CANBERRA EVENTS Autumn 2014
Autumn events Spectacular festivals, blockbuster exhibitions, thrilling sports matches and celebrations on a national scale combine for an action-packed autumn in Canberra.
REMEMBERING THE ANZACS
ENLIGHTEN SHINES
Canberra’s Anzac Day Dawn Service is one of the nation’s most moving ceremonies. Gather with thousands of Australians in the pre-dawn light on 25 April to commemorate the first military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Experience the emotion of a lone bugler playing the Last Post. Pay your respects to those who gave their lives in the service of their country. Leave a poppy on the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. After the ceremony, gain a true understanding of our Anzacs’ experiences and explore the galleries at the Australian War Memorial. awm.gov.au
Culture and creativity are set to illuminate the capital as Enlighten brings Canberra to life from 28 February to 8 March. A selection of the capital’s finest cultural attractions will open their doors after dark as the Parliamentary Triangle is transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Each night the whole family can indulge in a variety of free and ticketed events including live performances, fascinating talks, blockbuster exhibitions, exclusive dining events and a host of surprising experiences – all set against a backdrop of stunning architectural projections, which will shine a light on some of Australia’s most iconic attractions. enlightencanberra.com
HOT AIR BALLOON SPECTACLE See the Lawns of Old Parliament House fill with a flurry of colour and movement from 8 to 16 March, as giant hot air balloons inflate around iconic attractions and slowly drift into the Canberra sky. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a one of a kind event and Canberra is one of the few places in the world where hot air balloons can fly so close to houses of government and buildings of national significance. But the action is not just in the sky — there’s live entertainment each morning and delicious hot breakfast options for the whole family. events.act.gov.au
This page: The Electric Canvas created the artwork projected on the National Library of Australia, Enlighten Front cover: FM 104.7 Skyfire 26, fireworks, Lake Burley Griffin; MOCHE culture, Bead in the form of an owl’s head, Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán, Lambayeque, © Photograph Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán, National Gallery of Australia; National Folk Festival; Handmade Market; Anzac Day, Australian War Memorial; The Electric Canvas created the artwork projected on the Museum of Australian Democracy, Enlighten; Canberra Balloon Spectacular; Four Winds Vineyard, Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival; Dave O’Neil and Glenn Robbins, Canberra Comedy Festival; Glebe Park; Shaw Vineyard Estate, Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival
SPORT SEASON STARTS Autumn is the season for great sporting events in the nation’s capital. Thrill with excitement at the Seppelt Black Opal Stakes and ACTTAB Canberra Cup Race Day on 9 March at Thoroughbred Park. Watch the Brumbies take on the Waratahs at GIO Stadium Canberra on 15 March. Catch the Canberra Raiders when they battle it out against the Gold Coast Titans at GIO Stadium Canberra on 23 March. See the GIANTS go head-to-head against the Western Bulldogs at StarTrack Oval on 12 April in the first of three chances to see the GIANTS play in the nation’s capital this season.
FESTIVAL OF LAUGHS After a hugely successful inaugural festival in 2013, the Canberra Comedy Festival is back with an even bigger line-up to meet demand. Enjoy six days of comedy performances from some of Australia’s favourite comedy acts including Tom Gleeson, Hannah Gadsby, local acts the Stevenson Experience and Hamish Hudson. There are also group and sketch comedy shows at various venues from 4 to 9 March. canberracomedyfestival.com.au
NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL Join the celebration of traditional and contemporary folk life from 17 to 21 April at the National Folk Festival. The Festival showcases top Australian acts alongside international headliners across 20 venues. With more than 200 acts representing diverse styles such as acoustic, blues, roots, bluegrass, world, Celtic, traditional, gypsy and country in a program including music, dance, spoken word, film, circus and traditional crafts, there is something for everyone. folkfestival.org.au
BLOCKBUSTER EXHIBITIONS
EXPLORE THE FORESHORE
Canberra is the home of blockbuster exhibitions and this autumn you can experience Peruvian treasures and traditional bark paintings. The National Gallery of Australia’s exhibition Gold and the Incas: Lost Worlds of Peru features more than 200 exceptional objects of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru to 21 April. nga.gov.au
The Kingston Foreshore is transforming into a vibrant waterfront precinct with a strong arts, cultural, recreation and dining presence. Home to the iconic Old Bus Depot Markets and the Canberra Glassworks, the area recently welcomed a variety of new restaurants and cafes. C Dine and Bar was the first of many restaurants to make their home at the promenade, and has since been joined by La Rustica and Morks. The Foreshore version of the popular Lonsdale Street Roasters, Remedy, opened recently. Coffee lovers can also enjoy a cup at 38 Espresso, while Max Brenner will satisfy any sweet tooth. bythewater.com.au
At the National Museum of Australia you can see the cultural attraction’s first ever exhibition of bark paintings throughout autumn at Old Masters: Australia’s great bark artists. nma.gov.au
WINE HARVEST FESTIVAL Celebrate all that is the harvest and a new vintage with stunning cool climate wines, entertainment and great food at the Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival on 5 to 6 April. Meet some of the makers of the Canberra District’s nationally and internationally recognised wines at their own cellar door and enjoy guided tours of vineyards. Taste the latest wines from a region renowned for its diversity of geography and variety, as our wineries open their doors for tasting adventures, entertainment and delicious food. canberrawines.com.au
OUTDOOR CELEBRATIONS Visit the National Arboretum Canberra for their first birthday celebrations on 8 March. Activities include live music, tree planting workshops, storytelling and face painting. nationalarboretum.act.gov.au Enjoy an amazing day for the whole family in the beautiful setting of Sheedys Picnic area for the Tidbinbilla Extravaganza. Tidbinbilla nature reserve is home to a wide variety of Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, potoroos, wallaroos, possums, wombats, echidnas, emus, lyrebirds and many other birds and reptiles. Once a year, Tidbinbilla adds in music, entertainment, talks and massive amounts of fun. On 13 April why not pack a picnic and invite your favourite people to join you for a great day out? tidbinbilla.com.au
Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine’s Winemaker of the Year, Tim Kirk, Clonakilla; National Arboretum Canberra; Commonwealth Park
What’s on ANZAC VOICES
OLD MASTERS: AUSTRALIA’S GREAT BARK ARTISTS
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
Throughout Autumn AFGHANISTAN: THE AUSTRALIAN STORY
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
Discover the extraordinary efforts of Australians in Afghanistan through the words of our veterans and their families. awm.gov.au 02 6243 4211
The compelling voices of the Anzacs echo through their letters and diaries marking the Centenary of the First World War.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
Don’t miss seeing 120 specially selected barks which celebrate the genius of Australia’s master bark artists. The Museum holds the biggest collection of bark paintings in the world.
awm.gov.au 02 6243 4211
nma.gov.au 02 6208 5000
GARDEN OF THE EAST: PHOTOGRAPHY IN INDONESIA 1850S–1940S
ON COUNTRY: WORK, CONNECT, CELEBRATE
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
Admire beautiful, distinctive, rich-toned and detailed prints of Jakarta and colonial Indonesia by inventor Walter Woodbury and James Page.
Be inspired by contemporary Indigenous land and sea management practices strengthened through caring for country, being on country, and celebrating country.
nga.gov.au 02 6240 6411
nma.gov.au 02 6208 5000
TREASURES GALLERY
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA
Browse new additions when you come face to face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s best known stories. nla.gov.au 02 6262 1111
HAPPY AND GLORIOUS
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE
MINT CONDITION
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT
Discover how coins are made, see the robots in action and learn the history of coins. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Parliament House, the Mint is revealing its spare key, along with related collectable coins, tokens and medallions. ramint.gov.au 02 6202 6999
BEHIND THE LINES 2013
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to Australia in 1954. Come and see her dressing room and Crown Jewels reproduced under official royal licence.
Look back on the controversies, crises and sometimes unintentional comedy of the 2013 political year through the eyes of Australia’s best cartoonists.
moadoph.gov.au 02 6270 8222
moadoph.gov.au 02 6270 8222
Canberra Balloon Spectacular, credit Paul Chapman; Anzac Day, Australian War Memorial; Happy and glorious, Museum of Australian Democracy, credit National Library of Australia
TEGAN THE VEGAN
SCIENCE OF SUCCESS
NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT
Ever wondered how Australian champions get that winning edge? Visit Sportex to find out about the secret technology developed by the Sports Science Sports Medicine department.
Kids of all ages will love seeing the sets, models and posters from the clay animation film. See the film which features the voices of Noni Hazlehurst and Paul McDermott.
ausport.gov.au/tours 02 6214 1010
nfsa.gov.au 02 6248 2000
FROM A SUNDAY TOO FAR AWAY
NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE
Explore an exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the South Australian Film Corporation and enjoy the art deco courtyard.
CANBERRA GLASSWORKS Learn about glassmaking, tour the gallery and boiler room and see molten glass in the hotshop.
nfsa.gov.au 02 6248 2000
canberraglassworks.com 02 6260 7005
UNTIL 10 MARCH
UNTIL 10 MARCH
MAPPING OUR WORLD: TERRA INCOGNITA TO AUSTRALIA
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA
Explore 85 maps and scientific instruments drawn from Australia, the Vatican Library, the British Library and the Bibliothèque nationale de France. nla.gov.au 02 6262 1111
ELVIS AT 21: PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALFRED WERTHEIMER
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
Explore this candid look at Elvis before he exploded onto the music scene and became one of the most exciting performers of his time. portrait.gov.au 02 6102 7000
UNTIL 21 APRIL
GOLD AND THE INCAS: LOST WORLDS OF PERU
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
Discover more than 200 objects from scintillating gold pieces made to decorate the nobility in life or in death, intricate jewellery, elaborate embroidered and woven cloths to sophisticated ceramic sculptures. Check out the combined family ticket with Measure Island at Questacon. nga.gov.au 02 6240 6411 UNTIL 27 APRIL
MEASURE ISLAND
QUESTACON — THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
Take the kids on an adventure through a junglethemed world alongside ‘Archy’ and his dog ‘Cubit’, who encounter measurement challenges along the way. Check out the combined family ticket with Gold and the Incas: Lost Worlds of Peru at the National Gallery of Australia. questacon.edu.au 02 6270 2800 UNTIL 18 MAY
I’VE BEEN WORKING ON THE RAILWAY
NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA
Discover untold stories of Aboriginal people, Torres Strait and Australian South Sea Islanders and their contribution to rail development. naa.gov.au 02 6212 3600 Australian Institute of Sport; Canberra Glassworks; With high school sweetheart, Barbara July 4, 1956 © Alfred Wertheimer. All rights reserved, Elvis at 21, National Portrait Gallery; Measure Island, Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre; MOCHE culture, Portrait head stirrup vessel, Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú, Lima © Photograph Daniel Giannoni, National Gallery of Australia
28 FEBRUARY–8 MARCH
7 MARCH
VARIOUS VENUES
SENATE ROSE GARDENS, OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE
ENLIGHTEN: SEE CANBERRA IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT
March
LIGHTS! CANBERRA! ACTION!
8 MARCH
FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA
Canberra’s rich cultural attractions come alive with late night openings, spectacular architectural projections and a treasure trove of live events.
Sit back and enjoy the results of this fun festival that gives budding filmmakers 10 days to write, shoot, edit and produce a seven minute short film around 10 theme specific items.
Celebrate with live music, tree planting workshops, storytelling and face painting.
enlightencanberra.com 1300 852 780
events.act.gov.au 13 22 81
nationalarboretum.act.gov.au 13 22 81 8–9 MARCH
RAINFOREST TO DESERT TOURS
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Explore two of Australia’s iconic landscapes on an evening tour. Enjoy a pre-tour dinner at Floresco in the Gardens Cafe (bookings essential). anbg.gov.au 02 6250 9540
8–16 MARCH
CANBERRA BALLOON SPECTACULAR
OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE LAWNS
See a stunning array of hot air balloons inflate at dawn and slowly drift over Canberra’s iconic national attractions. Enjoy live music and breakfast. events.act.gov.au 13 22 81
8 MARCH–22 JUNE
ELIOTH GRUNER: THE TEXTURE OF LIGHT
CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY
Browse impressionist beachscapes and farmlands to the distinctive modernist 1930s landscapes of the Southern Highlands and south coast. museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au 02 6207 3968
9 MARCH
SYMPHONY IN THE PARK
COMMONWEALTH PARK
Start your Canberra Day celebrations early with Symphony in the Park. Bring a picnic and listen to this beautiful celebration of music. events.act.gov.au 13 22 81
9 MARCH
2014 SEPPELT BLACK OPAL STAKES AND ACTTAB CANBERRA CUP RACE DAY THOROUGHBRED PARK
Enjoy a family day of fun, excitement and colour at the horse races. Myer Fashions on the Field will be hotly contested. thoroughbredpark.com.au 02 6241 3888
10 MARCH
CANBERRA DAY
STAGE 88, COMMONWEALTH PARK
Celebrate the capital’s 101st birthday with an exciting entertainment line up and plenty of activities for the young and young at heart. events.act.gov.au 13 22 81 15 MARCH
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT MTB ENDURO
VARIOUS VENUES (EVENT HUB, STROMLO FOREST PARK)
Offering 50km and 100km mountain bike endurance races for solo riders, this challenging and exciting event links Canberra’s iconic trails. capitalpunishmentmtb.com.au 02 6230 5332
Le Dîner en Blanc will return to a secret location in Canberra as part of Enlighten; Australian National Botanic Gardens; Thoroughbred Park; Centenary Trail, credit Damien Breach
15 MARCH
FM 104.7 SKYFIRE 26
COMMONWEALTH PARK
22 MARCH–8 JUNE
PROMO: PORTAITS FROM PRIMETIME
Canberra lights up for FM 104.7 Skyfire on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, with a magnificent display of fireworks set to a soundtrack broadcast on FM 104.7.
Promo takes you into the spotlight and fascinating behind-the-scenes with Australian professional stills photographers.
events.act.gov.au 13 22 81
portrait.gov.au 02 6102 7000
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
5–6 APRIL
MONT 24 HOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE
KOWEN FOREST
CANBERRA DISTRICT WINE HARVEST FESTIVAL
VARIOUS VENUES
10 APRIL–29 JUNE
LUMINOUS WORLD: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM THE WESFARMERS COLLECTION
Ride the kow in Australia’s most popular 24-hour bike race over new and expanded mountain bike trails.
Visit the wineries to see the vineyards at their best, meet the winemaker and enjoy special activities.
mont24.com.au 0405 635 651
canberrawines.com.au 1300 554 114
nla.gov.au 02 6262 1111
12–13 APRIL
17–21 APRIL
25 APRIL
AUSTRALIAN RUNNING FESTIVAL
April
5–6 APRIL
EVENT HUB, TELOPEA PARK, MANUKA
Get moving and select the 5km or 10km fun run around the iconic Parliamentary Triangle or meet the challenge of the ultra marathon, marathon or half marathon. runningfestival.com.au
NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL
EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA, MITCHELL
Come and see a cultural celebration of traditional and contemporary music, dance, poetry and storytelling staged across the Easter break. folkfestival.org.au 02 6262 4792
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA
See contemporary paintings, objects and photographs, by leading Australian and New Zealand artists.
ANZAC DAY AT THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
Take part in the national Anzac Day ceremony, commemorating the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand. awm.gov.au 02 6243 4211
27 APRIL
GROOVIN’ THE MOO
THE MEADOWS, UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
Featuring touring national and international acts, this single day music event has emerged as a highly popular fixture on the Australian festival circuit.
May
gtm.net.au 02 9331 4558 9–18 MAY
CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
VARIOUS VENUES
Listen to brilliant international and Australian artists in venues such as embassies, national attractions and churches. cimf.org.au 02 6230 5880 17 MAY–2 NOVEMBER
23 MAY–3 AUGUST
QUESTACON — THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
PERCEPTION DECEPTION
ATUA: SACRED GODS FROM POLYNESIA
Take the kids to discover the world inside their heads and explore how people perceive the same thing in different ways.
Explore Polynesian artefacts created for religious and sacrifical purposes, that survived the Christian missionaries.
questacon.edu.au 02 6270 2800
nga.gov.au 02 6240 6411
FM 104.7 Skyfire 26, fireworks, Lake Burley Griffin; Mount Majura Vineyard; Anna McGahan by Peter Brew-Bevan, 2011, National Portrait Gallery; Perception deception, Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre
SATURDAYS
CAPITAL REGION FARMERS MARKET
EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA
7.30–11.30am 1ST SUNDAY
HALL MARKETS
HALL
SUNDAYS
OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS
KINGSTON
10am–4pm Special themes 16 March Retro Depot 20 April Portobello Road 18 May A celebration of wool
Markets
10am–3pm
8–9 MARCH
3RD SUNDAY
4TH SATURDAY
NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE CANBERRA
BUNGENDORE
BRAIDWOOD
HANDMADE MARKET
10am–4pm
Sport
BUNGENDORE MARKETS
BRAIDWOOD MARKETS
10am–4pm
8am–2pm
SUPER 15 RUGBY: BRUMBIES
NRL: RAIDERS
AFL: GIANTS
GIO STADIUM CANBERRA
GIO STADIUM CANBERRA
STARTRACK OVAL MANUKA
15 March vs Waratahs 22 March vs Stormers 4 April vs Blues 25 April vs Chiefs 10 May vs Sharks 31 May vs Rebels
23 March vs Gold Coast Titans 12 April vs Newcastle Knights 20 April vs Melbourne Storm 18 May vs Penrith Panthers 25 May vs North Queensland Cowboys
12 April vs Western Bulldogs 3 May vs Port Adelaide
THE STREET THEATRE
VARIOUS VENUES
THE PLAYHOUSE
14 MARCH
4–9 MARCH
29 MARCH
WANDERLUST MEETS SIMON MILMAN
15 MARCH
CANBERRA COMEDY FESTIVAL
CHRIS GUDU AND AFRO PAMOJA
CANBERRA THEATRE
21 MARCH
19 MARCH
JOHNNY CASH: IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
BILLY BRAGG WITH COURTNEY BARNETT
22 MARCH
27 MARCH
Theatre and music
ANTONIO SERRANO: HARMONIOUS
1 APRIL
MICHAEL JACKSON: HISTORY II
6 APRIL
PACO PEÑA: FLAMENCURA
PETE MURRAY
LIOR
ROYAL THEATRE
LLEWELLYN HALL, ANU
10 APRIL
12 APRIL
AN EVENING WITH KRIS KRISTOFFERSON
ACO: HAYDN AND ITALIAN CELLO
12 APRIL
JOHN BUTLER TRIO
THE MEADOWS, UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA 27 APRIL
GROOVIN’ THE MOO
Old Bus Depot Markets; Super 15 Rugby: Brumbies, GIO Stadium Canberra; Canberra Raiders, GIO Stadium Canberra; GIANTS, StarTrack Oval Manuka; Pete Murray, Canberra Theatre; Michael Jackson HIStory II, The Playhouse Every effort has been made to ensure that information is current and correct at time of printing.
CANBERRA AND REGION VISITORS CENTRE
330 Northbourne Avenue Dickson ACT 2602 Open 9am–5pm weekdays 9am–4pm weekends/public holidays Closed Christmas Day
For information, accommodation deals and bookings: