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It’s finally here! The Canberra Day long weekend (AKA the biggest weekend of March) and we’re very excited.
This Monday 11 March there’s a public holiday to celebrate Canberra Day and with plenty happening across the three days, it’s one of the most fun-filled long weekends in our calendars.
Whether you’re celebrating the public holiday by attending the Canberra Day festivities, watching the balloons rise at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, or have no plans so far, here’s what’s happening around town this long weekend. And if you need even more inspo, here’s your ultimate cheat sheet for Canberra Day 2024!
Special Events and Festivals
Alliance Française French Film Festival
The highly anticipated 35th season of the Alliance Française French Film Festival is back at Palace Cinemas for a milestone year of must-see French cinema. Between March and April, the world’s largest showcase of French cinema outside of France returns with a programme set to surprise, provoke and enchant. Expect to see charming period dramas, whimsical comedies, tantalising thrillers, and timeless classics. Starring French cinema legends like Juliette Binoche, Laure Calamy, and beloved Catherine Deneuve it is sure to be an unmissable event!
Until Sunday 7 April | Palace Electric Cinemas, Phillip Law Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Held over nine days, in March the Canberra skyline turns into a sea of colour and movement. Marvel at hot air balloons floating across the city as hot air balloons launch each morning from Patrick White Lawns and brave the dawn start for a hot breakfast and stunning views. This event is weather dependent, so keep your eye out for daily announcements if balloons will launch and fly – you can find them on the Enlighten website and via the Enlighten Festival and EventsACT social channels at around 6 am.
Saturday 9 until Sunday 17 March | Patrick White Lawns, Patrick White Lawns, Parkes | More information here.
Bring It On The Musical
There’s no denying that Bring It On still brings it – and now it’s making spirits soar at Erindale Theatre. But you might want to grab your pom-poms and prep your vocal cords, cause this performance has a musical twist. Presented by the Canberra Philharmonic Society (who have assembled one of Canberra’s strongest ensemble casts), the heartwarming comedy with feature a toe-tapping hip-hop score from Hamilton and In the Heights superstar Lin Manuel-Miranda – so you know you’ll be singing and dancing long after the show is over.
Until Saturday 9 March | Erindale Theatre, 115 McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa | philo.org.au
CBR GRRRLS To The Front Vol 2.
This party is a massive celebration of International Women’s Day and you’re invited! Bringing Moaning Lisa, xCherishx, Bad Lunar and Lily Begbie to the stage to provide the tunes and as well as Canberra’s very own Sophie Edwards to DJ late into the evening (so the party won’t be cut short early), $5 from every ticket sold to this event will be donated to the local legends at Girls Rock Canberra. And just like last year, there will be multiple stalls for you to explore in between sets.
Saturday 9 March | The Baso Canberra, 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen | Book here.
Dinos After Dark: Family Friendly Tour
The National Dinosaur Museum will be hosting 60-minute, family-friendly tours after dark. You’ll learn everything from how big sauropods could get, to is Mosasaurus a dinosaur and if the T-Rex really roar as the beasts of the past light up with Enlighten!
Saturday 9 March | National Dinosaur Museum, 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls | Book here.
Street art mural and workshop with Houl and BRT
On Saturday 9 March, street art fans will have the chance to catch well-known Canberra artists Houl and BRT at work as they transform the walls of The Creative Element in Fyshwick with incredible murals.
You can interact with the artists and watch as their work come to life. To make the day complete there’ll be a BBQ sausage sizzle with cold soft drinks and vegetation options, and live music from the Creative Element’s resident DJ HankHertz.
Street Art Extravaganza: Local artists Houl and BRT get Creative at Fyshwick street art mural and workshops.
Saturday 9 March from 9 am, with worships throughout the day. See Eventbrite for tickets and more information | The Creative Element, Kembla Street, Fyshwick | Eventbrite
Symphony In The Park
The legendary Hoodoo Gurus are joining the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for Symphony In The Park and you should be very excited. Why? Cause you’ll be treated to a cinema of sound, as you listen and dance to some of the Hoodoo Guru’s greatest hits, supported by a 40-piece orchestra!
Sunday 10 March | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
Enlighten
Enlighten is back with a bang, baby. Don’t miss out on Canberra’s biggest festival of light, art and food as Illuminations light up some of Canberra’s most loved and iconic buildings, and the city comes to life after dark. And with plenty to see, do and eat, you’ll be kept very busy. To see the full program for the Enlighten Festival visit the website.
Until Monday 11 March | Various locations | More information here.
Before Us: A Night Walk Through Time
Calling all dinosaur lovers, this outdoor and free, family-friendly exhbition is not to be missed. As part of City Illuminations at Enlighten, discover 17 finely crafted illuminated creatures and awe-inspiring interactive performances by Erth. Don’t miss the giant T-Rex!
Until Monday 11 March | Civic Square, Civic Square, Canberra City Centre, Canberra City | 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.
Some things to keep in mind for Monday…
Canberra Day
Shout ‘Happy Birthday Canberra’ and give the gift of supporting your local community this long weekend. Take place in the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run, before enjoying a day filled of entertainment in Commonwealth Park – from eating your way through a range of delicious cuisines to browsing locally-made products, enjoying live music and family activities and more!
Monday 11 March | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Park, Parkes | More information here.
National Sheep Dog Trial Championships
Is this the cutest event ever? The National Sheep Dog Trial Championships are taking over Hall to showcase a unique, inclusive, heritage sport where three species—sheep, dog and person—endeavour to work together to complete a course of three obstacles in fifteen minutes. It is the ultimate level playing field – it doesn’t matter if you are male, female, young, old or in a mobility scooter. Also….dogs!
Monday 11 March | National Sheep Dog Trial Championships, 21 Gladstone Street, Hall Showground, Hall | More information here.
Cockington Green Gardens Canberra Day Fundraiser
Raising money for Canberra Guide Dogs and Raw Potential Canberra, celebrate Canberra Day at Cockington Green Gardens! Offering discounted entry of $5 for all visitors, you’ll be able to venture amongst the beautifully landscaped gardens, marvel at the handcrafted miniature buildings from around the world, experience Cockington Green Gardens aboard their miniature steam train, followed by a pitstop enjoying homemade scones in their Garden Café.
Monday 11 March | Cockington Green Gardens, 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls | More information 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
Retro Depot
The Old Bus Depot Market is bringing back the 60s and 70s with Retro Depot. For one day only you can browse mid-century furniture, funky retro clothing and macramé as well as fashions, jewellery and accessories of times gone by (perfect for decking out your retro wardrobe).
Sunday 10 March | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, Kingston | Book here.
Food and Wine
Clonakilla and Vintner’s Daughter Wine Tour Masterclass
Calling all wine enthusiasts, it’s time to embark on a premium wine tour in and around Canberra! Start your day at Marble & Grain by indulging in a delicious three-course lunch paired with wines from Clonakilla and The Vintner’s Daughter, before travelling to Clonakilla and The Vintner’s Daughter, where you can tour and taste with the experts. Transportation to and from the wineries is included!
Saturday 9 March | Marble & Grain, 25 Mort Street, Braddon | Book here.
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 9 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 10 March | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Exhibitions
Narrow your Focus
Smith’s Window of Wonders Gallery is excited to host an exhibition of paintings by Marco Romero. He is resident artist at the Gorman Arts Centre and these works are the result of his transition from performing arts and filmmaking into visual arts. He says that “Narrowing the focus”, as opposed to amplifying it when directing for stage or film, has been one of the main conclusions drawn from this process. On Fridays and during the weekend, you might find him painting inside the shopfront. It might seem like some avant-garde performance act, but it’s just Marco, painting.
Until Friday 26 March | Smith’s Alternative, Melbourne Building, Canberra City | 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.
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.
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.
Sport
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Western Force
Watch as The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies kick off their first home game of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season against Western Force! You wont want to miss any of the action as they return to play at GIO Stadium.
Saturday 9 March | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Canberra United vs Western Sydney Wanderers
United’s rivalry with the Wanderers has cranked up a notch or two in recent seasons, and this game promises to be a cracker. Go cheer on Canberra United as they battle it out to bring home another trophy this season
Saturday 9 March | Mckellar Park, Walkley Place, Mckellar | Book here.
ACT Speedway with Sprintcars
This will be an action-packed night of dirt racing. Hosting Sprintcars for the first time , ACT Speedway will come to life with an event that’s fun for the whole family.
Saturday 9 March | ACT Speedway, 600 Pialligo Avenue, Pialligo | Book here.
Onyx Lounge at Casino Canberra
Into the UFC? Get ready for an electrifying showdown as the highly anticipated UFC Bantamweight Championship bout takes centre stage at the Onyx Lounge. Watch it loud and live while enjoying some pub eats as current champion Sean O’Malley is set to face off against Marlon Vera in a thrilling rematch.
Sunday 10 March | Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Workshops, webinars and more
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 10 March | Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, LESS Garden, Fyshwick | More information here.
BOLD Bites
Consisting of performances, talks, workshops and films centred around International Women’s Day, BOLD Bites is a three day series of events connecting diverse dance artists from a wide range of specialities and cultures in the ACT. The performing program includes professional and community dance artists as well as international speakers and it celebrates cross- generational exchange of ideas and experiences.
until Sunday 10 March | Canberra Museum and Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Source: hercanberra.com.au
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.
