Things to do in Canberra this week (10 - 16 November)

From film showings to festivals, there are plenty of events happening in Canberra this week.

You can stop by Arc Cinema for a showing of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, head to Deakin for a Diwali-themed performance from a Canberra-based band, or take an EV for a spin before heading to Fyshwick for a free appraisal day. The Queanbeyan Show will also return this weekend, as will the Binalong Twilight Festival. And if you’re in a party mood, head to Capital Brewing Co’s taproom to blow out some candles and get frothy.

Multiple days

The Lord of the Rings at NFSA

When: 9 November to 11 November, from 6 pm each day
Where: Arc Cinema, at the National Film and South Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets for all three films can be purchased for $25 ($20 for concession holders) or be brought individually for $12 ($10 concession) and are available via the Archive’s website.

One cannot simply walk into Mordor, but one can easily walk into Arc Cinema to see the famous Lord of the Rings films. Watch the trilogy across three nights and follow Frodo and his friends journey to defeat an evil that threatens all life in Middle Earth, presented on 35 mm film prints from the Archive’s collection.

Queanbeyan Show

When: 11 November (9 am to 10 pm) and 12 November (9 am to 2 pm), events at various times; see program
Where: Queanbeyan Showgrounds, Glebe Avenue, Queanbeyan
Cost: General tickets between $8 and $15 (depending on age) and membership tickets between $22 and $6 (depending on age); children under six are free.

The Queanbeyan Show is returning for two days of fun. Tickets are available at the gate, giving access to a strongman competition, miniature goats, a slideshow alley, live music, shearing displays, a poultry pavilion, show bags and much more. All the fun of a country show right next to the city!

Friday

NRMA EV Fleet Day

When: 10 November, 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Sutton Road Training Centre, 441 Sutton Rd, Majura
Cost: Free entry; book through the NRMA (with free parking at the site).

Been thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle – or just curious as to what driving one is like? NRMA has organised the EV Fleet Day, allowing you to test drive one for free. While you can bring passengers in the test drive vehicle, they must be aged at least seven years and be legally able to sit in a car without a child car restraint.

Saturday

Diwali with the FunKaars

When: 11 November, from 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Margaret Dimoff Art Gallery, 36-38 Grey Street, Deakin
Cost: Tickets cost $55 for adults or $10 for children 12 and under (children aged five and under are free).

The FunKaars will take to the stage, led by Mumbai-born Karisha Shah. Their performance brings together a range of instruments – including the Dobro guitar, saxophone and tabla – and singing in English and Indian languages. Celebrate Diwali in the heart of Canberra!

Appraisal Day

When: 11 November, 12 pm to 2 pm
Where: AllBids and CarBids showrooms, 7 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick
Cost: Free entry, no booking needed.

Evans Hastings Valuers and Auctioneers is holding another free appraisal day at the AllBids warehouse in Fyshwick, and they need stuff to appraise – that’s where you come in. Estate auction managers and specialists will be on hand throughout the day, ready to give their professional opinion on whether your ‘junk’ is trash or treasure.

Canberra’s Largest Murder Mystery Night

When: 11 November, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Kingpin Canberra, Bunda Street, Civic
Cost: Tickets cost $85 per person and are available via Eventbrite.

Blend games and solving a crime in this interactive murder mystery! A crime has been committed, and you must play games to solve the King of Games’ murder. The ticket cost includes a free cocktail or mocktail to drink, as well as a $35 credit for the Kingpin arcade. Fancy dress is optional, though those who embrace the theme of ‘modern royalty’ will go in the running for prizes.

Sunday

Capital Brewing’s 6th Birthday

When: 12 November, 11:30 am to 9 pm
Where: Capital Brewing Co.’s Fyshwick Taproom, 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Cost: Free entry.

Capital Brewing is one of the town’s great hospitality success stories – not only their beers but the brewhouse and dining options. And now, they’re turning six! So, in case you needed an excuse (which you don’t), it’s the perfect time to grab some friends and come by their Fyshwick taproom for live music and food trucks … they will also be serving beer.

Marques in the Park

When: 12 November, 8 am to 3 pm
Where: Deakin Football Stadium, 14 Hannah Place, Canberra (behind the Deakin Shops)
Cost: Entry costs $5 for participants; free for spectators.

Can’t wait for Summernats? Marques in the Park will host a variety of car models, as well as motorcycles, scooters, vintage caravans and more. And if you get hungry, there will be refreshments on hand to keep you going throughout the day.

Thursday

Fellowship Presentation: A cultural biography of Ron Maslyn Williams

When: 16 November, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra; online via the Library’s Facebook and YouTube pages
Cost: Free entry, though registration via StickyTickets is essential for in-person attendance.

Associate Professor Deane Williams will present a lecture on his 2023 National Library Fellowship research. Make sure to come along (or tune in virtually) to learn how Ron Maslyn Williams – a filmmaker, photographer, musician and radio playwright – built his successful career in the post-Second World War era.