Yes, you’re right; we’ve hit that milestone on the calendar. You can now officially turn on the heater. But why would you? Autumn in the capital is glorious and there’s a stack to keep you entertained, so get out there!
Multiple days
Canberra International Music Festival 2024
When: 30 April to 5 May, various times
Where: Various locations around Canberra
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on performance and are available via Humanitix.
The capital will host the 30th Canberra International Music Festival under the watchful eye and discerning ear of artistic director Roland Peelman. It’s Roland’s last outing as artistic director after 10 scintillating years before he hands on the baton, and he has quite a show for lucky attendees.
Persepolis screening
When: 26 April, from 6 pm
Where: Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets cost between $12 and $16 and are available via the Archive’s website.
This is the Australian premiere of a 4k restored version of the 2007 film that takes audiences inside recent Iranian history. Based on a series of autobiographical novels by Marjane Satrapi that depict her childhood and early adult years in Iran and Austria during and after the Islamic Revolution, Persepolis takes its name from the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The Archive will also host two military-themed movies on Saturday (27 April): Breaker Morant from 1 pm and Good Morning, Vietnam from 6 pm. Tickets for those screenings are also available through their website.
Lakeside at 5: Post-it-note Requests
When: 26 April, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway
Cost: Entry is by donation.
Typically, artists plan their set lists in advance, but Rachael Thoms (vocals), Lachlan Coventry (guitar) and Chris Pound (bass) are doing something different for this gig. Audience members can write down their requests on a sticky note – all you have to bring is yourself (and a pen).
Saturday
Chicken Wing Festival ’24
When: 27 April, 1 pm to 5 pm
Where: Verity Lane, Sydney Building, 50 Northbourne Avenue, Civic
Cost: Tickets cost $30 and are available online.
Canberrans will be flocking to the festival we never knew we needed, celebrating the humble and flavoursome chicken wing.
The festival returned last September after a too-long hiatus and promises another mouth-watering afternoon. Check out the chicken dance competition, lawn games, live music performances, and an all-you-can-eat competition or test your luck in chicken trivia. Registration for the eating challenges closes at 2 pm on the day.
Canberra Brave v Newcastle Northstars
When: 27 April, from 5:15 pm
Where: Phillip Ice Skating Centre, 1 Irving Street, Phillip
Cost: Tickets start at $15 and are available online.
Canberra Brave hit the ice this Saturday to take on the Rurak Conference leaders, the Newcastle Northstars. Get to the Brave Cave and get loud!
Boorowa Rotary Community Market
When: 27 April, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Old Courthouse Park, Marsden Street, Boorowa
Cost: Free entry.
Ready for a road trip? Head out to Boorowa and see what the region has to offer! While you browse the stalls, pick up a barbecue lunch cooked by Boorowa CWA members.
Sunday
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks
When: 28 April, from 4:05 pm (gates open at 11:45 am)
Where: GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce
Cost: General admission tickets cost $35 and are available via Ticketek.
It’s Round 8 of the competition and the Raiders are seeking redemption (and maybe a little revenge) after the Sharks defeated them 24-6 at the end of the 2023 season. Be there to cheer them on at GIO Stadium in their second triple header for the year and Anzac round.
Wednesday
First Wednesday Connect
When: 1 May, 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Ann Harding Conference Centre, University of Canberra, 24 University Drive South, Bruce
Cost: Free entry, though registration via Eventbrite is essential.
First Wednesday Connect is a regular monthly networking event that works to broaden Canberra’s innovation ecosystem and encourage collaboration. Each month, the Innovation Network’s foundation partners collaborate at various locations around Canberra.
The Dalfram Dispute 1938 screening
When: 1 May, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: The Catchpole Room, Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, corner of Catchpole Street and Bowman Street, Macquarie
Cost: Entry is $2 and can be paid at the door.
The ACT branch of the Australian China Friendship Society has organised a screening of the 2015 documentary The Dalfram Dispute 1938. It’s the story of how, in 1938, workers refused to load pig iron onto a ship headed for Japan. A Q&A session will follow the screening of the film, hosted by Penny Lockwood.