12 February 2018

Seven things to do around Canberra this weekend (20–22 January)

| Zoe Pleasants
Join the conversation
1
Sundaze_6thNov-20

Plenty of national institutions are keeping their doors open late over the weekend, and providing an idyllic setting to have a drink and listen to some live music. You could unwind after work Friday at either the National Arboretum or the National Portrait Gallery, and enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon lakeside at the National Museum of Australia. If you’re looking to start your weekend early, head to the Transit Bar tonight to catch a great line-up of Canberra bands — The Lowlands, Wandering Ghosts and Guyy. Doors open at 8pm, free entry.

All weekend

Shadow House Party

Shadow House Party
When: Thurs, Fri & Sat, 7 for 7.30pm
Where: The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre
Part-theatre show, part-dance party, Shadow House Party features the original work of three local theatre companies: KREWD, Shadow House PITS and Acoustic Theatre Troupe. It starts with a performance art piece created by Bambi Valentine. Next up is a theatre piece created by Joe Woodward which features an absurd, darkly humorous philosopher sitting in a bathtub. And finally a show created by Lucy Matthews which is rearrangement of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, casting Ophelia as the central character. Matthews has used Shakespeare’s original text, albeit with much cut-out, to tell Ophelia’s story and for good measure has added a punk-rock score to go with it. When the theatre shows are finished, the dance party begins. For more information and to purchase tickets go to the Canberra Theatre’s site, also check out our interviews with Joe Woodward and Lucy Matthews here.

GIO Summer Down Under International Track Meet
When: Fri & Sat, 5.30–8pm
Where: Australian Institute of Sport Athletics Track, Leverrier St, Bruce
The Summer Down Under Wheelchair Racing Series is the highest profile wheelchair sporting event in Australia. The Canberra International Track Meet is part of this series and comprises of two evenings of wheelchair racing at the AIS Athletics Track. It will feature some of the world’s top wheelchair athletes and is a free, family friendly event.

Friday

Arboretum after Hours
When: Friday, 4.30–8.30pm
Where: The National Arboretum, music playing on the northern deck
Kick back, have a drink and listen to some live music at the National Arboretum. From 4.30–6.30pm, Craig and Carly will be playing tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s on the Arboretum’s northern deck. You could then enjoy an evening stroll through the forests which, along with the Pod Playground, will be open until 8.30pm.

Creatures of the Night
When: Fri, 5–8pm
Where: The National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is also keeping its doors open late this Friday and setting up a bar to help you unwind. Drag princess Tammy Paks will be there to provide entertainment along with burlesque artists, fire twirlers and Miss Kitka’s models. Jazz, funk outfit the Josh Knoop Trio will provide the music. You can also view the Gallery’s exhibitions including a highlights tour of The Popular Pet Show at 7pm (exhibition ticket required).

Saturday

PAWS for Art
When: Saturday, 9am–3pm
Where: National Gallery of Australia (9–11.30am) and National Portrait Gallery (11am–3pm)
This Saturday you are invited to bring your dog to both the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery. From 911:30am there will be plenty of doggy activities on in the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden, including an outdoor photo booth and a parade. And then at 11am you can walk your dog over to the Portrait Gallery where you can listen to live music and meet a pooch who works for the Australian Federal Police. See our story on the event here, and for a full list of activities, check out the Portrait Gallery’s site.

Womens March Canberra

Women’s March Canberra
When: Sat, 11am–12pm
Where: Garema Place, city
You could mark the inauguration of President Trump by joining the Women’s March on Canberra. This march is being held in conjunction with marches in Sydney and Melbourne and in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington. The aim of the march is to remind the community of the ongoing need to protect women’s rights and promote ways to improve women’s health and safety. Everybody is welcome to join in. See the march’s Facebook page for more details.

Sunday

SUNDAZE-Web

Sundaze at the Museum Bar
When: Sun, 3–7pm
Where: Lakeside deck of National Museum of Australia
Squeeze the last out of your weekend with food, drink and music on the lakeside deck of the National Museum of Australia. Starting at 3pm, this event will feature indie pop four piece, String Elephants, DJ Sean Luca and gin and tonics made with The Canberra Distillery’s gin. And, if you haven’t seen the Museum’s exhibition A History of the World in 100 Objects, this is a great opportunity to see it before it closes on the 29th January. The Museum is extending opening hours to the exhibition until 7pm on Sundays. Buy your exhibition ticket here.

Do you know of another event you would recommend? Please let us know in the comments below.

Join the conversation

1
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

I’m going to watch the UC Capitals v Bendigo Spirit on Saturday night. 7pm Tip-Off at the Southern Cross Stadium Tuggeranong.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.