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Another of autumn’s signature short weeks, this time for Anzac Day.
Regardless of the shortness, this week will see Canberra come to life– from AFL to Shannon Noll and Canberra Wine Week, as well as the unveiling of the new-look Australian War Memorial in time to commemorate Anzac Day 2024.
Special Events and Festivals
Canberra Wine Week
Join in the delicious fun for Canberra Wine Week, where Canberra’s vineyards and wineries will be taking over bars and restaurants to showcase the fantastic wine of the Canberra District.
Monday 22 – Friday 26 April | Various venues across the Canberra region | stompfest.com.au/full-program
Anzac Day 2024
On Thursday 25 April 2024, the Australian War Memorial will mark the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served and died in military operations. The 2024 Anzac Day commemorative program includes:
- Dawn Service at 5.30 am
- RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March at 9.30 am
- Last Post Ceremony at 4.30 pm
Tickets are not required to attend the Dawn Service and Veterans’ March, however tickets to enter the galleries and attend the Last Post Ceremony on Anzac Day are now fully exhausted.
Thursday 25 April from 5.30 am | Australian War Memorial | awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day
Dance Week 2024
Did you know that Ausdance ACT hosts the largest Australian Dance Week program in Australia?
This year, The Dance Week 2024 lineup is extraordinary and highlights the growing strength of dance, both professional and community, in Canberra and surrounds.
Australian Dance Week provides the opportunity for to turn the spotlight on Canberra’s incredible local dance scene. This is the time to get out and try a new dance experience, see a show, take a class and celebrate dance.
See the full lineup of events here.
29 April – 5 May | Various venues across Canberra | ausdanceact.org.au/australian-dance-week
The Sir George April Market
Whether you’re a long-time local or a first-time visitor, The Sir George Markets in Jugiong promises a memorable experience filled with discovery, delight, and a true taste of the community spirit and country hospitality that defines The Sir George.
Featuring local producers and artisans, entertainment and delicious meals and evening wine stalls, join us for an amazing day out in Jugiong.
Cost: Free. The local school manages the entrance and attendees are encourage to make a gold coin donation in support of the school.
Saturday 27 April from 10 am – 3 pm | The Sir George Hotel, 320 Riverside Drive, Jugiong | sirgeorge.com.au/the-sir-george-markets
Circus Spectacular & Infamous Cabaret
Two great shows – Infamous Cararet and Circus Spectacular – under one roof until 18 May!
Whether you’re looking to entertain the family this school holidays, or for a fun date night, it’s all on offer in the big top at Majura Park until 18 May!
Tickets start from $16 for Circus Spectacular and $62 for Infamous Cabaret.
Daily shows until 18 May | Majura Park | Infamous Cabaret | Circus Spectacular
Egyptian Lanterns
Construct, decorate, and light up a fanous-style Egyptian lantern these school holidays! Running across two sessions daily (10 am – 11 am and 11.30 am – 12.30 pm), at the National Museum of Australia, your five to 12-year-olds can learn about the significance of these colourful lanterns in both ancient and modern-day Egypt, then construct their own lantern using laser-cut plywood. Pop in an LED tealight to see it shine!
Spaces are limited, so bookings are essential.
Weekdays until Wednesday 24 April | $25 per child, $21 for friends of the Museum, accompanying adults free | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Canberra and Region Heritage Festival
The annual Canberra and Region Heritage Festival is back with a bang! You’ll need to plan ahead for this one because the jam-packed program has more than 120 events. It’s a great opportunity to learn about Canberra’s history from exhibitions and workshops to hands on activities. Visit their website to stay up-to-date with what’s happening!
Until Sunday 28 April | Various locations | More information here.
Jewellery Making
For one day only during the school holidays, your child can discover the beauty and cultural significance of ancient Egyptian jewellery in this captivating beading workshop.
Suitable for ages eight to 14 years old, they’ll explore the fascinating symbolism, materials, and techniques of ancient Egyptian jewellery makers and join specialists from Canberra Glassworks to create their own unique pieces of beaded jewellery. There are very limited spaces, so get in quickly!
Friday 26 April | $20 per child, $17 for friends of the Museum, accompanying adults free | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | 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.
Food + Wine
Canberra Wine Week
Join in the delicious fun for Canberra Wine Week, where Canberra’s vineyards and wineries will be taking over bars and restaurants to showcase the fantastic wine of the Canberra District.
Monday 22 – Friday 26 April | Various venues across the Canberra region | stompfest.com.au/full-program
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 Saturdays | 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 Sundays | 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.
Sundays from 7 am – 11.30 am | Canberra College, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | Facebook
Stage and Screen
Reuben Kaye: Apocalipstik
Loud, politically active, queer, brash – multi-award-winning Australian comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye returns to Canberra with this brand-new epic work Apocalipstik.
Part eulogy, part elegy, part Eastern Bloc Dog Day Afternoon, this scandalous story of Reuben’s scoundrel Uncle springboards into a cabaret that crosses continents, generations and the political spectrum of the 20th century.
Friday 26 April at 8 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/reuben-kaye-apocalipstik-2024
The Shoe-Horn Sonata by John Misto
Based on true events, the Shoe-Horn Sonata is a compelling revelation of the experiences of women imprisoned by the Japanese in WWII told through two who meet again fifty years later. First performed at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre in 1995 (and the winner of Australia Remembers National Play Competition in 1995 and the Play Award for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards 1996), head to the Mill Theatre at Dairy Road to see it for yourself.
Until Saturday 27 April | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Building 3.3, Fyshwick | Book here.
Music
Shannon Noll ‘That’s What I’m Talkin’ About’ 20th Anniversary Tour
Shannon Noll’s everyman appeal lies in his honesty and instant relatability. Nollsie’s rise to fame as the runner-up of the record breaking first series of Australian Idol, saw him go from being a farm hand in Condobolin, to one of Australia’s most cherished and recognised recording artists and entertainers.
In 2024, Nollsie is celebrating 20 years since the release of his multi-platinum debut album That’s What I’m Talkin’ About, with a special 20th Anniversary album release and national tour.
Friday 26 April, 7.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/shannon-noll-2024
Kita Alexander: Young In Love Album Tour
Don’t miss rising star Kita Alexander as she comes to Canberra following her sold-out debut Australian tour earlier in the year. Making a name for herself in the music industry with a string of new singles, this tour for the highly awaited debut album ‘Young in Love’ will see her play fresh material off her upcoming album and some of her hits.
Saturday 27 April | UC Hub, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | Book here.
Exhibitions
Place
In this playful exhibition, Alexander Thatcher pays homage to two things: his love for creating tiny ceramic architecture and his passion for clay.
It’s his hope that when you explore this exhibition of tiny buildings (or take one home), they ignite your imagination and fill your heart with wonder.
Until 19 May | The Nook, Belconnen Arts Centre | Find out more 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.
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.
Sport
Giants v Brisbane Lions
Don’t miss the pre-game Anzac Day commemorations, before settling in for a Thursday night blockbuster, as two of the 2023 preliminary finalists go head to head in what shapes up to be a critical clash. Make the most of the face painting, inflatables, food and more!
Thursday 25 April | Manuka Oval, Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies v Hurricanes
In an ANZAC special round, the Brumbies will be facing the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium. Don’t miss any of the action, visit the website and book your tickets now!
Saturday 27 April | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Raiders v Sharks
Don’t miss out on a big afternoon of footy, with a triple-header of games. The Raiders Jersey Flegg team kicks off at midday, followed by the NSW Cup team. Then the Raiders take on the Sharks in ANZAC Round. See you there!
Sunday 28 April | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Feature image: Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.
Workshops, Tours + Talks
Egyptian Lanterns
Construct, decorate, and light up a fanous-style Egyptian lantern these school holidays! Running across two sessions daily (10 am – 11 am and 11.30 am – 12.30 pm), at the National Museum of Australia, your five to 12-year-olds can learn about the significance of these colourful lanterns in both ancient and modern-day Egypt, then construct their own lantern using laser-cut plywood. Pop in an LED tealight to see it shine!
Spaces are limited, so bookings are essential.
Weekdays until Wednesday 24 April | $25 per child, $21 for friends of the Museum, accompanying adults free | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Canberra and Region Heritage Festival
The annual Canberra and Region Heritage Festival is back with a bang! You’ll need to plan ahead for this one because the jam-packed program has more than 120 events. It’s a great opportunity to learn about Canberra’s history from exhibitions and workshops to hands on activities. Visit their website to stay up-to-date with what’s happening!
Until Sunday 28 April | Various locations | More information here.
Jewellery Making
For one day only during the school holidays, your child can discover the beauty and cultural significance of ancient Egyptian jewellery in this captivating beading workshop.
Suitable for ages eight to 14 years old, they’ll explore the fascinating symbolism, materials, and techniques of ancient Egyptian jewellery makers and join specialists from Canberra Glassworks to create their own unique pieces of beaded jewellery. There are very limited spaces, so get in quickly!
Friday 26 April | $20 per child, $17 for friends of the Museum, accompanying adults free | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | 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.
