Canberra is keeping things hot this weekend, 17-19 March, with temperatures expected to be in the 30s.
On Friday afternoon, grab a picnic and check out the behind-the-scenes of Government House at Yarralumla with its first open evening. Then, on Saturday, why not chill out with a refreshing bevy at the Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival at Mercure Canberra.
The last of the Enlighten Festival program wraps up with the Balloon Spectacular lifting off for the final flights.
If indoors is more your scene, watch a flick at the French Film Festival or have a laugh with one of the great acts performing in the Canberra Comedy Festival.
EVENTS
Government House Open Evening: For the first time, locals are invited to frolic through the grounds of Government House as the sun sets with tours of the house and gardens; bring your own picnic or grab a bite from local vendors. Government House, Yarralumla, Friday 17 March 3pm-7pm.
The ShowRoom Canberra: With over 50 home design, building, garden, and lifestyle professionals, 20 guest speakers, and a pimped-out smart home and cinema, you’ll find all the home and lifestyle inspiration you need under one roof for one weekend only. Free entry. Exhibition Park, 18-19 March. More info: 0410 544 069; theshowroomcanberra.com.au
Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival: Over 45 craft breweries are joined for the first time by distilleries with their spirits in a showcase of alcoholic beverages, along with live entertainment, food stalls and fun to be had by all. Mercure Canberra, 18 March 11am- 6pm; canberrabeerfest.com.au
National Sheepdog Trials: Celebrating 80 years of dedication, passion and talent of Australian sheepdogs and their handlers. Hall Showgrounds until 19 March; nationalsheepdogtrials.org.au
Family Fishing Day: Lake Tuggeranong will be transformed into a family fishing destination on Sunday 19 March 6am-3pm in a bid to remove as many European Carp and Redfin Perch (introduced species) from the lake as possible. Registration fees: $60 family, $25 adult (age 16+), and $20 child (u16); canberrafishos.com/events/lake-tuggers-ffd
Book Launch: Canberra author Sarah Wallace releases Emma’s Freckles, her new children’s book inspired by Irish mythology, at The Book Cow, Kingston, Sunday 19 March 3pm; bookcow.com.au
Vegan feast: Discover the flawless flavours of Pialligo Estate with a farm tour and an incredible plant-based shared feast featuring produce grown on the estate. Choose to accompany your meal with vegan wine or non-alcoholic options. Bookings essential. Pialligo Estate, Sunday 19 March 12pm; thepialligoestate.com.au
It’s Not Rocket Science – Kids Space Workshops: The Space Station pop-up will play host to a range of intergalactic workshops and interactive pods, including a mix of educational games. Workshops for Jet Pack Making, Alien Slime, and Alien Headband cost $10 per person. Canberra Centre, 17-19 March; canberracentre.qicre.com
French Film Festival: Alliance Française curates a season of beautiful French cinema to Australia, with a diverse program of screenings in Canberra at Palace Electric, 9 March-5 April; affrenchfilmfestival.org
Canberra Comedy Festival: Bringing laughs with its huge line-up of comedy superstars and local talent, the festival spreads joy across the capital at various venues, 16-26 March; canberracomedyfestival.com.au
Canberra Balloon Spectacular: It’s that time of year when Canberrans look to the skies in the early hours to check out the incredible display of colour and imagination; hot air balloons float across Canberra with daily lift-off from Patrick White Lawns around sunrise, weather permitting, 11-19 March; enlightencanberra.com
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Cats The Musical: Bask in the light of the Jellicle Moon at Canberra Philharmonic Society’s production of the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Erindale Theatre, until 18 March; philo.org.au
Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows: The beloved roots and blues artists bring their roof raising show to Tallagandra Hill Winery, 19 March 6:30pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
EXHIBITIONS
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. Through objects, artworks and moving images, explore the stories of the people who have always been on this country and those who have come to make their lives here. Canberra Museum and Gallery, from 13 March; cmag.com.au
Through Light and Shade: Seven friends who met when volunteering at the National Gallery of Australia present their own collection of works at The Old Barn Gallery, Pialligo, 16-26 March; pialligooldbarngallery.com
Ideas Worth Sharing: Canberra painter James Roswell showcases his new works addressing his concerns for caring for the natural environment. Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 16-26 March; ccas.com.au
Locations: Bernard Ollis brings works inspired by pre- and post-pandemic travels and encounters to Aarwun Gallery, 17 March-16 April; aarwungallery.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, until 18 March; craftact.org.au
Flying Together: Canberra artist Isla Patterson showcases miniature watercolours inspired by her garden and its surrounds in Canberra’s North. Wren’s Nest Studio Gallery of Miniature Art at Designer Op Shop Emporium, Fyshwick, 19 March.
Chromology: An exhibition of oil paintings by Luca Siliquini, has a double purpose – to display the effects that the colours of Canberra have on an Italian artist, and to provide chromatic compositions that may stir emotions. All are welcome to the opening on Saturday 18 March 2pm and Artist Talk on Saturday 1 April 2pm. Humble House gallery, 18 March-16 April; humblehouse.com.au
Aventurine Spirit: A selection of works from renowned glass artist Tom Rowney focusing on Venetian traditions. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, 9 March-7 May; canberraglassworks.com
MARKETS
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 treasures in front of South.Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm.
Night Markets: The community-run event runs every Friday 4-8pm at Anketell Street, Tuggeranong.
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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