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Struggling to think of things to do this weekend? Here’s a handy guide to events happening around Canberra.
Perfect for the whole family, from exploring iconic moments in contemporary Australian film to enjoying the return of the Old Bus Depot Markets, you won’t have a moment free.
Six things not to miss
Australians & Hollywood
Elvis is leaving the building – the Canberra-exclusive Australians & Hollywood exhibition is closing on 28 January.
Australians & Hollywood celebrates iconic moments in contemporary Australian film and the people and stories that brought them to life. Don’t miss the chance to relive beloved cinema moments and see rare behind-the-scenes footage, costumes and props.
Highlights include spectacular costumes from ELVIS, Moulin Rouge! and The Sapphires, props from The Power of the Dog and ELVIS, customised steering wheels from Mad Max: Fury Road, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin’s art concept books for Romeo + Juliet and the clapperboard from Dune.
Until 28 January | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Tickets here.
Circus of Illusion
Escape into a world where sawdust and sequins join cutting edge illusions and spectacular magic to create Circus of Illusion, a show that features death-defying escapes, mind-blowing illusions, mime and magic, as well as incredible costumes and world-class artists who will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 January | Canberra Theatre Centre | Tickets here.
Snakes Alive
Fascinated by snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, and crocodiles? Don’t miss the live displays, feeding, and handling of these special Australian reptiles and amphibians this summer. The week-long exhibition showcases a variety of species – many of which are threatened, endangered and rarely seen in the wild or captivity. You can get up close and personal while learning more about these fascinating animals.
Until Sunday 14 January | Crosbie Morrison and Banksia Buildings, National Botanic Gardens, Acton | Book here.
Summertime Market at the Old Bus Depot Markets
After a busy holiday period and a well deserved break, the Old Bus Depot Markets are back for summertime – and it sounds amazing. From freshly baked treats to fresh fruit, handmade goodies and live music, a Sunday visit to the market is always a good idea.
Sunday 14 January | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Emily Kam Kngwarray
Emily Kam Kngwarray celebrates the timeless art of a pre-eminent Australian artist, one of the world’s most significant contemporary painters to emerge in the 20th century. A senior Anmatyerre woman, Kngwarray’s devoted her final years to painting, creating works that encapsulate the experience and authority she gained throughout an extraordinary life. Showcasing an extensive range, this exhbition brings together her most important works.
Until April 2024 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Capital Region Farmers Market
Back after a very well deserved Christmas break, the Capital Region Farmers Market is back to bring us fresh produce, flowers and the ready-to-eat food and coffee. What more could you need? The Capital Region Farmers Market has everything you need.
7 am – 11:30 am, Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Old Well Station Road, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Stage and Screen
Storytime Ballet: Cinderella
Running for under an hour, this narrated version of Cinderella will have children dancing in their seats and all the way home! Retelling the classic tale they know and love, don’t forget to dress up in your favourite ballet-inspired outfit for a magical time at the theatre.
Until Sunday 14 January | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Sunset Cinema
The Sunset Cinema is back with with their signature movie mix of hot new releases, all-time classics and family favourites. Located at the stunning Australian National Botanic Gardens, grab yourself a bottomless popcorn bucket, and a choc-top and head to the Sunset Bar for a refreshing drink. Whether its date night, family night or catching up with your mates Sunset Cinema is this summer’s ‘must do’ experience!
Until Sunday 24 February 2024 | The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Book here.
Music
Bucky’s Big Birthday Bash Blues & Roots Charity Gig
The annual Bucky’s Big Birthday Bash Blues & Roots Charity Gig is back for another year, raising money and support for Rise Above Capital Region Cancer Relief, and in memory Bucky. Marking the 21st time this concert has been held, this is an informal party and music celebration with eight amazing acts and over eight hours of live music. To top it off, there will also be a silent auction for some of Bucky’s memorabilia and lots of raffle prizes drawn throughout the day. All proceeds to Rise Above Capital Region Cancer Support.
Saturday 13 January | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Exhibitions
Nicholas Burridge Solo Exhibition
Head along to the Canberra Glassworks to see a unique exhbition featuring intriguing rock-glass hybrids inspired by the concept of terraforming. Created by Nicholas Burridge, the works touch on themes of geology, time, and industrialisation – serving as a poignant reminder of the immense geological forces that have shaped our planet over millennia.
Saturday 13 January until Sunday 25 February | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Flashback: Fresh Funk Retrospective Exhibition
A special look at Tuggeranong Art Centre’s flagship program and Canberra’s leading hip-hop dance school. Hear stories from program alumni and explore wonderful imagery and memorabilia from over 20 years of classes, shows and competitions.
Until Saturday 27 January | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Reed Street North, Greenway | More information here.
Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize
The National Portrait Gallery is hosting the Art Gallery of NSW’s touring exhibition Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize. Celebrating 100 years of Australia’s oldest and most-loved portrait award and reflects upon the changing face of the nation, this exhbition delves into the controversies and the commonplace, the triumphant and the thwarted, and honours the artists who have made the Archibald Prize the most sought-after accolade in Australian art today.
Until Sunday 28 January | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Nan Goldin
A sequence of 126 Cibachrome photographs by revolutionary American photographer Nan Goldin between 1973 and 1986, The Ballad of Sexual Dependency is Goldin’s most famous work (and one of the cornerstones of contemporary photography).
Decades-long in the making, The Ballad is a rare acquisition for the NGA and a must-see for anyone interested in people and their social and cultural context.
Until Sunday 28 January | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Through Their Lens
Explore the year in news through Australia’s top photographers. The prestigious Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition showcases the talent and dedication of Australian photographers by focusing on excellent visual storytelling. Get ready to be taken on a journey through the world of news, sports, portraiture, and visual essays, where fleeting moments are transformed into unforgettable images that defined the year.
Until Wednesday 31 January | Civic Library, London Circuit, Civic Square, City | More information here.
Visual Expression The Bunker Studio Artists
Visual Expression paintings, drawings and sculptures by The Bunker Studio Artists explores a range of themes and ideas through an individual visual expression strengthened by a supportive group’s diversity and inclusion. Head along to see it for yourself!
Until February 2024 | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Madonna40: A Celebration
Calling all Madonna lovers, the Queen of Pop is coming to Canberra – but she (sadly) won’t be taking the stage. Instead, superfan and collector of all things Madonna, Jerry Kirbell is celebrating his love of the global sensation by presenting a special exhibition of Madonna memorabilia.
Until 3 March 2024 | Canberra Museum and Gallery, Corner London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City | More information here.
Guns & Flowers: Ex de Medici
Ex de Medici grew up and lives in Canberra and is one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists. In this exhbition at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, audiences will have the opportunity to see Medici’s earliest works, made when she was part of the energetic first wave of independent artist-activists in Canberra in the early 1980s, to some of her most recent, travelling from her acclaimed retrospective at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.
Until March 2024 | Canberra Museum and Gallery, Corner London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City | More information here.
Focus: Australian government photographers
Focus: Australian government photographers brings Australia’s government photographers out of the darkroom and into the spotlight.
Between 1939 and 1996, dozens of photographers were employed by government agencies to capture Australian life. This fascinating exhibition delves deep into the lives and work of these talented individuals who helped to preserve our rich visual heritage, including Harry Frauca, Max Dupain, Mervyn Bishop and many more. Focus invites visitors on a journey spanning six decades of Australian life.
Explore a diverse selection of work that includes intimate nature photography, striking architectural shots and images that capture everyday memories from Australia’s past. Step into our virtual darkroom and experience the magic of photography by watching pictures develop before your eyes. Experience the power of photography to shape perceptions, ignite conversation and preserve memories.
Showing until 10 June 2024 | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
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.
Workshops, webinars and more
Family Tour
This interactive tour is for the young and young at heart. Take the kids along to journey through Australia’s coin history – they’ll learn about everything from the convict settlers, through to the gold rush and uncover the amazing robots that help make coins today!
Until Thursday 25 January | Royal Australian Mint, 62-114 Denison Street, Deakin | Book here.
Warehouse Circus School Holiday Program
This is one for kids of all ages – the opportunity to unleash their inner acrobat, clown, and performer. This program is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and cultivate lifelong skills, just like their graduates who shine in the circus spotlight. They’ll discover the magic of circus, where they can flip, twist, and turn!
Until January 2024 | Warehouse Circus, 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Chifley | Book here.
Art Play Space @ The NPG
Free creative activities? Yes please! Drop in to the family space these school holidays to enjoy activities are inspired by portraits in the Gallery’s collection.
Until late January 2024 | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Sport
Canberra Cavalry vs Brisbane Bandits
The Canberra Cavalry are back this summer! Don’t miss them taking on the Brisbane Bandits, it promises to be energetic and entertaining.
Until Sunday 14 January | Narrabundah Ballpark, 3 Naupai Place, Narrabundah | Book here.
Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers
Big Bash returns to Canberra this summer and it all kicks off with Sydney Thunder taking on Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval. See you there?
Sunday 14 January | Manuka Oval, Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Feature image via Facebook.
“We hope this guide helps you make the most of your weekend in Canberra. Whether you’re a film buff, art enthusiast, or simply looking for some family fun, there’s something for everyone in our vibrant city. Enjoy exploring all the exciting events and experiences Canberra has to offer!”
With so many events and exhibitions happening in Canberra, you’ll never be bored! From film screenings and live performances to art exhibitions and markets, there’s always something to do and see. So gather your friends and family, and make the most of your weekend in our beautiful city.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
