Hello, sunshine! Temperatures are expected to hit the mid-20s this weekend, 15-17 September, and CW thinks it is the perfect time to soak up the spring weather.

Nothing says springtime more than the smell of freshly sprung flowers, the buzzing of bees and chirping of birds – find all three at the opening weekend of Floriade at Commonwealth Park. If you need more of a bloom fix, head out to Sutton and visit the Tulip Top Gardens which have opened their gates early this year.

Celebrate Chinese harvest at the Moon Festival at Gungahlin College or breathe new life into a beloved possession with the volunteers at the Hawker Community Repair Café and Local Made Markets.

EVENTS

Mid-Autumn Festival: Also known as the Moon Festival, the Chinese cultural event brings a program of food, culture and beautiful lanterns to Westfield Woden, until 30 September; westfield.com.au

Tulip Top Gardens: Opening early this year with an incredible display of tulips, blossoms and other flowers along with birds, live entertainment, food and wine for a beautiful day soaking up spring. Tulip Top Gardens, Sutton NSW, until 15 October; tuliptopgardens.com.au

Floriade: Celebrate Australia’s favourite Spring festival with beautiful blooms, engaging entertainment, workshops, markets, food and wine, art displays, events and more. Commonwealth Park, 16 September-15 October. Free entry; floriadeaustralia.com

Moon Festival: Celebrate harvest and the bright and roundest moon at this free community event full of singing, dancing, martial arts, traditional Chinese arts, and food and drink including moon cake. Gungahlin College, Saturday 16 September 10.30am-3pm.

Patrick: The next instalment in the Australian New Wave series is an essential film of Australian director Richard Franklin, master of the supernatural thriller. National Film and Sound Archive, 16 September; nfsa.gov.au/events/patrick

Hawker Community Repair Café: Extend the lifespan of your goods with the help of experienced volunteers or find a new treasure in the Local Made market stalls. Hawker International Softball Centre, Sunday 17 September 10am–1pm; hawkermensshed.com.au

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen: Two of Australia’s best-loved country artists join forces to present one unforgettable night of country classics and big hits in the Let Your Love Flow Tour. Harmonie German Club, Friday 15 September 7pm; eventbrite.com.au

Brisbane Chamber Choir: Present an exciting program of new and old choral music as conducted by Dr Graeme Morton AM. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 15 September 7pm; wesleycanberra.org.au

Kate Ceberano: The iconic Aussie singer teams up with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra to perform some of her personal favourites in My Life Is A Symphony. Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 15 September 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Bron Lewis: The award-winning comedian shares nostalgic stories of her Canberra upbringing in Probably. The Street Theatre, City West, 15 September 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au

Sunsoli: Bring a tour celebrating their new self-titled album and will be playing Live at the Polo, O’Connor, 16 September 7.30pm; humanitix.com

Immortal Bach: The Canberra Choral Society presents a program of heavenly choral music with the Luminescence Children’s Choir. All Saints Church, Ainslie, Saturday 16 September 6pm; canberrachoralsociety.org

Spirograph Studies: The genre-bending group launch their album Lowlights at The Street Theatre, City West, 16 September 7pm; thestreet.org.au

The Royal Czech Ballet: Following the success of last year’s Swan Lake tour, the renowned dance company returns to Australia with Sleeping Beauty. Canberra Theatre Centre, 17-18 September; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

SeaPsych Fest 2023: Brings surf rock and psych rock vibes to Canberra with bands like The Lazy Eyes, Jet City Sports Club and more. UC Hub, University of Canberra, 17 September 6pm; moshtix.com.au

EXHIBITIONS

Networks Australia – Artists at work: Various mediums feature 2D and 3D works alongside photographs of their creators to give the viewer an insight into the life of the artist. ANCA Dickson, until 1 October; anca.net.au

Elm: A collaboration between Quinn and Maximillian Gosling exploring the similarities and differences in the mediums of etching and metalwork. CCAS Manuka, 15-24 September; ccas.com.au

Hanging By A Thread: The ACT Textile Arts Association presents a collection of works through different mediums with a bazaar and pieces for sale. Queanbeyan Art Society Gallery, 15-24 September; acttextiles.org.au

Aggregate – Perspectives in Recycled Glass: A group exhibition from local artists and makers utilising recycled glass in beautiful and utilitarian ways. Thor’s Hammer, Griffith, 15 September-28 October; thors.com.au

Embroiders Guild ACT: An exhibition of traditional and contemporary needlework stitched by Guild members; items and supplies available for purchase. Albert Hall, 15-17 September 10am-4pm.

2023 Drawing Prize: A showcase and celebration of the art of drawing from students, vote for your favourite work. ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, until 15 September; soad.cass.anu.edu.au

Oblique Objects: An exhibition from Tim Phillips exploring concealment as a visual and poetic strategy in figurative painting. ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, until 15 September; soad.cass.anu.edu.au

How Cities Work: The exciting interactive exhibition explores the mystery, mayhem and magic of cities, with hands-on construction sites, a futuristic design station and more. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 8 October; cmag.com.au

Belconnen Arts Centre: Presents four new exhibitions – Sally Blake’s Wise Parliament, Shani Nottingham’s Plasticus Organicus, Dr Noriko Tanaka’s End Point of the Silk Road, and We Need to Talk by the Faculty of Arts and Design at the University of Canberra. Until 8 October; belcoarts.com.au

The Overwintering Project: The newest iteration of this continuing exhibition explores the plight and habitat of migratory shorebirds at ‘Jerrabomberra Wetlands’. Megalo Print Studio, Kingston, until 28 October; megalo.org

Grit & Gold: Tales from a Sporting Nation: Relive the highs and lows of Australia through our rich sporting history. National Library of Australia, until 5 November; nla.gov.au

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