CW has compiled a list of community events in Canberra this Australia Day, 26 January 2021, and in the lead up. Whether movies, music, marching, museums, concerts or being part of a great Aussie picnic is your bag, there’s plenty on across Canberra.
Stage 88 Australia Day Concert
Canberra will come to life on Australia Day 2021 with Aussie classics as James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaite, Lee Kernaghan, Kingswood, Fanny Lumsden, Kim Yang and Lisa Richards perform at a ticketed concert on Stage 88 at Commonwealth Park from 1-9pm.
The concert is an all-ages event with limited tickets available. Early bird tickets are available until 15 January 7.59am from $29.95, while general release tickets, $39.95 (plus booking fee), go on sale 15 January from 8am. Tickets for kids up to 14 years are available for $4.95 (plus booking fee).
Attendees will need to comply with COVID Safe conditions of entry including using the Check In CBR App. Click here for tickets and more.
‘January 26 at the Museum’
Join the National Museum this Australia Day from 10am for a family-friendly program of music performances, weaving demonstrations, Director-led tours, talks and activities.
Explore their exhibitions Endeavour Voyage: The Untold Story of Cook and the First Australians; A Portrait of Australia; and 2021 Australian of the Year Awards; or follow one of the family trails to discover the amazing stories behind some of the objects.
Attendance is free, however costs will apply for some activities including the family trails and limited spaces will be available for some activities. Click here for more.
The Great Aussie Picnic @ Lake Burley Griffin
Kicking off at 11am on Australia Day 2021, Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin will come alive with five free picnic style entertainment hubs along the bridge-to-bridge walk, each with their own food trucks, licensed bars and free entertainment.
Grab the picnic rug, family and friends and spend the day exploring, or set up at your favourite hub for the day! Click here for more.
National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony
The National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony will be held on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin at Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park from 9am on 26 January.
This year’s ceremony will welcome 25 of Australia’s newest citizens. The event is open to the public and entry is free. Click here for more.
NFSA Restores: ‘Australia Daze’ Q&A
From midnight to midnight on 26 January 1988, 29 camera crews filmed across the country –covering the tropical north, sandy deserts and big cities.
The documentary that followed, Australia Daze, was recently restored as part of the NFSA Restores program.
The new digital print will be premiered 26 January, 6pm at the NFSA’s Arc Cinema, Acton, followed by a Q&A with segment director Erika Addis; $12/$10. Click here for more.
‘High Ground’ preview screening
Dendy Canberra hosts a preview screening of upcoming Australian historical action/thriller High Ground (MA15+). Telling a story of a violent chapter of Australia’s colonial history toward the Northern Territory’s indigenous population, High Ground is set against the stunning landscapes of 1930s Arnhem Land.
Dendy Canberra’s preview screening of High Ground is on 26 January, 6.30pm; click here for tickets.
Australia Day 2021 at Contentious Character
Listen to the Canberra Advocates playing classic Australian favourites and meet Sylvester the Python, in a community day to raise money for the Wildcare group, supporting the recovery of wildlife in our region, after last year’s bushfires.
Tables at the Wamboin vineyard are for 2 hours with bookings between 11am and 2.30pm. Patrons are then invited to move to the lawn or tasting bar area to continue enjoying the music.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children (5-12 years); for more details and to book click here.
Survival Day March Canberra
On the 26th of January from 10am Canberrans will gather in Garema Place to protest the celebration of Australia Day before marching toward the Parliament House Lawns.
On 23 January from 2.30pm the ANU Environment Collective and ANU Indigenous Department will host a Survival Day painting bee at University Avenue, ANU, where people can attend to help create posters and banners that the ANU contingent will use at the 26 January protest.
All cardboard, canvas and paint supplies will be provided by the organisers.
Anyone interested in attending the march is encouraged to contact event organisers regarding COVID requirements.
ATN Canberra Inc Australia Day Event
ATN Canberra will host a COVID safe national Australia Day 2021 celebration at Yerrabi Pond Park, Gungahlin from 9am on 26 January.
The free event will include planting trees in a selected iconic area, a visit to a historical and iconic place, a BBQ with preferred drinks and live musical performances. Contact Mr Newton Muhury at [email protected] for more.
Bangladeshi-Australian Seniors Celebrations
The Bangladeshi Seniors Club in Canberra will organise a COVID safe social gathering and event for celebrating Australia Day 2021 to be participated by its members over a BBQ and live entertainment.
The event will take place at the Canberra Islamic Centre Mosque in Monash on 26 January from 6pm. Contact Professor Monir Mir at [email protected] for more.
Chinese Community of Canberra event
The Federation of Chinese Community of Canberra Inc (FCCCI) are inviting not just the Chinese community, but all communities to reflect, respect and celebrate together on Australia Day, 26 January.
From 11am to 1pm at the Beijing Garden, Nara Peace Park, Yarralumla, The FCCCI’s event will include singing, dancing, waist drums, Taiji and martial arts performances.
Contact FCCCI vice president Hao Gu for more at [email protected]
MARSS Australia Day Family Picnic
MARSS will host a free family picnic from 10am in order to promote cultural exchange and build strong relationships. The event will offer food and fun activities and all will be compliant under COVID restrictions.
Contact Mrs Dewani Bakkum at [email protected] for more.
Kuenphen Dharma’s Bhutanese Dances and Exhibitions
Kuenphen Dharma will host a free Bhutanese traditional dance and religious mask dance event on 21 January from 1pm at Albert Hall.
Mask Dances are performed, especially during significant days like Australian Day, to bring peace and prosperity to the country and its people. Contact Mr Wangchuk Wangchuk at [email protected] for more.
