Autumn 2018
Canberra lights up this autumn
Eat, see and explore this autumn in Lonely Planet’s third best city in travel and discover what you have been missing.
Be entertained throughout the Enlighten Festival.
EAT, DRINK AND EXPLORE There's so much to eat, see and explore at this year’s Enlighten Festival (2–18 March), proudly presented by Singapore Airlines. Over 16 days the nation’s capital comes alive to celebrate the best events Canberra has to offer. Eat to your heart’s content at the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets (2–11 March) and food and drink precinct. See stunning architectural projections and installations (2–11 March), live music and performances, locally produced films (Lights! Canberra! Action!,
9 March), spectacular hot air balloons in flight (Canberra Balloon Spectacular, 10–18 March) and mesmerising fireworks (Skyfire, 17 March). Explore the culture and creativity of our national attractions and vibrancy of our city’s two new arts and mind precincts, as they open their doors to host an array of exclusive events and surprising experiences. Discover the full program at enlightencanberra.com
Front Cover: See balloons take over the capital during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular (10–18 March) Left: Skyfire will light up the sky (17 March)
Kids will love learning in unique spaces, like at PlayUP at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
BIG THINGS TO DO WITH LITTLE ONES Canberra is brimming with activities to keep children active and engaged. From school holiday programs to dedicated kid-friendly spaces at our national attractions, here are our picks for where to play, learn and discover. Dodge sniper fire or peer through the periscope of a Cold War submarine at the Australian War Memorial’s Discovery Zone. Suitable for children aged 8+ years. Discover PlayUP’s new exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House that, in the name of democracy, takes play — and the rights of children, seriously. Listening pods, a fuzzy felt wall and a Kindness café are all part of the space. Suitable for preschool and primary school aged children.
Take your camera, your friends, and any burning dinosaur questions for a fun and educational journey back in time on a tour of the National Dinosaur Museum. Learn about the different types of fossils, dig and catalogue real fossils, and earn a certificate upon completion. Tours are free with entry and suitable for children of all ages. Send your little ones on a Zoocation at the National Zoo & Aquarium — a fun-filled day where kids can get up close and personal with many of the zoo’s animals, play games, make toys for the animals and learn something along the way. Suitable for children aged 5+ years. Stop by the National Galley of Australia’s NGA Play space, an exhibition where children can join the Indieguerillas on a culture
journey through the stories of their homeland. Ride a bike into a puppet-inspired adventure and work together to create sound, movement and stories surrounded by colour and joy — it’s a playful celebration of contemporary Balinese culture. Suitable for children of all ages. Step across to the National Portrait Gallery for a myriad of familyfriendly activities and workshops such as Portrait Play, Story Time, Cameraless Photography and Little Faces to name a handful. Suitable for varying ages. Visit the Colour exhibition at Questacon — the National Science and Technology Centre and turn a blue butterfly green, learn how pixels and paint differ, visit the Room of Missing Colours and hear fascinating stories from people who see colour when they hear music. Spend the rest of the day discovering Questacon’s eight interactive exhibitions and hundreds of hands-on experiences. Suitable for children of all ages. Escape from suburbia and allow your kids to discover a stunning collection of hundred of plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The newly opened Paperbark Treehouse is a great place for the kids to climb and explore. Suitable for all school aged children.
For a climbing oasis and possibly one of Australia's best playgrounds, head to Pod Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra. Over the school holidays, discover mini-beasts and mushrooms or get hands on with a wood whittling or bonsai workshop. Suitable for varying ages. Go on a treasure hunt at the Royal Australian Mint and learn how all of Australia’s circulating coins are made. Just pick up a copy of the My Visit to the Mint activity booklet from the front desk or shop and get exploring. Once you’ve completed the free activity booklet, be sure to make your own coin to commemorate your journey. Suitable for all school aged children.
Make the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre your one stop shop for all your booking, shopping and information needs. Head to Regatta Point, Barrine Drive to organise your short-break in Canberra.
What’s on throughout autumn Take a walk on the wild side at the National Dinosaur Museum.
SIDNEY NOLAN FOUNDATION COLLECTION CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY
Catch these works on display from the Nolan Collection by eminent Australian artist Sidney Nolan. This significant collection was donated by the artist to the people of Australia in 1974 and includes works from the Kelly series, Burke and Wills expedition, Under the pier and more. cmag.com.au 02 6207 3968
MUSEUM TOURS
AIS TOURS
NATIONAL DINOSAUR MUSEUM
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT
Bring your camera, your friends and those burning dinosaur questions for a fun and educational journey back in time. Tours run every weekend and during the ACT/NSW school holidays.
Discover where our top athletes train in Australia’s premier elite sports precinct. Go behind the scenes and challenge yourself in Sportex, an engaging sport experience where you can try wheelchair basketball, virtual downhill skiing and more for yourself.
nationaldinosaurmuseum. com.au 02 6230 2655
experienceais.com.au/ visit-ais/tours 02 6214 1010
During the Centenary period, the name of each of the 62,000 Australians who gave their lives during the First World War are being projected onto the façade of the Australian War Memorial’s Hall of Memory.
ROLL OF HONOUR PROJECTIONS AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
Explore the First World War galleries. At night see the names of those who gave their lives projected onto the Memorial. Check the website for the name schedule. awm.gov.au 02 6243 4211
BEHIND THE LINES 2017: THE YEAR’S BEST POLITICAL CARTOONS MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Roll up, roll up! Marvel at the political cartooning spectacle that is ‘The Three-Ring Circus’ — showcasing Australian cartoonists’ best takes on 2017, a tumultuous year under the Big Top of politics. moadoph.gov.au/BTL 02 6270 8222
FINDERS KEEPERS: COLLECTORS AND THEIR STORIES MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Peek into the collections of five fascinating Australians. From mementoes of political careers, to well-worn protest T-shirts, each collection tells extraordinary stories about the ideas, individuals and events that have shaped the nation. moadoph.gov.au 02 6270 8222
Explore the Canberra region’s majestic natural surrounds with a ranger guided walk.
LAST POST CEREMONY
RANGER GUIDED WALKS
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE
The Last Post Ceremony is held at the end of each day at 4.55pm. In this moving ceremony, a member of the Australian Defence Force shares the story of one person listed on the Roll of Honour.
Don't miss your chance to see Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, platypus, wombats and more in their beautiful natural environment. Check out the website for the Explore Program for school holiday programs.
awm.gov.au 02 6243 4211
tidbinbilla.act.gov.au 02 6205 1233
THE GIFT: ART, ARTEFACTS AND ARRIVALS MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE
This new contemporary art exhibition explores the role migrants have played in enriching the fabric of Australian life, and the gift of democracy they have received in return. moadoph.gov.au 02 6270 8222
Discover the hidden side of Australia’s Special Forces in From the Shadows at the Australian War Memorial.
FROM THE SHADOWS: AUSTRALIA’S SPECIAL FORCES AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
Their activities are secret. Their missions classified. Their identities protected. More than 600 objects, rarely seen by the public, tell the story of how Australia’s Special Forces operate in secrecy to protect our national interests. awm.gov.au 02 6243 4211
COLOUR QUESTACON — THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
FILMS AT THE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE
Turn a blue butterfly green or visit the Room of Missing Colours. Discover Colour at Questacon, and see the world in a new light.
Check the website for an extensive screening program and a range of special events throughout the year.
questacon.edu.au 02 6270 2800
nfsa.gov.au 02 6248 2000
Venture into outer space at the National Museum of Australia © Science Museum Group.
LUSTRE: PEARLING & AUSTRALIA NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
Discover the intriguing stories behind northern Australia’s unique pearling tradition. Learn how pearls and pearl shell evolve, and hear the stories of the people who have collected and harvested these Saltwater Country treasures. nma.gov.au 1800 026 132
DEEDS NOT WORDS: THE BESSIE RISCHBIETH COLLECTION NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA
Explore the collection of one of the prominent figures in Australian and international feminism. nla.gov.au 02 6262 1111
SPACE DESCENT VR WITH TIM PEAKE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
Experience the thrill of being an astronaut inside a Russian space capsule using the latest 360° VR technology. Take the pilot’s seat to make a breathtaking 400km descent to Earth from the International Space Station. This awe-inspiring VR experience is narrated by British astronaut Tim Peake. Costs apply. nma.gov.au 1800 026 132
Abbie Cornish as Candy and Heath Ledger as Dan on the Gravitron by Hugh Hartshorne, Candy, 2006, Courtesy Candy Productions, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.
1968: CHANGING TIMES NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA
Sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, and a missing prime minister — 1968 was a momentous year. Explore the tumultuous events that took place in the year of the Library’s opening. nla.gov.au 02 6262 1111
UNTIL 4 MARCH
UNTIL 18 MARCH
STARSTRUCK: AUSTRALIAN MOVIE PORTRAITS
CROSSING THREADS: 50 YEARS OF THE CANBERRA SPINNERS AND WEAVERS
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
A collaboration between the National Portrait Gallery and the National Film and Sound Archive, Starstruck explores the striking portraiture from 100 years of Australian movies. The show features imagery of beloved Australian films, as well as highlighting the early years of our film industry. portrait.gov.au 02 6102 7000
CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY
See one of the group’s two exhibitions at CMAG which will include textiles gathered from many private and public collections spanning many years of practice: rugs and wall hangings, silk shawls to samplers, and placemats to ponchos. cmag.com.au 02 6207 3968
Visit Canberra Glassworks’ galleries to see Penny Byrne’s Hurt Locker and Harriett Schwarzrock’s pulsating life size hearts filled with neon.
UNTIL 25 MARCH
UNTIL 1 APRIL
UNTIL 2 MAY
HEARTS AND MINDS
SILVER AND GOLD: UNIQUE AUSTRALIAN OBJECTS
THE OPENING DAY: 9 MAY 1927
CANBERRA GLASSWORKS
This exhibition includes the first Australian exhibition of Penny Byrne’s Hurt Locker and Harriet Schwarzrock’s innovative neon installation, between stillness and movement. canberraglassworks.com 02 6260 7005
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Showcasing exceptional Australian silver and gold objects drawn from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection, this exhibition reveals the exceptional skill of Australia’s earliest professional craft practitioners.
Old Parliament House was once brand new. What was it like to be a spectator at the opening ceremony? Follow this exhibition through the corridors to discover the pomp and pageantry, humour and tragedy of this historic day.
ramint.gov.au 02 6202 6999
moadoph.gov.au 02 6270 8222
March
Eat your way around Canberra during Good Food Month presented by Citi.
UNTIL 25 MAY
1–31 MARCH
1 MARCH
YES: THE ONGOING STORY OF THE REFERENDUM
GOOD FOOD MONTH PRESENTED BY CITI
THE SEEKERS IN CONVERSATION
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY
Discover the historic events and strong relationships involved in making the referendum happen and explore the significance of the referendum today. moadoph.gov.au 02 6270 8222
Good Food Month returns for another year of delicious, unique and engaging events taking place across Canberra. goodfoodmonth.com
The Seekers topped the charts all over the world in the 60s with hits such as ‘Georgy Girl’ and ‘I’ll Never Find Another you’. Athol Guy and Keith Potger reminisce about their rollercoaster ride of success and the emotional farewell concert in 1968. nla.gov.au 02 6262 1111
Canberra comes to life after dark for the Enlighten Illuminations (2–11 March).
2–11 MARCH
2–11 MARCH
2 MARCH
ENLIGHTEN ILLUMINATIONS
ENLIGHTEN NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS
MASQUERADE PARTY WITH A TWIST
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Over 10 nights, Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle and satellite venues will be transformed into a vibrant canvas, showcasing Australian talent, amazing roving artists, live bands and enchanting performances — all set against a backdrop of stunning architectural projections shining a light on some of Australia’s most iconic attractions. enlightencanberra.com
RECONCILIATION PLACE
Enjoy tasty eats in a buzzing, atmospheric open-air Asian hawker market, with delicious food stalls to choose from. enlightencanberra.com
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
For a celebration of the beautiful with a touch of the strange, join the Festival's premier masquerade party at Parliament House. Enjoy a roaming food service showcasing regional produce and a selection of Canberra’s best wines. Channel your ‘inner Bond’ at the Martini Bar and be entertained by cool rhythms. enlightencanberra.com
The Enlighten Night Noodle Markets return as part of Good Food Month.
2–3, 8–10 MARCH
2–3 MARCH
3 MARCH
LIGHT AND DARK NIGHT TOURS
NEON CIRCUS
CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Spend an evening exploring the gardens by lantern. Get misted in the rainforest and indulge in delicious desserts in the Red Centre Garden. Experience the light and dark sections of the gardens on these ranger-guided tours. enlightencanberra.com
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
Explore a magical world with neon circus performers and giant projections of beautiful artworks. Play in a colourful Indonesianinspired wonderland, join a parade of strange creatures around a mysterious sculpture, and dance the night away in the gallery with dance tragics at No Lights No Lycra pop-up. enlightencanberra.com
LENNOX GARDENS
In Chinese culture the Lantern Festival is held two weeks after Chinese New Year and marks the formal end of that celebration. This year the ACT Branch of the Australia China Friendship Society will hold the Lantern Festival at the Beijing Garden (part of Lennox Gardens). acfs.org.au 02 6247 8231
See the National Zoo & Aquarium’s animals come to life as the sun goes down.
3 & 10 MARCH
4 MARCH
4 MARCH
TWILIGHT ON THE SAVANNAH
ICON WATER PRESENTS A DAY AT THE LAKE
QUEANBEYAN MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM
Bring a picnic and enjoy the landscaped surroundings of the new savannah zoo area. Meet the nearby animal residents. Relax and unwind to the sounds of the classical string quartet, Mostly Mozart and delight in the wonderful ambience created in the Zoo as the day comes to an end. enlightencanberra.com
LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN
QUEANBEYAN PARK
Join Icon Water for live music, aquatic activities, jumping castles and the return of The Royal Life Saving ACT Duck Derby. Bring your swimmers, towel and all the family for a fun-filled day at the lake!
The much anticipated Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival returns for another year, even more vibrant and culturally packed! Arrive for the performances, stay for the food and free family activities, the dancing and all round warm feeling that is the multicultural community.
rlssa.org 02 6260 5800
visitqueanbeyan.com.au 02 6285 6170
Experience the National Arboretum Canberra as the sun sets.
6 MARCH
7 MARCH
WIDE BROWN LAND DINNER UNDER SUNSET @ THE THE STARS @ ARBORETUM THE ARBORETUM NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA
NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA
Experience a special guided scenic forest walk with sunset views from the Wide Brown Land sculpture. Return at dusk to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection for refreshments.
Whilst relishing the many aspects of the Arboretum, delight in live music as you dine under the stars in the discovery garden, with a seasonal menu by award-winning chef Janet Jeffs.
enlightencanberra.com
enlightencanberra.com
7–8, 14–15 MARCH
MINT MASTER CLASS ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT
Immerse yourself in an authentic coin modelling and sculpting experience through an exclusive master class hosted by Royal Australian Mint coin designers. Learn the arts of traditional plaster and modern 3D coin modelling techniques as practised by masters in mints around the world. Select from a range of animal coin models to personalise and cast in plaster. enlightencanberra.com
A piece of Hollywood will return to Enlighten as the 15th Lights! Canberra! Action! film-making festival prepares to amaze audiences.
8–10, 15–16 MARCH
9 MARCH
9 MARCH
ANU ENLIGHTEN MINDS
LIGHTS! CANBERRA! ACTION!
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
SENATE ROSE GARDENS, PARKES
The ANU campus will come to life over five thrilling nights with vibrant projections, fire-side chats and a special Saturday night market.
Picnic under the stars as you watch the top 12 films created in just 10 days around the theme of ‘Strange, Beautiful and Unexpected’ at this local film maker event.
AN ENIGMA REVEALED: THE MYSTERY AND MYSTICISM OF PRIME MINISTER ALFRED DEAKIN
enlightencanberra.com
enlightencanberra.com
NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA
Join historian David Headon as he shed light on Australia’s second Prime Minister — a spiritual and creative man whose extraordinary life often transcended politics in unexpected ways. enlightencanberra.com
Experience the beauty as hot air balloons take to the sky, launching from the lawns of Old Parliament House.
10–18 MARCH
11 MARCH
12 MARCH
CANBERRA BALLOON SPECTACULAR
SYMPHONY IN THE PARK
COMMONWEALTH PARK
OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE LAWNS
Wake up early and enjoy the excitement of more than 30 hot air balloons from across the globe launching from the lawns of Old Parliament House. enlightencanberra.com
STAGE 88
Framed by the tree lined landscape of the iconic Commonwealth Park, sit back and relax as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra accompanied by Queen tribute band Killer Queen bring the work of the well-known band to life. enlightencanberra.com
CANBERRA DAY The nation’s capital turns 105! Join in the celebrations with a program bursting to the seams with live music and entertainment for all. Kids will dance, play and laugh as their favourite entertainers take to the stage. enlightencanberra.com
Canberra lights up on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin as Hit 104.7 Skyfire returns in 2018.
16–18 MARCH
17 MARCH
BUNGENDORE HARVEST FESTIVAL
ART, NOT APART
HIT 104.7 SKYFIRE
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
COMMONWEALTH PARK
Canberra’s largest contemporary arts festival returns for another huge day of exhibitions, performance art, numerous music stages, installations, strange interventions, film and projection, street food, dance parties and more.
Canberra lights up on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin with a magnificent display of fireworks as Hit 104.7 Skyfire returns for its 30th year and closes the Enlighten Festival for 2018.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Celebrate local food, farming and fibre in a celebration of the growing, breeding and production of produce in the Southern Harvest Region. southernharvest.org.au
artnotapart.com
17 MARCH
enlightencanberra.com
Experience the beauty of bonsai during Bonsai Week at the National Arboretum Canberra.
17–18 MARCH
19–25 MARCH
19–26 MARCH
YASS SHOW AND PBR BULL RIDE
BONSAI WEEK
CANBERRA COMEDY FESTIVAL
YASS SHOW GROUNDS
Enjoy popular events and attractions including the antique farm machinery, shearing competition, yard dogs, wood chopping, vintage and veteran cars, animal petting farm plus your own pet competition at the Yass Show yassshow.org.au
NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA
A week of special events and activities, including demonstrations, workshops, tours of the Collection and an evening of presentations by international bonsai artists. nationalarboretum. act.gov.au 02 6207 848
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
The fifth annual festival features more than 60 headline international, national and local artist across a variety of comedy format in venues around Canberra, including Ross Noble, Stephen K Amos, Arj Baker, Dave Hughes, Nazeem Hussain and many more. canberracomedyfestival.com.au
Don’t miss the National Folk Festival at Exhibition Park over the Easter long weekend.
24 MARCH
29 MARCH – 2 APRIL
FROM 30 MARCH
CANBERRA CRAFT BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL
NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL
CARTIER: THE EXHIBITION
EXHIBITION PARK
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
MERCURE CANBERRA
Now in its 11th year, this festival will feature breweries from across Australia, along with live bands, food, entertainment and kids activities, while helping raise funds for ACT Cancer support. canberrabeerfest.com.au
Be entertained as the National Folk Festival brings exceptional musicians and performers from across Australia and the world to Canberra in a five day celebration of traditional and contemporary folk life. folkfestival.org.au 02 6262 4792
Immerse yourself in more than 300 spectacular items from the astonishing Cartier collection showcasing exclusively at the National Gallery of Australia, including royal tiaras, necklaces, brooches and earrings. nga.gov.au 02 6240 6411
April
Enjoy the opulence and glamour of Cartier’s collection at the National Gallery of Australia. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck Cartier Collection.
30 MARCH – 2 APRIL
7 APRIL
7–15 APRIL
TIDBINBILLA SANCTUARY CELEBRATIONS
THE FORAGE
CANBERRA DISTRICT WINE WEEK
TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE
In April 2018, the Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla celebrates its 10 year reopening anniversary after being destroyed by fire in 2003. Visit over Easter while staff and volunteers celebrate the re-emergence of this wonderful open-air visitor and education site. tidbinbilla.act.gov.au 02 6205 1233
LITTLE NATIONAL HOTEL
Feast to your heart’s content at Canberra’s street food feast, the Forage. Eat, drink and be merry as you enjoy the tastes of local food vendors and be entertained by musicians, dancers and models in this unique showcase of local cafes, food trucks, wineries and breweries. theforage.com.au
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
The Canberra District Wine Week offers an exciting program of wine dinners, tastings and themed events in the city and right around the Canberra wine district. This full program of wine tastings, food matchings and tours will be held in Canberra, Murrumbateman, Yass, Hall, Bungendore and Gundaroo, and incorporates the annual Harvest Festival. canberrawines.com.au
Commemorate Anzac Day at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
14–29 APRIL
15 APRIL
15 APRIL
CANBERRA AND REGION HERITAGE FESTIVAL
ACT PERMACULTURE FESTIVAL
PIALLIGO ESTATE
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
The theme for this years festival is 'My Culture, My Story'. Come explore, celebrate, share and preserve our cultural heritage. environment.act.gov.au 13 22 81
CANBERRA CITY FARM
Celebrate 40 years of permaculture with co-originator David Holmgren and discover this lifestyle that’s all about the harmonious integration of landscape and people. southernharvest.org.au
AUTO ITALIA Passion and pride intersect as Italian automotive enthusiasts gather to witness this showcase of beautiful design and excellence Autoitaliacanberra.com
Groovin the Moo returns to its beloved Canberra in 2018.
25 APRIL
27 APRIL – 6 MAY
29 APRIL
ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION
CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
The spirit of Anzac, with its qualities of mateship and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. The Dawn Service, National Anzac Day Ceremony and Last Post Ceremony will commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in the First World War. awm.gov.au 02 6243 4211
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Enjoy intimate performances and exceptional musicianship, featuring classical, contemporary and world music, in some of the capital’s most iconic settings. cimf.org.au 02 6230 5880
GROOVIN THE MOO This leading regional touring music festival returns with a stellar line-up including Paul Kelly, Grinspoon, Flight Facilities and more! gtm.net.au
Sport
All of the best talent from all across Australia will be back to compete for the AFL Women’s premiership.
AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
NATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE
25 MARCH
Canberra Raiders v Knights
GIO STADIUM UNSW CANBERRA OVAL 18 MARCH
GIANTS v Western Bulldogs 14 APRIL
GIANTS v Fremantle
AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE WOMEN
24 MARCH
Canberra Raiders v Warriors 5 APRIL
Canberra Raiders v Bulldogs 14 APRIL
Canberra Raiders v Eels 5 MAY
UNSW CANBERRA OVAL Canberra Raiders v Titans 10 MARCH
GIANTS v Western Bulldogs
13 MAY
TRIATHLON
ROND TERRACE 3 MARCH
Proximity Corporate and Community Triathlon Festival
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
AIS ARENA 3 MARCH
Brace 53
MOTORSPORT
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Canberra Raiders v Sharks
21–27 MAY
15 MAY
National Capital Rally
Canberra Raiders v Sea Eagles
See mountain bikers from all over Australia conquer the Stromlo trails during the x AMB 100 Mountain Bike Marathon.
SUPER RUGBY
HORSE RACING
SWIMMING
GIO STADIUM
THOROUGHBRED PARK
17 MARCH
11 MARCH
Plus500 Brumbies v Sharks
John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes
31 MARCH
24 MARCH
Plus500 Brumbies v Waratahs
Canberra Outlet Centre Charity Race Day supporting Marymead
17-25 MARCH, 24 MARCH–1 APRIL
MARCHMONT RACECOURSE, YASS
ACT Clay Court International #1 and #2
7 APRIL
Plus500 Brumbies v Reds 22 APRIL
Plus500 Brumbies v Jaguares 28 APRIL
3 MARCH
Yass Picnic Races
AIS AQUATIC AND FITNESS CENTRE
19–20 MAY
MS 24 Hour Mega Swim
TENNIS
CANBERRA TENNIS CENTRE
RUNNING
OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE LAWNS
Plus500 Brumbies v Crusaders
STROMLO FOREST PARK
CYCLING
14–15 APRIL
12 MAY
15 APRIL
Plus500 Brumbies v Rebels
AMB 100 Mountain Bike Marathon
Australian Running Festival
Markets
Head to the Capital Region Farmers Market for seasonal food options on Saturday mornings.
FRIDAYS
SUNDAYS
KINGSTON NIGHT MARKETS
OLD BUS DEPOT, KINGSTON
WENTWORTH AVENUE, KINGSTON
4pm–late
OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS 10am–4pm SPECIAL THEMES
7.30am–11.30am
4 March, 8 April, 6 May 11 March 18 March, 15 April, 13 May 25 March, 22 April, 27 May 1 April 19 May
SUNDAYS
17–18 MARCH, 5–6 MAY
SATURDAYS
CAPITAL REGION FARMERS MARKET EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA
SOUTHSIDE FARMERS MARKET CANBERRA COLLEGE
9am–12pm
HANDMADE MARKET
Multicultural Sunday Retro Depot Designer Sunday Collectable Sunday Portobello Road Canberra Wool Expo
EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA
10am–4pm
The Old Bus Depot Markets is the perfect spot to pick up a unique gift.
7 APRIL, 5 MAY
8 APRIL
KIDS MARKET
COLLECTED AND CREATED GUNDAROO MARKET
EXHIBITION PARK
10am–3pm
VARIOUS LOCATIONS, GUNDAROO
3RD SUNDAY
BUNGENDORE MARKETS BUNGENDORE
9am–3pm
9am–3pm 1ST SATURDAY
1ST SUNDAY
1ST AND 3RD SATURDAY
CAPTAINS FLAT COUNTRY MARKETS 9.30am–1.30pm
HARTLEY HALL MARKETS
YASS COMMUNITY MARKET 10am–1pm
HALL
10am–3pm 1ST AND 3RD SATURDAY
2ND AND 4TH SATURDAY
BRAIDWOOD MARKETS
MURRUMBATEMAN VILLAGE MARKET
BRAIDWOOD
MURRUMBATEMAN
8am–12.30pm
9am–1pm
SATURDAYS
SOUTHERN HARVEST FARMERS MARKETS BUNGENDORE
9am–12pm
Theatre and music
Relieve the tale of the most famous couple that ever lived when Bell Shakespeare performs Antony and Cleopatra.
CANBERRA THEATRE 2–4 MARCH
Lano & Woodley 14 MARCH
Celtic Illusion 17–18 MARCH
Jimmy Barnes 20 MARCH
Canberra Comedy Festival Gala 28 MARCH
Jackson Browne 29 MARCH
José González 5 APRIL
Sergio Mendes
26 APRIL– 20 MAY
22 MARCH
Spiegeltent: Blanc de Blanc
Doug Anthony All Stars
28 APRIL
Black is the New White
Dan Sultan 25–30 MAY
The Australian Ballet — The Merry Widow
THE PLAYHOUSE, CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE 6–10 MARCH
Strassman’s — iTedE 11 MARCH
Andrew Strong performs The Commitments 19 MARCH
Courtney Act
28–31 MARCH 5–7 APRIL
Junk 12–21 APRIL
Antony and Cleopatra 1–5 MAY
The Aspirations of Daise Morrow 9–12 MAY
The Bleeding Tree 23 MAY
Sarah Blasko 29 MAY–2 JUNE
Sense and Sensibility
Witness a collaboration between two of Australia’s most successful artists when Lior and Paul Grabowsky perform in concert.
LLEWELLYN HALL
THE STREET THEATRE
GORMAN ARTS CENTRE
3 MARCH
3–4 MARCH
8–11 MARCH
Chinese New Year Concert
The Weight of Light
Red
HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA 4 MARCH
Canberra Opera 18 MARCH
Canberra Wind Symphony
8 MARCH
Yolanda Brown 14 MARCH
Harry Manx 16 MARCH
WESLEY UNITING CHURCH 16 MARCH
Byrd Round Table
Lior & Paul Grabowsky
AIS ARENA
THEATRE 3
4 APRIL
5–12 APRIL
Dr Frankenstein 17 MAY – 2 JUNE
Arms and the Man
Lionel Richie 17 APRIL
Harlem Globetrotters
ALBERT HALL 25 MAY
Avison’s Essay
Visitor information done differently Make the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre your first stop when you visit Lonely Planet’s third best city in travel.
CANBERRA AND REGION VISITORS CENTRE LOCAL MERCHANDISE • TOURS AND TICKETS • ACCOMMODATION DEALS
Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, Parkes, ACT 2600 • 1300 554 114 • visitcanberra.com.au • Open 9am-4pm weekends & public holidays • Closed Christmas Day.