With this Thursday being the Australia Day public holiday, CW is predicting a lot of people may take Friday off to make it a four-day weekend, 26-29 January.
The last weekend of January also means the last weekend of school holidays, so be sure to stop for some fun in the busy back-to-school rush. The National Capital Authority is putting on a show in Lights on the Lake – a water and light show on Lake Burley Griffin over four nights, 25-28 January, to celebrate what it means to be Australian.
In the mood for some great tunes? Check out SummerSalt at Stage 88 on Friday for the biggest names in folk, or catch up on the best songs of 2022 with Triple J’s Hottest 100 at Capital Brewing Co. on Saturday.
EVENTS
Lights on the Lake: Night markets, food vendors, and a water and light show to reflect, respect, and celebrate what it means to be Australian. Commonwealth Place, Lake Burley Griffin, 25-28 January; nca.gov.au
Family Day: A morning of First Nations talks, activities and performances kicks off with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country. National Museum of Australia, 26 January 10am-4pm;nma.gov.au
Australia Day at Regatta Point: Free family-friendly entertainment, kids activities and live entertainment as well as a free Aussie delight, the sausage sizzle. Regatta Point, 26 January 10.30am-2pm.
Grapes of Mirth: After four years, the comedy event returns with some of the country’s best acts, live music, great food and wine. Contentious Character vineyard at Wamboin NSW, 26 January 2pm; moshtix.com.au
SummerSalt: Returns with an incredible line-up of homegrown and international acts including Angus and Julia Stone, Ben Harper and City and Colour, Stage 88 Commonwealth Park, 27 January 4pm; summersaltmusic.com.au
Flazeda Open Day: The alternate performing art hub hosts a free come and try day for locals to experience the art of feather fans, clowning, beginner burlesque, and more. Flazeda Hub, Belconnen, 28 January 11am; flazedahub.com
Hottest 100 Countdown Party: Celebrate great tunes and beers with both Triple J’s Hottest 100 tunes of 2022 and the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular with burgers, chicken, and brews. Capital Brewing Co., Fyshwick, 28 January from 11.30am; capitalbrewing.co
Canberra Rod and Kustom Krooze: Around 200 gleaming machines taking part in the 33rd annual Canberra Rod and Kustom Krooze will be on display at a Show’n’Shine, entry by donation with proceeds going to Integra Service Dogs Australia. Queanbeyan Park, Saturday 28 January 10.30am-1.30pm; chra.org.au
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Dogfight: Dramatic Productions presents the musical tale of a young man’s night on the town before heading to war. Gungahlin Theatre, 27 January-4 February; stagecenta.com
Gershwin and More: Renowned concert pianist Simon Tedeschi is joined by jazz vocalist and violinist George Washingmachine for an evening of jazz. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, 27 January 6pm; trybooking.com
Ross Wilson’s Cool World Tour 2023: Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks perform with guest acts The Badloves and King Canyon at Tallagandra Hill Winery, 28 January 5.30pm; ticketebo.com.au
Daniel Champagne: Kicking off The Street’s 2023 Sound Encounters season, Champagne brings his worldwide tour home with a brand-new album at The Street Theatre, 27 January 7.30pm; www.thestreet.org.au
EXHIBITIONS
SoART Gallery: Presents Frida & Feathers celebrating the life of Frida Kahlo and all things bird-related by two local artists. SoART Gallery Narooma, until 27 January.
Blueprint: Discover objects which helped shape Australia at the new permanent interactive exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House; moadoph.gov.au
Who Are You: Australian Portraiture brings together pieces from the National Gallery of Victoria and National Portrait Gallery in a rich study, at the NPG until 29 January; free. Also a free creative activities family space inspired by the exhibition; portrait.gov.au
Nancy Sever Gallery: Presents Terrain by multimedia artist Janenne Eaton exploring geopolitical influences and our impact on the environment, until 29 January; nancysevergallery.com.au
This Vessel of Mine: Artist Jemima Campey highlights the consumerist nature present within the wellness industry in her exhibition at ANCA in Dickson, until 29 January; anca.net.au
Weird Years: An exhibition birthed in the final years of a teenager struggling with mental illness hopes to highlight the importance of support for young people and their carers. Smith’s Alternative, until end of January.
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