This Week in The Can is your essential guide to what’s happening in Canberra. From theatre to sport, food and wine to music, and much much more!

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WHAT NOT TO MISS

CANBERRA DAY

Canberra is turning 106 this year!

Join in the celebrations with a program bursting to the seams with live music and entertainment for all.

The stunning landscape of Commonwealth Park will provide the perfect backdrop for your family day out. Enjoy the thrill of amusement park rides or indulge in a tasty treat from local traders. Relax with a picnic to the sound of live music or join in the children’s activities.

There’s something for everyone this Canberra Day.

Happening Monday 11 March from 2 pm to 7 pm at Commonwealth Park.

Visit enlightencanberra.com more information.

Art, Not Apart

Art, Not Apart is a free contemporary arts festival showcasing emerging and established artists from Canberra and beyond. It’s a day filled with exhibitions, performance art, loads of live music, installations, spontaneous interventions, film and projection works, delicious food and drink and a wild after party. The theme for Art, Not Apart 2019 is ‘Soul and Mortar’.

The festival spreads throughout the iconic NewActon Precinct, Shine Dome, NFSA and QT Hotel.

Happening Saturday 16 March from 1:00pm – 7:00pm.

See the website for more information.

SKYFIRE AT ENLIGHTEN FESTIVAL

Hit104.7 Skyfire is lighting up Lake Burley Griffin on Saturday March 16.

There are great vantage points all around the lake with some of Canberra’s favourite food trucks serving up snacks and meals along with the free play Nerf Arena on the Patrick White Lawns.

Bring your blanket and radio and tune into the live entertainment from Skyfire Central at Regatta Point with Ned & Josh from 6pm. There will be displays and artillery firing by Australia’s Federation Guard at Gallipoli Reach and for the first time a Royal Australian Navy Taipan helicopter display and low flyover by a RAAF C17 aircraft.

At Hit 104.7 Skyfire Central DJ Lenny Pearce from Justice Crew, and pop sensation Samantha Jade will be performing as the sun disappears and we countdown to Hit 104.7 Skyfire 2019 firing from the pontoons and barges anchored in Lake Burley Griffin.

Make sure to crank your radio tuned to Hit 104.7 loud and enjoy the whole Skyfire experience with the firework set to a 20 minute soundtrack. It’s guaranteed to draw Canberra’s Enlighten Festival to a close with a massive bang thanks to the team at Foti International Fireworks and Forch Foti’s famous all out explosive finale.

6pm to 9.30pm, Saturday 16 March. Get there early for a good seat. Fireworks from 8.30pm.

See the website for more information.

Government House Open Day Autumn 2019

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.

10am to 2pm this Saturday 16 March at Government House, Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla. Find out more from gg.gov.au.

Canberra Comedy Festival

Canberra Comedy Festival presents more than 70 comedy shows in the capital over one week in March, bringing the finest comedic talent to Canberra from around the world.

See some of the very best acts from the festival in the Gala on Tuesday 19 March, as well as a variety of shows featuring everything from local Canberra talent to some of the biggest stars on the international comedy circuit.

Performing Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March at various venues. Check canberracomedyfestival.com.au for the full list of shows.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Wake up to the view of hot air balloons floating across the city during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. This mesmerising view is best appreciated from the lawns of Old Parliament House. Held over nine days, more than thirty hot air balloons from across the globe are expected to take to our skies this autumn. Remember to keep an eye out for the special shape balloon.

Each day from 6:15 am pilots will begin inflating their balloons on the lawns of Old Parliament House before ascending into the sky and creating a picturesque backdrop for Canberra’s national attractions.

Flurries of colour, sound and movement complemented by live music and a delicious hot breakfast available for purchase from the Belconnen Lions Club will make your morning one to remember.

Balloon flights are weather dependent. Stay up to date on enlightencanberra.com/balloons, Facebook, Twitter, or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 from 6:15 am for daily information.

Happening Saturday 9 March to Sunday 17 March from 6:15am at Old Parliament House.

See enlightencanberra.com for more information.

Alliance Française French Film Festival 2019

2019 marks the 30^th anniversary of Australia’s most tantalising multi-cultural movie event, the Alliance Française French Film Festival. 

Screening at Palace Electric in NewActon from 7 March – 10 April, this cherished celebration of French culture will be presented by the Alliance Française in association with the Embassy of France in Australia and Unifrance Films. Read more about the program here.

Happening 7 March – 10 April at Palace Electric Cinemas, Philip Law Street, NewActon.

See affrenchfilmfestival.org for tickets and more information.

Inked: Australian Cartoons

Inked features a selection of the best cartoons from the National Library of Australia’s extensive collections.

The exhibition draws from over 14,000 cartoons by dozens of artists, from before the arrival of the  First Fleet in 1788 up to the present. Each work is a time capsule, offering a snapshot of Australian life.

Visitors will be captivated by the works on display by many greats of Australian cartooning, including Will Dyson, Judy Horacek, Michael Leunig, David Low, Phil May, Alan Moir, Bruce Petty, Martin Sharp, Cathy Wilcox and many more.

INKED: PLAY

Come and see the famous Gumnut Babies going off to war. Create your own cartoon or draw a protest sign to hang on our display wall. Get stuck into a book. Find all the hidden Inkie the Echidnas and explore whether the world is doomed or domed.

Inked Play is open daily as part of Inked: Australian Cartoons. Find it by following Inkie the Echidna.

Open 10am to 5pm every day from 7 March–21 July 2019

nla.gov.au

THE BOLD FESTIVAL

Across four days, the BOLD Festival brings together dance artists from a wide range of areas, cultures and countries. Explore their legacies, experiences and careers evolving with age through talks, performances, films and revivals of historic works. Our present lies in our past – BOLD celebrates the changes that come with age.

BOLD Festival honours the legacy and impact of professional and community dance – a platform for the work of older and still-practising artists as a way to explore healthy ageing, the health impacts of creativity and the cross-generational exchange of ideas and practice.

Interdisciplinarity is explored through connections between movement, science, multiculturalism, history and art, with an emphasis on Australian Indigenous dance heritage.

Happening Wednesday 13 – Sunday 17 March at the National Library of Australia.

Cost: $35 – $300.00

Live For Love Art Installation

It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s bold! A new giant inflatable installation by Goldberg Aberline Studio titled Live for Love will be on show on University Avenue at Kambri as part of Enlighten.

Live for Love is one of three artworks being specially created by Goldberg Aberline Studio for Enlighten Festival, and is based on a similar work created by the studio for the 40th anniversary of Sydney’s Mardi Gras last year – 40 years of Love.

Showing 7pm to 10pm each night until 17 March at Kambri, ANU. Find out more at anu.edu.au.

Pop Yum Cha at Natural Nine

Painting on Country

Five senior artists from Tjungu Palya art centre in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia have reinvigorated their ancestors’ practice of painting directly onto the land. Their work, captured in a series of large-format photographs, is both timeless and transient, bridging the ancient and the contemporary.

Exhibition on show at the National Museum of Australia from 15 March to 30 September 2019. Free entry. More information at nma.gov.au.

Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival

The 12th annual Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival will feature close to 200 beers and ciders for tasting from all over Australia.

This family-friendly event featuring live bands, food, entertainment and a wide range of kids’ activities.

Admission: $18 online or $25 at the door. Includes 5 tasting tickets.

Happening Saturday 16 March at Mercure Canberra

See website for more information.

GWS Giants vs Geelong

The GIANTS will take on the Cats on Friday night at UNSW Canberra Oval in Manuka. Get along to see some amazing female athletes in action!

Gates open at 6:05pm with the game starting at 7:15pm. Entry is FREE.

More information and tickets from gwsgiants.com.au.

FOOD & DRINK

Pop Yum Cha at Natural Nine

Summer High Tea at Pialligo Estate

Showcasing a range of sweet and savoury treats by Pialligo Estate, alongside an impeccable range of teas 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.

$60 per person and includes a Glass of Bubbles, Selection of Tea Garden Co. Teas, Selection of sweet and savoury items. For group bookings of above eight guests please contact Pialligo Estate on 02 6247 6060

Happening Sunday  March 17 and March 24 from 11 am to 1 pm or 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Glasshouse, Pialligo Estate.

See the website for more information and bookings.

Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival

The 12th annual Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival will feature close to 200 beers and ciders for tasting from all over Australia.

This family-friendly event featuring live bands, food, entertainment and a wide range of kids’ activities.

Admission: $18 online or $25 at the door. Includes 5 tasting tickets.

Happening Saturday 16 March at Mercure Canberra

See website for more information.

Skyfire at Parliament House

Bypass the hustle and bustle at the lake and watch the night sky light up for Skyfire 2019 from the lawns of Parliament House.

The talented Brass Knuckle Brass Band will entertain visitors in the lead-up to the main event and our fabulous catering team will ensure no-one goes home hungry, with pizza, sweet treats, ice-cream and beverages for purchase.

Put in your pre-orders so you can bypass the queue and enjoy express pickup service on the evening.

6pm to 9pm, Saturday 16 March at Parliament House. Find out more at aph.gov.au/enlighten

Noir x Blanc Party

The ANU Fashion and Beauty Society (FABSOC) presents our annual NOIR X BLANC launch party! Come dressed to impress in your best black or white attire. Join us for a night sure to be a glamorous fashion filled affair not to be missed!

Upon entering our Noir x Blanc party, all guests will receive a deluxe goodie bag and go in the running to win a lucky draw prize. While you’re partying the night away, Canberra Makeup Academy will have you covered offering makeup touch ups throughout the night! Not only this but the best dressed on the night will also win the opportunity to be interviewed by leading Canberra fashion blog, The Fashion Vault. Held at the enchanting White Rabbit Cocktail Room, the event will also feature a professional photographer and DJ to ensure an unforgettable night!

Tickets include canapés and two free drinks so grab your friends and make sure you don’t miss out!

6pm-10pm Thursday 14 March at White Rabbit Cocktail Room. Tickets $25 – $35 from facebook.com.

Monster’s Afternoon Delight

Serene, methodical and exceptionally Monster.

Presenting a new Sunday afternoon blend, Monster Kitchen and Bar is adding a little extra flavour to your signature lazy day with its very own High Tea…

Amidst the hand-crafted furniture, bespoke artwork, and ambient lighting you will find the familiar flavours you have come to appreciate from the team at Monster with a range of exclusive tea flavours by Tea Garden co, tea inspired cocktails, Champagne all complemented by black and gold fixtures.

1pm every Sunday at Monster Kitchen, Ovolo Nishi. Tickets $70 to $120  – more information on facebook.com.

Freestyle Fridays at Vertikal

Join Vertikal every Friday for indoor ski lessons with indoor snow machines and music. Enjoy discounted sessions from $40 or kick back with a Jindabyne Brewing beers on tap or Canberra Distilling Co & Underground Spirits.

Every Friday at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports, Unit 2, Building 3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick. Find out more at vertikalsnowsports.com.

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.

GINX’d

Fire up the group chat, Monster Kitchen and Bar’s pop-up gin garden is happening every Saturday.

Whether you’re after a cheeky G&T or one of Monster’s exclusive gin cocktails we have it all with an ever-rotating list of gin’s, on trend fever tree varieties, Jenga and other fun games there will be something new to discover each week.

Drink up every Saturday for the month of March from 2 pm at Monster Kitchen and Bar, inside Ovolo Nishi.

See Facebook for more information.

SUNSET SESSIONS AT THE LAKES

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

Happening until 29 March at Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, Nicholls.

See the website for opening hours, details and performer schedules.

MUSIC

Canberra Symphony Orchestra – The Power of One

The ‘sorceress of percussion’ Claire Edwardes is one of Australia’s most spectacular soloists and a passionate champion of new music.

In the Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s first Australian Series concert at the National Portrait Gallery, Claire takes the stage alone to present a stunning array of recent solo works by Australian composers. From Michael Smetanin’s Temple for solo temple blocks to Canberra-based composer Benjamin Drury’s Stained Glass for vibraphone and electronics, The Power of One will showcase the remarkable breadth and depth of music written for percussion.

6.30pm-7.30pm Thursday 15 March, National Portrait Gallery. Tickets from cso.org.au.

Luka Bloom

Much loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom is a master of the concert stage. His incredibly gifted electro-acoustic guitar playing guarantees an impassioned live performance.

Luka’s concert arsenal includes both tender and dynamic original material and a surprisingly eclectic selection of other people’s work.

Happening Tuesday 12 March from 8:00pm – 10:00pm at The Basement. For tickets and more information visit ABP .

Nashville Live

For the first time in Australia, Nashville Live, the hit musical production celebrating country music and the stories behind the genre’s biggest hits out of Nashville Tennessee, brings its energy, glamour and magic to stages around the country.

Complete with Grand Ole Opry style announcer, you will enjoy your favourite songs from Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and contemporary greats Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus and more.

Nashville Live is bound to be a night to remember with a stellar international cast proving the fact that there really are only two types of music, Country and Western!

Happening Thursday 14 March from 7:30pm – 9:00 at Canberra Theatre Centre.

Tickets from canberratheatrecentre.com.au.

Tim Minchin – Back

Tim Minchin, internationally renowned award-winning musician, comedian, actor, writer and composer, will return to the Australian stage with his first national tour since 2012.

It will be the Perth-bred artist’s first Australian tour since returning to the country after more than a decade living overseas and the long-awaited follow up to his consecutive sold-out national tours of Tim Minchin Vs the Orchestra in 2011 and 2012.

Happening Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 March from 8pm – 10pm at Canberra Theatre Centre.

Tickets from canberratheatrecentre.com.au.

Badrapper

20 y/o trap producer from Sydney, Badrapper is dropping in for one massive show at UC Refectory.

Supported by Luc1d & Bounscii & Brittany De Marco. More information from ucrefectory.com.

Performing 8pm this Friday 15 March.

NATALIE CLEIN & KATYA APEKISHEVA

Renowned British cellist Natalie Clein plays with a unique combination of passion and delicacy. It’s as though the cello becomes her voice, and she is simply telling us a story through music and emotion.

Boasting the well-travelled resume of a world-class musician, she has forged a distinguished career, regularly performing at major venues and with orchestras worldwide. Known for her dynamic and impassioned performances, she is one of the most original artists of her generation.

For her first full Australian tour she has chosen to work with pianist Katya Apekisheva, a talented chamber musician of great sensitivity.

Performing Thursday 14 March from 7:00pm – at Llewellyn Hall, ANU School Of Music.

For tickets and more information about the event head to musicaviva.

Summer Sunday Sounds at Contentious Character

Each Sunday until 31 March, Contentious Character will bring you a different musician or band to play away the Summer afternoons while you watch the sun set sipping on a Happy Hour Wine of the Day.

Take the kids and they can play games on the lawn, play with the dogs or ogle the kangaroos. Bus pick up and return available from Civic.

Find out more at contentiouscharacter.com.au.

Carriberrie Indigenous VR experience

The story of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander song and dance is being presented through an interactive virtual reality experience. The National Film and Sound Archive allows David Gulpilil and Jack Charles to take you on a journey as you encounter contemporary dancers of Bangarra at the Sydney Opera house and The Lonely Boys doing their thing in Alice Springs. This experience aims to give viewers an in-depth insight into the cultural and historical significance of indigenous dance.

Free event until 1 June from 11 am- 2 pm at The National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton.

See the website for more information.

More local music

Check out BMA and CBR DIY for more local gigs!

STAGE + SCREEN

Canberra Comedy Festival

Canberra Comedy Festival presents more than 70 comedy shows in the capital over one week in March, bringing the finest comedic talent to Canberra from around the world.

See some of the very best acts from the festival in the Gala on Tuesday 19 March, as well as a variety of shows featuring everything from local Canberra talent to some of the biggest stars on the international comedy circuit.

Performing Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March at various venues. Check canberracomedyfestival.com.au for the full list of shows.

THE BOLD FESTIVAL

Across four days, the BOLD Festival brings together dance artists from a wide range of areas, cultures and countries. Explore their legacies, experiences and careers evolving with age through talks, performances, films and revivals of historic works. Our present lies in our past – BOLD celebrates the changes that come with age.

BOLD Festival honours the legacy and impact of professional and community dance – a platform for the work of older and still-practising artists as a way to explore healthy ageing, the health impacts of creativity and the cross-generational exchange of ideas and practice.

Interdisciplinarity is explored through connections between movement, science, multiculturalism, history and art, with an emphasis on Australian Indigenous dance heritage.

Happening Wednesday 13 – Sunday 17 March at the National Library of Australia.

Cost: $35 – $300.

The Full Monty

Drop Everything! Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty, follows six down-on-their-luck steelworkers who are desperately looking for work to support their families when they come up with a bold way to make some quick cash.

Filled with honest affection, big laughs, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show, audiences will be wondering if these lovable misfits will really pull it off.

Supa Productions cooks up an aggressive crowd-pleaser that both entertains and grabs your heart as the guys work to overcome their fears and self-consciousness to discover the power of their strength in solidarity.

Performing at The Q in Queanbeyan 8pm Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 March, 8pm Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 March, and 2pm Saturday 16 March and 23 March. Tickets $45-55 from theq.net.au.

From Amateur to Artist Premiere Screening

“From Amateur to Artist” is a five-part documentary series showcasing the lives and works of five young, Canberran, female artists.

Directed and produced by Julia Faragher, the series explores the journey of five diverse and talented artists: Ali Clinch, an applied theatre practitioner, Faith Kerehona, a street artist/painter, Bre Lily, a jewellery designer, Tina Nikolovski, a photographer and Lucy Sugerman, a singer/songwriter. Dealing with themes such as motherhood, mental health, femininity, social justice, growing up and creativity, this is a film event not to be missed.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A and networking opportunity, and a chance to meet the artists who feature in “From Amateur to Artist.”

6pm, Thursday 14 March at Palace Electric Cinema. $10 per ticket, from fromamateurtoartist-event.getqpay.com.

Joel Ozborn – Knocked out Loaded

When Joel Ozborn, a wide-eyed Australian kid first met The Amazing Johnathan, a crazy American comedian/magician, little did he know his life would never be the same again. Beginning as a captivated fan, Joel ended up stepping behind the curtain and working for The Amazing Johnathan, experiencing adventures he’d never imagined, such as taking in new cities every week across The United States, meeting legends of comedy, drug deals, hit men, a plane rolling over, suicide, being forced face down in the street as the LAPD have their guns drawn on him!

Through all this Joel & Johnathan forged, and maintained, the unlikeliest of lifelong friendships. Now over 25 years later, award winning comedian Joel Ozborn brings this amazing true life story to the stage in his new one man show, Knocked Out Loaded.

Performing 8.30pm-9.50pm Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 March at Canberra Theatre Centre. Tickets available from canberratheatrecentre.com.au.

RAW Comedy 2019 – ACT State Final

Launch into LOLs with RAW Comedy, Australia’s largest and most prestigious open mic comedy competition! For more than 20 years RAW Comedy has seen performers ride that comedy wave, with past competitors including Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Celia Pacquola, Anne Edmonds, Luke McGregor and Rhys Nicholson.

The ACT State Final has whittled down the competitors to the final field. This is it, the best of the best making one final dash to the finish line!

8:30pm Monday 18 March at The Street Theatre as part of the 2019 Canberra Comedy Festival. Tickets from canberracomedyfestival.com.au.

Ivan Aristeguieta – The Fourth Floor

“Congratulations! You’ve made it to The Fourth Floor!”

That’s what Venezuelans say when someone turns forty, and this is the year that Ivan needs to get out of the lift and see what all the fuss is about.

He’s halfway to the rooftop party, and too far up to take the stairs back down. Call it a mid-life crisis or mid-life celebration, Ivan is livin’ la mid-vida loca.

As seen on Have You Been Paying Attention? and star of ABC TV’s Lost in Pronunciation.

Performing 7pm Monday 18 March at Canberra Theatre Centre as part of the Canberra Comedy Festival. Tickets online from canberracomedyfestival.com.au.

Paul Foot – Image Conscious

Greetings! It’s a brand-new show, baybayyy! Ever considered the unique predicament of the soft-shell crab? Paul has. What about the numerous problems of organising a suburban orgy? The catering, for example. It’s an absolute nightmare! A brand new show from the award-winning British, surrealist comedian Paul Foot.

Performing 7pm Monday 18 March at The Street Theatre as part of the Canberra Comedy Festival. Tickets from canberracomedyfestival.com.au.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

World’s Greatest Shave

Sign up today and help shave the world from blood cancer!

Assemble your superheroes and sign up today to the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave and join thousands of Australians shaving their hair and raising money for a great cause. You’ll be taking a brave step to help the 60,000 Australians living with a blood cancer.

Money raised will give families facing blood cancer including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma the emotional and practical support they need and help fund vital research. Visit website to find out more or get involved.

Happening from Wednesday 13 March until Sunday 17 March, from 10:00am at King O’Malley.

See the website for more information.

National Day For Women Living With HIV Morning Tea

The National Day of Women Living with HIV is marked annually on March 9 on the day following International Women’s Day. The AIDS Action Council will be hosting a morning tea on the veranda of the Council offices.

This awareness-raising day was created by Femfatales, a network of women living with HIV of the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA). The Femfatales’ key message this year is “Get Tested, Know Your Status” which encourages and empowers women to take control of their own health by getting tested for HIV. The more women test for HIV, the more we will be able to diagnose and treat women appropriately, address the gaps in testing and tailor the experience to suit women.

This day serves as a reminder that while the number of women in Canberra living with HIV is relatively low, we must not become complacent and allow the assumption that women are not at risk of contracting the virus. Our conversations about testing, prevention and treatment must actively include women.

Happening Tuesday 12 March from 10:30pm – 12:00pm, AIDS Action Council of the ACT, Northbourne Avenue, Turner

Please bring a gold coin donation to help support women impacted by and living positively with HIV.

See the website for more information.

100%hOPE Children’s Choir 2019

100%hOPE Choir of rescued Ugandan children and youth will be bringing their joyful mix of traditional and contemporary African acapella singing, dancing and drumming to Canberra families who can experience Africa without having to leave home.

The concert is free, but tax-deductible gift cards will be available so guests can choose if they wish to help build classrooms and the first ever auditorium at the Choirs primary school in hOPE Village.

4pm Sunday 17 March at Googong Anglican School, 136 Gorman Drive, Googong. Free entry.

For details visit www.100-hope.org

Bold Bandannas Charity Stall

Relay for Life Team  Bold Bandannas is holding a charity stall at the Belconnen Markets to raise funds for Cancer Research, Prevention and Support Services.  They will be selling homemade preserves, pickles, chutneys, and lemon butter, plus a range of hand sewn items, including children’s dress up clothes & hand-knitted dolls’ clothes and quality bric-a-brac.

8 am to 5 pm Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March at Belconnen Markets.

Massive Garage Sale for Rally For Harry

Rally For Harry is having a MASSIVE garage sale!  Expect a four-car garage full of goodies at great bargain prices.

All proceeds go to Rally For Harry. Raising money for a Fully Trained Assistance Dog for Canberra boy Harry. #RallyForHarry

7am-3pm Saturday 16 March at 6 Jauncey Court, Charnwood. Free. Both cash and eftpos accepted on the day.

SPORT + FITNESS

ACT Claycourt International

The ACT Claycourt International are back to back ITF World Tennis Tour UDS$25,000 women’s events. Players from Australia and across the globe will compete for valuable ranking points at the Canberra Tennis Centre.

A free women and girls sports day will be held in conjunction with the event on Sunday 24 March from 9am-11am.

Playing from 18 to 31 March at Canberra Tennis Centre, Lyneham. Find out more at tennis.com.au/act.

GWS Giants vs Geelong

The GIANTS will take on the Cats on Friday night at UNSW Canberra Oval in Manuka. Get along to see some amazing female athletes in action!

Gates open at 6:05pm with the game starting at 7:15pm. Entry is FREE.

More information and tickets from gwsgiants.com.au.

Plus500 Brumbies v Waratahs

The visit of old foes the Waratahs is always a highlight of the Super Rugby calendar. The Plus500 Brumbies currently hold the Dan Vickerman Trophy, given to the overall victor of the games between the two teams but the ‘Tahs will be keen to win the silverware for the first time.

Playing this Friday 15 March at GIO Stadium in Bruce. Kick off 7:45pm. Tickets from brumbies.com.au.

2019 Canberra MS 24 hour mega swim

Join one of Australia’s most popular and fastest-growing fundraising events. Invite your friends and family along to this fun team relay event at the Australian Institute of Sport.

People of all ages and abilities can take part in the MS 24 Hour Mega Swim. Swim for 10 minutes or 4 hours, just ensure a team member is in the pool for the 24 hours.

Happening Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 March from 10 am – 10 am at the Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce.

See the website for more information.

Freestyle Fridays at Vertikal

Join Vertikal every Friday for indoor ski lessons with indoor snow machines and music. Enjoy discounted sessions from $40 or kick back with a Jindabyne Brewing beers on tap or Canberra Distilling Co & Underground Spirits.

Every Friday at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports, Unit 2, Building 3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick. Find out more at vertikalsnowsports.com.

CANBERRA DAY POOL PARTY

Enjoy the Canberra Day public holiday at the Dickson Aquatic Centre.  Live music, featuring some of Canberra’s best acoustic talent, will bring the pool deck to life.

There will be fun for all ages with pool games and prizes throughout the day, with proceeds going to Cystic Fibrosis ACT.

Patrons will enjoy our three pools and splash park during the event. Bring your swimmers and a picnic rug and enjoy the afternoon at Dickson Aquatic Centre.

Happening Monday 11 March from 12pm – 7:00pm, Dickson.  See the website for more information.

Calm Abiding Meditation

Eight-week Meditation course of sequential set of teaching sessions that go for one hour per week, and provide a complete introduction to help establish a daily meditation practice.

Calm Abiding Meditation is a proven and effective way to obtain balance and manage our lives through peaceful means. It reduces anxiety, stress and helps us to live in the moment. Single-pointed concentration and visualisation meditation is a natural process that helps you to focus better on ordinary tasks.

7:45pm to 8:45pm Monday 18 March to Monday 6 May at Nishi Gallery, NewActon.

$140 for eight-week course.

More information from newacton.com.au.

YOGA BY THE LAKE 

Yoga by the Lake is perfect for all experience levels and aims to bring together the yoga community in a beautiful location at Bowen Park in Barton.

With a class every Thursday, it’s a BYO mat event. Entry is free with donations welcome. All ages and experience welcome.

Every Thursday evening from 6 pm at Bowen Park, Bowen Drive, Barton.

See Facebook for more information.

Zumba with Lachlan

Lachlan is a trained American Ballroom and Latin dance teacher who has been instructing Zumba for over three and a half years.

Lachlan hopes to bring a more dance-oriented style of Zumba to Gungahlin. Whether you have been dancing Zumba for years, or have always wanted to try, this is the perfect way to get started.

Exercise shoes and a water bottle are strongly encouraged.

Happening every Monday at 9.30 am at the Gungahlin Club, 51 Hinder Street, Gungahlin.

See Facebook for more information.

MARKETS & FAIRS

OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS – RETRO DEPOT

If you love the brights of the 60s and 70s, mid-century furniture, funky retro clothing and macramé then we know where you need to be. This retro-themed day lets you explore the styles and fashions from the recent past.

What might you find? Being old fashioned is fun again, particularly when it comes to clothes—so browse the fashions, jewellery, and accessories of times gone by to deck out your retro wardrobe. And make your home fashionably nostalgic with retro homewares and furniture.

10am to 4pm, Sunday 17 March at Old Bus Depot Markets, Wentworth Avenue, Kingston.

See website for more information.

Burgmann Twilight Fair

Get along once again (or for the first time) to experience the Burgmann Twilight Fair everyone raves about!

Each year more than 2000 members of the Burgmann parents, friends, and local community come together for a family friendly evening on the grounds of Forde campus. This year the Fair will be held on Friday 15 March and will feature a central community area and main stage surrounded by a wonderful array of food, drinks, and entertainment.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome so bring friends, neighbours and family along! Proudly supported by our Parents & Friends, you can visit more than 20 stalls including hot food, cakes, salads, fairy floss, sweets, cold drinks, trash and treasure, high quality pre-loved books plus much more.

There will be entertainment for all ages with a student-run world’s greatest shave, competitions, sideshow alley, Daleks, a magic show, petting zoo, carnival rides, plus free entertainment on the main stage.

Find out more on Facebook.

ACT Miniature Show And Dollhouse Fair 2019

Each year the ACTME club members create a themed exhibition for the public to view. This year our feature display will be ‘Magnificent Manor’. A club project bringing together the artist and creative talents of our members.

If you are creative and love miniatures, consider becoming a club member. The show also offers items for sale from a selection of local and interstate artisans and traders.

Happening Saturday 16 March from 10am – 4pm at Weston Creek community Centre, Whitney place (just off Parkinson Street) Weston ACT (adjacent to Cooleman Court).

Admission: Adults $6.00; Children aged 5-12 $3.00; Children under 5 free.

See website for more information.

Australian Native Plant Society Autumn Plant Sale

The annual Australian Native Plant Society (Canberra Region) Autumn Plant Sale is the best range of Australian plants in Canberra including many local species; overall there will be more than 500 species and cultivars.

There are climbers, container plants, ferns, grasses and clumping plants, ground covers, herbaceous plants and small, medium and large shrubs as well as trees. With over 50 years’ experience growing Australian plants in the Canberra region, ANPS Canberra specialises in providing well labelled, good quality, competitively priced plants ($6-10 each pot) which are ideal for new and established gardens. Autumn is a good time to plant too.

Do bring your own bags and boxes to take away your purchases. Come early to get the best choice.

Happening Saturday 16 March from 8:30 – 1:30pm at Southern Car Park of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

See the website for more information.

NORTHSIDE FAMILY MARKETS

Northside Farmers Markets brings you the best quality fresh produce from the region. Select from leafy vegetables, free range pork, pastured eggs, luscious peaches and juicy apples.

Grab a sit and enjoy the amazing aroma and refreshing taste of our freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy with some pastry or bakery product. Do all your weekly grocery shopping while enjoying the spacious and sunny atmosphere. Brings friends and family and friends, share a cuppa and stories from your week.

Happening every Saturday from 9.30 am – 4.30 pm at Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham.

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

NGA PLAY: SALLY SMART

Sally Smart invites visitors to enter a Ballets Russes inspired world of colourful cut-out assemblages and activities. Participants can create their own costumes and headwear before stepping into their own performance, dancing alongside projections of Brooke Stamp who has responded to the original dances with her own dance improvisation. The space also unfolds to reveal immersive places to create personal narratives in pencil and felt, blackboard activities and paper construction.

Happening until 31 March at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes.

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.

FRIDAY WITH A FRIEND

An engaging tour of the NGA collection for people with dementia and their carers. This event is free however it is recommended that participants register interest.

Happening 10.30am – 11.30am every Friday at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS TOUR 

The National Portrait Gallery offers a free thirty-minute tour of their Collection every day. Explore the building and be immersed into the artistic world. Learn some background information on specific works and the artists behind the masterpiece.

Participants should feel free to ask any questions. Guides are more than happy to answer.

Happening daily until 22 April at 11.30am at the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes

See the website for more information.

OUTDOORS 

The Carramar Koala Quest

In search of a new adventure? The Carramar Koala Quest is a larger-than-life Koala sculpture trail throughout the Australian National Botanic Gardens and at select partner locations. Each koala has been created by a different artist and is named with its own story to tell. Get the koala map and set off on a discovery trail to find the 20 unique koalas.

The koala trail will be at the Gardens throughout the month of March. They will also feature in Luminous Botanicus IV, an after dark event that will light up the Gardens’ plants from the Rainforest to Red Centre.

9 am to 5 pm daily until 31 March at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Find out more at anbg.gov.au.

Critters of the Eucalypt Forest

Take a short walk with a ranger and learn about the potoroos and other important inhabitants of the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Eucalypt Forest and get back in time for “Koalas in the Canopy”.

This wildlife walk is suitable for all ages, there are no bookings required and the cost is included in the Reserve entry fee.

Available Saturdays, 2 pm – 2.45 pm until 29 June. Meet at the koala enclosure in the Eucalypt Forest.

Find out more at tidbinbilla.act.gov.au

Koalas in the Canopy

From 2.45 pm – 3.15 pm every Saturday until 29 June 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.

Find out more at tidbinbilla.act.gov.au.

WETLAND WONDERS

Take a walk with a ranger through Tidbinbilla’s wetlands to learn about its amazing inhabitants and if you are lucky catch a glimpse of an elusive platypus.

Entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required. Arrive early to explore the rest of the sanctuary or the eucalypt forest.

Happening until 31 March from 4pm-4.30pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River

Find out more at tidbinbilla.act.gov.au.

YOGA BY THE LAKE 

Yoga by the Lake is perfect for all experience levels and aims to bring together the yoga community in a beautiful location at Bowen Park in Barton.

With a class every Thursday, it’s a BYO mat event. Entry is free with donations welcome. All ages and experience welcome.

Every Thursday evening from 6 pm at Bowen Park, Bowen Drive, Barton.

See Facebook for more information.

KIDS

World Storytelling Day

Be part of a worldwide event! Bring a picnic rug and join us to celebrate World Storytelling Day in the Gardens with the ACT Storytellers Guild. Talented oral storytellers from Canberra’s own guild will transport the audience with myths and legends from around the world, or out of their imaginations.

Let the words carry you away. For lovers of stories of all ages.

Australian National Botanic Gardens. Café lawn. 10am to 12 noon,  Sunday 17 March. Free.

DRESSUP: CHANGE THE WORLD

Discover the incredible journeys of some of the world’s most inspiring people, taking the time to walk in their shoes in DressUP: Change the World.

Connect with the lives of historical and contemporary figures, including Frida Kahlo, Adam Goodes, Beyoncé, and many others, by dressing up in their most iconic outfits.

Immerse yourself in their stories of triumph as they go from ordinary people to visionary leaders who have made a difference in the world. Listen to their stories and learn about the challenges they overcame to leave their mark.

Visitors can also tell their own story in the new Zine Lounge. Whether you prefer writing or sketching, the Zine Lounge lets you carve out a space for your voice to be heard.

This engaging exhibition space provides a bold and quirky environment that will inspire young people and asks them “How will you change the world?”

On until 31 December 2019 at the Museum of Australian Democracy Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

LITTLE GRIFFINS

The National Capital Authority’s popular and entertaining Little Griffins program for children four years and under and their parents and carers is back for 2019, every Friday from 10 am – 11 am at the National Capital Exhibition, Regatta Point.

The free, fun and interactive session will include building with DUPLO, songs, stories, and games. No bookings required – just come along!

Happening every Friday from 1 am at the National Capital Exhibition, Regatta Point.

Visit nca.gov.au for more information.

The Carramar Koala Quest

In search of a new adventure? The Carramar Koala Quest is a larger-than-life Koala sculpture trail throughout the Australian National Botanic Gardens and at select partner locations. Each koala has been created by a different artist and is named with its own story to tell. Get the koala map and set off on a discovery trail to find the 20 unique koalas.

The koala trail will be at the Gardens throughout the month of March. They will also feature in Luminous Botanicus IV, an after dark event that will light up the Gardens’ plants from the Rainforest to Red Centre.

9 am to 5 pm daily until 31 March at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Find out more at anbg.gov.au.

MATHSALIVE! 

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

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

Happening daily from 9 am – 5 pm until 17 March at East Space, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place, Parkes. Free admission.

More information on the website. 

PLAYUP

After an exciting transformation, the imaginative family space in the Museum of Australian Democracy has all-new hands-on activities to educate, excite and challenge young minds.

This creative exhibition space celebrates the role of children in our community and provides a welcoming environment for families to engage in the rights and responsibilities of children through imagination, discovery, role-play and fun.

Happening every day from 9 am – 5 pm at the Museum of Australian Democracy, King George Terrace, Parkes. Entry costs vary.

Visit the website for more details.

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. 

EXHIBITIONS

Inked: Australian Cartoons

Inked features a selection of the best cartoons from the National Library of Australia’s extensive collections.

The exhibition draws from over 14,000 cartoons by dozens of artists, from before the arrival of the  First Fleet in 1788 up to the present. Each work is a time capsule, offering a snapshot of Australian life.

Visitors will be captivated by the works on display by many greats of Australian cartooning, including Will Dyson, Judy Horacek, Michael Leunig, David Low, Phil May, Alan Moir, Bruce Petty, Martin Sharp, Cathy Wilcox and many more.

INKED: PLAY

Come and see the famous Gumnut Babies going off to war. Create your own cartoon or draw a protest sign to hang on our display wall. Get stuck into a book. Find all the hidden Inkie the Echidnas and explore whether the world is doomed or domed.

Inked Play is open daily as part of Inked: Australian Cartoons. Find it by following Inkie the Echidna.

Open 10am to 5pm every day from 7 March–21 July 2019

nla.gov.au

Painting on Country

Five senior artists from Tjungu Palya art centre in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia have reinvigorated their ancestors’ practice of painting directly onto the land. Their work, captured in a series of large-format photographs, is both timeless and transient, bridging the ancient and the contemporary.

Exhibition on show at the National Museum of Australia from 15 March to 30 September 2019. Free entry. More information at nma.gov.au.

onetoeight: Australia’s first prime ministers

Visually arresting, humorous and thoughtful, Canberra-based artist Alison Alder reinterprets and reinvigorates portraits of the first eight prime ministers in onetoeight, a contemporary art exhibition. Developed from Alder’s fellowship with the Australian Prime Ministers Centre and motivated by the early period of our nation’s democracy, onetoeight brings these important historical figures a little bit closer to us.

Inspired by a picture of Stanley Bruce’s cabinet where they were all wearing a lapel badge, Alder presents each prime minister wearing at least one badge to reference a key aspect of their time in office. Neither explicitly positive or negative, we are left to form our own opinion.

Through the portraits, intense patterned wallpaper honouring the prime minister’s wives and a Term-O-Meter animation tracking the changing political hues of individuals and governments, Alder gives us a sense of our nation’s history that is lively, dynamic and parallels the present day.

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

The Carramar Koala Quest

In search of a new adventure? The Carramar Koala Quest is a larger-than-life Koala sculpture trail throughout the Australian National Botanic Gardens and at select partner locations. Each koala has been created by a different artist and is named with its own story to tell. Get the koala map and set off on a discovery trail to find the 20 unique koalas.

The koala trail will be at the Gardens throughout the month of March. They will also feature in Luminous Botanicus IV, an after dark event that will light up the Gardens’ plants from the Rainforest to Red Centre.

9 am to 5 pm daily until 31 March at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Find out more at anbg.gov.au.

National Photographic Portrait Prize

The National Photographic Portrait Prize is an annual event intended to promote the very best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers.

On show daily at the National Portrait Gallery until 7 April. Find out more at nppp.portrait.gov.au.

Life Through the Lens

This photographic display highlights just a few of the 3,000 Commonwealth documentaries and educational short films in the Film Australia Collection, which recorded life as it was lived in Australia during the 20th century.

The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) is the proud custodian of the Film Australia Collection, preserving and providing access to the nation’s documentary record – our collective memory. The works in this photographic display are still frames taken during the production of the films.

On show daily at the NFSA until 31 May. Find out more at nfsa.gov.au.

LOVE AND DESIRE

Discover a stunning world of Love & Desire as the Tate’s pre-Raphaelite masterpieces come to Australia for this Summer’s most romantic exhibition.

Fall in love with John Everett Millais’ Ophelia and John William Waterhouse’s The Lady of Shalott, as the Tate’s most visited works of art leave the gallery together for the first time.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of brilliant colour, meticulous detail and exquisite layering in paintings inspired by the great love stories of history and literature.

Showing until 28 April at The National Gallery of Australia, Parkes from 10 am.

For more information visit National Gallery of Australia. 

A Tale of Two Villages

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.

Showing at Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, Victoria Street, Hall each Thursday 9am-12pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Find out more at museum.hall.act.au.

A grain of gold – studio glass by Holly Grace

Holly Grace’s new exhibition explores the history and motivations behind early European settlement in the Australian Highlands. She examines their search for material wealth within a landscape of immaterial beauty, juxtaposing the two through imagery painted, etched and projected onto glass objects.

These forms are based on items found in huts throughout the region, fusing place to object creating a transportable memory. Holly uses her immense set of technical skills to take her audience on a journey through the history of this area reflecting on its original occupants, colonialist transformation and modern state.

Showing at Beaver Galleries in Deakin until Sunday 17 March. Find out more at beavergalleries.com.au.

‘Clouds: Ethereal Splendor Above’ – Marilyn Hutchinson and Steffie Wallace

This exhibition, by two different artists, provides depictions of clouds in all their floating and ephemeral diversity. The exhibition presents imagery of clouds and their diversity, beauty and changing nature. The works will be in oil, soft-pastels and photography.

The theme of this exhibition is clouds and their diversity, beauty, and changing nature. The sky gives perspective to our existence: it is limitless and ever-changing, yet provides a constant in our visual perception. Dark at night, light during the day, the clouds give beauty and substance to the sky, inciting emotions ranging from inspiration to fear, depending on the weather they bring. The sheer magnificence of cloud formations give us an ever-changing landscape in the sky: spiritually uplifting and frequently providing hope when none seems forthcoming. Both in our darkest moments and in celebratory joy, we often turn to the sky above.

Showing Thursday 7 to Sunday 31 March at Strathnairn Arts Homestead Gallery 1 and 2, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt.

Glyphs: homage to country – paintings, works on paper & sculpture by GW Bot

Through her unique visual language of glyphs, GW Bot maps the landscape – not literally, but intuitively – with her markings always born from personal experience. “In my art, glyphs are the language of the landscape, a very intimate process of mark making that comes from the land itself.

It is a visible and physical collaboration with nature in all of its forms and moods, the shapes of rocks, mountains, trees and dry lakes, the grasses and the wind in the grass as well as the changing conditions of light.”

Showing at Beaver Galleries in Deakin until Sunday 17 March. Find out more at beavergalleries.com.au.

DRESSUP: CHANGE THE WORLD

Discover the incredible journeys of some of the world’s most inspiring people, taking the time to walk in their shoes in DressUP: Change the World.

Connect with the lives of historical and contemporary figures, including Frida Kahlo, Adam Goodes, Beyoncé, and many others, by dressing up in their most iconic outfits.

Immerse yourself in their stories of triumph as they go from ordinary people to visionary leaders who have made a difference in the world. Listen to their stories and learn about the challenges they overcame to leave their mark.

Visitors can also tell their own story in our new Zine Lounge. Whether you prefer writing or sketching, the Zine Lounge lets you carve out a space for your voice to be heard.

This engaging exhibition space provides a bold and quirky environment that will inspire young people and asks them “How will you change the world?”

Happening until 31 December at the Museum of Australian Democracy Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

BREAKING THROUGH: 75 YEARS OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the website for more information.

BEHIND THE LINES 2018

Venture down the rabbit-hole for Behind the Lines: The Year’s Best Political Cartoons 2018, with this year’s theme Curiouser and Curiouser inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Kids of all ages can visit the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland at MoAD for dress ups, games and adventures.

Step through the Looking Glass and dress up as the colourful and curious characters of Wonderland including Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat or the Mad Hatter.

There is also a wall of crazy mirrors that will stretch or shrink you and games with a special Wonderland twist that will delight the whole family.

Older kids can go on a cartooning trail through the exhibition, following clues and learning about the art of political cartooning.

While the children are entertained in Wonderland, parents can grin, smirk and grimace at the cartoons that explore the unexpected twists and turns of politics in 2018.

For more information visit www.moadoph.gov.au/family. 

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.

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.

MATHSALIVE!

MathsAlive!, the one-of-a-kind interactive maths and science exhibit, allows children to experience how maths plays a role in our everyday lives through sports, nature, robotics, design, dancing, movie-making and more. Ride in a live-action snowboard race, control a Mars rover, design your own 3-D animation or capture your image in a 360 freeze-motion video. 

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

Free admission. Open daily 9 am – 5 pm until 17 March at East Space, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place, Parkes.

More information on the website.

THE ANTARCTICA EXPERIENCE: A VIRTUAL REALITY ADVENTURE

Antarctica as you’ve never seen it before

Travel to Antarctica using the latest 360-degree virtual reality technology and follow in the footsteps of the scientists researching this mysterious continent.

Explore Antarctica from a helicopter cockpit; cruise through icy waters to meet a penguin colony; visit Davis Station and learn about daily life in these harsh conditions; and marvel at the spectacular Southern Lights.

An immersive theatre experience only at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

On until 26 June at the National Museum of Australia, Acton.

For tickets and session times visit nma.gov.au/antarctica.

Nature’s Spectral Arch

Acclaimed artist Sharon Field returns to Suki & Hugh Gallery with her second solo exhibition, entitled Nature’s Spectral Arch. It explores aspects of a changed environment around the former slate mining village of Corris, Wales where the artist recently completed a month-long artists residency with Stiwdio Maelor. With time, nature is reclaiming this once degraded landscape with a gentle persistence and dignity.

Showing until 24 March 2019 at the Suki & Hugh Gallery, Bungendore. See the website for more information.

ALL SHOOK UP: SNOW DOMES FROM THE COLLECTION OF SALLY HOPMAN.

Autumn is here but snow is still falling at CMAG. View Sally Hopman’s collection of over 500 snow domes, from the classic to the kitsch and everything in between.

Showing until 17 March from 12 pm – 5 pm daily at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra. Free entry.

See the website for more information.

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.

Entry is free as always, and this event runs until 11 July. For more information, check out the War Memorial website.

THE HIDDEN SEX

Solo exhibition by Julie Ryder, exploring creative ways of using seaweed as a medium for artistic expression and incorporating natural dyes and threads for further embellishment. Botanical and algae collections were a popular pastime for women in the 19th century, and their drawings or paintings are an inspiration for the artist who uses them as a contemporary metaphor for gender inequality.

Ryder also pays homage to the Victorian passion for science, seaweed and botany from the women’s point of view, with a series of wall pieces that will include digital prints in the way of large glass microscope slides.

Held until 16 March at Craft ACT, London Circuit. Open Tuesday to Saturday.

See website for more information.

ELECTRIC! PORTRAITS THAT POP!

Celebrate the Gallery’s 20th birthday summer with Electric! Portraits that pop! The collection exhibition features a mix of bright, bold and colourful paintings, prints and photographs, and buoyant video portraits.

Happening until 22 April at the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

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 cultural collecting institutions, business and industry, and audience.

Showing until 16 March at Craft ACT, London Circuit.

See the website for more information.

Facing new worlds 

This summer the Robert Oatley Gallery is curated with a focus on the relationships forged between Europeans and Indigenous peoples during the formative Age of Empire – roughly the 1760s to the 1840s. The rehang explores both how these relations of mutual interest formed, and what effects they had in the making of modern life in the southern hemisphere.

Showing until 22 April at the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes.

See the website for more information. 

CARTE-O-MANIA!

Drawn from the NPG’s burgeoning collection of cartes de visite, Carte-o-mania! celebrates the wit, style and substance of the pocket-sized portraits that were taken and collected like crazy in post-goldrush Australia.

Showing until 22 April at the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes.

See the website for more information.

Finders keepers: collectors and their stories

Peek into the personal collections of five fascinating collectors. Diverse, rich and often surprising, these collections are brimming with stories. Dedicated to the act of preserving and collecting, the exhibition tells the stories of individuals through the objects they chose to safeguard revealing extraordinary stories about the ideas, individuals and events that have shaped the nation.

From cherished mementoes of political careers, to well-worn protest T-shirts, each collection takes you on a journey through Australia’s democratic history. Families can explore the exhibition and discover what makes collectors tick with fun, hands-on Finders Keepers Collector Kits.

Finders Keepers asks why do people collect, why do museums collect and what do our collections say about us? With 269 objects on display, the most in the history of the museum, Finders Keepers unveils the collector in us all and invites you to share your own collection story.

Showing until 31 August at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes.

See the website 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.