Ten things to do in Canberra this week (25 February — 3 March)

Canberra is finally seeing more festivals. Restrictions are easing and we can attend bigger events, the best of which are in this guide. There’s plenty to choose from, from live street art to massive illuminated sculptures. But it’s worth checking the official websites for event updates.

All weekend

2022 AFLW Patches Asphalt Queanbeyan Cup

When: Friday 25 to Sunday 27 February, various times
Where: Aulich Park, 26 Queenbar Rd, Karabar
Cost: Gold coin donation at entry, all funds go to Lifeline Canberra.

The Inaugural Queanbeyan Tigers AFLW Patches Asphalt Queanbeyan Cup is on this weekend. Women’s football in Australia has grown exponentially in recent years, leading to an explosion of Junior, Youth and Senior Women’s programs across the country. The growth at the elite level has sparked massive interest and development of the game at the grassroots level, and this tournament showcases the great talent from across our region!

Harry Potter trivia night

When: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 February, 7:30 pm
Where: The Durham Pub, 52 Jardine Street, Kingston
Cost: $10 per person; tickets available from The Durham.

Are you Canberra’s biggest Potterhead? Head to The Durham for a magical night of wizarding trivia, themed cocktails and butterbeer. With prizes for winners and best dressed, dust off your cloaks and sorting hats.

Friday

Australians & Hollywood

When: Friday 25 February from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: National Film and Sound Archive
Cost: Adult $14.50 – Concession $11.50 – Junior $7.50. Get tickets here.

Learn how Australian talent redefined big-screen spectacle and found success on their own terms. Discover hidden gems from Australian cinema. See beloved movie moments, rare behind-the-scenes clips, and costumes and props from the NFSA collection.

Games night with Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol

When: Friday 25 February, 5 pm to 8 pm
Where: Lollipop’s Playland and Cafe, Majura Park Shopping Centre, Spitfire Avenue, Canberra
Cost: Kids 16 and under $21 – includes entry and kids meal. Adults 16 and over free. Tickets available here.

Join Lollipop’s Playland and Cafe for an evening with Chase and Skye. Enjoy party games, prizes, meet and greet and photo opportunities with Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol. There’s also a best costume competition – so don’t forget to dress up!

Saturday

High Tea

When: Saturday 26 February, two sessions – 10 am or 3 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong, Pitman St &, Holwell St, Greenway
Cost: $45. Tickets available here.

Treat yourself to a delicious array of sandwiches and sweets at Canberra Southern Cross Club. The menu includes traditional English cucumber sandwiches, fresh scones with jam and cream and a range of cakes. View the full menu here.

Yass Picnic Races

When: Saturday 26 February, 11 am
Where: Marchmont racecourse, 120 Gums Lane, Marchmont
Cost: $20, kids under 16 free. Tickets available here.

Get your friends and family together for a great day at the Yass Picnic Races. Buses will be available in and out of town. It’s sure to be a great day out for everyone!

Summer Salt Music Festival

When: Saturday 26 February, Gates open at 1 pm
Where: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park
Cost: General Admission: from $129. Children 3-17: from $79. Get your tickets here.

This festival features live music and a lively environment and promises to be a great day out. It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing and fresh breezes while kicking back or dancing the day and night away to live music from Australia’s best acts. There will be family-friendly activities, local market stalls, food trucks, and a selection of refreshing drinks. At Stage 88, this year’s lineup includes performances by Missy Higgins, Xavier Rudd, Birds of Tokyo, The Waifs, Pete Murray, The Dreggs and Tulliah.

Sunday

Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival

When: Sunday 27 February, from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Queanbeyan Park, Lowe St, Queanbeyan
Cost: Free. More information here.

Queanbeyan’s Multicultural Festival brings life, colour, and mouthwatering food to the park. The festival will feature entertainment from around the world and food vendors to satisfy any culinary craving. Queanbeyan’s Multicultural Festival features a kids fringe area, interactive cultural displays, and sports displays.

Wednesday

Alliance Française French Film Festival

When: Wednesday 2 March, Multiple times. Check the schedule
Where: Palace Cinemas, NewActon
Cost: Adult $22, Child $14, Concession $18.50. Get your tickets on their website.

With the support of the Embassy of France in Australia, this widely acclaimed festival has been presenting the best of French film for over three decades. A constant theme in France’s historic and contemporary endeavours is courage, generosity, equality, and team spirit. This richness is evident in the 42 films selected for the festival this year that are sure to satisfy the tastes of everyone.

Thursday

Re-discovering Ginninderra at Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre

When: Every Thursday, 9 am to 12 pm
Where: The Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, Hall
Cost: Free.

From the 1820s to beyond the creation of the Capital Territory, the display explores Ginninderra through prominent places and people in the region. Lyall Gillespie’s 1992 book Ginninderra was an important source of inspiration for this work. His research collection resides at the Centre.