Now that Anzac Day is here, it’s time for Canberra to turn on the heater. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered for events to keep you warm this weekend, 26-28 April.
Immerse yourself in the hot tunes and food of Africa in the African Culture Showcase or enjoy a Thanksgiving service at the Sierra Leone Community Independence Day.
There ain’t no party like a puppy party and you and your furry best friends are invited to celebrate the launch of the Stick Library at Haig Park in the Paws Party.
It is your last chance to catch a glimpse of the incredible works of Emily Kam Kngwarray at the National Gallery of Australia with the exhibition closing after Sunday.
Anzac Day at the Australian War Memorial: On Thursday 25 April, the Australian War Memorial will mark the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served and died in military operations. The Dawn Service begins at 5:30am, the RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March is at 9:30am and the Last Post Ceremony is at 4:30pm. The Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, Campbell, amw.gov.au
EVENTS
Woowoolahra and Lavender Hill: Two very large gardens in rural settings near each other, with vistas, mature gardens, major water features, production, and refreshments. The Scenic London Bridge Arch is nearby. Woowoolahra: 6 London Bridge Road & Lavender Hill; 155 London Bridge Road, Burra, 27-28 April, 10am-4pm; opengardenscanberra.org.au
For the Honour of Australia + Breaker Morant: A compilation of early Australian silent films, followed by a classic of Australian cinema. National Film and Sound Archive, Saturday 27 April 1pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
African Cultural Showcase: Experience the vibrant culture of Africa with free performances, free food and a BBQ. Klaus Moje St, Whitlam, Saturday 27 April 12pm-4pm; eventbrite.com.au
Canberra and Region Heritage Festival: The annual event returns with more than 120 events planned to share the rich history of our region featuring exhibitions, workshops and engaging activities. Various locations, until 28 April; environment.act.gov.au
Paws Party: Celebrate the Stick Library at Haig Park with this dog day out, expect a live painting session, live music, markets, professional pet portraits and free treats for furry friends. Haig Park, Sunday 28 April 11am-1pm.
Sierra Leone Community Independence Day: Celebrate the Independence Day of Sierra Leone with a special Thanksgiving service. Sandford Street Mitchell, 28 April 4pm; eventbrite.com.au
Queanbeyan-Palerang Heritage Festival: Learn about the history of the region and get connected where you live with workshops, exhibitions and events. Various locations, until 25 May; qprc.nsw.gov.au
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Madagascar Jr the Musical: A fun-filled family show based on the hit movie of the same name, come see all your favourite characters on stage. Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, until 26 April; trybooking.com
Ainslie Salon: Welcomes Ausecuma Beats as they celebrated the launch of Dakar Bamako, an album featuring artists from the music makers three home cities Melbourne, Australia; Dakar, Senegal; and Bamako, Mali. Ainslie Arts Centre, Friday 26 April 7pm; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Shannon Noll: Brings the hits and fan favourites in the That’s What I’m Talking About 20th Anniversary Tour to the stage at Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 26 April 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Reuben Kaye: Is back with Apocalipstik, the scandalous story of Reuben’s scoundrel Uncle springboards that is part cabaret and a whole lot of a good time. Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 26 April 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Shoe-Horn Sonata: Based on true events, the experiences of women imprisoned by the Japanese in WWII told through a pair that meets 50 years later. Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, until 27 April; humanitix.com
Dept of Rock: Back by popular demand the public service battle of the bands returns with no rivalry or competition in All Stars Gig 1- Cheeky Division. Smith’s Alternative, Saturday 27 April 3pm; smithsalternative.com
Kita Alexander: Brings the Young in Love Album Tour to town supported by Jem Cassar- Daley. UC Hub, University of Canberra, Saturday 27 April 7:30pm; moshtix.com.au
Ash Grunwald: One of Australia’s favourite Bluesman brings his national tour celebrating new single Life Without You to The Street Theatre, Acton, Saturday 27 April 7:30pm; https://www.thestreet.org.au
Billy Elliot the Musical: Inspired by the movie of the same name, an 11-year-old boy dreams of dancing and breaking free of what life has in store for him. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Until 5 May; theq.net.au
EXHIBITIONS
ANCA Gallery: Michele England explores the lessons learned from a suburban garden about nature’s systems, resilience and vulnerabilities in Il faut cultiver notre jardin. ANCA Gallery, Dickson, 24 April – 12 May; anca.net.au
Trust Me: Local artist Toni Hassan presents a multimedia exploration of her life-altering experience of cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2023. CCAS Manuka, 25 April – 5 May; ccas.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
Told. Retold. Untold.: A site-specific exhibition from artist Rosalind Lemoh that highlights the rich history of the Kingston building. Canberra Glassworks, until 28 April; canberraglassworks.com
Kyeema Art Gallery: Presents What you see, What I see? An exhibition from Marie Carver and Natalie Will. Capital Wines, until 5 May; capitalwines.com.au
Moraig McKenna: Explores the surface effects of texture, glaze, salt and as on clay in Surfacing at Canberra Potters Gallery, Watson, until 5 May; canberrapotters.com.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
Belconnen Arts Centre: Showcases 6 exhibitions; Lee Crisp Life Drawing; Emergence of Materials and Self by Natalie Hall; Hold III group exhibition; The Bone People by Brenda Runnegar; Place by Alexander Thatcher; Dog by Lisa Jose. Until 19 May; belcoarts.com.au
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Showcases three exhibitions: Sitting Standing Turning by Robbie Karmel; Abode; and I Know My Age and I Act Like It by Louis Grant. Until 8 June; tuggeranongarts.com
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
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