Everything you need to know about what’s on this weekend in Canberra
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The final days of Taste Local Week, a two-day yarn show, the Sustainable Street Travel Party…this is just the beginning of what’s happening this weekend in Canberra.
Here’s your curated guide of everything that’s happening around town – and from food to festivals, as always there’s something for everyone.
Special Events and Festivals
Taste Local Week
Hungry? This ten day event showcases a range of local businesses as each of Verity Lane’s six vendors curate a special dish featuring a locally grown or produced ingredient. Think Kangaroo Prosciutto Pizza from Pizza Artigiana, crisp Pineapple Fritters from Rasa Rosa, with cinnamon, honey and vanilla ice-cream, and more…
Until Saturday March 23 | 50 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City | More information here.
Australian Yarn Show 2024
This two-day yarn show promises to unite yarn enthusiasts, specialists and professionals from all corners of Australia. Lots of fun no matter if you’re an experienced crafter, a yarn newbie or simply curious about the world of yarn crafts, this festival is your gateway to knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, felting, embroidery and many other textile arts. Don’t miss the market hall, panel discussions, workshops and more!
Saturday 23 March | Rydges Canberra, 17 Canberra Ave, Forrest | More information here.
Holi and Harmony Day Canberra
Promoting cultural diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging understanding and respect among people from various backgrounds, this is a beautiful event celebrating diversity! It’ll be a big party filled with fun!
Saturday 23 March | Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Parkes | More information here.
Canberra Comedy Festival
The biggest comedy event in Canberra is here to make you laugh through March. Showcasing international, national and local comedians across two big weeks, don’t miss major names like Melanie Bracewell, Akmal, Wil Anderson, and Chris Ryan as they take the stage at various venues.
Until Sunday 24 March | Various venues | Book here.
Sustainable Travel Street Party
Looking for something the whole family will enjoy? Head along to the Sustainable Street Travel Party for a family-friendly atmosphere with food and drink, interactive pop ups, and more! A celebration of sustainable and active travel in the ACT, there will be plenty of fun things to do. Just make sure to make the most of the free travel to and from the street party on all Transport Canberra Bus and Light Rail services!
Sunday 24 March | Corner of Mort and Elouera Streets, Corner of Mort and Elouera Streets, Braddon | More information here.
Dahlicious Festival
A yoga flow class among a field of dahlias, a guided dahlia tour, masterclasses, and more – this beautiful festival is a celebration of design, colour and dahlias. Running for the month of March, check out the program to see what’s happening when.
Until Sunday 31 March | The Commons at Pialligo, 12 Beltana Road, The Potting Shed, Pialligo | Book here.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Journey back in time to discover the wonders of ancient Egypt in this must-see exhibition featuring over 220 objects from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden). You’ll learn all about the lifestyles of the ancient Egyptians, their religion and society, their creativity and their belief in an afterlife where they hoped to live for eternity.
Until September 2024 | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Markets
Little Burley Markets
Offering a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisanal bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats, and much more, you’ll be able to find plenty of goodies at this bespoke lakeside market
8 am – 1 pm Saturday | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Haig Park Markets
Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.
8:30 am – 2 pm Sunday | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta and pet treats.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
Old Bus Depot Markets
With more than 100 stalls (including your old favourites), you’ll have the chance to shop for a brilliant variety of Australian-made, handcrafted and premium products. Sneak a walk around the foreshore while you’re down there.
9.30 am – 2.30 pm Sunday | Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Food and Wine
Luna Saturdays
Have you been to Luna yet? On Saturdays watch the bar transform for an evening where intrigue and luxury intertwine. There will be Cabaret Dancers, DJs and more! Book online or walk in.
Saturday 23 March | Luna, 99 London Circuit, City | More information here
Sunday Soirée
Live music, a Bentspoke pop-up bar and gourmet food and drink offers…what’s not to love? Head along to the Hyatt Hotel for a relaxing Sunday afternoon that will have something for the whole family. Perfect for friends, families and couples looking for a chilled Sunday afternoon catch-up, book ahead or walk in on the day!
Sunday 24 March | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
High Tea At The Atrium
Finger sandwiches, brioche buns, freshly baked scones with cream and jam compote, and a selection of mouthwatering desserts. Yum. Head along to the Atrium Restaurant and Bar for an afternoon of delicious elegance. Did we mention the bottomless Prosecco?
Sunday 24 March | Atrium Restaurant and Bar, 242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson | Book here.
Stage and Screen
After Rebecca
Love Daphne Du Maurier’s novel ‘Rebecca’ ? This searing new solo show fuses the gothic storyline with ‘Farmer Wants a Wife’ to create a thought provoking production that will stay with you long after it’s over. Tackling topics like coercive control, systems that fail to protect women and the consequences of speaking out, it will be beautiful and raw and heartbreaking.
Until Saturday 23 March | ACT HUB at Causeway Hall Kingston, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | Book here.
Helios by Wright & Grainger
The winner of Summerhall’s Lustrum Award at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe is coming to the Mill Theatre at Dairy Road with their latest show. Telling a story about the son of the god of the sun, HELIOS transplants the Ancient Greek tale into a modern-day myth wound around the winding roads of rural England and into the everyday living of a towering city. Told by a single storyteller, this is a collective experience that invites the audience to be part of the story.
Saturday 23 March | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Building 3.3, Fyshwick | Book here.
Spencer
Showing at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, don’t miss this amazing historical drama as it distils the tumultuous life and troubled marriage of Princess Diana (Kirsten Stewart) into a single three-day Christmas at Sandringham. If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s your chance!
Saturday 23 March | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Book Club at The NFSA: Jasper Jones
Watch Craig Silvey’s award-winning bestseller Jasper Jones on the silver screen before discussing the film and novel in a special Book Club at The NFSA event. Special guest Associate Professor Julieanne Lamond will be in conversation with Canberra Writers Festival Artistic Director Beejay Silcox to discuss the gripping coming-of-age mystery.
Sunday 24 March | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Music
The Name’s Bond: The Music Of 007
For one night only, experience every Bond theme meticulously arranged (shaken, not stirred) and performed with spectacular vocals and instrumentation by the Smooth Ops mega 10-piece band. There will also be some impressive lighting and engaging visuals to enhance the experience in this fully-fledged Bond extravaganza! Make sure to dress to impress in your best red carpet attire and grab yourself a martini for a fun night out.
Saturday 23 March | Canberra Southern Cross Club, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip | Book here.
The Faithful Shepard: Music For Easter
This is a concert of beautiful English choral music, held in St Paul’s Anglican Church. Featuring works from the 19th and 20th century (including Edward Elgar’s ‘Benedictus’ Op.34 No.2, Hubert Parry’s ‘Crossing the Bar’, Gerald Finzi’s festival anthem ‘Lo, the Full, Final Sacrifice’), this is a wonderful celebration of Easter.
Saturday 23 March | St Paul’s Anglican Church, Manuka, 70 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | Book here.
Kevin Borich Express: Duets Tour At The Zeppelin Room
Australian music legend Kevin Borich is coming to Canberra with special guest support James Southwell and it sounds like a good time. Delivering his infectious brand of funkin’ rockin’ blues, you’ll want to grab your dancing shoes for this one.
Saturday 23 March | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Glass Heart
The Luminescence Chamber Singers delve 500 years of love songs and break-up anthems in this beautiful hour long performance From Monteverdi’s monumental “Sestina” to music by Sting and the Wailin’ Jennys, head along to hear them explore the fragility of life and love, and the shattering pain of heartbreak (BYO tissues).
Sunday 24 March | Wesley Uniting Church, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
FIREBIRD – National Capital Orchestra
The National Capital Orchestra returns for its 2024 ‘Visions’ series with an exciting program featuring two Canberra composers, a Canberra-born soloist and a full symphony orchestra of local musicians. The program includes Stravinsky’s explosive Firebird Suite, Prokofiev’s 2nd violin concerto performed by Mia Stanton, a Scriabin Etude orchestrated by Sally Greenaway, and Starry Night Over Ubud by Thomas McConochie! See you there?
Sunday 24 March | 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Exhibitions
Life Drawing: Lee Crisp
Presented at the Belconnen Arts Centre, in this exhbition, Lee Crisp looks at the contemporary lives of women from the perspective of the embodied subject. Drawing from life experience as an artist and her love of art history, Lee is reclaiming the female nude as her own by exploring agency, strength, sensuality and sexuality as lived by mature women.
Until Sunday 24 March | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Valda Johnson; Meandering Around the Murry
At Strathnairn Arts this exhibition presents a new body of work by contemporary painter Valda Johnson, depicting scenes from the Murray River and focusing on the patterns and shapes that emerge from the landscape. It’s a beautiful exploration of the differences in landscape and seasons between the Murray from Mildura near Tintaldra, NSW, down to Yarrawonga in Victoria.
Until Sunday 24 March | Strathnairn Arts Association, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information here.
Interwoven 7
Interwoven 7 brings together basketry and textile artists from the Canberra region and the NSW South Coast. Using a range of fibre traditions, combining natural, synthetic and recycled materials, artworks have been created using twining, coiling, looping, stitching and assemblage to reinterpret fibre art from functional vessels to sculptural forms. Born of an idea by artist Gabrielle Powell, this is a beautiful fusion of traditional and experimental works.
Until Thursday 28 March | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Atmo-Spheres: Francis Kenna
Francis Kenna is a Kamberri/Canberra based interdisciplinary artist, who engages a number of different media to explore our experience of space and perception, temporality and the body. In this exhbition, Francis a takes transitory states of atmosphere as a place to begin questions around the mutability of space and humanity’s own experience.
Until Thursday 28 March | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
The Benefit Of Doubt: Fran Romano and Zoe Slee
This exhibition is an experimental project, exploring the idea of self-doubt. Working collaboratively, Zoe Slee and Fran Romano are focusing on concepts of self-doubt, self-image and related preconceptions and biases. But they are being exhibited with a twist: they have each chosen what the other puts up for display.
Until Thursday 28 March | The Window Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Lines Of Sight by Patsy Payne and John Pratt
Lines of Sight by Patsy Payne and John Pratt is the outcome of three years worth of phone conversations and postcard dialogues mostly at a distance of 1,100 kilometres between Darkinjung and Ngunnawal country. The focus of this exchange is a particular zone of the environment between Gulaga and the ocean on the rugged south coast of NSW, in Yuin country.
Until Thursday 28 March | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Layered Land: Time, Fragility, Repair
This is a solo exhibition by Barbara Dawson. Creating a series of drawings and textiles that investigates the way a place is remembered, Barbara’s intention is not to represent the landscape, rather it is to capture and communicate her lived experience of being in it. Through combining and layering different procedures – reclaiming and repurposing materials, drawing, layering, dyeing, stitching – she is able to capture and communicate her relationship and concern for landscape. And remind us we are not separate from it but are inextricably part of it.
Until Sunday 14 April | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
# by Guy Morgan
Guy Morgan’s debut solo exhibition, ‘#’ features Morgan’s ‘Evaporation’ series – a blending of oil and acrylic paintings with archival prints and his acclaimed ArtScreen 2023 project. Exploring the transient nature of creativity, the exhibition also features works from Morgan’s book, ‘The Empire Sells Out’, offering an alternative societal narrative.
Until Sunday 14 April | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
HARD YAKKA
HARD YAKKA delves into the cultural significance of the flannel shirt, a beloved garment transcending social divides from artists to farmers and labourers. Created by UK Frederick, it delves into the intersection of art and labour, drawing on photographic practices, ceramics and pattern to investigate the sensory qualities of disembodied clothing and the memories they invoke.
Until Sunday 14 April | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Surfacing: Exhibition By Moraig Mckenna
Created by Gundaroo-based artist Moraig McKenna, this exhbition explores the narrative of surface and substance through textured ceramic works. Inviting viewers to explore the interplay of materiality and meaning, this exhibition maps her experiences of working with clay, its materiality, and the enduring influence of the ceramic traditions which inform her practice.
Until Sunday 21 April | Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | More information here.
Rosalind Lemoh Solo Exhibition
Head to the Canberra Glassworks to see this new solo exhbition! Born in Sierra Leone and based in Gundaroo, New South Wales, Rosalind Lemoh’s artistic practice deeply examines identity within the Australian context. Serving as a means to explore her identity as a female artist of colour, engaging in a dialogue between personal identity and broader societal narratives, you’ll see a range of found objects that are meticulously replicated in concrete, bronze, aluminium, and for the first time, glass.
Until Sunday 28 April | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
2023 Artist-In-Residence Exhibition: South Facing
Presented in partnership with ACT Parks and Conservation Service and The National Portrait Gallery of Australia, this special exhbition showcases the work of Julie Bradley and Holly Grace completed as part of the annual Craft + Design Canberra Artist-in-Residence program at Gudgenby Ready-Cut Cottage in the Namadgi National Park. You’ll see new amazing bodies of work from both artists.
Until Saturday 11 May | 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, Canberra City | More information here.
Talisman, Tool and Touchstone Exhibition
This is a solo exhibition of contemporary metal work, created as part of the practice-based component of Dr. Oliver Smith’s PhD. Drawing on the long tradition of animal symbolism crafted in metal, drawing on archaeology, anthropology, and a particular Nordic worldview, it’s comprised of four suits of work: Periapts (a series of pendants), Manifest Destiny (a group of small sculptures), Stone, Bone, Iron (another series of small sculptures) and Elemental Arc and the Vital Vector (a collection of coins).
Until Saturday 11 May | 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, Canberra City | More information here.
Ralph Heimans: Portraiture. Power. Influence
This is the first major exhibition of the Sydney-born artist’s work in his home country. Featuring some of the most significant portraits in the artist’s career to date (from early major works such as his painting of HM Queen Mary of Denmark through to his most recent paintings), you’ll see some amazing works that have cemented Ralph Heimans as a internationally sought-after portraitist known for his meticulously realised paintings.
Until Monday 27 May | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Assembly
Assembly brings together eight Hong Kong-born artists from different generations of the diaspora. Amid the current wave of migration, this exhibition explores the act of ‘making sense’ of layers and fragments, of memories and stories, told or untold.
Until Friday 24 May | Australian Centre on China in the World (CIW), The Australian National University 188 Fellows Lane, China in the World Building, Acton | Book here.
Vincent Namatjira: Australia in Colour
This exhibition of acclaimed Western Aranda artist Vincent Namatjira, Vincent Namatjira: Australia in Colour, charts the artist’s career, revealing the power of his painting and the potency of his words. Showcasing Namatjira’s burgeoning artistic practice, this major exhibition brings together paintings, works on paper and moving image from public and private collections nationwide, the exhibition will also feature a selection of watercolours from the national collection by the artist’s great-grandfather and critically acclaimed Western Arranda artist, Albert Namatjira.
Until Sunday 21 July | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Duntoon Estate: Work With All Your Might
Nearly 200 years ago, merchant, philanthropist and politician Robert Campbell was granted 4,000 acres of land – advised by James Ainslie, he established a sheep station on the banks of the Molonglo River. Now, you can see never-before-seen objects and images from the house, families, woolshed and dairy that made up this extensive early estate thanks to this amazing exhibition.
Until Sunday 21 July | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Civic Square | More information here.
A Century of Quilts
This exhibition showcases an often-overlooked art form made almost exclusively by women. Head along to see the National Gallery’s most requested work of art, The Rajah quilt 1841, and other exceptional examples of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century quilts. The exhibition also includes key examples of possum skin cloak designs by leading First Nations artists whose work has revitalised this historically important cultural and artistic tradition.
Until Sunday 25 August | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Materiality…But Not As We Know It
Featuring new and recent works by ten artists and designers, who each have an association with the Canberra region, this exhibition explores what happens when ancient geology becomes a wall treatment – when acid transforms smooth shiny copper into organic dripping furniture – and when rich coloured glass formed into a coolamon holds the cultural knowledge of the flow of water on this Country.
Until late October | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Civic Square | More information here.
Backyard Archaeology
This exhbition at Canberra Museum + Gallery tells the story of thousands of small objects that Steve Brown collected from around an ordinary suburban house and garden. Exploring the history of his property and local area, the exhibition shows how a person can become deeply connected to found objects and how everyday encounters with lost and forgotten things can shape us and give us a ‘sense of place’.
Until early September | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Civic Square | More information here.
Sport
Aussie Peace Walk
This is a two-day intercultural walking festival that draws participants to Canberra from around the world to experience the sights and sounds of the Bush Capital. One of the best ways to see Canberra, choose your preferred distance to walk and connect with others as you walk past through well-maintained gardens, past significant monuments and along bush tracks.
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March | Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | More information here.
ACT Championships: Dragon Boating
Head to Grevillea Park to witness the power, teamwork, and adrenaline of dragon boat racing! The culmination of the regatta season, you’ll watch the action unfolds at Grevillea Park as skilled paddlers compete in thrilling races on the water.
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March | DBACT Championships, Menindee Drive, Barton | More information here.
March Mingle
This is a vibrant new InterCultural community walking event that proudly stands as a partner event with the annual Aussie Peace Walk. All about having fun, don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this new cultural event and celebrate your cultural roots and make new friends in the process.
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March | Lennox Gardens, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla | More information here.
Canberra United vs Wellington Phoenix FC
Canberra United is hoping to bring another trophy home this season, so go cheer them on as they take on Wellington Phoenix FC!
Sunday 24 March | Mckellar Park, Walkley Place, Mckellar | Book here.
Workshops, webinars and more
Floor Talk: Barbara Dawson
Don’t miss Barbara Dawson as she guides attendees through her exhibition, ‘Layered Land: Time Fragility, Repair’ , in an engaging floor talk at M16 Artspace. She will delve into the intricate layers of memory within landscapes as she shares her artistic journey and the techniques she employs to capture the essence of her connection with the natural world. It’s a rare opportunity to gain insight into Barbara Dawson’s unique artistic vision!
Saturday 23 March | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Book Launch: One Little Dung Beetle
A local Canberra author is launching a new book and your invited! One Little Dung Beetle is a counting book all about Australian beetles. The event is free and there will be book readings, giveaways, wild life experts to take children on beetle expeditions and an amazing cake.
Saturday 23 March | 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby | wildbark.org/whats-on
Kitchen Table Conversations events at Kambah Woolshed
Changing the way politics works, challenging the two-party system and giving voters more choice and more say in how they are represented, this is part of a community movement created by people living in the electorate of Bean, on Canberra’s south side, reviving democracy in Australia. Kitchen Table Conversations are a key means of engagement used by Voices groups. They are a structured way to hold inclusive, welcoming and respectful conversations to listen to one another about what matters to each person.
Sunday 24 March | Kambah Woolshed, 61 Springbett Street, Kambah | Register here.
Play Day
Sundays at Dairy Road, one of Canberra’s coolest precincts, just got cuter. Play Day is a free weekly event for kids and their adults, that offers theatrical performances, live bands, water play and activities for open-learning play in Dairy Road’s purpose built LESS Garden. Blending education and fun, don’t miss out on this free event!
Sunday 24 March | Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, LESS Garden, Fyshwick | More information here.
Feature image: Ben Calvert Photography for Taste Local Week.
