The last of the chilly weather is near (hopefully) as the countdown to spring kicks off after the final weekend of winter, 25-27 August.
There is a smorgasbord of events, performances and exhibitions to keep you entertained and content as we farewell the cooler weather.
Check out how your ABC works at ABC Canberra’s Open House in Dickson on Saturday.
Feared and Revered at the National Museum of Australia closes its doors on Sunday, while the Canberra Contemporary Photographic Prize opens on Friday at PhotoAccess.
See a story of family traditions and connection in Miss Peony at Canberra Theatre Centre or catch a story of an unconventional love connection in Tim at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre.
EVENTS
Brenda Matthews: Discusses her story and how it became both a documentary and book titled The Last Daughter in this free event. National Library of Australia, 25 August 12pm; nla.gov.au
Joe Matera: An afternoon of stories, confessions and brushes with the stars as the musician and author talks about his new book, Backstage Pass: The Grit and the Glamour, as well as an acoustic performance. Woden Library, 25 August 3pm; library.act.gov.au
Fright Night – Cult Classics: Videodrome: Drag artist Venus Mantrap hosts a Friday night screening of body horror cult classic, Videodrome: ‘first it controls your mind, then it destroys your body’. National Film and Sound Archive, 25 August 8pm; nfsa.gov.au
ABC Canberra Open House: From outside activations and activities to live broadcasts by the ABC Radio Canberra team, there’s something for everyone at the Dickson studio open day on Saturday 8.30am-3pm. Peep through your favourite Play School window, meet ABC personalities in person or experience the exclusive studio tours, giving you a firsthand experience of how your favourite TV and radio programs come to life.
Rutherglen in the City: A full day of fun for wine lovers as the festival showcases one of North-East Victoria’s most vibrant wine regions. National Convention Centre, Saturday 26 August, from 10am; ticketebo.com.au
Barbie Burlesque Brunch: Celebrate the fabulous world of the blonde doll in this month’s brunch, with a best dressed competition, live performances and tasty snacks. Flazeda Hub, Belconnen, 27 August 11am; events.humanitix.com
Welcoming the Wattle: The Monaro Folk Society says goodbye to winter with an afternoon of dance and fun. Folkdance Hall, 114 Maitland St, Hackett, Sunday 27 August 2pm; monarofolk.org.au
Cosmic Creations: Hosted by SFC Film Festival, the information session explores positive space films and filmmaking from a panel of film and space experts. Canberra Technology Park, 27 August 2pm; events.humanitix.com
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Miss Peony: A beauty pageant, family traditions and connections come together in this bold, funny and fresh new show. The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre, 23-26 August; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Tim: A new play based on the novel of the same name, capturing an unorthodox love story and tale of embracing differences and life to the fullest. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 25-26 August; theq.net.au
Underwards: Launch their eclectic debut album Delve in this tour. Ainslie Arts Centre, 25 August 6.30pm; events.humanitix.com
The Simon and Garfunkel Story: Follow the incredible journey of the most successful music duo of all time from their Queens beginning to solo careers. Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 25 August 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Morning Melodies – Mélodies Matinales: Music for Canberra presents a concert dedicated to the timeless beauty and sophistication of France. Wesley Uniting Church, 26 August 10.30am; events.humanitix.com
Saturday Afternoon Tunes: This edition of the Winter Series features local singer songwriter Creswick at Cornerstone Pub, Gungahlin. Saturday 26 August 3-5pm; belcoarts.com.au
The Presets: Celebrating two decades of music, the pair go back to their roots with shows in small clubs and bars in the 20th Anniversary DJ Tour. UC Refectory, University of Canberra, 26 August 8pm; moshtix.com.au
Canberra Symphony Orchestra: Presents the first live performance of Sally Greenway’s The Sky is Also Yours as part of a program of warm and misty tones in Night Visions Chamber Classics concert. Albert Hall, 27 August 2pm; cso.org.au
Golden Oldies: Canberra Men’s Choir performs a fun and enthusiastic program in their newest show. Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, 27 August 2.30pm; canberramenschoir.weebly.com
EXHIBITIONS
Canberra Potters: Ceramic artist Christine Murphy and painter Sandra McMahon explore the relationship between 3D form and 2D works in Synergy: Pattern & Patina. Canberra Potters, Watson 24 August-24 September; canberrapotters.com.au
Canberra Contemporary Photographic Prize: Images that capture the essence of the contemporary in an ever-changing world. PhotoAccess, Manuka Arts Centre, 24 August-14 October; photoaccess.org.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. 25 August-8 October; belcoarts.com.au
Canberra Contemporary Art Space: Presents two new exhibitions – Sad State by Dean Cross, and Signal to Noise by Anna Madeleine Raupach. CCAS Lakeside, Parkes, 26 August-14 October; ccas.com.au
Craft + Design Canberra: Presents two exhibitions – the collaborative work in Exuberance, and Eliza-Jane Gilchrist’s Uncommon. Civic Square, Canberra City, until 26 August; craftanddesigncanberra.org
Beaver Galleries: Presents two new exhibitions – Robert Boynes’ Silver Thread, and Prue Venables’ seeking quiet harmonies. Beaver Galleries, Deakin, until 26 August; beavergalleries.com.au
Feared and Revered: Your last chance to explore feminine spiritual power through the ages in this exhibition on loan from the British Museum, at the National Museum of Australia, until 27 August; nma.gov.au
Returning to Light: Emerging artist Yalan Chen was inspired by their studies at the Australian National Botanic Gardens when creating the works. Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Manuka, until 27 August; ccas.com.au
Day Dreamer/ Night Thinker: A solo exhibition from local artist Saskia Haalebos exploring questions of mortality, empathy and miscommunication. Megalo Print Studio 8, until 12 September; megalo.org
For the Love of Watercolour: A collection of stunning, colourful works by Jan Vincent. Kyeema Gallery, Capital Wines, Hall, until 13 September; capitalwines.com.au
Changing From From to From: Immersive multimedia creations marry culture traditions and science, history and political events in this exhibition from Haegue Yang. National Gallery of Australia, until 24 September; nga.gov.au
Ngura Pulk-Epic Country: One of the largest First Nations community art projects, created and directed by the Anangu people. National Gallery of Australia, until 8 October; nga.gov.au
Making it Modern: The latest part in the Know My Name project celebrating the world of pioneering women artists who shaped art in modern Australia, featuring works by Ethel Spowers, Olive Cotton and more. National Gallery of Australia, until 8 October; nga.gov.au
Canberra Glassworks: Presents two new solo exhibitions – a circular logic by Lisa Sammut, and What Gave You That Idea by Zoe Brand. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, until 8 October; canberraglassworks.com
Heroes, Heroines and Bastards: A solo exhibition by expressionist artist Karen Chappelow. A subversive take on the classic tropes, cultural icons and meta-narratives of Western society … with a humorous twist. All are welcome to the opening on Saturday 26 August 2pm and Artist Talk, Sunday 27 August 12pm. Humble House gallery, Fyshwick, 26 August-1 October; humblehouse.com.au
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