Happy birthday, Canberra! Looking good for 109! To celebrate the national capital’s 109th birthday, there’s plenty on across what is set to be a spectacular Canberra Day long weekend – much of it free and in the great outdoors.
Enlighten Illuminations: With the 2022 Enlighten Festival well underway, Canberra’s national institutions and attractions have been lighting up with a series of stunning architectural projections combining light, sound and movement to create a singularly mesmerising experience. The Enlighten Illuminations continue until Monday 14 March.
Vigil in support of Ukraine: Amnesty International ACT and SNSW will hold a vigil in support of Ukraine at the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell in Nara Peace Park, Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla on Friday 11 March 5.30-6.30pm. Speakers from Canberra’s Ukranian community, as well as Federal MPs, human rights organisations and advocates will speak out against violence in Ukraine. The Canberra Rotary Peace Bell will ring, and a moment of silence will be held. More information: www.amnesty.org.au/events/vigil-for-ukraine/
Nocturnal: SOLD OUT! A self-guided discovery of the Australian National Botanic Gardens after dark, Friday 11 March from 6.30pm; parksaustralia.gov.au/botanic-gardens
Canberra Balloon Spectacular: Over nine early mornings from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 March, more than 25 hot air balloons will inflate at the Patrick White Lawns, Parkes, ready to lift off and drift across Canberra, weather permitting; enlightencanberra.com
Creating Space: Artworks by members of the Migrant Women’s Art Group, 12-20 March, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Civic; free entry.
Saturday Afternoon Tunes: Free live music in Gungahlin at Yerrabi Pond District Park, Saturday 12 March 3-5pm; belcoarts.com.au
Shakespeare to Winehouse: Iconic works from the National Portrait Gallery London come to the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes, 12 March–17 July; npg.gov.au
Symphony in the Park: Featuring Lior and the CSO conducted by George Ellis on Sunday 13 March from 6.30pm at Stage 88, Commonwealth Park; free entry, enlightencanberra.com
Canberra Day in the Park: A day of free entertainment embracing a mini multicultural festival in Commonwealth Park on the Canberra Day public holiday, Monday 14 March from 11am until late. Entertainment across three stages and roaming performers around the event site, plus heaps of food stalls, and several workshops. Find more details at enlightencanberra.com/program/canberra-day
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