27 September 2015

11 things to do in Canberra this long weekend (26, 27, 28 September)

| Amy M
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This long weekend’s highlights include Floriade Nightfest, a Harry Potter trivia night and an open day at Government House. As always, let us know your plans in the comments below.

cathedral of light nightfest

1. Floriade Nightfest
Let’s hope for warmer nights this weekend, as NightFest at Floriade runs until Sunday evening. Go on a journey of discovery with spectacular lighting designs, roving performers, bustling night markets and a fantastic line-up of entertainment. NightFest opens at 6.30pm and closes at 10.30pm every night until Sunday. More info.

handmade market canberra september 2015

2. Handmade Markets at EPIC
Shop an eclectic mix of clothes, jewellery, home wares, foods and more at the Handmade Markets at EPIC, 10am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The markets now also feature a gourmet food hall. More info.

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3. Canberra Symphony Orchestra matinee magic
Be transported back to the roaring swing era with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra this Saturday afternoon at Llewellyn Hall. Enjoy familiar favourites including Don’t get around much anymore, On the sunny side of the street, and Glenn Miller’s In the mood. More info.

government house

4. Government House open day
As a lifelong Canberran, I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never been to Government House. If you’re the same, head to its open day this Sunday from 10am to 4pm. There will be interactive displays from missions including Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Jordan, the UAE and Uruguay, plus food, wine, chocolate and coffee. More info.

Dendrobium speciosum - Rock Lily

5. A rare and brief display of orchids at the Botanic Gardens
For a few days only, you can experience the charm of native Dendrobium orchids as the Australian National Botanic Gardens opens its Research Glasshouse to visitors. The orchids are only accessible to the public until early October whilst they are in full bloom. Open 9am to 4.30pm daily. More info.

jungle giants

6. The Jungle Giants at ANU Bar
In town to celebrate the release of their second album, the Jungle Giants are playing at ANU Bar this Friday night from 7pm. They’re supported by Art of Sleeping. More info.

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7. Help Branson’s family move to Sydney – fundraising day at Flip Out
Trampoline venue Flip Out is hosting a fundraising event this Saturday from 5pm to support a local family affected by autism. All money raised will help with the costs of moving from Canberra to Sydney so that five-year-old Branson can attend an autism-specific school to improve his chances of talking and becoming independent. More info.

harry potter trivia night aviary

8. Harry Potter trivia night at Aviary Rooftop Bar
There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations at this trivia night. Head to Aviary Rooftop Bar this Saturday at 6pm to prove that you know the difference between avada kedavra from expecto patronum. Prizes for best dressed and first place. More info.


9. The Shawshank Redemption at Palace Electric
Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. Catch the film as part of the Vintage Electric Program this Sunday at 3pm. More info.

10. Thai food and cultural festival at the Thai Embassy
Enjoy Thai food stalls from local restaurants, Thai products and handicrafts, cultural performances, Muay Thai, a tourism showcase and more at the Thai food and cultural festival this Sunday. It’s on at the Thai Embassy in Yarralumla from 10.30am to 5pm. More info.

cool climate wine show

11. Australian Cool Climate Wine Show public tasting in Murrumbateman
The Australian Cool Climate Wine Show is underway. You can get involved by attending a public wine tasting this Saturday at Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds Hall from 10am to 4pm. $20 per person, includes wine tasting and rustic nibbles. More info.

That’s a wrap from us. Have a good weekend!

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Masquara said :

I drove past the Futsal Slab building today – a year on, and during Floriade, there is still NOTHING happening in Andrew Barr’s million-dollar thought bubble!

Execution is arguably awry but if you never try anything you never get anything.

HenryBG said :

Masquara said :

I drove past the Futsal Slab building today – a year on, and during Floriade, there is still NOTHING happening in Andrew Barr’s million-dollar thought bubble!

Actually, although it doesn’t seem very busy, there is definitely regular social activity occurring on this site.

https://www.westsideactonpark.com.au/

Mmm, your link shows three events in the last two months …

Masquara said :

I drove past the Futsal Slab building today – a year on, and during Floriade, there is still NOTHING happening in Andrew Barr’s million-dollar thought bubble!

Actually, although it doesn’t seem very busy, there is definitely regular social activity occurring on this site.

https://www.westsideactonpark.com.au/

I drove past the Futsal Slab building today – a year on, and during Floriade, there is still NOTHING happening in Andrew Barr’s million-dollar thought bubble!

“1. Floriade Nightfest
Let’s hope for warmer nights this weekend, as NightFest at Floriade runs until Sunday evening. Go on a journey of discovery with spectacular lighting designs, roving performers, bustling night markets and a fantastic line-up of entertainment. NightFest opens at 6.30pm and closes at 10.30pm every night until Sunday. More info.”

Wow. What a load of cr*p that was – this event feels so disconnected and forced. Please do not waste your precious time with this. The spectacular lighting designs make me feel like I am hanging around the toilets at service stations. The bustling night markets saw me looking at how I can get bunyans off my feet and covering myself with ‘Made in china’ rubbish. It feels like I was transported to a trade show for the elderly.

Do yourself a favour and if you must visit Floriade, go during the day. You aren’t going to miss much once the sun goes down.

Time for Floriade to have a good look at itself. This event is tired.

Amy Birchall9:24 am 24 Sep 15

There’s also a family and community day at the National Archives on Monday: http://the-riotact.com/family-and-community-day-at-the-national-archives-of-australia/154066

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