Spring has sprung and it’s time to get outside among the events happening across the bush capital. Here is our list of picks showing Canberra has plenty going on that will move you, get you grooving, and have you thinking about how love (and joy) can be found in unexpected places.
Multiple days
The Inheritance
When: 12 October to 2 November, shows at various times
Where: ACT Hub, Spinifex Street, Kingston
Cost: Tickets cost between $30 and $45 and are available online.
The Inheritance is the story of Eric (a New York City lawyer trying to keep his family’s apartment) and his boyfriend Toby (a writer living in denial). Together, the two must confront healing, class divides and what it means if their understandings of home are different.
The show is inspired by E. M. Forster’s beloved novel Howard’s End and is told in two parts. It contains adult themes, coarse language, sexual references and full-frontal nudity; it is not suitable for audiences aged under 18.
Only Everything
When: 17 October to 26 October, shows at various times
Where: The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Civic
Cost: Tickets cost $65.90 and are available via the Theatre Centre’s website.
Two Canberrans – Shell Abdoo and Berin Denham – met years ago, but it was right-person-wrong-time. They re-connected about five years ago and love blossomed, and so did a thought: “This is a pretty cool love story.” It’s so cool, in fact, that they’ve taken it to the stage.
In Only Everything, Shell is Tori and Berin is Aaron and the two find each other in a reminder love can come when you’re least expecting it. Here is one spoiler: it has a happy ending. And once its first season finishes in Canberra, Shell and Berin will marry in front of all their family and friends.
Friday
The Ultimate Eagles Legacy
When: 11 October, from 8 pm (dinner option from 6 pm)
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip
Cost: Tickets cost $63.90 (show-only) or $89.50 (for the diner and show package) and are available via Ticketek.
Spend a Friday evening rocking out to this tribute to the Eagles. Take It Easy on Friday evening, stop by Hotel California and live Life In the Fast Lane in this incredible two-hour show. There is also a dinner and a show option for those looking to keep the fun going.
NFSA Restores: The Cars That Ate Paris
When: 11 October, from 7 pm
Where: Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, Acton
Cost: Tickets cost between $12 and $16 and are available online.
The Cars that Ate Paris is the story of mild-mannered Arthur (Terry Camilleri), who wakes up in a hospital after a car accident that killed his brother. But he quickly finds that things are not what they seem – from the people running around at night to the souped-up cars – and then Arthur discovers he is not allowed to leave. This 1974 classic of Australian New Wave cinema has been digitally restored through the NFSA Restores project.
Saturday
Community Gardens Australia
When: 12 OCtober, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Canberra City Farm, 2 Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Cost: $35 plus booking fee.
Come and experience a fabulous day at Canberra City Farm with your fellow ACT community gardeners! There will be stalls to enjoy, workshops and demonstrations from our sponsors, a session on social media hacks for your garden and an afternoon of open space workshops, as well as farm tours, a tour of the LESS (Low Energy Super Shed), how to make a wicking bed, a compost demonstration and tips for waterway friendly gardening.
Morning and afternoon tea, as well as a fabulous lunch, is included in the ticket.
Author Talk with Linda Peek
When: 12 October, 2 pm to 3 pm
Where: Dickson Library, Antill Street, Dickson
Cost: Free entry, though bookings via Libraries ACT are essential.
In 1939, Margaret Staples was only nine years old when her father was posted to Malta with the Royal Engineers. Margaret and her sisters thought they were about to grow up in paradise, but the world was about to change forever. The stories of Margaret’s childhood became the basis of this memoir written by her daughter – writer, blogger and businesswoman Linda Peek. Hear from Linda about her work in this talk.
Ginninderry Conservation Corridor Guided Walks
When: 12 October, 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn
Cost: Free entry, though registration via Humanitix is necessary.
Enjoy the spring sunshine and get outdoors in this monthly guided walk as it returns for October. The Ginninderry Conservation Trust Rangers will be taking a group on their guided walks to explore the plants and animals of the Corridor. These are moderate-level walks along an earthen track, and participants are asked to bring hats, sunscreen and water.
Sunday
Sunday Long Lunch
When: 13 October, from 12:30 pm
Where: Cuppacumbalong Homestead, 21 Naas Road, Tharwa
Cost: Tickets cost $150 per person and are available online.
Head along to the historic Cuppacumbalong Homestead for this fundraising lunch for the Canberra Hospital Foundation. All funds will be put towards supporting the new Cancer Wellbeing Centre opening later this year at Canberra Hospital.
After tucking into a six-course lunch, attendees can explore the gardens and grounds of the Cuppacumbalong Homestead. The day will also include lucky door prizes, a raffle and chances to donate in support of the Foundation’s work.
Brass on the Grass
When: 13 October, from 12 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Hall Heritage Centre, Victoria Street Hall
Cost: Free entry.
Brass on the Grass is back for a very special anniversary concert – it’s the 40th anniversary of the band’s establishment, when Canberra Brass, Victoria Street Brass and Newbery Brass came together. Everyone is invited to their birthday party, which doubles as a fundraiser for the Hall Heritage Centre. The celebrations will start with the band marching up Victoria Street from 1 pm (starting at the post office) before they play music throughout the afternoon.
Thursday
Back to the ’80s Trivia night
When: 17 October from 7:30 pm
Where: The Durham Castle Arms Pub, 52 Jardine Street, Kingston
Cost: Tickets cost $10 and are available via the venue’s online booking system.
Do you remember the 80s? Or just wish you were there when clothes were colourful – do you remember Hypercolor shirts? – and hair and shoulder pads were big. This is a night to test your knowledge of the era. Make sure to dress in something that fits the theme – think neon, power suits and leg warmers (not sure what the women will be wearing) – because you might take home best dressed.
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