February, the month of love, multicultural appreciation, and show bags.
CW has compiled a list of the best events, shows and experiences in and around Canberra to keep you entertained these four weeks.
Highlights this month include the National Multicultural Festival in Civic on 17-19, and the unforgettable Royal Canberra Show at Exhibition Park, 24-26.
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
Brett Blake: The Canberra Comedy Club welcomes the witty, mullet-toting comedy legend along with supporting acts, Transit Bar, 1 February 7.30pm; trybooking.com
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, 2-5 and 9-12 February; natureartlab.com.au
Craft ACT: Houses two new exhibitions – Daisy Chain from eight new associates of the Jam Factory, and Emerging Contemporaries by early career artists. Craft ACT, 2 February-18 March; craftact.org.au
Future Classics: Luke Heggie and Chris Ryan have a bunch of new jokes to share with audiences. The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 3-4 February; theq.net.au
Lakeside At 5: launching this year’s program is the Leisa Keen Trio with a performance of smooth jazz. The Lodge, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 3 February 5pm; tuggeranongarts.com
Kopasetic: Share their roots and reggae sounds, along with special guest Anna Elisara. (Ticket holders are eligible to grab a free pint, half pint or glass of wine from nearby Capital Brewing Co.) The Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 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
Dogfight: Dramatic Productions presents the musical tale of a young man’s night on the town before heading to war. Gungahlin Theatre, until 4 February; stagecenta.com
Distant Friends: Local artist Peter McLean showcases his portraits as a response to the distance the pandemic opened between people, using Lego prints and print methods. Megalo Print Studio, Kingston, 4 February-25 March; megalo.org
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 2.30 & 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
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.
Music by the River: Returning to the 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, 3pm (CSO 7pm); eventbrite.com.au
Googfest: The free event returns for the first time in five years with live music, delicious treats and a fireworks show. Rockley Oval, Googong, 4 February 5pm; googong.net
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
Memory Persists: Dan Maginnity who is also known as byrd showcases his incredible works at the Nancy Sever Gallery, 5-26 February; nancysevergallery.com.au
Bungendore Multicultural Festival: Celebrate the diverse cultures of our region with food, music, dance and markets. Bungendore, 5 February 10am-4pm; qprc.nsw.gov.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
Cowboy Junkies: Returning to Australia for the first time in 20 years, the Canadian alt-country outfit comes to Canberra Theatre Centre, 6 February 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
SPARKS Dance: The nine-week class is designed for adults living with dementia to enjoy the movement of dance, open to all abilities, skills, mobility needs and ages. Weston Neighbourhood Hall, each Tuesday 11.30am. For more information and to register, email [email protected]
By Candlelight: CANCELLED – Critically acclaimed West End shows celebrating iconic artists surrounded by warm candlelight come to the Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre: Queen by Candlelight, 8 February 7.30pm; Meat Loaf by Candlelight 9 February 7.30pm; kindadusty.com.au CANCELLED
At Dinner: Viewers get an insight into modern love as two young lovers have a meal together. ACT Hub, Kingston, 9-11 February; acthub.com.au
Alex Asch: The Canberra artist explores constructed landscapes through recycled materials in the newest exhibition Climacteric at Beaver Galleries, 9-25 February; beavergalleries.com.au
Lightbulb Improv: Returns for 2023 with a night of comedy, completely made up on the spot. Smith’s Alternative, 9 February 7pm; lightbulbimprov.com
Anh Do: The beloved comedian brings his best-selling book, The Happiest Refugee, to life in a stand-up, film and photo show. Canberra Theatre Centre, 9 February 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Lifeline Bookfair: Bibliophiles’ favourite Canberra event, the charity book sale helps keep the local crisis support service running. Browse the books, games, music and movies at Exhibition Park in Canberra, 10-12 February; lifelinecanberra.org.au
To Barbra with Love: Celebrate the incomparable songstress, Barbra Streisand in this 80th birthday event with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and some of the biggest names in musical theatre. Canberra Theatre Centre, 10-11 February; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Catch Jazida: An immersive theatre/ dance experience from Canberra’s most recognisable burlesque performer, Jazida, who is on the run from the law. The Courthouse Studio, 10-12 February; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Welcomes four new exhibitions from individuals and groups- earth unframed; Mycelium Sky; Wrack and Salvage; and ground whisper softly. 10 February- 26 march; belcoarts.com.au
Sports and Wellbeing Expo: Celebrate Gungahlin invites Canberrans to an afternoon of sporting fun with local sporting personalities, live demos, the chance to connect with new groups and food to keep energy levels high. Amaroo Playing Fields, 10 February 3:30-6:30pm; https://www.celebrategungahlin.com.au
The Ovations Awards: The inaugural awards evening recognising excellence in performing arts in the Canberra and Queanbeyan region. Hellenic Club Woden, 10 February 6.30pm; ovations.org.au
Canberra Museum + Gallery: Two exhibitions – Tom Moore’s Abundant Water, and Blanche Tilden’s ripple effect – a 25 year survey, until 12 February; cmag.com.au
A day at the Lake: Royal Life Saving NSW/ACT are hosting a free water safety day to help build awareness and safety skills with practical demonstrations, a BBQ lunch, prizes and discounts at the Canberra Aqua Park. Black Mountain Peninsula, 12 February 10am- 2pm; drowningprevention.org.au
Chamber Philharmonia Cologne: Returns to Canberra with a delightful program in Vivaldi Mozart Paganini. St Christopher’s Cathedral, Forrest, 14 February 8pm; ticketmaster.com.au
White Rabbit Red Rabbit: With the actor getting the script only once they step on stage, in a role they can only play once, this play promises to be something different. The Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 15-16 & 23-24 February; humanitix.com
Mirage: Direct from her London base, Hayat Selim is accompanied by Dianna Nixon in this cross-cultural exploration of music. The Street, City West, 16 February 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
National Multicultural Festival: Three full days of food, drinks, performance, and cultural activities to celebrate the diversity of Australia. Canberra City and Glebe Park, 17-19 February; multiculturalfestival.com.au
X Rainbow takeover: A patchwork of piece celebrating LGBTIQA+ pride and community, created by queer artist from around the country. Craft ACT, 18 February- 23 March; craftact.org.au
MAZA: The Queensland based Balkan-French inspired folk group come to Canberra to host a music workshop and performance. Smith’s Alternative, 18 February, 2pm & 6pm; smithsalternative.com
Bandaluzia Flamenco: A dazzling display of musicianship and dance comes to The Street, City West, 18 February 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
Multicultural Comedy Gala: An all-out stand-up show celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Australia, hosted by John Safran. Canberra Theatre, 18 February 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Cressida Campbell: The artist’s largest exhibition features more than 140 of her works, spanning her entire career, National Gallery of Australia, until 19 February. In ‘Grazing by the Garden’, design your own grazing experience inspired by Campbell’s love of gardens and food between friends, Fri-Sun 11am-2.30pm until 19 February; nga.gov.au
Shannons’ Wheels Vehicle Display: The fundraising event returns for the 41st time with the theme of Back to the 1950s, with beautiful cars from that decade and more. Queanbeyan Showground, 19 February 10am- 1:30pm.
Summer Soiree: An afternoon in the garden with wine tastings and afternoon tea as the voices of the Luminescence Chamber Singers surround you. Gorman Arts Centre, 19 February 3pm; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Joseph Tawadros: Fresh off recording a new album the seven-time ARIA award winner brings his signature music to The Street Theatre, 19 February 4pm; thestreet.org.au
Katie Noonan: Celebrates Joni Mitchell’s Blue 50th anniversary, performing iconic tunes. Tallagandra Hill Winery, 19 February 6.30pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
Samantha Fish: The Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll musician brings her national tour to The Basement, Belconnen, 19 February 7pm; tickets.oztix.com.au
Kae Tempest: The celebrated London musician spends an intimate evening at The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre, 20 February 7pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Masha & Valentyna: The documentary follows 2 women who were forced out of their homes in Ukraine and crossed the border into Poland due to the Russian invasion, marking one year since the war began. The screening features a Q&A with director Simon Target. Kambri Cultural Centre, ANU, 21 February 7:30pm; eventbrite.com.au
Latin Piano: Pianist Sam Row performs Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango, Enrique Granados’ Allegro de Concierto and Chris Norton’s Latin Prelude. Wesley Music Centre, 22 February 12:40pm; wesleycanberra.org.au
Friends of Poetry: This month’s instalment of Poetry Reading at Manning Clark House features Lucy Alexander, Andrew Moss and Luke Whitington. 23 February 7pm; trybooking.com
Fragments: Locals are invited to a free sneak preview of the award winning web series on youth mental health at the National Film and Sound Archive, 23 February 6pm; eventbrite.com.au
Air Play: A circus-like adventure brings to life the air we breathe with flying umbrellas, enormous balloons, giant kites, and more. The Playhouse, 24-26 February; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Canberra Show: Show bags, sideshow attractions, rides, fireworks, FMX performances and the chance to meet new furry friends are just some of the highlights of the annual Canberra Show. Exhibition Park, 24-26 February; canberrashow.org.au
Downtown The Mod Musical: The Queanbeyan Players present a fun and upbeat celebration of the 1960s. Belconnen Community Theatre, 24 February-5 March; trybooking.com
Lakeside at 5: This month’s Friday afternoon concert features The Fuelers, bringing their blend of country-rockabilly-dieselbilly to Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 24 February 5:30pm; tuggeranongarts.com
Two of Us: Darren Coggan and Damien Leith celebrate two of the biggest songwriters of all time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The B (Bicentennial Hall), Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 24 February 8pm; theq.net.au
VIP Wine Tasting: Head to the Sapling Yard Wine Cellar Door in Bungendore on Saturday 25 February 4-8pm for an evening of Spaling Yard wine tastings, canapes, and live music. Bookings essential. Tickets $60, via saplingyard.com.au/events
Sunset Cinema: Returns to the ANBG with their signature mix of new release blockbusters, classics and family favourites; Wednesday-Sunday until 25 February 2023; sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra
Canoe Polo Summer Series: The final event of the Australian Canoe Polo circuit comes to a head at Molonglo Reach, 25-26 February.
Canberra Bonsai Society: Has teamed up with the Australian National Botanic Gardens to present Australian Plants as Bonsai Exhibition 2023. Australian National Botanic Gardens, 25-26 February; parksaustralia.gov.au
AMPlify Tributes at the Arboretum: Three of the country’s best tribute acts come together to celebrate the music of Neil Diamond, Elton John and ABBA. National Arboretum Canberra, 25 February 5pm; stickytickets.com.au
Net Worth: Emerging artists combine ideas of identity, societal stereotypes, and technology with history and craftmanship. Canberra Glassworks, until 26 February; canberraglassworks.com
Mustang Show and Shine: The ACT Chapter of the Mustang Owners Club of Australia holds its biennial charity show with over 120 beautiful cars, trade stalls, food, and drinks. With all profits raised being donated to the Australian Federal Police Veterans Association.
The Tasman Soloists: Perform the hauntingly beautiful Schubert and Britten – Love and War at Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 26 February 3pm; trybooking.com
Ash Grunwald: The Blues artist brings his intoxicating sounds to Tallagandra Hill Winery, 26 February 6.30pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
Portrait Play: Explores ‘My Favourite Things’ with children aged 4-8 encouraged to bring their own things to create a portrait, National Portrait Gallery, until 27 February, bookings essential; portrait.gov.au
Canberra Chordsmen: Men’s a cappella chorus in the barbershop four-part harmony style, are once again running their popular five-week Sing With Us program commencing 28 February for those gentlemen out there who love to sing. Taylor Primary School, Kambah, from 28 February; canberrachordsmen.org.au
Jingo Was Born in The Slum: Matthew Thorne presents a powerful exhibition reflecting on Ned Kelly and his gang, Canberra Museum + Gallery, until 4 March; cmag.com.au
Viewfinder: Photography from the 1970s to now exhibition at the National Library of Australia, until 13 March; nla.gov.au
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Three exhibitions on display – Andrea Bryant: A Lens on the Lake; Ruby Lucia Ballantyne: Colouring the Dance Floor; and Louise Curham: Kambah. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, until 24 March; tuggeranongarts.com
Disrupt, Persist, Invent: Discover the stories of the many ways Australians have achieved social change in this fascinating exhibition at the National Archives of Australia, until 12 June; naa.gov.au
Feared and Revered: Explore feminine spiritual power through the ages in this exhibition on loan from the British Museum, National Museum of Australia, until 27 August; nma.gov.au
MoAD: Home to a host of exhibitions, such as Behind the Lines 2022 and Statement: Jack Green’s Paintings at Old Parliament House, free entry; bookings encouraged.
Behind-the-Scenes History Tour: Go behind the scenes of Canberra’s oldest public building and see its evolution. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, every Wednesday and Friday 10:30am-2pm; canberraglassworks.com
Sing Australia: Weekly sessions at: Belconnen, Thursday 9.30am; Duntroon, Monday 7.30pm; Greenway, Monday 1pm. Costs apply; singaustralia.com.au
ANU Classics Museum: Voluntary guides conduct free tours on the second Friday of each month at 12.30pm in the A D Hope Building, ANU; call 0438 883 373.
Old Bus Depot Markets: The much-loved markets continue at the Old Bus Depot in Kingston, Sundays 9.30am-2.30pm; obdm.com.au
Bric-a-Brac Rummage: Hunt for second-hand treasure in front of South.Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm.
Lunchulele: Every Monday 12.30-1.30pm, ukulele players perform at Smith’s Alternative; smithsalternative.com
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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