Hello April, the month when Canberra turns chilly and the fallen leaves crunch underfoot along the pathways.
Kicking off with the Easter long weekend, catch the final day of the National Folk Festival. Later in the month locals and visitors are encouraged to soak up local histories in the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.
There is an abundance of excellent live entertainment heading to town this month, highlights include: Potted Potter at Canberra Theatre Centre; Billy Elliot the Musical at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre; Seagull at ACT Hub; and Taxiride at Tallagandra Hill Winery.
National Folk Festival: The beloved Easter long weekend festival returns with music, arts and community connection on the agenda. Exhibition Park, until 1 April; folkfestival.org.au
Canberra Steam Train Rides: The heritage rail journey returns for the Easter long weekend, travel on the steam locomotive 5917 from Canberra to Bungendore and back. Canberra Railway Station, Kingston, until 1 April; picnictrain.com.au
French Film Festival: Alliance Franรงaise presents an extensive program of some of the best films that capture French culture and storytelling. Palace Electric Cinema, until 2 April; affrenchfilmfestival.org
Mardi Gras Film Festival: Queer Screen’s highly acclaimed Festival is set to dazzle audiences, bringing an expanded tour lineup of the most talked-about films to The National Film and Sound Archive, 3-6 April; queerscreen.org.au
The Shoe-Horn Sonata: Based on true events, the experiences of women imprisoned by the Japanese in WWII told through a pair that meets 50 years later. Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 3-27 April 7:30pm; humanitix.com
RMC Band Woodwinds: The Band of the Royal Military College Woodwind Group plays a program contemporary and classical music. Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 3 April 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
The Beach Boys Experience: A night of good vibrations is in store as the audience takes a journey through the extensive catalogue of one of the worldโs happiest bands. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 3 April 7:30pm; theq.net.au
Potted Potter: Relive the seven Harry Potter books in 70 minutes as this funny, absurd whirlwind of a production makes its way back to Canberra Theatre Centre on 4-7 April; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Seth Sentry: Celebrating 15 years of Breakfast in the Afternoon the music maker Brings the Waiter Minute Tour to town. UC Hub, University of Canberra, Thursday 4 April 8pm; moshtix.com.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Showcases 6 exhibitions; Lee Crisp Life Drawing; Emergence of Materials and Self by Natalie Hall; Hold III group exhibition; The Bone People by Brenda Runnegar; Place by Alexander Thatcher; Dog by Lisa Jose. 5 April – 19 May; belcoarts.com.au
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Showcases three exhibitions: Sitting Standing Turning by Robbie Karmel; Abode; and I Know My Age and I Act Like It by Louis Grant. 5 April- 8 June; tuggeranongarts.com
Woden Seniors Big Book Fair: Something for everyone to love with more than 25,000 books up for grabs as well as puzzles, DVDs, CDs and games. Woden Seniors Club, Friday 5 April 10am-4pm; wodenseniors.org.au
Vinyl Lounge: The NFSAโs monthly listening party for vinyl enthusiasts. National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 5 April 5.30pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
Emma Donovan: The celebrated Indigenous singer/songwriter shares her unique R&B, soul and country sounds with audiences including tracks from her upcoming album Til My Song is Done. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 5 April 7:30pm; theq.net.au
Tenzin Choegyal: Artist, composer, cultural ambassador and son of Tibetan nomads, Choegyal shares traditions through song in Heart Strings. The Street Theatre, City West, 5 April 7:30pm; thestreet.org.au
Michael Jackson History Show: Showtime presents this spectacular music tribute and full-scale stage production honouring the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Get the full Michael Jackson concert experience with Garth Field โ electrifying in his role as Jackson โ plus a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes and state-of-the-art production. . Canberra Theatre Centre, 5 April 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
With Nature: A group exhibition curated by Alexander Boynes brings together artists who have been influenced by landscape in their works. CCAS Lakeside, until 6 April; ccas.com.au
Beaver Galleries: Presents two exhibitions The Village Within, a collection of paintings by Derek OโConnor and Colossal Wreck, a series of drawings by Kirrily Humpries. Until 6 April; beavergalleries.com.au
Handmade Markets: The Autumn edition of the beloved markets brings a smorgasbord of handmade goods ready to go home with eager shoppers. Exhibition Park, 6-7 April; visitcanberra.com.au
Queanbeyan-Palerang Heritage Festival: Learn about the history of the region and get connected where you live with workshops, exhibitions and events. Various locations, 6 April- 25 May; qprc.nsw.gov.au
Taste Bud Boogie: Embrace the creative and exciting taste experiences from six local makers in the Murrumbateman and Gundaroo regions. Various locations, 6- 14 April; tastebudboogie.com.au
Rusten House Art Centre: Showcases three new exhibitions- Highlights of the QPRC Art Collection, A Stitch in Time- Quilt Exhibition and Community Connects- A Portrait Story. 6 April- 25 May; qprc.nsw.gov.au
Son et Lumiere: Musica da Camera with soloist Christina Wilson presents a program of string music and song accompanied by matching artworks. Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Saturday 6 April 2:30pm; trybooking.com
The Road to Patagonia: Filmmaker Matty Hannon comes to this special Q&A screening of his world-first expedition to surf the west coast of the Americas by motorbike, from the top of Alaska to the tip of Patagonia. Palace Electric Cinema Canberra, 6 April 6pm; garage.com.au/the-road-to-patagonia
Suitcase Rummage: Pack your suitcase with items you wish to sell and find yourself a spot on the grass and await buyers in this community market. 6 April 11am-3pm.
Charm of Finches: The next instalment of Smithโs@Belco welcomes the Melbourne sister duo who share their folk-pop tunes. Belconnen Arts Centre, 6 April 7pm; belcoarts.com.au
Sharon & Slava Grigoryan: The talented musicians share their repertoire of colliding genres and generations in Our Place. The Street Theatre, City West, 6 April 7:30pm; thestreet.org.au
A Kind of Hush: The Magic of Karen Carpenter: Katie Noonan, Melinda Schneider and Abby Dobson are accompanied by an all-female band as they perform the music of Carpenter. Canberra Theatre Centre, 6 April 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Kyeema Gallery: Presents a collection of stunning images in Birds and Nature- A Photographer’s Perspective by Le Thanh. Capital Wines, until 7 April; capitalwines.com.au
Romantic Masters: Art Song Canberraโs next concert features Andrew Goodwin and Roland Peelman performing works from Schumann, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. Wesley Music Centre, Sunday 7 April 3pm; trybooking.com
Billy Elliot the Musical: Based on the 2000 film, Free-Rain Theatre presents the story of a young boy who finds his passion for dance amid the 1984 minersโ strike in northern England. This easy-to-love, not-to-be-missed musical has tunes by Elton John and lyrics and story by Lee Hall. The Q- Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 9 April- 5 May; theq.net.au
Seagull: A translation of the Anton Chekov classic in which a country house plays the stage for love triangles, quarrels about theatre and egos to erupt. ACT Hub, 10-21 April; acthub.com.au
Speed and Beauty: Pianist Robert Schmidli performs works by Bach, Beethoven and Chopin. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 10 April 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
RBG: Of Many, One: Brings the life and wins and dissents of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to be appointed to the US Supreme Court to the stage. Canberra Theatre Centre, 11-21 April; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Kyeema Art Gallery: Presents What you see, What I see? An exhibition from Marie Carver and Natalie Will. Capital Wines, 11 April- 5 May; capitalwines.com.au
Heavenly Sopranos: The Australian Haydn Ensemble is joined by Celeste Lazarenko and Helen Sherman in a performance of familiar and rare gems. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Thursday 11 April 7pm; australianhaydn.com.au
Remake Remodel: Bruce Reynolds showcases an array of paintings on linoleum wood inspired by modernist sculptures. CCAS Manuka, 12-21 April; ccas.com.au
Bang On Live: Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe bring their podcast to audiences as they connect, laugh and share stories with those in attendance. Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 12 April 6:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Relay For Life: An overnight event full of activities, music and comradery as locals gather to walk, run or dance as many laps as possible to raise funds for the Cancer Council. AIS, 13-14 April; relayforlife.org.au/event/canberra-2024
Canberra and Region Heritage Festival: The annual event returns with more than 120 events planned to share the rich history of our region featuring exhibitions, workshops and engaging activities. Various locations, 13-28 April; environment.act.gov.au
Illuminating Egypt Festival: Experience an evening of culture under the stars with music and dance, markets, street food, family activities and extended opening hours. National Museum of Australia, Saturday 13 April 4pm; nma.gov.au
John Williamson: Accompanied by his full band, the beloved Aussie musician performs a mix of newly released songs and favourites of decades past. Canberra Theatre Centre, Saturday 13 April 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
I Want It That Gay: A cabaret comedy that reminisces on your favourite hits from the 1990s-2000s through a queer lens. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 13 April 7:30pm; tuggeranongarts.com
Darkfield: A sensory deprivation experience that will challenge your realty, set in shipping containers choose between Flight and Sรฉance. Canberra Theatre Centre, until 14 April; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Birth & Rebirth: Three outstanding young performers bring their most recent program to the region after it was created as part of the Emerging Artist Concerts Series. Wesley Music Centre, Sunday 14 April 2pm; humanitix.com
Thank God Itโs Friday: An exhibition from Canberra artist Collective Hall Artists, brings together works from different career stages and influences. The Link, Ginninderry, 16 April- 26 May; ginninderry.com
Apassionata: Pianist Charles Huang performs works by Beethoven and Bach. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 17 April 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Deadly Dialogues: Join professional athlete Joe Williams and Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Wiradjuri storyteller and dreamer Dr Alethea Beetson in conversation. National Library of Australia, 17 April 6pm; nla.gov.au
All Fired Up: An 80s mixed tape musical that follows Tammy Tooth who on the brink of a midlife crisis is sent back in to meet herself at 16. Thursday 18 April 7:30pm; theq.net.au
Science. Art. Film: Vesper and panel, this recent sci-fi is set in the wake of an environmental catastrophe, wrought by out-of-control genetic technology. Free event, National Film and Sound Archive, Wednesday 17 April 6pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
Dr Melanie Duckworth: presents her 2024 National Library Fellowship research in Christobel Mattingley: Life, worlds, words. National Library of Australia, Thursday 18 April 12:30pm; nla.gov.au
Dog Man: The Musical: A dog with the body of a policeman spends his days fighting crime and chewing furniture, this fun musical was adapted from the book series by Dav Pikey. Canberra Theatre Centre, 19-20 April; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Madagascar Jr the Musical: A fun-filled family show based on the hit movie of the same name, come see all your favourite characters on stage. Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, 19-26 April; trybooking.com
Places and Spaces: A group exhibition in which artists explore the places and spaces around them through installation, sculpture, painting and augmented reality. CCAS Lakeside, 20 April- 29 June; ccas.com.au
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap: The Craft, when Sarah relocates to LA, a trio of outcast schoolgirls welcome her to their circle, a coven in need of their โfourthโ.National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 19 April 8pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
Prinnie Stevens: Presents a vocal journey through the women who have shaped musical history in Lady Sings The Blues Vol 2. The Street Theatre, City West, 20 April 7:30pm; thestreet.org.au
Stomp Festival: Celebrate the flavours of the region with wine releases, live music, art, lunches, tours, tastings, demonstrations and more. Various locations, 20-21 April; stompfest.com.au
Autumn Art Fair: A jam-packed lineup of art and design stalls, delicious food and drink, kidโs activities, live entertainment, workshops and more amongst the beautiful autumn leaves. The Little Burley Markets, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Saturday 20 April 9am-2pm; thelittleburleymarket.com.au
African Festival in the Park: An annual event that celebrates traditional African culture with music, dance, art, fashion and food. Stage 88, Parkes, Saturday 20 April 10am- 8pm.
Prinnie Stevens: Presents a vocal journey through the women who have shaped musical history in Lady Sings The Blues Vol 2. The Street Theatre, City West, Saturday 20 April 7:30pm; thestreet.org.au
Greatest Showman Brunch: Spend some time living the excitement, glitz and glamour of the travelling circus from The Greatest Showman, the live show is accompanied by a delicious brunch. Beef and Barley, Braddon, Sunday 21 April from 11am; tixr.com
Book Club at the NFSA: Chloรฉ Zhaoโs Oscar-winning film is inspired by Jessica Bruderโs Nomadland, a study of post-Recession realities in the USA. Post-screening discussion features special guest Lech Blaine. National Film and Sound Archive, Sunday 21 April 1pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
Taxiride: Brin their unique harmony-rich sound as they celebrate the 25 anniversary of the band’s debut album Imaginate. Tallagandra Hill Winery, 21 April 6:30pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
Spellbound: An incredible night of magic and grand illusion as Anthony Street takes the stage to push the boundaries of reality with his tricks and escapes. Canberra Theatre Centre, 21 April, 7:30 pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
All About Love: The Aeolus Wind Trio present a work exploring the four stages of love; first attraction, happy in love, lost love and enduring love. Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 24 April 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Persepolis: Australian premiere, a stunning, animated coming-of-age story, adapted from Marjane Satrapiโs autobiographical graphic novels. National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 26 April 6pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
Ainslie Salon: Welcomes Ausecuma Beats as they celebrated the launch of Dakar Bamako, an album featuring artists from the music makers three home cities Melbourne, Australia; Dakar, Senegal; and Bamako, Mali. Ainslie Arts Centre, 26 April 7pm; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Shannon Noll: Brings the hits and fan favourites in the Thatโs What Iโm Talking About 20th Anniversary Tour to the stage at Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 26 April 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Reuben Kaye: Is back with Apocalipstik, the scandalous story of Reubenโs scoundrel Uncle springboards that is part cabaret and a whole lot of a good time. Canberra Theatre Centre, 26 April 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Woowoolahra and Lavender Hill: Two very large gardens in rural settings near each other, with vistas, mature gardens, major water features, production, and refreshments. Theย Scenic London Bridge Arch is nearby.ย ย Free for members, $10 entry for those over 18 years. Woowoolahra: 6 London Bridge Road & Lavender Hill; 155 London Bridge Road, Burra, 27-28 April, 10am-4pm; opengardenscanberra.org.au
For the Honour of Australia + Breaker Morant: A compilation of early Australian silent films, followed by a classic of Australian cinema.National Film and Sound Archive, Saturday 27 April 1pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
African Cultural Showcase: Experience the vibrant culture of Africa with free performances, free food and a BBQ. Klaus Moje St, Whitlam, Saturday 27 April 12pm-4pm; eventbrite.com.au
Kita Alexander: Brings the Young in Love Album Tour to town supported by Jem Cassar-Daley. UC Hub, University of Canberra, Saturday 27 April 7:30pm; moshtix.com.au
Emily Kam Kngwarray: Celebrates the timeless art of the pre-eminent Anmatyerr artist who devoted her final years to painting and creating work capturing the experience of her extraordinary life. National Gallery of Australia, until 28 April; nga.gov.au
Told. Retold. Untold.: A site-specific exhibition from artist Rosalind Lemoh that highlights the rich history of the Kingston building. Canberra Glassworks, until 28 April; canberraglassworks.com
Paws Party: Celebrate the Stick Library at Haig Park with this dog day out, expect live painting session, live music, markets, professional pet portraits and free treats for furry friends. Haig Park, Sunday 28 April 11am-1pm.
Sierra Leone Community Independence Day: Celebrate the Independence Day of Sierra Leone with a special Thanksgiving service. Sandford Street Mitchell, 28 April 4pm; eventbrite.com.au
Canberra International Music Festival: Celebrate 30 years of the beloved event featuring 60 world class artists, 20 spectacular concerts in 11 magnificent venues. 30 April – 5 May, full program; cimf.org.au
ONGOING
Moraig McKenna: Explores the surface effects of texture, glaze, salt and as on clay in Surfacing at Canberra Potters Gallery, Watson, until 5 May; canberrapotters.com.au
Deep Inside My Heart: Bringing together sculptures, drawings and other works from the national collection by female artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. National Gallery of Australia, until 19 May; nga.gov.au
Ralph Heimans: Portraiture. Power. Influence.: Portraits on loan from private and public collections from around the world show some of the artist’s most significant works. National Portrait Gallery, until 27 May; portrait.gov.au
Focus: Australian Government Photographers: Undertake a journey spanning six decades of Australian life with works from some of the government photographers working between 1939 and 1996. National Archives of Australia, until 10 June; naa.gov.au
Vincent Namatjira: Australia in colour: The first survey exhibition of the Western Aranda artist, showcasing paintings, works on paper and moving images from worldwide collections. National Gallery of Australia, until 21 July; nga.gov.au
Jordan Wolfson: Body Sculpture: A commissioned piece that evokes emotional and physical responses from the viewer through the movements of an animatronic sculpture, contains mature themes. National Gallery of Australia, until 28 July; nga.gov.au
Change: Stories from your pocket: The Royal Australian Mint curates an exhibition exploring the stories our coins tell about our history. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 31 August; cmag.com.au
Discovering Ancient Egypt: On loan from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities is a deep dive into the culture of the ancient society with more than 220 objects, spanning more than 3,000 years. National Museum of Australia, until 8 September; nma.gov.au
Materialityโฆbut not as we know it: Ten artists and designers with Canberra connections explore the ideas around truth to materials and functionality and design. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 20 October; cmag.com.au
MoAD: Home to a host of exhibitions, such as Behind the Lines 2023, Blueprint and Statement: Jack Greenโs Paintings at Old Parliament House, free entry; bookings encouraged. moadoph.gov.au/visit/whats-on/exhibitions
Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People: Discover the story of Canberra as the place where nationhood found a home โ the people, places and history that make up this city and region. Canberra Museum and Gallery, ongoing; cmag.com.au
RECURRING
Lunchulele: Every Monday 12.30 – 1.30pm, ukulele players perform at Smithโs Alternative; smithsalternative.com
Behind-the-Scenes History Tour: Go behind the scenes of Canberraโs oldest public building and see its evolution. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, every Wednesday and Friday 10.30am-2pm; canberraglassworks.com
Mt Ainslie Music Club: The community ensemble meets for improvisation every first Thursday of the month 8-10pm, Ainslie Arts Centre; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Sing Australia: Weekly sessions at: Belconnen, Thursday 9.30am; Duntroon, Monday 7.30pm; Greenway, Monday 1pm. Costs apply; singaustralia.com.au
Smithโs Alternative: Irish Jam each Friday from 4pm; Comedy Open Mic, first Sunday of the month 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Night Markets: The community-run event runs every Friday 4-8pm at Anketell Street, Tuggeranong.
Capital Region Farmers Market: Fresh seasonal produce and gourmet goods at EPIC, Saturdays 7-11.30am; capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
The Little Burley Market: Bringing gourmet food and artisan handicrafts lakeside each week. Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Saturday 9am-1.30pm; thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Trash and Treasure: Hunt for second-hand goods, fresh produce and homewares every Sunday at the Jamison Centre, 7am-12.30pm; trashandtreasuremarketjamison.com.au
Bric-a-Brac Rummage: Hunt for second-hand treasure in front of South.Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm.
Old Bus Depot Markets: The much-loved markets continue at the Old Bus Depot in Kingston, Sundays 9.30 am-2.30pm; obdm.com.au
Kippax Marketplace: Indoor market at Kippax Uniting Church Community Centre on the 3rd Saturday of the month 8am-12pm; free entry.
Community Market: Monthly market at Calwell shopping centre on the 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-3pm and Queanbeyan Park on the 3rd Sunday 9am-2pm.
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