute of Sport

Want to keep your kids active and entertained over the school holidays in a safe environment? School holidays at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has a focus on participation and having a good time. These programs are suitable for primary school aged children and will have your child exploring a world of fun, activity and adventure.

Choose from the Pre-School Holiday Program, Swim Intensive, Soccer, Athletics and a general Sports Vacation Program.

All programs are based around children having fun, learning new skills, working as a team and keeping active. There will also be activities in Sportex, the interactive sports experience.

Full day or weekly programs available, tickets cost $66.00 pp and weekly and fortnightly discounts are available.

Happening 2 – 12 October 8 am – 5.30pm at Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier St, Bruce

See website for more information. 

Open Air PlayUP

Want some outdoor fun these school holidays? Then don’t miss the Open Air PlayUp!

Pack a picnic and bring the whole family down to enjoy fun and games in the stunning Senate Courtyard.

Free after admission – $2 adults, $1 children (free for children under 5 years old) and concessions, $5 family

Happening 1 – 12 October from 10 am – 5 pm at 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, City

See website for more information

Floriade fun with Snugglepot and Cuddlepie 

Step into the magical world of May Gibbs’ Snugglepot and Cuddlepie with the Mint at Floriade.

From 1 to 5 October the Mint will be celebrating the 100th birthday of the much-loved and mischievous bush babies with free activities for the whole family.

Listen to May Gibbs’ classic Australian book ‘Meet Snugglepot and Cuddlepie’ during Story Time, create your own gumnut necklace or crown at daily craft sessions and get creative at the May Gibbs Colouring Corner.

Story Time: 11.00am daily

Craft Activities: 2.00pm daily

May Gibbs Colouring Corner: All day

Happening Monday 1 October to Friday 5 October at Floriade, Commonwealth Park, Canberra. Find the Mint in the Main Vista.

PLAYUP  

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. Open from 9 am to 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Ages 5-12. Bookings are essential. Register here.

COLOUR  

See colour as you’ve never seen it before! Is your yellow the same as mine? How do pixels and paint differ? Turn a blue butterfly green, visit the Room of Missing Colours and hear fascinating stories from people who see colour when they hear music. Discover Colour at Questacon and see the world in a new light!

Showing until 30 September 2018 from 9am-5pm daily at Questacon, Parkes.

LEAP INTO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY  

Your local library is a treasure trove…not only are there free books and resources, there are regular amazing events! Giggle & Wiggle with your little ones (up to two years) and help them learn through language play using interactive rhymes, songs, games and stories.

Looking to improve your English and make new friends, then head along to your local library for one of the informal English conversation groups. For more events and info check them out here.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE  

Heart Foundation Early Morning Floriade Walks

Hosted by the Heart Foundation, Early Morning Floriade Walking Groups meet next to the crossing on Commonwealth Avenue bridge for a 3km walk each morning (except Sundays) during Floriade (until 14 October). Please wear comfortable shoes, and bring a water bottle and gold coin donation.

Meeting point: Look out for ‘Heart Foundation’ volunteers, just across from the pedestrian lights on Commonwealth Avenue.

Happening until 14 October at Floriade, Commonwealth Park.

Make sure you register – the walks are held before Floriade opens to the public so be quick! It’s a great way to get some exercise and beat the crowds!

Undermining Women’s Rights: Unpacking the issue

Description: Join ActionAid to launch their report, ‘Under-Mining Women’s Rights’, looking into the effects the Australian mining industry on communities overseas. The first in a series of three talks, we will be joined by celebrated academic Dr Seán Kerins, who has previously managed the Northern Land Council’s Caring for Country unit in Darwin and is currently working on the National Environmental Research Program.

Come along to the ANU Food Co-Op on Wednesday, 3 October at 6.30pm. $10 dinner is available at this event. More information on the Facebook event.

UC Cultural Heritage, Conservation & Librarianship Reunion

Please join the Alumni Office and the Faculty of Arts and Design for a reunion of Cultural Heritage, Conservation and Librarianship alumni on 4 October from 6-8pm.

This is a great opportunity to come back to campus, reunite with your former classmates, hear from incredible speakers and share stories of your personal and professional adventures since leaving University.

There’ll be good food, drinks on ice and some live entertainment to make the night memorable. Because celebrating is better with friends, be sure to get the word out there about the reunion and encourage people to register to attend. Tickets $10 per alumni and $15 per guest.

2018 Diabetes Australia Walk to Work Day

WHEN: Friday 5 October 2018
WHERE: Nationally
WHO: Employers and Employees

Now in its 20th year the annual event, helps employers and employees to build regular walking into their daily routine for a healthier workplace and healthier you.

Walking regularly is the simplest and most practical way of increasing your daily exercise. Now is a great time to put your feet first and step into your daily routine. Getting off the bus, train or tram a few stops earlier, or leaving your car at least 1km away from work are easy ways to incorporate walking into your daily routine.

EXHIBITIONS

Portrait head resembling Cleopatra. Italy, 50–30 BCE
limestone©. Trustees of the British Museum
Media credit line © Trustees of the British Museum, 2018. All rights reserved.

ROME: CITY + EMPIRE

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.

American Masters

Drawn exclusively from the National Gallery of Australia’s (NGA) outstanding collection of American art, American Masters celebrates that nation’s artists from the 1940s to the 1980s. When the NGA acquired Jackson Pollock’s Blue poles in 1973, at the time the most expensive American painting ever sold, our emerging collection hit the global headlines. This exhibition tells the story of the formation of our incredible American collection and includes many major works not seen together for a long time.

From Abstract Expressionism, Colour Field, Pop, Neo-Dada and Photo-Realism, to Conceptual, Land and Performance Art, American Masters examines how a generation of young Americans, inspired by European émigrés, challenged local traditions and reinvented modern art. The sensational international impact of the era’s major artists is captured in masterpieces by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Chuck Close, Donald Judd, Eva Hesse and Louise Bourgeois.

Highlights include paintings and works on paper by the New York School; Sol LeWitt’s huge Wall drawing No. 380 a-d 1982, specially re-made for this exhibition; and a selection of spectacular light works by Dan Flavin, Bruce Nauman, Keith Sonnier and James Turrell.

Showing daily until 11 November at the National Gallery of Australia.

Above & Beyond | An exhibition by Stefan Gevers

Award-winning Melbourne based artist Stefan Gevers will open a solo exhibition entitled Above & Beyond at Suki & Hugh Gallery on Saturday 6 October 2018.

Well known for his contemporary watercolour landscapes, Gevers will present a series of works based on memories of travelling through the landscape.

Inspired by the drama of light and the inherent patterns in nature, this work reflects the ever-evolving mood in a landscape. By eliminating unnecessary details and with the absence of human presence the sense of stillness and reflection within the works is intensified.

Opening 6 October from 3-5pm at Suki & Hugh Gallery, Bungendore. Entry is free. More information on the website.

Micro/Macro at the CSIRO Discovery Centre

Micro/Macro is an exhibition of artworks on display at CSIRO Discovery Centre in Acton from 3rd – 26th October 2018.
A collaboration between CSIRO’s Australian National Insect Collection and the Australian National University School of Art & Design, Micro/Macro is an explosion of scale, form, colour, and pattern.

This eclectic collection of drawings and prints has been created by ANU students in response to beetle specimens borrowed from the Australian National Insect Collection. The collection houses 15 million pinned specimens and is a research resource for scientists, and now artists, to help understand Australia’s rich biodiversity.

CSIRO Discovery Centre is open weekdays from 9am-4.30pm. CSIRO Discovery Centre, North Science Road, Acton. For inquiries phone 02 6246 4646.

Localjinni – Lakeside Stories Twilight Video Walks

Do you want to hear stories about Lake Burley Griffin only the locals know?

A new art tourism initiative titled Localjinnni, led by Fiona Hooton and Catrina Vignando, is making that possible. Their first participatory – place-making experience, Lakeside Stories brings visual artists, filmmakers, writers, oral historians and animators together to tell hidden stories of place.

Held around Lake Burley Griffin’s northern foreshore their Lakeside stories –twilight video walks, take storytelling to the streets. Transforming footpaths and walls into screens using video, sound and light projections.

Included in Lakeside Stories – twilight video walks are works by: Caren Florance (text artist), Melinda Smith (poet), Megan Watson (filmmaker), Matchbox Pictures (film and TV production), Ros Lemoh (visual artist), Dr Kirsty Guster (Acton Walkways place-maker), Roslyn Russell (historian), ANU’s School of Art animation students as well as collection content from the National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive.

Localjinni has a cultural and environmental mission – to make our public spaces more fun, more functional, more of the time. Take a cultural dip into Lake Burley Griffin’s many fluid identities through film, animation, poetry, visual art and oral history. Join us on an illuminating walk as we screen stories onto footpaths and walls around the Lake’s foreshore.

Discover why Canberra begins and ends at the Lake through an immersive experience, shared ideas and social yarning. Designed for artful, urban adventurers.

Held in association with Contour 556 / Canberra’s Public Art Biennial. (Supported by YWCA creativity grant)

7.45pm Saturday and Sundays 6-27 October

7.45pm Wednesday 17 October, Lake Burley Griffin’s B’day

Meet Henry Roland Park, Acton. Free – numbers limited

Eventbrite bookings essential.

Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures  

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.

Showing until 10 February 2019, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton. See website for more information.

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

After the war exhibition, Australian War Memorial

After the war is a new exhibition exploring the personal stories of hope, loss, and love of ordinary Australians whose lives have been altered by war, from those who have served to loved ones left behind. Take an intimate journey of the personal costs and consequences of war, unfolding over 100 years from 1918 to 2018

Happening 5 October 2018 – 11 July 2019 at the Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, Campbell

See website for more information

Trevor Dickinson’s Bus Shelters of Canberra

Many Canberra suburbs are home to the distinctive concrete bus shelters designed by architect Clem Cummings in 1975. Nearly 500 shelters remain in place and over the past four years artist Trevor Dickinson has been on a quest to find and photograph every one.

Dickinson has selected over fifty of the most striking examples to draw and develop into digital prints. His collection reveals that every shelter has its own beauty and personality; and explores how these shelters shape Canberra’s unique suburban landscape.

Happening 6 Oct 2018 – 27 Jan 2019 at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, Cnr London Circuit and Civic Square, City

See website for more information.

Annual Woodcraft Guild Exhibition

The annual exhibition of the Woodcraft Guild ACT showcases fine woodcraft varying from furniture, to boxes, from wall decorations and pictures to toys, and from bowls to pens created by members working in their own workshops or on the Guild premises at Kambah.

The Guild has, this year, partnered with the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) to deliver a wide ranging exhibition and series of woodcraft demonstrations to nurture interest in woodcraft in all its forms. The exhibition runs in October coinciding with Canberra’s Floriade.

Workshops for beginning woodworkers offers a taste of woodcraft to stimulate latent interest in woodwork and also to illustrate the varied timbers and their characteristics for visitors of the Botanic Gardens.

The partnership with ANBG includes using material from the Gardens for creative woodwork pieces that will be on show.

Happening 4 – 8 October at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton

See website for more information

EXHIBITION: WATERWAYS

This exhibition is a reflection of five Canberra artists’ experiences of water, fleeting moments of nature, seaside architecture, travel and separation.

Victoria Cotton, Sharon Peoples, Prue Power, Rozalie Sherwood and Steve Tomlin examine waterways through paint, ink, stitch and textiles. The locations range from our local waterways, including Lake Burley Griffin, the South Coast and the English seaside.

The official opening will be on Saturday 29 September from 2-4 pm.

Happening until 6 November at The Link at Ginninderry, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt ACT.

So Fine: Contemporary women artists make Australian history  

As conceptually thrilling as it is aesthetically rich, So Fine features new works from ten women artists reinterpreting and reimagining elements of Australian history. Forming part of the Portrait Gallery’s twentieth birthday celebrations, the exhibition enriches the contemporary narrative around Australia’s history and biography, reflecting the tradition of storytelling in our country.

So Fine’s contributing artists – of various ages and backgrounds, and hailing from different parts of Australia – have all created new works for the exhibition. Aside from gender, their common attributes are a meticulous approach to creation, driven by considered, nuanced thinking. Their works are intricate, refined and affecting objects that reconceive events, people and places from Australia’s past.

The artists involved are Shirley Purdie, Linde Ivimey, Bern Emmerichs, Leah King-Smith, Nusra Latif Qureshi, Nicola Dickson, Pamela See (Xue Mei-Ling), Fiona McMonagle, Valerie Kirk and Carol McGregor. Charged with these makers’ passionate, intensely individual takes, and incorporating themes from pre-history to the present, So Fine challenges and delights, as well as interrogating the boundaries of contemporary portraiture.

Showing until Monday 1 October at the National Portrait Gallery. See the website for more information.

FROM THE SHADOWS: AUSTRALIA’S SPECIAL FORCES  

Their activities are secret.
Their missions classified.
Their identities protected.

More than 600 objects, rarely seen by the public, tell the story of how Australia’s Special Forces operate in secrecy to protect our national interests and support our allies at the Australia War Memorial’s latest exhibition.

Happening until Wednesday 17 October from 10am-5pm at Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, Campbell. Free entry. See the website for more information.

ART + SOUND  

A fortnightly series showcasing playlists curated to specific galleries by various personalities. This event is brought to you by NGA and Yamaha.

No bookings required.

Happening until Saturday 2 February 2019 from 1pm-2pm at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes. Free entry.

See the website for more information.

SCULPTURE IN THE PADDOCK

Sculpture in the Paddock is held in Spring each year when the region literally blossoms and culturally flourishes. Various sculptures will be created by several artists and will be on display for viewing.

In 2018 the exhibition will be relocated to a rolling 50-acre paddock on Shaw Vineyard Estate, Murrumbateman. The event retains its rural heart and has the benefit of more facilities on hand. The venue is 40 minutes drive from Canberra, 15 minutes from Yass.

In addition to a large-scale outdoor event, Sculpture in the Paddock is proud to run a concurrent Schools Program bringing art and artists to many schools in the region. A great time of the year to visit Yass Valley with family and friends.

Happening until Sunday 7 October from 10am–4pm at Shaw Vineyard Estate, 34 Isabel Drive, NSW.

See the website for more details.

HALL WW1 COMMEMORATIVE EXHIBITION  

“When Hall Answered the Call” – Visit the small community of Hall’s School Museum and see their moving exhibition to commemorate the district’s contribution to World War 1 as part of the ANZAC Centenary.

The exhibition features photos, medals, letters, and other memorabilia that tell the story of the boys and men from the district who went off to fight in WW1. Learn about the support provided by their families, the local community and Welcome Home celebrations.

Happening Thursdays until Thursday 21 February 2019 from 10am-1pm at Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, Victoria Street, Hall. Free entry.

See the website for more information.

WATERHOUSE NATURAL SCIENCE ART PRIZE

Let the beautiful and profound artworks from the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize take you on an inspiring exploration of our natural environment.

The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize commemorates the birth of the South Australian Museum’s first curator, Frederick George Waterhouse. The biennial prize is an opportunity for artists to investigate the world around them, and present their perspectives on natural science. The National Archives of Australia will once again be hosting an exhibition of the winning and highly commended artworks from the Prize, the only venue outside of the South Australian Museum to do so.

A travelling exhibition developed by the South Australian Museum. Hosted by the National Archives of Australia.

Happening until Sunday 14 October at Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

RE-DISCOVERING GINNINDERRA  

For half a century during the 1860s, Ginninderra flourished and in its prime boasted a church, two schools, store, Police Station, post & telegraph office, school of arts, nursery, farmers union hall, annual show, sports team and hotel. By 1915 Ginninderra was finished. Find this out and more by visiting the Re-Discovering Ginninderra exhibition.

Happening until Thursday 21 February 2019 at Former Hall Primary School, Victoria Street, Hall. Free entry. See the website for more information.

ARTISTS’ FACES AND PLACES  

Peek behind-the-scenes with this fascinating display of portraits of artists and their studios, drawn entirely from the national collection at the National Gallery of Australia. Comprised of artists’ self-portraits, artists’ portraits of other artists, and representations of the places in which they work, the exhibition explores the way artists see themselves, the way they are viewed by their friends and contemporaries, the shared world artists inhabit, and the centrality of the studio to their creative endeavours.

In particular, Roy de Maistre’s Studio Interior 1959, painted the year before his retrospective at the Whitechapel Art Gallery in London, captures the artist’s strong connection to the location of decades of work.

Happening until Monday 31 December at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes. Free entry. See the website for more information.

NGA PLAY: KELLIE O’DEMPSEY: THE NEVER-ENDING LINE  

Kellie O’Dempsey invites you into her living sketchbook, an immersive space of moving marks and dancing lines. Digital projections collide with traditional drawing in a series of dynamic and colourful experiences and creative opportunities.

Contribute to the unique drawing journey as you follow the never ending line to shadow puppets, 3D drawing constructions and live animation before getting into the drawing rink for an immersive drawing experience. The never-ending line investigates drawing as a way of collaboration and transformation and features sound elements composed by Michael Dick.

Showing until Sunday 28 October from 10 am – 5 pm at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes, Place East, Parkes. See the website for more information.

CRAFTING THE HOUSE IN THE HILL: ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN IN THE BUILDING OF AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT HOUSE  

During the 30th anniversary year of Australian Parliament House, this exhibition reveals the stories behind some of the building’s major art and design commissions and explores how these works connect Australia’s most intriguing public building with its first people, landscape, creative spirit and the principles of democracy.

In their winning design scheme for Australian Parliament House, Mitchell / Giurgola & Thorp Architects envisaged a structure of national significance that was sensitively located within a regional landscape. The guiding design themes of land, place and identity are carefully mapped into the building’s architecture, surrounding landscaping and works of art commissioned from some of Australia’s finest practitioners in ceramics, glass, painting, sculpture, textiles and wood.

In partnership with Australian Parliament House and the National Archives of Australia.

Happening until Sunday 4 November at the Canberra Museum and Gallery,
Cnr London Circuit and Civic Square, City. See the website for more information.

NGA PLAY: KELLIE O’DEMPSEY: THE NEVER-ENDING LINE  

Kellie O’Dempsey invites you into her living sketchbook, an immersive space of moving marks and dancing lines. Digital projections collide with traditional drawing in a series of dynamic and colourful experiences and creative opportunities.

Contribute to the unique drawing journey as you follow the never ending line to shadow puppets, 3D drawing constructions and live animation before getting into the drawing rink for an immersive drawing experience. The never-ending line investigates drawing as a way of collaboration and transformation and features sound elements composed by Michael Dick.

Showing until Sunday 28 October from 10 am – 5 pm at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes, Place East, Parkes. See the website for more information.

A TALE OF TWO VILLAGES – AN EXHIBITION  

A Tale of Two Villages tells the story of the Hall-Ginninderra district from Aboriginal times, through the early pioneer farming settlement at Palmerville and then Ginninderra, to the establishment of the village of Hall from 1881.

See the website for more information or drop by the Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, Victoria Street, Hall.

ART DECO  

Comprised entirely of works selected from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection, Art Deco presents superb examples of Australian vitalism, capturing Art Deco’s fascination with the meeting of art, architecture, and technology.

In the 1920s, Australian artists rebelled against the austerity of World War I to create images of an abundant nation filled with strong, youthful figures, capturing the vitalism of a nation reborn.

Technological advancements and urbanisation influenced the emergence of Art Deco: a new aesthetic in art, architecture, design and fashion.

Art Deco presents superb examples of Australian Vitalism, including Rayner Hoff’s architectural frieze Deluge – stampede of the lower gods 1927, Jean Broome-Norton’s Abundance 1934 and Napier Waller’s painting, I’ll put a girdle round about the earth 1933, which captures Art Deco’s fascination with the meeting of art, architecture and technology.

Showing until Monday 31 December 2018, 7 days from 10am-5pm at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes.

For more information, see the website.

BEHIND THE LINES 2017: THE THREE RING CIRCUS  

Roll up, roll up to Behind the Lines 2017 and marvel at the political cartooning spectacle that is The Three-Ring Circus.

Showcasing the year’s best political cartoons, The Three-Ring Circus captures a world where fact and fiction collide and ringmasters, jugglers and acrobats have all stepped into the political Big Top.

From postal votes and citizenship chaos to penalty rates and constitutional recognition, 2017 was a tumultuous year in politics. Its cavalcade of political characters and sensational events provided rich material for our nation’s cartoonists who continue to look behind the lines of the daily political sideshows to capture the spirit of our democracy in all its passion, scepticism and humour.

Behind the Lines 2017 is on now at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Open 9 am – 5 pm. For more information, visit the website.

EMERGING CONTEMPORARIES  

Emerging Contemporaries is the Craft ACT National Award Exhibition for early career artists. This exhibition plays a pivotal role in supporting and transitioning artists into professional practice and placing Australian artists in view of the national cultural collecting institutions, business and industry, and audience.

On display at CraftACT, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building. Email craftact@craftact.org.au or call 6262 9333 for more information.

NGA TALKS AND WORKSHOPS  

Talks and workshops cater for a range of different age groups. For full details visit the NGA website.