Hello February, the month of Cupid’s visit and the last of the warm summer days.
The Canberra region is offering plenty of events and experiences to make you fall head over heels as you enjoy the final Summer moments.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Brings the classic characters of the beloved Eric Carle story to life with a cast of magical puppets. Canberra Theatre, 1-3 February; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Staging nationhood in dance photographs: Dr Wesley Lim presents research into the papers of dancer and choreographer Gertrud Bodenwieser, focusing on her collaborative dance photoshoots. National Library of Australia, Thursday 1 February 5:30pm; nla.gov.au
Akram Khan Company’s Jungle Book Reimagined: One of the world’s most acclaimed international dance companies presents a beautiful world of spectacular movement and stunning stagecraft. Canberra Theatre Centre, 2-3 February; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Showcases three exhibitions- Josephine Townsend’s Seeing the Forest and the Trees, Prints From Studio One: The Collection of Basil Hall and Jeremy Barrett’s Recent Paintings and Monoprints.Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 2 February- 28 March; tuggeranongarts.com
The Bald Archy Prize 2024: The whimsical take on the more serious competition invites artists of all kinds to unleash creativity on portraits with humour, dark satire, light comedy or caricature. Canberra Potters 2 February- 17 March; canberrapotters.com.au
Somewhere I’ve Been: Artists Gemma Brown and Emma Pinsent reconfigure waste and organic matter in this exploration of the relationship between humans and the environment. CCAS, Manuka, 2-11 February; ccas.com.au
Tyger Gallery: Presents The Road to Wee Jasper by Braidwood and Seattle-based collage artist Ray Monde. Tyger Gallery, Yass, 2-18 February; tygergallery.com.au
Band Out Of Hell: Presents a Meatloaf tribute show recreating the classic songs note for note. Harmonie German Club, Friday 2 February 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
BLANK: A joint effort between audience and performer the gaps in the script are filled to reveal a story that celebrates human imagination. Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick, 3-24 February; milltheatreatdairyroad.com
Places Near Here: Canberra artist Julie Colbran showcases a series of landscape paintings that capture the Canberra region. Rusten House Art Centre, 3- 24 February; qprc.nsw.gov.au
Elemental: The beauty of the Northern Flinders Ranges and the Hawkesbury are on canvas in this joint exhibition by Melissa Read-Devine and Julie Simmons. Humble Hose Gallery, 3 February- 3 March; humblehouse.com.au
Megalo Print Studio: Celebrates our history of political and social activism with Presents Cause and Effect: Politics and Protest from the Megalo Archives. 3 February- 16 March; megalo.org
Back to School Series: Head back to the hallways and classrooms with a collection of classic teenage-centred classics. National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, until 3 February; nfsa.gov.au
Alpha’s Driveway Cookout: Local foodies are invited to the very first Alpha mini-BBQ festival with Aussie-American low and slow meats, sausage sizzle, seafood, and desserts accompanied by live music in this free family friendly event. Alpha HQ Raws Crescent Hume, Saturday 3 February 11am-4pm; shop.alphafresh.com.au
Music by the River: The annual event sees Canberra Symphony Orchestra perform the very best of ABBA, local musicians and food stands take to the banks of the Queanbeyan River, Saturday 3 February from 4pm; eventbrite.com.au
Canberra Wedding Expo: Find out what you have to do to say I do with vendors, suppliers, photographers, cake makers and more here to answer your questions. National Convention Centre, Sunday 4 February 10am-3pm; weddingguide.com.au
Derek Gripper: Presents music from the Strings of Mali, a showcase of West African rhythms, timeless classical, and inspiring melodies from Toumani Diabaté, Arvo Pärt and Bach. National Gallery of Australia, 5-6 February; concertsaustralia.com/derek
River: The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents an incredible sensory experience, combining captivating cinematography with timeless music. Canberra Theatre Centre, Wednesday 7 February 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Suite mágica: Guitar and harp duo Andrew Blanch and Emily Granger combine forces in the magical debut recording complete with string of shows. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Thursday 8 February 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
Jersey Guys: The premier tribute to the hit musical and the musical of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons stops in and Canberra on their national tour. Canberra Southern Cross Club, Friday 9 February 8pm; ticketek.com.au
Lifeline Bookfair: Come grab your newest entertainment while supporting our local crisis support service, choose from thousands of books, games, puzzles, CDs and more. Exhibition Park, 9-11 February; lifelinecanberra.org.au
The Darkness: The beloved band extend their 20th Anniversary Permission to Land Tour to Canberra. UC Refectory, University of Canberra, Friday 9 February 7pm; moshtix.com.au
Ian Moss: Celebrate his newest studio release with the Rivers Run Dry Acoustic Tour, stopping in at Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 9 February 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Canberra Psychic Fair: Explore a great selection of stalls selling crystals, handmade jewellery, clothes, homewares, arts and more while some of the country’s best psychics offer readings. Ainslie Football Club, 10-11 February; canberrapsychicfair.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, 10 February- 6 April; ccas.com.au
Googfest 2024: Is going country with a free, live, country music festival of Googonian proportions for the whole family! Pull out your boots ‘n hats and kick back with the award-winning sounds of Australian country music star, Travis Collins, supported by Hayley Jensen and Dana Hassel. Free buses. Rockley Oval via Wellsvale Drive, Googong, Saturday 10 February 5-9pm; googong.net
Belconnen Arts Centre: Hosts four new exhibitions- Visual Expression from The Bunker Studio Artists; Scenes from the Mall from Spiros Coutroubas; Hesitation from Eliza Adam; DISCRIMINATE from John Brookes, until 11 February; belcoarts.com.au/exhibitions
The journey of Australian science: The first in the 2024 six-part series sees immunology researchers explore the scientific contribution of Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet. Australian Academy of Science, Tuesday 13 February 5pm; science.org.au
This Old Cello Box: London-based musician William Jack performs a program including iconic songs reimagined for the cello. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 14 February 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Kevin McCloud: Returns to the stage for an evening of incredible insights, behind the scenes anecdotes and entertainment, Canberra Theatre Centre, Wednesday 14 February; fane.com.au/show/kevin-mccloud-live
Kate Miller-Heidke: The beloved songstress embarks on a massive set of national and regional shows in the Catching Diamonds Tour. Tallagandra Hill Winery, 14 February 7pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
Next to Normal: Queanbeyan Players present the award-winning Brian Yorkey musical exploring how a suburban household copes with mental health and crisis. Belconnen Community Theatre, 15- 24 February; queanbeyanplayers.com
Chinese Film Festival: A journey of rich culture and storytelling with an outstanding collection of new and classic Chinese titles. Dendy Cinemas Canberra, 15-18 February; canberra.dendy.com.au
Liz Jakimow: Presents A journey with grief: exploring loss through photography and poetry, a personal exploration of grief and loss at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15-25 February; csu.edu.au
Chinese diaspora in Cold War Australia: Dr Mei-fen Kuo explores the influence of the Cold War on forming contemporary Chinese-Australian identities. National Library of Australia, Thursday 15 February 12.30pm; nla.gov.au
Fearless Women Trivia Night: Fearless Women is a local not-for-profit organisation supporting girls and young women aged 10-25 through our Education Program and one-on-one Mentoring Program which pairs a young person with an adult volunteer mentor who can provide them with support, friendship and guidance. To raise money for our programs, we’re hosting a Trivia Night on Thursday 15 February 6pm at King O’Malley’s Pub, 131 City Walk. Tickets $50; Fearless Trivia Night | Humanitix
Multicultural Festival: Experience the culture, art and flavours of more than 170 multicultural communities in this three-day event. Canberra CBD and Glebe Park, 16-18 February; multiculturalfestival.com.au
Craft + Design Canberra: Presents three exhibitions- Seeing and Knowing: New Perspective in Furniture, Wilding Whitlam and 2024 Emerging Contemporaries. 16 February-16 March; craftanddesigncanberra.org
Simple Forms, Complex Times: An exhibition of watercolours by artist Lee Crisp that journey through nature’s generative force. CCAS Manuka, 16-25 February; ccas.com.au
Tales from Trove: Professor Katherine Bode will discuss some of the extraordinary stories that challenge and reshape our traditional understanding of the role of newspapers in publishing fiction. National Library of Australia, Friday 16 February 6pm; nla.gov.au
Freestyle Kings: Strap yourself in for an action-packed show like no other with a line-up of world-class freestyle motocross athletes showing you what they’ve got. GIO Stadium, 16 February 7pm; freestylekings.com
Greece Lightning: A whirlwind performance that sees one man try to perform all of Greek Mythology in hopes of saving his homeland. The Q- Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 16 February 7.30pm; theq.net.au
The Back Tracks: John Schumann and The Vagabond Crew perform the classic hits as well as selection from Schumann’s back catalogue. The Street Theatre, 16 February 8pm; thestreet.org.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Presents four new exhibitions- Lines of Sight by Patsy Payne and John Pratt; Interwoven 7 by Basketry and Textile Artists, atmo-sphere by Francis Kenna; The Benefit of Doubt by Fran Romano and Zoe Slee. 17 February – 28 March; belcoarts.com.au
Tim Rogers: The You Am I frontman kickstarts the 2024 Smith’s@Belco season with the support of local musician Cathy Diver. Belconnen Arts Centre, Saturday 17 February 7pm; belcoarts.com.au
Owen Campbell: The blues artist and special guest Jesse Redwing perform separately and then join forces in this rocking show. Live At The Polo, Turner, Saturday 17 February 7.30pm; humanitix.com
Florisma: Canberra artist Caroline Reid presents an exhibition of large acrylic paintings, painted en plein air and ceramics. ANCA Gallery, Dickson, until 18 February; anca.net.au
Shannons Wheels 2024: The show and shine celebrates the Hot Hatch with an amazing display of veteran, vintage, historic, classic and modified vehicles with proceeds going to Respite Care. Queanbeyan Showground, Sunday 18 February 10am-1.30pm; cactmc.org.au
Chinese Lantern Making Workshop: The Australia China Friendship Society welcomes adults and children to celebrate Lunar New Year with this fun crafternoon, pre-registration essential. Cook Community Hub, 18 February 1.30-3.30pm; acfs.org.au
Canberra Symphony Orchestra: Opens the Sunday afternoon chamber series with Beethoven’s E-flat major Septet. Albert Hall, 18 February 2pm; cso.org.au
Wendy Matthews: The acclaimed artist performs an unhurried and exquisite journey through different genres in this intimate show. Tallagandra Hill Winery, Sunday 18 February 6:30pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
Maurice Murphy: Shares insight into the laughs and good times behind the scenes of Aunty Jack and Norman Guston. Smith’s Alternative, 18 February 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Loose Ends: Nine studio artists present a collection of the works they had been meaning to get around to, completed for the exhibition deadline. ANCA, Dickson, 21 February – 10 March; anca.net.au
Silver Chain of Sound: Pianist Marie Searles and violinist Brad Tham perform two works Grieg’s Sonata No. 2 Op 13 and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 21 February 12.30pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Book event at ANU: Shannyn Palmer won the 2023 Prime Minister’s Book prize for her first book Unmaking Angas Downs: Myth and History on a Central Australian Pastoral Station. She’ll be joining a panel of historians at ANU to discuss her book on Wednesday 21 February 4.15pm, in the auditorium at the RSSS building (146 Ellery Cres, Acton, ACT).
Living the Tradition: Shot on location, the film provides a fresh account of Irish music and culture. The screening is followed by a live performance from cellist and director Ilse De Ziah and guitarist Ian Date. National Film and Sound Archive, Wednesday 21 February 6pm; nfsa.gov.au
Last of the Red Hot Lovers: New York at the end of the 1960s, middle-aged Barney Cashman doesn’t want to miss out on the swinging craze and sets up three encounters in this classic comedy. Canberra REP Theatre, 22 February – 9 March; canberrarep.org.au
Fashion Parade: Debbie Maree’s Fashion Boutique hosts a fundraising fashion show with drinks and canapes for Karabar Housing Cooperative. Queanbeyan Uniting Church, Thursday 22 February 5pm; karabarhousing.org
CinemaLive’s Kinky Boots Cinema Screening: Your favourite Tony Award winning musical, Kinky Boots, The Musical, will be coming to the big screen from 22 February in the following cinema locations, Hoyts Belconnen, Dendy Canberra and Limelight Tuggeranong, for a magical screening of glitz, glam and song! More info: CinemaLive
The Necks: The improvised music trailblazers return to home soil to perform an impromptu show. The Street Theatre, Thursday 22 February 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
Royal Canberra Show: The entertainment spectacular returns with rides, show bags, live animals, shows of human endurance and so much more. Exhibition Park, 23-25 February; canberrashow.org.au
M16 Artspace: Presents five exhibitions- New Work by Martin Paull, Absurd Frontier by Nathan Hughes, CAPTCHA by Matthew Francis, Cold Collations by Susan Chancellor and Pixel Panel III by Karen Milder. 23 February – 17 March; m16artspace.com.au
Friday Night Drinks: Soak up the last of the warm summer nights with live music, beverages from Capital Brewing Co, and great friends. Old Parliament House, 23 February 5pm; moadoph.gov.au
Lakeside at 5: The monthly Friday afternoon tunes feature local artist Creswick. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Friday 23 February 5pm; tuggeranongarts.com
Matchbox Twenty: Return to Australia to celebrate their new album Where The Light Goes, with special guests the Goo Goo Dolls. GIO Stadium, Friday 23 February 7pm; ticketek.com.au
Adélaïde Ferrière: The renowned percussionist known for a magnetic stage presence and virtuosic dynamism performs her Australian debut. Snow Concert Hall, 23 February 7pm; snowconcerthall.com
Transients: Andrea Keller on piano, Julien Wilson on saxophone, and Sam Anning on double bass perform original compositions. The Street Theatre, 23 February 7pm; thestreet.org.au
Sunset Cinema: Watch a new release, classic or family favourite film outdoors this summer. Grab a bucket of bottomless popcorn and some food and drink while you sit back and relax. The Australian National Botanic Gardens, until 24 February; visitcanberra.com.au
Alchemy Exhibition: The final coming together of the 15 Project Alchemy artists presents a series of cross disciplinary art projects in response to the Black Summer fires. The Queanbeyan Hive Gallery, 24 February – 17 March; rebustheatre.com
Australian Plants as Bonsai: The Canberra Bonsai Society and the Australian National Botanic Gardens presents a showcase of art of miniature trees. Australian National Botanic Gardens, 24-25 February; cbs.org.au
Terroux: Is a large evolving country garden with water features and quirky pieces of art. A garden of discovery with gravel paths revealing diverse plantings and extensive parkland with orchards against a backdrop of the Brindabellas. Free for members, $10 entry for over 18 years. 88 Rochford Road, Wallarroo NSW, 24-25 February; opengardenscanberra.org.au The owners are holding a separate soiree on 24 February 5-7pm.
Yass Picnic Races: Established in 1901, the Yass Picnic Races are one of the oldest Picnic Race Clubs in NSW. Head along to Marchmont Race Course on Saturday 24 February 11.30am-6pm for a great day out. Buses will run to and from town. Tickets: yasspicnicraces.com.au
The Australian Tenors: Perform with the Southern Cross Orchestra and special guest Giuseppina Grech from Opera Australia. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Saturday 24 February 2pm; theq.net.au
2024 Lantern Festival: The Australia Chine Friendship Society hosts a free evening of music, dancing, martial arts and lantern parade, BYO picnic, the event will be cancelled if there is rain. Beijing Garden, Yarralumla, 24 February 6pm; acfs.org.au
Sionnach Rua’s Great Irish Songbook: Returns with an enchanting collection of new songs and stories. The Street, City West, 24 February 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
Retirement Village & Resort Expo: Explore the latest resort style developments and established villages while getting all your questions answered. Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, 25-26 February; retirementexpo.com.au
Colour in Canberra: Community group, SiTara’s Story, is hosting the first ever Colour in Canberra business expo in partnership with ANU Women Alumni Network on Sunday 25 February from 9am at ANU. Offering trade displays, opportunities to build brand proximity, panel discussions and keynote speeches by business leaders and policymakers, this expo is open to all members of the community. Two types of registrations are available: $20 general admission, and $40 trade display. Sponsorship packages are also available. Learn more at sitarasstory.com or book tickets via Humanitix.
Art Song Canberra: Start their 2024 season with A Tribute to Oliver, celebrating Oliver Raymond OAM. Wesley Music Centre, Sunday 25 February 3pm; trybooking.com
Holding Time: Bungendore Wood Works Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Harp Kiddle. Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, until 28 February; bwoodworks.com.au
One Instrument/ Many Voices: Linus Lee plays well-known classical compositions that feature various solo instruments on the organ. Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 28 February 12.40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Bring It On the Musical: Based off the beloved film that sees rival high schools battle it out at the national championships. Erindale College Theatre, 29 February – 16 March; philo.org.au
Her brilliant career: Learn about the award-winning dramatist and trailblazing scriptwriter for theatre, radio and television, Eleanor Witcombe, from research Fellow Dr Eleanor Hogan. National Library of Australia, Thursday 29 February 12.30pm; nla.gov.au
Artsound FM Trivia Night: Test your music knowledge with Brian Leonard’s 50-year quiz to fundraise for Canberra’s arts community radio station. Eastlake Football Club, Kingston, 29 February 7pm; artsound.fm
Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier: Invite you on a wonderful musical journey through their four decades of music-making in Songs from the Book of Life. Canberra Theatre Centre, 29 February 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
CONTINUING
Madonna40: A Celebration: Experience this incredible homage to the Queen of Pop, as one Canberra fan shares their collection of Madonna memorabilia. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 3 March; cmag.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
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 April; nga.gov.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
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
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
Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People: Discover the story of Canberra as the place where nationhood found a home – the people, places and history that make up this city and region. Canberra Museum and Gallery, ongoing; cmag.com.au
MoAD: Home to a host of exhibitions, such as Behind the Lines 2023, Blueprint and Statement: Jack Green’s Paintings at Old Parliament House, free entry; bookings encouraged.
RECURRING
Lunchulele: Every Monday 12.30-1.30pm, ukulele players perform at Smith’s Alternative; smithsalternative.com
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
Mt Ainslie Music Club: The community ensemble meets for improvisation every first Thursday of the month 8-10pm, Ainslie Arts Centre; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Smith’s Alternative: Irish Jam each Friday from 4pm; Comedy Open Mic, first Sunday of the month from 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Night Markets: The community-run event runs every Friday 4-8pm at Anketell Street, Tuggeranong.
The Little Burley Market: Bringing gourmet food and artisan handicrafts lakeside each week. Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Saturday 9am-1.30pm; thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Capital Region Farmers Market: Fresh seasonal produce and gourmet goods at EPIC, Saturdays 7-11.30am; capitalregionfarmersmarket.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.
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 9.30am-2.30pm; obdm.com.au
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