The Weekend Edit
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YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON IN CANBERRA THIS WEEKEND!
Every Monday for more than eight years, we’ve published This Week in The Can, our comprehensive guide to everything happening around the city this week – but sometimes it’s just too epic to get through!
That’s why each Friday we publish our Weekend Edit—a curated selection of events we think you’ll love!
NIGHTFEST POP-UP AT HIGHROAD
Join the Highroad crew as they team up with Floriade, Australia’s largest celebration of spring to bring you a NightFest pop-up at Highroad cafe.
This pop-up will give you a taste of NightFest, Floriade’s dark side–a night-time celebration of flowers, culture and all things Canberra.
Enjoy a cocktail (or mocktail), explore a pop-up flower market, paint your own garden gnome to take home and enjoy the live music! A perfect Friday night if you ask us!
Your ticket includes:
- A Floriade inspired coffee cocktail by former World Coffee in Good Spirits finalist, Danny Wilson
- Your very own gnome to paint and take home
- Live music by DJ Sidney Brien
- Access to the exclusive pop-up dried flower market by Wiluna
Ticket price includes the cost of one cocktail, a garden gnome and paint.
Walk-ins, children and dogs are welcome. Additional gnomes will be available for separate purchase on the night.
Cost: $27.46 incl. booking fee
Happening Friday 20 September from 5.30-9 pm at Highroad, 1 Woolley Street, Dickson.
Tickets: via Eventbrite
AS NATURE INTENDED HAPPY OPENING CELEBRATIONS
As Nature Intended, Canberra’s happy, healthy and hippy café and grocery store has a new home.
After 19 years of serving locals at the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, As Nature Intended has moved into its new digs at Dairy Road–and it’s time to celebrate!
As Nature Intended will be celebrating its new home with a ‘Happy Opening’ event this Saturday 21 September with live entertainment, African drummers, mulled wine, chai tea, nibbles, special discounts and good vibes guaranteed.
Happening Saturday 21 September from 1 pm – 3 pm at 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick.
DR MICHAEL MOSELY – WONDERS OF THE HUMAN BODY
Following his hugely successful 2017 tour, British physician and science journalist, Dr Michael Mosely, is returning to Australia for a brand-new national tour in September.
Dr Michael Mosley loves nothing more than to bust myths, dig deeper and challenge conventional health and nutrition advice. Known for subjecting his own body to all things crazy in the name of science Wonders of the Human Body will be a trip through all facets of what makes us all tick, how to keep yourself in good shape whatever your age, as well as an eye-opening discovery as to how to live in the modern world. As well as lots of fabulous footage from Michael’s adventures, the live show will also include a Q&A where fans will be able to submit questions for Michael to answer on the night.
Happening Sunday 22 September from 6.30 – 9.15pm at Canberra Theatre Centre.
See canberratheatrecentre.com.au for more information.
Pialligo Estate: High Tea Floriade
Delight your tastebuds and indulge them in beautiful Pialligo Estate delicacies, all while you enjoy the atmosphere at Floriade.
While you enjoy the gorgeous view across the tulips in comfort from Pialligo Urban’s sunny deck, you’ll have the chance to unwind and spoil yourself with a range of sweet and savoury treats handmade by the renowned chefs at Pialligo Estate.
Beautiful china will accompany the variety of Moroccan inspired sweet treats, classic ribbon sandwiches, Pialligo Estate smokehouse sausage rolls, seasonal fruit and more, all while enjoying a selection of quality drinks including housemade lemonade and kaffir, loose leaf and herbal tea or barista coffee.
You may also purchase bubbles or other alcoholic beverages to help you really relax and recharge.
Pialligo Estate’s High Tea will be the perfect enhancement to your Floriade experience–it’ll add that extra little something to your weekend, go on, you deserve it!
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, please notify Pialligo Estate when making your booking.
There will be two High Tea sittings at 1 pm and 2 pm across various dates from 21 September – 13 October at Pialligo Urban, Floriade, inside Commonwealth Park.
See the website for more information.
Thai Food & Cultural Festival 2019
The Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra will open its doors this Sunday for its popular annual Thai Food and Cultural Festival.
The event has been held in Canberra for the past 16 years, and is a chance for Canberra residents and the Thai community living in Canberra and nearby cities to come together, learn more about Thai culture, and enjoy delicious Thai food, in a fun environment.
Started as part of Windows to the World, which allows Canberrans to see behind the gates of the capital’s embassies and high commissions, the festival has garnered quite the reputation for its authentic food offerings and cultural performance. And this year is no exception. Festivalgoers can sample lunch or dinner from 12 Canberra and Sydney food stalls.
But if you’ve got a sweet tooth, there’ll be seven dedicated dessert stalls for all your sugar hit needs.
You can even win a gift voucher to buy food within the event, one of several lucky draw prizes.
Whether free or not, grab the popular dishes of papaya salad, mango sticky rice, and Massaman beef curry, and wash it down with the famous Thai beer, also on offer.
Happening Sunday 22 September, from 10.30 am-5 pm at the Royal Thai Embassy, 111 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla.
See Facebook for more information.
MEET THE MAKER: BISONHOME AND F!NK + CO
The Museum Shop presents ‘Meet the Maker’, with Brian Tunks from Bisonhome and Gretel Harrison from F!NK + Co.
The evening will feature a Q&A session with these local makers to discuss their inspirations, influences and design aesthetic.
Brian founded ceramics company Bison in 1997, which has evolved into the Bisonhome lifestyle brand, still with ceramics at its heart. His early training in ancient history and archaeology at the Australian National University, especially his excavation work in the Middle East, has greatly influenced his design practice over the years.
F!NK + Co was established by Robert Foster in 1993 to create opportunities for Australian designer-makers. Joined by Gretel Harrison in 1995, together they have built a business that is recognised internationally for its iconic tableware, hollowware, jewellery and lighting.
Find these and other products at this special shopping event, including regional brands Jasper + Myrtle, Tea Garden Co, Altina Drinks and Scott Leggo Gallery — and enjoy 20% off storewide!*
Cost: Free. Cash bar and food available for purchase.
Happening Friday 20 September from 6–8 pm at the National Museum of Australia.
Bookings essential, visit nma.gov.au/meet-the-maker
*No further discounts apply, no holds or rainchecks.
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION: THE EXHIBITION – JOURNEY FROM SKETCH TO SCREEN
© 2019 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved. Image supplied.
From the makers of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and Trolls, comes and extraordinary exhibition celebrating over 25 years of DreamWorks Animation.
DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition – Journey from Sketch to Screen brings together rare concept drawings, models and original artworks, interviews and interactive displays from DreamWorks’ much-loved animated classics.
Take a thrilling journey, from original sketches of grumpy ogres and friendly dragons, to amazing stories and fantasy worlds brought to you by DreamWorks’ award-winning artists.
An ACMI touring exhibition developed in partnership with DreamWorks Animation. © 2019 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved
Happening 12 September 2019 – 2 February 2020 at National Museum of Australia.
See nma.gov.au or more information.
FLORIADE
Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, returns to Commonwealth Park from Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October 2019.
With over one million blooms on display and free entry, Floriade is the perfect place to experience the beauty of spring.
With a diverse and ever-expanding program of music, cultural celebrations, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market traders, artistic displays, entertainment, recreational activities and more, you’ll find something for everyone.
Celebrate this year’s theme, World in Bloom daily from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Happening 14 September – 13 October from 9.30 am – 5.30 pm seven days a week at Commonwealth Park.
Visit floriadeaustralia.com for more information.
SWEET DREAMS MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Sweet Dreams Festival won’t be playing your average bedtime lullabies. This brand-new festival will transport you to another world with an electrifying line up of international, national and local artists mixing R&B, hip hop and EDM.
Prepare to set every one of your senses alight with a glow-in-the-dark ball pit, surreal giant neon animals and some of the best artisanal food and drink offerings Canberra has to offer.
Happening Saturday 21 September from 12 – 11 pm at The Truffle Farm Canberra, Majura.
See sweetdreamsfestival.com.au for more information.
THE IRRESISTIBLE
Credit: David Collins.
A reckless, intoxicating love letter to the subconscious, The Irresistible is an exploration of the invisible and insidious nature of unconscious bias, told through multiple parallel narratives that intersect through mystery and sci-fi.
Locations and time bleed into one another with dream-like fluidity as performers transition from one character to the next at breakneck speed.
Strange lights in the sky, black ooze, a smoke-filled box and a child with otherworldly powers–the mysterious and unexplained permeates every moment of The Irresistible and will throw you off guard and leave the fringes of your mind resonating with a feeling that is just out of reach.
2018 Helpmann Award Nominee for Best Play, The Irresistible is intoxicatingly creepy, reminiscent of Stranger Things and Twin Peaks.
This bold and original new work is the exceptional first collaboration between Side Pony Productions (The Confidence Man, The Pride) and The Last Great Hunt (Falling through Clouds, The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer).
Happening 20-21 September at Canberra Theatre Centre.
See the canberratheatrecentre.com.au for more information.
Pialligo Fields
It’s time to truly unwind and be blown away by the breathtaking views over the fields, watching the sun go down with a drink in hand.
Pialligo Estate is bringing Canberra a new style of fun–with next-level drinks by our funky bar crew, Canberra’s first Gintonica bar experience and the finest craft beers, you’ll taste your way to a new happy place.
Think great beats, highest-quality share platters, space for the kids to run around, and fun you won’t be expecting; Pialligo Fields is the place to bring your family and friends for some fresh air in style.
Whether you have an event that needs some personality, or you just want to find some weekend balance with the family and friends, Fields is a multi-purpose space that will deliver experiences you talk about.
Opening Sunday 8 September from 2 pm, then happening Wednesday to Friday from 3 pm until late and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm until late at Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo.
See thepialligoestate.com.au/pialligo-fields for more information.
THE LOOK AND REOPENING CELEBRATIONS – NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
After a short hiatus, the National Portrait Gallery will be reopening its doors at 10am on Saturday 14 September!
Come and celebrate all that weekend with free activities for all ages – music, drawing, competitions and giveaways; get your face painted, meet Director Karen Quinlan and take a free highlights tour (in whatever order you like).
Showcasing a mix of your favourite portraits and new exhibitions, including The Look, featuring striking photographic portraits of contemporary figures from the National Portrait Gallery collection.
Happening Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 September from 10 am-5 pm at National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes. Can’t make it on opening weekend? The National Portrait Gallery will be open from 10 am to 5 pm daily (except December 25).
See portrait.gov.au for more information.
FROM THE VAULT
Venture into a secret warehouse, once an old storage bunker for valuable goods, to see Australian Dance Party‘s newest full-length work: From the vault.
The work features acoustic and electric cello by Alex Voorhoeve (Canberra Symphony Orchestra) and sound design by electronic music producer Andy McMillan (Doppel).
Prompted by the safe-like nature of this unique building, the piece unlocks a timely reflection on our values; what is truly important, what we choose to keep safe, and what we spend time and money to preserve.
- Concept and direction: Alison Plevey (in collaboration with the creative team)
- Performers: Alana Stenning, Eliza Sanders, Olivia Fyfe, Ryan Stone and Stephen Gow
- Sound Design: Alex Voorhoeve and Andy McMillan.
- Costume Design: Imogen Keen
- Lighting Design: Mark Dyson
- Dramaturgy: Karla Conway
Proudly supported by artsACT Arts Activities Fund, Molonglo, QL2 Dance Inc (Canberra, Australia), Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Maxim Chartered Accountants, Dionysus, Screencraft Media, allinsure and Lorna Sim.
NOTE
~ Cash bar opens 30 minutes prior to and following each performance
~ Please email secretary@australiandance.party for accessibility requirements
~ Saturday night includes post-show Q & A discussion
~ We encourage you to #MoveToZero and use environmentally friendly transport
~ Please wear covered shoes and warm clothes
Happening Friday 20 – Sunday 22 September at 7.30pm (6 pm on Sunday) at a secret warehouse in the Dairy Road Precinct.
See Facebook for more information.
FLORIADE IN THE SUBURBS: BELCONNEN
Floriade is bursting out of Commonwealth Park and heading to local town centres around Canberra!
Floriade in the Suburbs is bringing a little bit of Floriade flavour to Gungahlin, Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Molonglo and Woden.
Popping up between 12 pm and 3 pm, bring along your picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon of food, drinks from the Pop Inn wine bar, live music and family entertainment. You’ll also get to meet Floriade’s famous pink gnome!
12 noon until 3 pm, Saturday 21 September: Emu Inlet, Beissel Street, Belconnen
12 noon until 3 pm, Saturday 28 September: Tuggeranong Town Park, Bartlett Place
10 am until 3 pm, Sunday 29 September: Molonglo Valley Markets at Stromlo Cottage
12 noon until 3 pm, Saturday 5 October: Woden Town Square
Find out more at floriadeaustralia.com
Designed not decorated: George Kóródy’s modernist furniture
1950s typing chair designed by George Kóródy. Image by Hotel Hotel and U-P.
The modernist furniture of George Kóródy (1890-1957) is unique in Australia.
The experienced Hungarian architect, teacher and designer arrived in Sydney in 1940 bringing both a Central European modernist aesthetic and a commitment to produce simple pieces suitable for the Australian climate. Kóródy became lead designer for Artes Studios in 1947, where he produced a remarkable range of furniture for private clients and the popular market that were regularly featured in magazines of the period.
Although Artes Studios remained prominent for three decades, due to Kóródy’s untimely death in 1957, his contribution was largely forgotten.
This exhibition of highly collectable, privately-owned furniture, dating from 1947 until the mid-1950s celebrates Kóródy’s significant contribution to Australian modernism.
Showing 6-30 September at Nishi Gallery, 17 Kendall Ln, Canberra. Opening: Friday 6 September from 6 – 8 pm.
Normal opening hours: Wednesday – Saturday from 11 – 6.30 pm.
THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW: LOVE IN THE TIME OF BIG BROTHER
Credit: Helen Drum.
A riveting production celebrating strengths across the centuries of poetry and women
Experience the times of real-life poet Anna Akhmatova (1884-1966), with a futuristic twist.
Canberra REP presents Alma de Groen’s powerful play on the Stage at the Canberra REP Theatre (Theatre 3) in Acton, performing from 5 – 21 September.
From the dramatic opening scene of this striking and compelling play, to Anna Akhmatova’s heartfelt poetic call to her Muse at the end, we are head up, tensed, hearts stopping.
In Stalin’s Russia, the internationally famous poet Anna Akhmatova is forbidden to write. Too famous to murder in the gulag like millions of others, she must appear in her window twice a day to satisfy the secret police that she is still obeying house arrest.
In a future cold world, a young woman, Rachel Sekerov, searches for what is missing in her life and the sterile world she inhabits, where literature, science and even Shakespeare have virtually sunk without trace, where a ‘poet’ is a man who researches poetry in the archives, where there is no nature or wildlife or moon or stars.
Stalin’s thugs are threatening to ‘disappear’ poets and poetry, and Rachel’s superiors have declared poetry ‘economically unviable; poets and poetry are threatened with permanent de-listing.
Across the centuries, Anna and Rachel have a mysterious spiritual connection which the play reveals in a wonderful way.
Tickets: Full $45, Concession $38, Preview $35, Under 30s $20 (door sales only).
Preview session: 5 September at 8 pm
Happening 6-21 September from Wednesday to Saturday at 8 pm with matinees at 14, 15 & 21 September, 2 pm at the Canberra REP Theatre, (Theatre 3), 3 Repertory Lane, Acton.
See the website more information.
THE HEART FOUNDATION EARLY MORNING FLORIADE WALKS
The Heart Foundation ACT is hosting early morning Floriade walks everyday, except Sundays, from September 14 to October 13.
These walks are to start a movement to take positive steps towards active living to help reduce stress, have a healthier body and heart, and build stronger relationships. They are here to get everyone moving, no matter where you live or your fitness level.
The walks are held before Floriade opens to the public. It’s a great way to get some exercise, be beat the crowds! Come join in and enjoy the sun, get to know the community and be active!
The Heart Foundation would not be able to offer these walks without the help of their wonderful volunteer Leaders and Walkers.
Free entry.
Happening every Saturday from 14 September until 13 October from 8-9 am at Commonwealth Avenue, Floriade.
See the website for more information.
Craftivism. Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms
Craftivism. Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms is a Shepparton Art Museum curated exhibition, touring nationally by NETS Victoria.
It presents the work of 17 contemporary Australian artists who utilise craft-based materials and techniques with political intent. The artists in this exhibition subvert and extend craft forms as vehicles of activism and social change, exploring the ideas and issues of our time.
Some works encourage social connection and participation in collective processes, others respond to artistic or political movements and yet others reveal that the personal remains political.
Drawing on a long historical lineage, Craftivism. Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms challenges us to see craft in a new light, inviting us to reflect on social participation and political change.
Don’t miss this provocative exhibition, visiting Canberra for the only time.
Happening 6 September–2 February at the Museum of Australia Democracy, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes.
See moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/craftivism for more information.
Old Graham: Collecting in the bush
After buying and restoring ‘Old Graham’ House at Hovells Creek, John and Liz Baker began to collect all sorts of colonial and Australiana items to fill it.
From lost buttons and farm machinery to pokerwork and oil lamps, they found that collecting crept up on them.
Showing until 30 November at Canberra Museum and Gallery.
CELLAR DOOR
Cellar Door is a wine market for Canberra’s wonderful wine scene happening every Saturday from 3-6 pm. 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.
Make a day of it with a film at Palace Electric Cinema and NewActon’s leading food and drink destinations.
Happening every Saturday from 3-6 pm on the Nishi Grand Stair, inside the Nishi Building, Philip Law Street, NewActon.
See the website for more details.
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