With predictions for a sunny one in Canberra this weekend, 3-5 February, it’s the ideal time to soak up the sun and warmth outdoors.
Googong’s free mini music festival, Googfest, returns for the first time in five years to Rockley Oval on Saturday from 5pm, with great tunes, snacks, and a fireworks show. Nearby in Queanbeyan is another musical experience, Music by the River, where the Canberra Symphony Orchestra will be performing the hits of Sir Elton John.
It looks like a lovely weekend for a day trip. On Saturday, Goulburn hosts a hobby expo where attendees may find a new passion, while on Sunday, Bungendore celebrates diverse cultures with performance, food and stalls at the village’s first official multicultural festival.
EVENTS
Music by the River: Returning to the Queanbeyan riverbank is the annual Canberra Symphony Orchestra show, this time joined by vocalist Darren Percival as they pay tribute to Elton John. Come early and enjoy local music makers and delicious treats. Queanbeyan River, 4 February from 3pm, CSO at 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
Googfest: A free mini music festival, with great acts like Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, tasty food vendors and a fireworks show. Rockley Oval, Googong, 4 February from 5pm; googong.net
Goulburn Hobbies Expo: Goulburn Mulwaree Library will host the free Love Your Weekends – Hobbies Expo on Saturday 4 February 3-5pm; humantix.com or call the Library on 4823 4435.
Bungendore Multicultural Festival: Celebrate the diverse cultures of our region with food, music, dance and markets. Mike Sherd Oval, Bungendore, Sunday 5 February 10am-4pm; qprc.nsw.gov.au
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Lakeside At 5: Launching this year’s program is the Leisa Keen Trio with a performance of smooth jazz. The Lodge, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Friday 3 February 5pm; tuggeranongarts.com
Dogfight: Dramatic Productions presents the musical tale of a young man’s night on the town before heading to war in Vietnam, at Gungahlin Theatre, until 4 February; stagecenta.com
Kopasetic: Perform a roots and reggae show, along with special guest Anna Elisara at The Mill Theatre at Dairy Road. Ticket holders are eligible to grab a free pint, half-pint, or glass of wine from Capital Brewing Co. Friday 3 February 7.30pm; humanitix.com
M. Ward: The blues and folk musician celebrates 20 years of the acclaimed album Transfiguration of Vincent at Canberra Theatre Centre, 3 February 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Cosentino: The renowned entertainer and Magician of the Year celebrates a decade of performance with his new illusion-filled show Decennium. Canberra Theatre Centre, 4 February 2.30pm & 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
An evening with David Sedaris: One of the world’s most loved humour writers brings his Happy-Go-Lucky tour to Canberra Theatre Centre, 5 February 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
EXHIBITIONS
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Three new exhibitions – Andrea Bryant: A Lens on the Lake; Ruby Lucia Ballantyne: Colouring the Dance Floor; and Louise Curham: Kambah, at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, until 24 March; tuggeranongarts.com
Regular/Irregular: Al Munro continues to investigate pattern, form and colour in the new exhibition at ANCA Gallery, Dickson, 1-19 February; anca.net.au
Scapes: Valeska Tilly’s works are on display in the newest exhibition at Kyeema Art Gallery, Capital Wines, Hall, 2-28 February; capitalwines.com.au
Reflections on Nature: A showcase of the works created during the Covid lockdown, the artists in residence virtual program. The Old Barn Gallery, 18 Beltana Rd, Pialligo, 2-5 and 9-12 February; natureartlab.com.au
Craft ACT: Houses two new exhibitions – Daisy Chain from eight new associates of the JamFactory, and Emerging Contemporaries by early career artists. Craft ACT, 2 February – 18 March; craftact.org.au
Distant Friends: Using Lego prints and print methods, local artist Peter McLean showcases his portraits as a response to the distance the pandemic opened between people. Megalo Print Studio, Kingston, 4 February – 25 March; megalo.org
Creatively Ageing: Residents from the Calvary Haydon aged care home showcase work in their first public exhibition. Belconnen Arts Centre, until 5 February; belcoarts.com.au
Pictures of You: Empowering and representing people with disabilities through art, Belconnen Arts Centre, until 5 February; belcoarts.com.au
Blueprint: Discover objects which helped shape Australia at the new permanent interactive exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House; moadoph.gov.au
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