29 October 2015

14 things to do this weekend in Canberra (24 and 25 October)

| Ellen Harvey
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If you’re up for yet more excitement after the big day at the Prime Minister’s XI cricket match at Manuka Oval on Friday, our weekend picks include the Lifecycle lakeside cycling event and Canberra Nara Candle Festival on Saturday and the ACT Rural Fire Service Open and Field Day on Sunday.

ALL WEEKEND

david-voigt

David Voigt – Return to Wilderness exhibition
It is the final weekend to see David Voigt’s Return to Wilderness exhibition at the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery. David Voigt has spent five decades and 120 solo exhibitions creating visually stunning artworks of contemporary Australia and its landscape. The exhibition is free to enter and is open every day from 9am.

Dickson Pool opens
The Dickson Aquatic Centre is the first of our outdoor public pools to open for the summer, from this Saturday at 8am. With a variety of pools, activities, barbecue areas and general water fun there is something for the entire family. One of the few pools in Canberra left with extensive free car parking, it is a great way to start off the summer season.

SATURDAY
Mt Stromlo Observatory Spring Site Tour
Mt Stromlo Observatory has been in operation for over 100 years (though the 2003 bushfires destroyed much of the precinct). This walking tour includes information about the science behind the observatory, the history and what the future holds for the site. Bookings are essential, and the tour starts at 10am.

oh-happy-day

Oh Happy Day @ National Portrait Gallery
The brainchild of some of the successful local market experts behind Handmade Canberra and Hustle&Scout, Oh Happy Day is a market for events. It brings together event planners, wedding specialists, caterers, florists, and general party experts to make sure you organise the perfect celebration. Head to the NPG from 1pm on Saturday for information and inspiration.

nara-candle

Canberra Nara Candle Festival
Japanese and Australian cultures unite in Lennox Gardens in Yarralumla each year to celebrate the Canberra Nara Candle Festival. From 4.30pm, enjoy free entertainment, Japanese food and cultural activities under the light of 2,000 candles. The event recognises the relationship that Canberra has with its sister city Nara in Japan.

The Skiing in Shorts film night
For those missing the snow and the winter season, The Skiing in Shorts film night is a film festival showcasing short ski films. Hosted by Four Winds Vineyard, the night includes wood-fired pizzas, wine and an hour of short skiing films as the sun sets. Four Winds Vineyard is located at 9 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman; buy your tickets through the link above.

Unscripted!
The ANU Film Group’s mystery event of the semester has been revealed. Unscripted! takes a movie (yet to be determined), “loses” the movie’s dialogue track and uses some of Canberra’s best improvisers to create new dialogue without any prep. It’s live, and you can see it at Coombs Theatre. The event starts at 7pm and is free for all current ANU Film Group members. Not an ANUFG member? You can buy a one-week membership for just $15.

Lifecycle
Lifecycle encourages riders of all levels to enjoy a leisurely cycle around the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, whilst raising funds and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation. With different course lengths, there is a ride suited to everyone from the very young to the very old. What’s more, the event’s [main set-up] at Kings Park will keep you full and happy all day long: grab a bit from the food and drink stalls, keep the kids occupied with kids’ activities and there is even a free concert in the evening.

SUNDAY

Red Wig Run & Walk
The Red Wig Run is organised by Ronald McDonald House (RMH) to raise funds to help support very ill children and their families currently in need of the RMH’s services. For your entry fee, you get to participate in the event, show your support for RMH and receive a vibrant red wig to wear on the day. Registrations open at 7.30am at Rond Terrace, with the run and walk beginning at 9am.

ACT Rural Fire Service Open and Field Day
Check out the firies in action as they showcase their fire-fighting skills, climb in a helicopter or fire engine, learn about ways to reduce your risk to the potential dangers this bushfire season, stock up at food stalls while the kids get their faces painted, visit the petting zoo or play on the jumping castles. Entry and parking are free. 10am-3pm at the Southcare Helicopter Base on David Warren Road, Hume.

Capital Country Cavy Club Public Pet Show
The Capital Country Cavy Club’s final public pet show for the year is this Sunday at 10am. The show will be at Queanbeyan Scout Hall in Erin St. This is an opportunity to let your cavy (guinea pig) shine: enter it in any of the fun categories by 11.30am – the categories include Heaviest, Most Interesting Markings and even Best Pet in Show. There are fancy dress categories and many prizes to be won. With free parking, it’s easier than ever to get your pet in the limelight.

Walk for prems
Families can take part in a social walk at Lake Tuggeranong to raise awareness and funds for the Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, which supports families of premature and sick babies and their families. Enjoy a variety of other children’s entertainment, live music, food stalls and much more. For more information, call 1300 69 77 36 or visit www.walkforprems.org.au

The Big Draw 2015 – Drawn In story time
As part of the National Portrait Gallery’s The Big Draw 2015, at Big Drawn story time you can watch or read Shaun Tan’s The Lost Thing and create your own visual responses. The 15 minute screenings will occur at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.

Batemans Bay Marathon and Fun Run
Operation Blackhawk and Ovarian Cancer Australia are hosting a charity fun run in Batemans Bay this weekend. There are 6km, 14km, half and full marathon events, with entry starting at $30. The first race starts at 7.30am. There is no pressure to perform, you’re welcome to stroll and even wear fancy dress. As the course hugs the Batemans Bay foreshore, it’s flat and features stunning views. Check out the course, register and plan your morning at www.runforteal.com

Have we missed the event you’re going to this weekend? Let us know about it in the comments!

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always enjoyed this post every week. No weekend goes without a plan now :p
Halloween approaching , hallelujah !

Macgregor Primary School Fete on Sunday the 25/10 from 10-2. Lots of yummy food, rides and lots of fun for all the family. Come and support an awesome local school.

How about the Canberra Home & Leisure Show (Aka the Caravan and Camping show) on at EPIC all weekend.

http://www.canberrahomeshow.com.au/

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