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This week in Canberra it’s all about food, dance, theatre, and lots of fun.
From the Portobello Road markets, to watching local acts on stage (and screen), and learning how to shuck your own fresh oysters, here’s what’s on.
Special Events and Festivals
The Matildas live in Garema Place
Following the Matilda’s stunning 4-0 victory over Canada in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Canberrans will be able to cheer on the Aussies in the Round of 16 Knockout Stage at a free public screening in Garema Place. Make sure to don your jersey, and bring your best community spirit to watch our girls continue to kick goals (literally and figuratively).
Monday 7 August | Garema Place, Canberra City | More information here.
Meet the Oyster Farmer
Sure you love a good oyster but have heard the story behind perfect slurp straight from farmer Broadwater Oysters will bring their unique tide-to-table experiences to Canberra for one day only. Book into this experience to meet oyster farmers Greg Carton and Sue McIntyre who will teach you to shuck your own fresh oysters. Plus you can enjoy a dozen oysters each with special toppings and a complimentary beverage, all chosen especially for this event.
Wednesday 9 August | Dear Prudence Bar, 102 Alinga Street, Sydney Building, Canberra City | Book here.
Canberra CareersXpo
Looking for advice and information on current and future employment and career options through apprenticeships, study and employment? This is for you. Bringing over 110 exhibitors and combining five programs in one (CareersXpo, real skills for real careers, Indigenous Exhibition, School to Work and STEM Cell), at the Canberra CareersXpo you’ll be able to find all the information you need on career and study pathways that interest you. The best part? Entry is free!
Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 August | Exhibition Park, Corner of Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell | Register here.
Science in the Centres
This year National Science Week will be bringing science to you while you shop! Head along to all of the major shopping centres (Westfield Belconnen, Westfield Woden, South Point Tuggeranong, Cooleman Court, and the Canberra Centre) to see first hand the exciting science behind composting, dinosaurs, engineering with Lego, parasites, geology, space, robotics, and much more! Make sure to check out the schedule to see what’s happening around town.
Saturday 12 until Sunday 20 August | Various locations | More information here.
Dance Central Mid Year Crew & Troupe Fundraiser
Raising funds for the hard working crew and troupe dancers who dedicate themselves and commit up to 10 to 20 hours a week to train and travel for competitions, Dance Central is hosting a fun filled fundraiser. Kicking off with a pre-show party in the foyer of the Erindale Theatre. There will be live entertainment and plenty of food and drinks for purchase (all in support of their students). From there settle into your seats and enjoy the best of what they have prepared this year—from Musical Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary through to smooth, dynamic and punchy Hip Hop routines!
Saturday 12 August | 115 McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa | Book here.
Fired Up: Licence to Kiln! Canberra Potters Winter Festival
From the magical alchemy of raku firing, to meeting makers and studio artists (and being able to purchase original ceramic wares from the market and shop), the annual Canberra Potters festival is back to help you explore the wonders of the ceramic art form. Make sure to enjoy a bowl of warming soup in a handmade ceramic bowl, choose from a range of food and beverage vendors, try your hand at wheel throwing and get fired up about clay!
Saturday 12 August | Canberra Potters, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | More information here.
Canberra Rex Hotel Wedding Open Day
The Canberra Rex Hotel is holding its very first Wedding Open Day and honestly, they had us at ‘complimentary wedding menu tasting’. Making the life of anyone looking to say ‘I do’ easier—because we all know wedding planning is very, very stressful—from hosting a variety of incredibly talented wedding vendors from around the region to showcasing their different event spaces (including the Bridal Suite) for design inspiration and offering the chance to sample catering options, the open day is perfect for anyone struggling to plan their Canberra-centric wedding.
Sunday 13 August | 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon | Book here.
Portobello Road: Bus Depot Markets
Browse through a wide variety of high quality antiques and collectables at this unique event. From items such as decorative art and fine silver to restored furniture and eye catching jewellery, you never know what you will find!
Sunday 13 August | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Food and Wine
Twilight Sessions
Did someone say “cheese, charcuterie and cocktails”? Turn Thursday night into a special occasion with a Twilight Session at Amici Wine Bar & Deli. Run, don’t walk.
Thursday 10 August | 59 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City | Book here.
Stage and screen
Coil
Paying tribute to the glory days of the video store, Coil is a unique live cinema experience. Combining verbatim interview material and real-time filmmaking (as well as bespoke video DJing technology) to create an entire cast out of a solo performer on stage. Blurring the boundaries of theatre and cinema, it reflects upon the joys, perils and pitfalls of nostalgia, and how we grapple with goodbyes to move on. So, it’s basically a must-see.
Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 August | The Q, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Romance to Ruin – Violin and Piano Duo Concert
Visiting American violinist Patrick Galvin and Canberra-based pianist Jennifer Hou, both graduates from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, present a program of tenderness and tragedy spanning 200 years.
An unmissable, unforgettable evening of classical music culminating in Prokofiev’s epic f minor sonata for violin and piano.
Featuring works by Amy Beach, Jean Sibelius, Frédéric Chopin, Pablo Sarasate, Arvo Pärt, and the food-inspired virtuoso caprice, Tangy, by contemporary composer Korine Fujiwara. In Canberra for one night only!
$35 adults, $20 Students
Saturday 12 august from 5 pm to 7 pm | Wesley Music Centre | Book here
ANU Film Festival at the NFSA
Arc Cinema is hosting the first ANU Film Festival, a one-night-only event screening short films from students across the ANU and presented by the Art School Collective. Showing a diverse array of experimental art films, animations, documentaries, dramas and more, there will even be a people’s choice award on the night to help support the future of film.
Wednesday 9 August | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
“Walanbaa Yulu0-Gi” Burn The Floor featuring Mitch Tambo
In this very special collaboration, world renowned Australian ballroom dance company Burn the Floor collaborates with Indigenous star Mitch Tambo to create a brand-new dance production. Mixing Indigenous culture and music with ballroom and Latin dance styles (and backed with a soundtrack of Australian rock classics and Mitch’s own musical compositions) watch the stage explode with the energy and passion of 20 dancers, vocalists, and musicians.
Wednesday 9 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
You Can’t Tell Anyone
This is the world premiere of the winner of Canberra Youth Theatre’s 2021 Emerging Playwright Commission. Exploring the story of what happens when a party game spins out of control and long-held tensions start to strain and snap, this performance is a philosophical thriller that examines how teenagers survive the loss of meaning, structure, and identity that comes with the end of adolescence.
Are the friends messing with each other? Or is there a bigger threat pounding at the door?
Thursday 10 until Sunday 20 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour is tearing up the freeway to bring festival favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents to Canberra. Featuring some of the Festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter, it promises to be a jam-packed night of pure entertainment.
Thursday 10 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Kiku
This is an intergenerational short dance film directed by 23 year old Natsuko Yonezawa brings together six remarkable women over 50, who express their individual journeys of ageing through movement. Accompanied by an original choral soundtrack composed by Rebecca Hilliard, sung by members of the ANU Chamber Choir and the Luminescence Children’s Choir, the film invites the Canberra community to approach the topic of ageing with an open heart and mind.
Friday 11 August | Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Court, New Acton | Book here.
Amadeus
Intertwined with Mozart’s music, this show is a classical battle of jealousy and genius as it explores the connection between Mozart and Salieri—the Austrian court’s much-admired composer. It’s all about the overwhelming obsession that occurs when we reimagine our life in the spotlight of someone else’s talent.
Until Saturday 12 August | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Canberra City | Book here.
Disgraceful
A one-woman show about a lifetime of behaving badly, this is a hilarious journey into the life of a woman who is shamelessly disgraceful (and always has been). Through a mix of storytelling, song, stand-up, and sketch comedy, Lucy Best shares tales of her misspent youth, her ill-mannered childhood and her evident refusal to go quietly into middle age. At this show, you’ll quickly be laughing with (and at) Lucy.
Saturday 12 August | Flazeda Hub, 68 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
2023 Taiwan Film Festival
From hilarious romantic features, hybrid genre features, and thrilling shorts, the Taiwan Film Festival promises to captivate movie lovers with its diverse selection of films. And for the first time, directors have been invited to participate in post-screening Q&A sessions in Canberra. Check out the full program online for all of the details!
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | More information here.
Music
Beatles Tribute
This is the premiere of the RMC Band’s Beatles Tribute. Performing works made famous by the superstar sensations, the Beatles, the Band of the Royal Military College will play modern and revamped versions of the songs. Taking place at lunchtime, head along to see the 40-piece professional symphonic wind ensemble take on the work of music legends.
Wednesday 9 August | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Simply Divinyls + MINX
With 25 singles and five of the bestselling albums of the 80’s and 90’s to choose from, SIMPLY DIVINYLS brings you a truly memorable night recreating an authentic tribute to one of Australia’s legendary rock bands.
The exceptional six-piece band recreates the distinctive sound of The Divinyls and Chrissy Amphlett’s torched vocals in an unparalleled display of all the energy and raw rock you would expect in a Divinyls show, to keep the audience singing along all night.
Saturday 12 August | The Zeppelin Room, Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue Narrabundah | Book here.
Canberra Big Band Collective: Traxion and Blamey Street BB
The Canberra Big Band Collective is back with an evening of hot swinging big band music at the Croatian Club! Featuring two of Canberra’s fantastic big bands (Traxion and Blamey Street), watch the sensational Swing Katz present another incredible swing dance display and then join them on the dance floor.
Saturday 12 August | Australian Croatian Club, 68 McCaughey Street, Turner | Book here.
The Water Runners
Love folk with a dash of bluegrass and a dollop of country? Say hello to The Water Runners. Taking you on a musical journey through historical tales and down South Coast trails, with best band in the 2020 National Busking Championships and People’s Choice finalists in the 2021 Australian Folk Music Awards under their belt, seeing The Water Runners live will be a fantastic experience.
Saturday 12 August | Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Melbourne Building, Canberra City | Book here.
Apeiron Baroque: Old Friends
Love the Baroque period? Old Friends is a concert which contrasts the softer sounds of the Viola da Gamba and Viola d’amore in works by Erlebach and Lully against the brilliance of the violin family in works by Corelli. Highlights include music for a mistuned violin and gamba, a dance of madness, dances from the French court opera, and an early Italian sonata from a composer. There will also be a special appearance by Aimee Brown who will present some interesting solo dances from the Baroque period.
Sunday 13 August | Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | apeiron-baroque.com
Exhibitions
Bushland Retrospective
Aiming to provide the viewer with an appreciation of Australian flora and fauna and inspire young artists to pursue their own creativity, head along to this exhibition to catch a glimpse of Anton Uildriks’ paintings produced over two decades.
Wednesday 9 August until Sunday 17 September | Visitor Centre Gallery, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | parksaustralia.gov.au
Parallel Play by Rory Hamovit
Using staged and surreal images that have been crafted from handmade objects and sets, this exhibition is a series of imagined alternate realities where childhood playtime and humour deconstructs the tropes and traditions of heteronormative notions of masculinity.
Until Saturday 12 August | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Resistance is relapse by Nico Krijno
South-African artist Nico Krijno works with staged photography, collage and video, in a performance based practice that investigates contemporary visual codes, symbols and patterns, as well as the history of the image. Resistance Relapse explores not only these methods of creation, but the spaces in-between.
Until Saturday 12 August | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
You are close be-side me by Chin-Jie Melodie Liu
In this exhibition, Liu reflects on the ways grief has taken different forms in an increasingly digital world by showcasing a series of large prints accompanied by photographic footnotes. The project stems from Liu’s experience of virtually attending her grandfather’s funeral during COVID.
Until Saturday 12 August | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Commissioning the Forecourt mosaic
The Forecourt mosaic at Parliament House is a symbolic reminder of the 65,000+ years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ presence in this country. At the display you’ll discover the work of five Aboriginal artists who were invited to submit designs for the mosaic in 1985 and discover who the artists played an important role in their communities, using their art to share their cultural knowledge with non-Indigenous peoples across the world.
Until Monday 14 August | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra City | aph.gov.au
Resonate Exhibition by Julie Bradley
What originally started out as an exploration by Julie Bradley, into the effects of music on image making, became a deeper reflection on how music like visual art, is also a language. The images in this exhibition explore seeing music as a visual expression and are a depiction of the resonance between colours and shapes, sounds and images and between artists. And that’s just the beginning. Head along to see it for yourself.
Until Sunday 20 August | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Inherited by Rebekah Lane
Inherited is Rebekah Lane’s first exhibition. Closely tied to her personal journey of identity, and what she describes as filling in big ‘holes’ inside, the works in Inherited represent the peace she has found knowing exactly who she is, and the incredible beauty of the ACT where she found that solace.
Until Sunday 20 August | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Reflections of Country by Kayannie Denigan
Inspired by Kayannie’s dual connections to Central Australia and Cape York, this vibrant and colouful collection explores the rainforest, beaches and rivers of Far North Queensland and the stunning deserts of her Luritja heritage. Through new mediums (including sand collected at Coloured Sands, driftwood, and drone photography) she reflects on Country, family, distance and connection.
Until Sunday 20 August | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
A First Home for Parliament in Canberra
Explore the history of Australia’s Provisional Parliament House (Old Parliament House) through this new exhibition that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Parliament’s decision to build a provisional Parliament House in Canberra.
Tuesday 22 August until Friday 27 October | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra City | aph.gov.au
UNCOMMON
With a mixture of older and new work, this exhibition presents Eliza-Jane Gilchrist’s ongoing practice of making abstract sculptures based on plant/seed forms using cardboard. Expect to see works that are unusual, accessible and thought-provoking created through the combined techniques of paper-cutting, folding, paper-engineering, papier Mache, and pattern-making with non-traditional materials.
Until Saturday 26 August | 180 London Circuit, North Building, Level 1, Canberra City | craftact.org.au
Workshops, webinars and more
Shakespeare’s First Folio: From London to Australian and many point in between
Join the National Library for a special lecture from visiting University of Oxford academic Professor Emma Smith, the world’s leading Shakespeare scholar. Professor Smith will be giving a talk on Shakespeare’s First Folio as part of its 400-year anniversary. This event is presented in partnership with the Australian National University Centre for Early Modern Studies.
Saturday 12 August | National Library Theatre, Parkes Place West | Register here.
Train with Spider-Man and Ghost Spider
Take the kids to train with Spider-Man and Ghost Spider in real life! They’ll learn some Spidey poses, play a few games and practice some tricks, inspiring them to learn how their body can grow in strength and mobility. In addition to the obvious excitement of meeting Spider-Man and Ghost Spider, your kids will also learn about growth mindset and how to be kind and compassionate to people around them.
Sunday 13 August | Long Gully Scout Hall, Farrer | Book here.
Feature image: Natsuko Yonezawa_Kiku
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.
