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The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end—especially with 75+ things to do around town.
Beat the back-to-work blues and enjoy the last of the warm weather summer has to offer with these fun activities held throughout Canberra during the month of February (we’re going to need a longer month).
Special events and festivals
Whisky Capital
Some of Australia’s best whisky distilleries are coming to the capital for a very special whisky festival.
Pouring whiskies across two sessions (an afternoon session kicking off at 1 pm, and an evening session kicking off at 5 pm) head along to enjoy food provided by First Edition, exclusive whisky gelato by Jasper+Myrtle, a Glencairn whisky glass, the event booklet, and access to distiller’s masterclasses!
Saturday 4 February | Novotel Canberra, 65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City | Book here.
The Great Haig Park Water Fight
A great water fight is brewing… are you ready to get soaked?
Head along to Haig Park for the ultimate water Olympics! This epic battle will see water warriors battle it out to capture the flag, and win the sea sponge battle (or hide in sprinkle city). Live music and a very well-trained marine crew will keep the party going.
Saturday 4 February | Haig Park, Braddon | facebook.com
Googfest
Following a five-year hiatus, Googfest is back! And you better be excited, the regional music event will be headlined by Australian blues and rock band Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows. Known for their electric live shows, the ARIA Award-winning band will be supported by Australian artists Chloe Kay and the Crusade, Smooth Ops, and The Faumuis.
Want to know the best part? It’s free.
Saturday 4 February | Rockley Oval, Googong, NSW | googong.net
Chinese Lantern Festival
It’s time to visit the Beijing Garden for a beautiful Chinese lantern festival thanks to the Australia China Friendship Society. There will be performances of music, folk dancing, lion dance, and martial arts, followed by the lantern parade along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin (and yes, lanterns will be avalible for purchase).
Make sure to pack a picnic to enjoy an evening by the lake!
Saturday 4 February | Beijing Garden, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla | acfs.org.au
Music by the River
Get ready Tiny Dancers for a night where live music will flow along the Queanbeyan River with local artists bringing Elton John’s music to life.
The Canberra Symphony Orchestra (alongside Darren Percival & Band) have joined Icon Water and the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council for the seventh edition of Music by the River. Expect entertainment from local Canberra groups Harmony Chorus, Duralla Street Dudes and Woodface, food and more.
Saturday 4 February | Queen Elizabeth II Park, 55 Collett St, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Culture Cruise boat and walking tours
Hop aboard the Culture Cruise for the ultimate multi-sensory adventure.
Explore the National Museum of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery from the water and gain a different perspective in witnessing local, national, and international artists amidst the natural and built beauty of the environment (Psst! You’ll be wined and dined as well).
Saturday 4 February | Various locations | Book here.
Little Explorers’ Day
It’s time for little ones (and their careers) to take over Questacon! Inviting explorers aged 0-6 years to watch a puppet show, explore Mini-Q, get into Science Time activities, hang out with Echo the Humpback Whale and more there’s never been a better excuse to head to Questacon (oh, and Q shop is offering a discount during Little Explorers’ Days so your littlest scientist can find new ways to learn and have fun at home)!
Wednesday 8 until Friday 10 February | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Lifeline Canberra’s Bookfair
Looking for something new to read to keep up with your annual “read more” New Year’s resolution? Come along to one of the largest book fair events held in Canberra. Lifeline’s annual bookfair helps raise a major portion of the funding needed to keep the local crisis support service running.
There’s a wide range of choices to pick from, such as fiction and non-fiction, children’s books, textbooks, foreign language books and more. Plus, you may even be able to scoop up some rare books and collectables.
If reading isn’t really up your alley, don’t fret, there are records, CDs, DVDs, games, jigsaws and more! You’re bound to find something for everyone to enjoy a fun day out.
Friday 10, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February | Exhibition Park Canberra (EPIC) Flemington Rd, Mitchell | Entry via gold coin donation or tap and go available | lifelinecanberra.com
Night at the Museum: Queer
In the lead-up to Sydney WorldPride 2023, The National Museum of Australia plays host to one big night of queer joy, as visitors can explore and celebrate rich queer cultures and histories.
The inclusive event is for everyone, so come along with your favourite people and enjoy a night of dazzling drag shows, live performances from rainbow storytime, queer history trivia, enjoy a glow-up (quite literally, UV paint and bio-degradable eco glitter involved) or even bring an object and share your story in the pop-up exhibition. The night will conclude with a wonderful dance party.
These are just a few fabulous activities and events taking place on the night. This is one not to be missed.
Friday 10 February | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au
To Barbra, With Love—An 80th Birthday Celebration
We all know and adore her—a revered female trailblazer whose voice and lyrics have the power to earth-move, culture-shape and transcend. And now, the legacy of Barbra Streisand is coming to life at the Canberra Theatre Centre on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 February.
At the hands of this talented cast and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, To Barbra With Love will take you on a beautiful journey of her expansive career—from her musical theatre hits to the classics we all know and love. And for those too young to know this living legend, think of it as your baptism by Barbra.
Friday 10 and Saturday 11 February | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Arboretum Kite Fest
Enjoy the sun and sky with a day at the Arboretum dedicated to flying kites! Pack a picnic, join the festivities and soar the day away. There will also be plenty of pop-up food options, Kite Making Workshops, kite demonstrations in the amphitheatre, live entertainment and much more.
Sunday 12 February | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | Book here.
International Crafts and Food
Head along to this special event to explore all the sensations from the different cultures around the world. From food to clothing, accessories and more, it’ll be a fun and festive day at the markets.
Sunday 12 February | Old Bus Depot Markets21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston| obdm.com.au
National Multicultural Festival
If you’re wanting to attend the National Multicultural Festival, what better year to do it than on the 25th anniversary of the much-loved community event? The Multicultural Festival is a celebration of the 170+ nationalities that are a part of the Canberra community today.
There will be three days of incredible food, performances, culture, entertainment and more. The event is free and is perfect for the whole family to attend and enjoy a fun day out.
Friday 17 until Sunday 19 February | Garema place and Glebe park | multiculturalfestival.com
Multicultural Comedy Gala
Get ready to giggle—the Multicultural Comedy Gala is a side-splitting celebration of Australia’s rich cultural diversity by a world-class selection of the most acclaimed and celebrated comedians in the nation.
Expect He Huang, Steph Tisdell, Sami Shah and more!
Saturday 18 February | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Bandaluzia Flamenco
This is an experience to ignite the senses. Led by ARIA nominated Flamenco guitarist Damian Wright, Bandaluzia showcases contemporary flamenco dance and music whilst displaying the essential characteristics of the flamenco tradition. It promises powerful performances, unique sound and explosive displays of dazzling musicianship and virtuosity.
Saturday 18 February | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers St, Canberra City | Book here.
Three Sixty Fashion Market
Love to shop? You can’t miss this unique, niche, Canberra-based market dedicated to sustainable fashion. Perfect for stylish, discerning shoppers who love genuine, quality vintage, retro and pre-loved fashion that is far too good to chuck in a bin or send to landfill, you’re guaranteed to uncover some intriguing fashion and great buys.
Sunday 19 February | Fitters Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | canberramarkets.net.au
Canberra Holi Festival of Colours
Canberra Holi Festival of Colours returns in 2023—one of the biggest and most colourful Indian festivals.
The event will include music, dance, colours and many more surprising acts. The festival is a true family event and welcomes all Australians.
12 pm – 8 pm, Sunday 19 February | Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, National Triangle | eventbrite.com.au
AMPLIFY Tributes at the Arboretum
For one night and one night only, release your inner dancing queen as three of Australia’s finest tribute bands, Diamond, BABBA and Elton “Out of the Closet” come together to bring you an evening to remember.
Grab your dancing shoes and a picnic blanket and head to the arboretum!
Saturday 25 February | National Arboretum Canberra | Book here.
Food and wine
Ginger Catering Wedding Open Night
Recently engaged or know someone who is? Come and see what a wedding at the Arboretum looks like and meet some of Canberra’s best wedding suppliers.
Thursday 2 February from 5.30–8 pm | National Arboretum Canberra | Free event | thegingergroup.com.au/wedding-open-night
Tasting with Adam Shipp
Join Adam Shipp (Wiradjuri) of Yurbay for a walk through the National Museum of Australia’s Christina and Trevor Kennedy Garden where you’ll experience sights and scents of the seasons as he shares his knowledge of native plants. And that’s not even the best part.
Tours are followed by morning tea in the garden (weather permitting), featuring ingredients found in and around Canberra!
Thursday 2 and Saturday 4 February | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Feast w/ Henry Saiz (Natura Sonoris – ES), presented by Escape Ferocity
Say hello to textured techno in a sexy restaurant, a six-course dinner, your own table and an intimate dance floor.
INKA is hosting a wonderful culinary and sonic journey where you can enjoy fine dining and red hot music in a stunning venue with only 100 like-minded people. Think Natura Sonoris DJing during entrée and into mains with Henry Saiz bringing up the tempo at the end of the six-course meal. See you there?
Friday 3 and Saturday 4 February | 148 Bunda Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Unplugged Sundays
Head along to the Gungahlin Lakes Club beer garden to enjoy local Canberran talent, food and drink specials and an atmosphere to soothe you into the tail end of the weekend.
Sunday 5 February | 110 Gundaroo Drive, Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, Nicholls | Book here.
Winederlust Wine Tasting: Belconnen
The perfect Saturday night pre-dinner wine-tasting event. Host of the Winederlust Podcast, Jeanene will be taking you on a tour of wines featured in her podcast. Focussing on sparkling, whites and rosè, book in to enjoy a bite to eat and a sip of something yummy.
Saturday 11 February | Boardwalk Bar, Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Winederlust Wine Tasting: Woden
Get ready for a wine-terful time! Join the host of the Winederlust Podcast, Jeanene, for a taste tour of wines where you’ll enjoy five wines produced by winemakers and wineries featured on the Winederlust podcast, with a bite to eat.
There is also a non-alcohol ticket price, which includes an Altina Rose instead of wine.
Saturday 25 February | Short Eats, Furzer Street, Phillip | Book here.
Cressida Campbell: Grazing by the Garden
Inspired by Cressida Campbell’s love of gardens and shared food between friends, the National Gallery is hosting Grazing by the Garden. Design your own grazing experience and choose from a selection of delicious scones with ribbon sandwiches, local grazing boards or a rustic pizza flatbread prepared daily. Espresso coffee, specialty tea or wine and beer will also be available, perfect for a light lunch in the Gallery’s dining room with scenic views of the Sculpture Garden and Lake Burley Griffin.
Until Sunday 19 February | National Gallery of Australia | nga.gov.au
The Dancing Queen Dining Experience
Ever been raging with jealousy whilst watching Donna and the gang sing and dance on stunning Greek islands? Well, rage no more. Grab your dancing queens, because a Mamma Mia-inspired Restaurant is landing in Canberra in January.
Until 31 March | Saint Malo, 19 London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Exhibitions
Pictures of You
Have you ever tried to explain it is to be YOU? To a friend, a partner, your family, a professional – even to yourself? Now imagine having a disability; of the prejudices that come with that, and the challenges of engaging people to look beyond the disability to the whole of your personality. This is the focus of the Pictures of You exhibition, which explores a unique approach to self-portrayals of people with lived experience of physical and mental health disabilities – collaborating as equals with a professional photographer to produce a portrait honestly reflecting the whole person.
Until Sunday 5 February | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Salt: Sammy Hawker Photography Exhibition
Travelling from the East Coast (Yuin, Walbunja, Arakwal, and Bidawal Country) to Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre (Arabana Country), in this exhibition Sammy Hawker explores the quiet magic of the Australian country. To make it even more interesting (if that’s even possible) many of the photographs in this show have been processed in the location they were captured and exposed to traces of salt found within the site (ocean water, salt crust).
Friday 10 February until Saturday 25 March | The Mixing Room Gallery, Thor’s Hammer, 10 Mildura Street, Griffith | thors.com.au
Mycelium Sky
This is an exploration of fantastical interconnected worlds, botanical biomes and surreal dreamscapes. Head along to enjoy the work of Paul Summerfield, a digital artist, who blends traditional painting and drawing techniques with digital mediums as he takes viewers on journeys into vivid worlds.
Friday 10 February until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Wrack and Salvage
Provoking questions in the face of the climate crisis—What do we value? What do we stand to lose? What will we see destroyed? What are we willing to sacrifice? What are we prepared to save?—this sculptural installation resembles the flying forms of flood debris. A reflection on how we have responded to climate change, artist Jacqui Malins explores themes of loss, hope and resoultion.
Friday 10 February until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
earth unframed
This open exhibition uses the work of several artists to explore the concept of ‘earth’; our home, the environment, soil, land, fragility, strength or purpose. The result is a mix of drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media that uses imagination with a sense of play, political activism, boldness, experimentation, thoughtfulness, or contemplation.
Friday 10 February until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
ground whisper softly
A celebrative dance of the abundance found on the ground, in the garden, along the water, at the rocky outcrop in the pocket of remnant bush, Belco Arts describes these works by emerging artist Valerie Schönjahn as meditative in process. Intrigued? See you there.
Friday 10 February until Sunday 26 March | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Karena Keys Wanna Sip
Wanna Sip is a track on the 2017 album, Plunge, by Fever Ray. For Karena Keys, Wanna Sip’s lyrics resonate as an exploration of the dichotomies of self, such as: love vs loathing, vulnerability vs strength and desire vs protection, as well as the anxieties that can accompany the complexity of these emotions.
In this performance she will explore these themes, using material, emotional and spatial tensions that tap into personal histories, memories and experiences.
Saturday 11 February until Friday 20 June | Canberra Museum and Gallery, Cnr London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City| cmag.com.au
We Are One: The First XI
Presenting the work of artist Claire Letitia Reynolds and director Sasha Parlett (Malyangapa/Barkindji), this exhbtiuon celebrates the journey of the all Aboriginal First XI of 1868, through film and photography.
Until Saturday 11 Feburary | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | gallery.photoaccess.org.au
Fluent: Noŋgirrŋa Marawili and Leo Loomans
Is this exhibition a face-off of irreconcilable contrasts or the opportunity for two artists’ work to engage in an impromptu, unforeseen pas de deux? Head along to explore the feats of linear invention from Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, a revered elder associated with Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre in Yirrkala, and Canberra-based sculptor Leo Loomans.
Friday 17 February until Sunday 16 April | Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Acton | dhg.anu.edu.au
Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland
The first in a three-part series, this exhibition captures generations of cultural knowledge shaped by the diverse First Nations peoples who live there and their connection to Country. Enjoy the established and emerging artists from across Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait as they explore art using new materials and techniques as they share what it means to belong.
Until Sunday 12 February | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au
Solastalgia: Art for the Planet
This joint exhibition showcases three artists whose love of the Australian environment inspires their work.
This powerful visual experience enables artists and viewers to reflect on their experiences of climate change and pay homage to the natural world. It inspires reflection on the special places and forms that shape our memories of and connections to the Australian environment.
Until Sunday 12 February | m16Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
Cressida Campbell
From her molasses-rich colour palette to her ability to re-imagine kitchen scraps with the deceptive ease of a film dissolve, it’s easy to get lost within Cressida Campbell’s world.
Her latest exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia is intimately soaked in her identity, the beautiful details of painted wood blocks and a ‘hard to pinpoint’ temporal energy that will disarm and transport audiences along the way. Featuring more than 140 works of art from the renowned artist, including new acquisitions and key works from private and public collections it will offer new insights into her life and work, featuring research and writing from a range of curators, artists, poets and other voices.
Until Saturday 19 February | The National Gallery of Australia | nga.gov.au
Net Worth
Showcasing four emerging artists working in glass—Louis Grant (ACT), Jessica Murtagh (SA), Madisyn Zabel (ACT) and Shirley Jianzhen Wu (SA)—this exhibition provides a platform for these artists to explore concepts of identity, societal stereotypes, and technology overlayed with history and craftsmanship engrained in glass making.
Until Sunday 26 February | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Moments in the Australian Bush
This exhibition explores beautiful moments experienced in the unique and special local environments of Namadgi, the Snowy Mountains, the Brindabellas, Tidbinbilla, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Enjoy functional art with ceramics by Amy Beggs-French, designed using a simple, elegant forms with a colour palette inspired by the natural world. She has been working as a ceramicist for the past four years, teaching as well as making for markets, restaurants and cafes.
There will also be work from Penny Deacon—an artist who paints local wildlife and landscapes in watercolours and oils.
Until Sunday 26 February | Visitor Centre Gallery, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | parksaustralia.gov.au
Disrupt, persist, invent
Australia, home of the ‘fair go’. But is it really the free and fair place you’d hope for? What can we change? From noisy protest to quiet persistence, Disrupt, persist, invent explores the many ways people have achieved social change in Australia.
Pop into the National Archives of Australia to discover powerful stories of people and their actions, from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Until Monday 12 June | National Archives of Australia | naa.gov.au
Feared and Revered: Feminine Power through the Ages
Celebrating the power and diversity of female spiritual beings in cultural traditions and beliefs across the globe, this exhibition explores how goddesses, demons, witches, spirits and saints have shaped our understanding of the world.
Featuring more than 160 objects from the British Museum’s exceptional collection, this is a timely exhibition that explores and questions feminine power, authority and identity.
Until Sunday 27 August | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au
Changemakers
Celebrating the female torchbearers who have played a pivotal role in shaping Australian society, who rallied against limitations, forging new paths, and changing policy, laws, and opinions, Changemakers will focus on 54 Australian women and shine a light on how the politicians, artists, activists, and sportswomen have shifted the national conversation and changed the future.
From Ash Barty and Chanel Contos to Rosie Batty, Barbara Cummings, and Louisa Lawsone, Changemakers will give a voice to the women via a series of images, objects, and videos while leading visitors through themes of equality, financial independence, birth and care roles, the challenges of gender and race, and more.
Now showing | 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | moadoph.gov.au
Blueprint
A ballot box designed to be carried 500km on the back of a camel. A ball gown hand-sewn to celebrate the peaceful achievement of Federation. A boomerang-shaped petition calling for constitutional recognition in 2013. These objects speak to what makes Australia’s democracy so, well… Australian.
Blueprint at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) is a new exhibition that shares the blueprint upon which our distinctive democracy has been built. Head along today!
Running until late 2023 | 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | moadoph.gov.au
Stage and Screen
Cosentino: A decade of magic
Join Cosentino—Australia’s world-renowned entertainer and International Magician of the Year—as he performs his most death-defying escapes that will thrill your senses, his greatest ever mind-boggling stage illusions and cutting-edge street magic that twists your view of reality.
In this 90-minute live show, enjoy his trademark blend of dance and magic as he explores his greatest hits!
Saturday 4 February | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | Book here.
Anh Do—The Happiest Refugee Live
Have you read Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee? Well, Anh’s stage show takes it a step further, combining stand-up comedy with real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story.
Don’t miss this show where one of Australia’s most talented comedians delves deep into his own life’s joys and sorrows.
Thursday 9 February | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Lightbulb Improv: Spontaneous Comedy
Come and delight in the quick-wit and creativity of improvised comedy masterminds as they combine the wit of stand-up and the intimacy of live theatre. There will be plenty of memorable stories, colourful characters, enchanting songs and plenty of laughs.
Thursday 9 February | Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Catch Jazida
A captivating combination of burlesque and theatre that will have you hooked from the get-go. Become a detective on the case as police track suspected criminal and burlesque performer Jazida through every speakeasy, cabaret club, circus tent and burlesque bar in town.
Catch Jazida is an award-winning and acclaimed show created by renowned Canberra burlesque performer, Jazida herself. This performance is bound to surprise and keep you guessing.
Friday 10 until Sunday 12 February | The Courtyard, The Canberra Theatre | canberratheatrecentre.com
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
With no rehearsals, no director, a different actor each night, and a script waiting in a sealed envelope on stage, internationally acclaimed White Rabbit Red Rabbit, by Iranian writer Nassim Soleimanpour, is an audacious theatrical experiment.
You’ll want to watch this potent reminder of the transgressive and transformative power of theatre again and again.
Friday 10 until Saturday 25 February | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Building 3.3, Fyshwick | Book here.
Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler
The hilarious Sarah Millican is back on tour with a Bobby Dazzler* of a new stand-up show where you’ll learn about what happens when your mouth seals shut, how to throw poo over a wall, trying to lose weight but only losing the tip of your finger, a surprisingly funny smear test, and how truly awful a floatation tank can actually be. See you there?
*‘Bobby Dazzler’ is the purest compliment. Imagine a child in red wellies or a woman in a new top. Both are Bobby Dazzlers. It is also the name of a caravan cleaning spray. This show is not about cleaning caravans.
Sunday 12 February | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
ELVIS: Summer Screenings at the NFSA
Haven’t seen Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS? Visit the NFSA to watch the rock biopic before visiting the newly refreshed Australians and Hollywood exhibition to see costumes and props from ELVIS—exclusively on display at the NFSA!
Sunday 19 February | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Air Play
Part comedy, part sculpture, part circus, part theatre, in Air Play umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people, and snow swirls. Great for all ages, head along to see the show as it brings life into the very air we breathe.
Friday 24 until Sunday 26 February | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
DOWNTOWN: The Mod Musical
Celebrating the strong female singers of the mod era, this musical focuses on the stories of five very different women. Hear their stories as they come of age in the turbulent decade known as the swinging 60s and enjoy this non-stop journey through the infectious and soulful pop anthems and ballads that made household names of stars like Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield and Lulu.
Friday 24 February until Sunday 5 March | Belconnen Community Theatre, 23 Swanson Court, Belconnen | Book here.
Music
M.Ward: Celebrating 20 Years of Transfiguration of Vincent
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, prolific singer-songwriter and guitarist M.Ward is coming to Canberra to celebrate 20 years since the release of his critically acclaimed album Transfiguration of Vincent.
An infusion of folk and blues, dripping with deft guitar picking and bar room piano, the extraordinary album of gritty stories and melody-drenched music is a tribute to Ward’s close friend Vincent O’Brien. Don’t miss out!
Friday 3 February | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Ainslie Salon presents Bree van Reyk and Mick Turner
Join drummer and composer Bree van Reyk in a special live performance of her album ‘superclusters’ alongside guitarist Mick Turner.
This special live performance features tracks from the album in exploded form, exploring the connections and counterpoints between the rich and sonorous landscapes of Turner’s unique guitar playing, and the avant-Classical/sound-art textures of van Reyk’s percussion-led compositions.
Friday 3 February | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | Book here.
Ainslie Salon presents Potential
Meet weirdo dark-pop synthwave group Potential. Launching their 2023 album ‘Normal’ with a tour of Australia and Aotearoa, expect a brooding, danceable six-track record, with layers of synth, baritone sax, guitars, bass and homestyled beats.
Saturday 4 February | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | Book here.
Cowboy Junkies
Canadian alt-country pioneers Cowboy Junkies are on their way! Cutting through the noise with its introspective, quiet intensity, their new album, All That Reckoning, once again gently shakes the listener to wake up.
Monday 6 February | Canberra Theatre Centre. London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Eric Bibb Live at The Street Theatre
Two-time grammy award nominee Eric Bibb returns to Aussie soil to perform an intimate show from his solo Ridin’ tour. Attendees can expect to hear the classics Bibb is known and loved for, as well as brand-new music from his greatly anticipated upcoming album, Ridin’.
Friday, 9 February | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers street |thestreet.com
8 Ball Aitken at the Zeppelin Room
8 Ball Aitken has toured the world for more than a decade performing his swampy-blues-rock across twenty countries to date—and now 8 Ball is back with a brand-new sound, a self-produced laidback soul album Heart and Soul. Get in quick, this isn’t one to miss.
Friday 10 February | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
High Voltage Rock’n’Roll
Get ready to rock! Paying tribute to one of Australia’s biggest bands ever, and in particular to the AC/DC front man Bon Scott, this special concert is a nod to icons of Australian rock (yes, including the Angels, INXS, Cold Chisel, Choirboys, Screaming Jets, Rose Tattoo, Dragon and many more).
Prepare to have your ears ringing, your feet moving and you leaving this show pondering your own dirty deeds and highway to hell.
Saturday 11 February | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Mirage
Hayat Selim, award-winning London-based Egyptian composer and songwriter, will perform her first Australian concert at The Street Theatre during her week-long artistic residency in the ACT.
The concert will include fascinating music from cinema, museum immersion and the gaming world, including original compositions and covers. The concert will also include a Q and A event after the interval, hosted by Dianna Nixon, which will delve deeper into Hayat’s life and career.
Hayat will also present a masterclass at the ANU School of Music on Wednesday 15 February during her stay.
Thursday, 16 February | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street | thestreet.com.
Cultural Journeys
Saluting the music of many cultures, this concert will take you on a musical journey inspired by Romani, Moorish and Celtic traditions and the Ottoman Empire. Expect incorporated singing, dancing, storytelling and poetry, and evoked expressions of love, joy and despair as well as traditional folk melodies and more.
Friday 17 February | Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Rock N Roll Concert at Mercure Canberra
It’s time for another courtyard concert! Head along to the Mercure to enjoy headline act, three piece band Hellcat III, and dance performances by the Canberra Swing Katz.
And to top the merrymaking, there will also be a bar and a barbecue in the gardens for food and drink purchases on the night.
Saturday 18 February | The Courtyard Gardens at Mercure Canberra, 39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon | Book here.
Joseph Tawadros
Returning from London, seven-time ARIA award winner Joseph Tawadros is coming to Canberra. Taking inspiration from the Arabic modal system (maqam), and blending them seamlessly with elements of western classical, jazz, world, folk and even metal and bluegrass, expect furiously paced numbers to beautifully introspective and tranquil tracks.
Sunday 19 February | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Chopin’s Birthday Concert
It’s the world premiere of this beautiful piece of new music that has taken inspiration from Chopin’s Ballade No 2. Performing in the exquisite All Saints, Ainslie, this wonderful concert of chamber music will feature music for piano trio by Mozart, Chopin, and a very special new commission by the Friends of Chopin Australia from eminent pianist-composer Penelope Thwaites AM.
Sunday 19 February | All Saints, Ainslie9-15 Cowper Street, Ainslie | Book here.
Kae Tempest
Kae Tempest is a writer and musician from Lewisham, South London and now they’re on their way to Canberra to celebrate their fourth album. Head along to hear The Line is A Curve—a story about letting go.
Monday 20 February | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
The John Lennon Songbook in Concert
Love John Lennon? With an intimate take on classic hits, including the Imagine album favourites, this concert is Lennon like you have never heard before.
Think all the songs you love, and even some you didn’t know you did, in a dynamic show for all the generations.
Saturday 25 February | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers St, Canberra City | Book here.
Women In Blues
Showcasing some of our finest local and interstate Blues women artists, in this very special show amazing women, all who have achieved recognition in the Australian Blues scene come together for one spectacular evening.
Think Fiona Boyes, Anna Scionti, Ali Penney, Sweet Felicia and Naomi Smith!
Saturday 25 February | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Love and War
Presenting works exploring the depths of love lost to the heights of love gained, you can’t miss this concert featuring the lyrical brilliance of Robert Schumann.
Sunday 26 February | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Sport
Round 13: UC Capitals vs. Adelaide Lightning
No plans? Why not come and watch the UC Capitals take on the Adelaide Lightning at the National Convention Centre Canberra? Tip off is at 7 pm, be there or be square!
Thursday 2 February | National Convention Centre Canberra, Constitution Avenue, Campbell | Book here.
Canberra United Home Game vs Sydney FC
Canberra United welcome the defending premiers Sydney FC to McKellar Park for what is sure to be an exciting encounter. Get down to support the squad in the run home!
Saturday 11 February | McKellar Park, Walkley Pl, Mckellar | Book here.
Dragons Abreast Come and Try dragon boating event
Are you or someone you know recovering from breast cancer and looking for support in returning to an active life? Or maybe you want to connect with other women who have experienced breast cancer? Why not head down to Grevillea Park (look out for the pink marquee) and give dragon boating a try.
After a short welcome and some instructions, you’ll take to the water for 30 minutes of easy paddling, followed by a delicious morning tea where you’ll be able to connect and chat with fellow survivors.
Saturday, 18 February 9 am – 11 am | Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton | Book here.
Round 15: UC Capitals vs. Melbourne Boomers
Come and watch the UC Capitals take on the Melbourne Boomers at the National Convention Centre Canberra. Tip off is at 5:30 pm. See you there?
Saturday 25 February | National Convention Centre Canberra, Constitution Avenue, Campbell | Book here.
Stromlo East ACT
Try your hand at Australia’s most popular gravity enduro series! This race takes you to Mount Stromlo in Canberra and features many of the ‘must-ride’ trails on the East side of Stromlo MTB Park. Ride up untimed with the crew, then pick whatever track you want. Drop in with your buddies, do a reccy lap or pin a race run. It’s about doing party trains, railing berms and racing all in one day.
Elite racer, grom or noob, any age, will have a blast.
Saturday 25 until Sunday 26 February | Stromlo Forest Park Dave McInnes Road, Wright | rockytrailsuperflow.com
Canoe Polo Summer Series
Spectate the final event of the Australian Canoe Polo circuit at Molonglo Reach as national and developing players alike battle it out for the Division 1 and 2 titles.
The fields are along the Lake Burley Griffin circuit, so you can combine your visit with a weekend ride or walk!
Saturday 25 until Sunday 26 February | Burley Griffin Canoe Club, Molonglo Reach, Campbell | bgcc.org.au
Workshops, Webinars and More
CBS Jam Workshop
Consider yourself a budding blues player? This workshop might be right up your alley.
re not intended to show you how to play your instrument, but they may give you a better understanding about how blues music is structured and how you can communicate this to the other members of your band.
Aiming to to create a comfortable, non-threatening environment where less confident musicians and singers can perform in a band situation, simply bring your instrument and get ready to jam.
Wednesday 1 February | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Multi-Model Mash-Up @ The Tipsy Sketching Club
Love drinks, art and a good time? The Tipsy Sketching Club is the place to be! Located upstairs from Canberra’s premier food hall, get ready for an evening of sipping, snacking and sketching with a little fun and frivolity thrown into the mix.
Running for approximately two-hours, there will be several roving models providing a range of timed poses from 2-30 minutes, and breaks for drinks, food, sharing and laughing.
Tuesday 7 February | Juliet @ Verity Lane Market, 50 Northbourne Avenue, Sydney Building, Canberra City | Book here.
Film Developing and Scanning Workshop
Love film? Here’s a quick and easy way to learn how to develop your own black and white 35mm film or 120 film. In this workshop you will be guided through developing your own 35mm or 120 black and white film in the PhotoAccess film developing room. Your tutor will also give you a detailed demonstration of how to scan your negatives using the PhotoAccess Digital Suite!
Wednesday 8 February | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
An Evening with David Sedaris
Following the success of his brand new best-selling book Happy-Go-Lucky, critically acclaimed author and humourist David Sedaris is coming to Canberra. Get ready for an evening filled with storytelling, observations, unpublished tales, audience Q&A’s and book signings.
Sunday 5 February | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Meet the Author: Dervla McTiernan
Meet critically acclaimed writer and multiple award winner, Dervla McTiernan. Author of the internationally bestselling Cormac Reilly series (The Ruin, The Scholar, The Good Turn) and the audio novellas The Sisters, The Roommate and The Wrong One, the discussion will held via Zoom and facilitated by Anna Steele, who, writing as Anna Creer, reviews crime fiction for the Canberra Times and the ACM Press.
Wednesday 15 February | National Library of AustraliaParkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.
Queer Displacements: Leadership, Partnership & Belonging—Discussion Panel
Holding a comprehensive conversation on the current issues in the LGBTIQ+ displacements space combining an academic, activist and lived experience perspectives, the event will bring together the focus on the LGBTIQ+ rights globally and drivers of displacement as well as discuss best practices of supporting LGBTIQ+ forcibly displaced people.
The panel will feature a discussion by Renee Dixson (the chair of the Forcibly Displaced People Network), Prof. Churnjeet Mahn (University of Strathclyde) and Marianna Polevikova (Chair of Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ NGO For Equal Rights).
Thursday 16 February | Australian National University (Auditorium, Research School of Social Sciences), 146 Ellery Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Urban Cinematic Nightscapes: Cinema Film Workshop
This nighttime-based workshop will walk you through capturing and developing nighttime urban landscapes on cinema film with artist and tutor James Harber. Learn how the difference between cinema film compared to other professional and consumer-based film, how to develop it in ECN2, and go on interesting nighttime walks, where you’ll learn how to expose nighttime scenes correctly with cinema film, with hands on help from James.
Wednesday 22 February until Wednesday 22 March | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | 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.
