Eleven things to do in Canberra this week (28 August - 3 September)

The movies are back! Canberra University has drive-in movies on an LED giant screen, ensuring the daytime screening of the Lego Movie will be great for kids. Three other titles will be screened at night, while the Electric Cinema has classic and cult movies on Mondays and Fridays.

There’s plenty to do outdoors too, with the guided wattle walks through the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and Bush Play Connections presented by Awakening Education and RISE Canberra‘s #WhereYouAreFestival. Lake George Winery is having its annual bonfire Burning of the Barrel, and the Keep Trucking Foodie Festival will be providing food, drinks and entertainment at the Canberra College carpark.

Online this week, catch the Hairyworm Hobble by Canberra composer Michael Sollis, and support Live In Ya Lounge as they raise funds for people who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic with a performance by Hands Like Houses. Don’t miss Canberra’s own superstar and CEO of Aspen Medical Glenn Keys AO in the Canberra Innovation Network’s Billion Dollar Series online.

If you love your footy, you can support the Green Machine in their bid for a final four spot – watch the match on the big screen at the Queanbeyan Hotel on Sunday.

If you’re looking for more events around Canberra, make sure to check out the RISE Canberra website. Have a great week Canberra!

All weekend

UC Drive In Cinema

Where: University of Canberra, 1 Kirinari St, Bruce
When: Thursday to Saturday, various times
Cost: General Public $45 per car, UC Student $30 per car

The UC Drive-in Cinema is back for another 4 movie magic sessions. This time it is open to the public as well as the UC Community including a family-friendly Saturday matinee session.

Unlike other drive-in cinemas that use projectors, UC will use a full LED-lit screen for the best viewing experience during the day and at night. All your movie favourites including popcorn, drinks, chocolate, and chips, and hot food will be available to purchase.

Please note that this is an alcohol-free event and outside food and drink will not be permitted. View session times here, buy tickets online.

Guided walk through the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Canberra
When: Saturday to Monday, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: Free

Wander through the wattles while they are in full bloom.

Join a Volunteer Guide to hear about the symbolism and cultural history of the genus Acacia on this one-hour walk which celebrates our national floral emblem and Wattle Day on 1 September. Along the way you’ll learn fascinating stories about this widespread genus, and enjoy the first signs of spring.

Tours are available for up to 10 people maximum from up to two household groups to maintain physical distancing in the Gardens. Meet at the clock near the bridge. No bookings required.

Water Walks Exhibition: Celebrating Canberra’s Hidden Creeks

Where: PhotoAccess – Manuka Arts Centre gardens, 30 Manuka Circle Griffith, or Online
When: Saturday to Sunday 6th September, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Free

Presented by PhotoAccess and #WhereYouAreFestival, Water Walks exhibition will showcase participants’ experiences of some of Canberra’s hidden landscapes.

Guided photography sessions, held during August 2020, were an opportunity for participants to explore their neighbourhood waterways and landscapes to be featured in the exhibition. Read more here. The exhibition showcases the photography from these sessions, and is held online and at the Manuka Arts Centre gardens between Tuesday and Saturday.

Friday

Australian Miniseries: Hairyworm Hobble with Michael Sollis

Where: Online
When: 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm
Cost: Free

Can you hear the Hairyworm? Don’t miss the online premiere of “Hairyworm Hobble” by composer Michael Sollis, written for the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and his wife and collaborator Kiri Sollis, who will be playing solo piccolo.

Saturday

Burning of the Barrel at Lake George Winery annual bonfire night

Where: Lake George Winery, 173 The Vineyards Road, Lake George
When: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: Adults $20pp, Children $10pp, Bookings – Eventbrite.

Ignite the flame and enjoy a night to remember at the iconic Lake George Winery for their annual bonfire night. Adult tickets includes one glass of wine, mulled wine or mocktail and kids’ tickets include an activity and marshmallows. A menu will be available for purchase on the night. There are limited numbers available this year and the Winery will be practicing social distancing.

A highlight of the night is at 7 pm when they open the cellar and taste a few museum wines. Bus transport will be available leaving from Dickson in Canberra.

Keep Trucking Foodie Fair

Where: Canberra College Carpark, 40 Launceston St, Phillip
When: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: Free

Join the Keep Trucking Food Fair for amazing food, good drinks, excellent live music, performances and much, much more at the Canberra College car park. Fun for the whole family, with food by the heroes at Fares Beuller, Cannoli Brothers, Goodberries, and drinks by the rockstars at Kombi Keg, Sabi Beverages and more.

There’ll be entertainment by the talented The Rich Pitcher and brilliant Bom Funk Dance Studio, along with giant games and a teepee.

Live In Ya Local: Hands Like Houses

Where: Online or at Old Canberra Inn
When: 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Cost: Free, donations welcome

Presented by Live In Ya Lounge and #WhereYouAreFestival, Hands Like Houses are playing this Saturday night for the whole world to see. The night aims to support local businesses around Canberra and the live music scene for those who have lost work during COVID-19. Follow on from home or watch the live-stream with a viewing-party at Old Canberra Inn.

To find out more information, visit the RISE Canberra website.

Sunday

Green Machine Run To The Finals

Where: Hotel Queanbeyan, 59 Crawford St Queanbeyan NSW
When: 6:00 pm
Cost: Free

Enjoy watching the Raiders vs Bulldogs on the big screen at Hotel Queanbeyan and get behind the Green Machine as they challenge for a top 4 spot. If the first try is scored by “Big Papa” Josh Papalii the publican will be putting the $100 bet winnings on the bar.

Monday

Palace Encore! Classic & Cult Cinema

Where: New Acton Nishi Building Precinct
When: Various times
Cost: Movie Club Members $10, General Admission $15

Palace Encore! brings you the best in classic & cult cinema around the country, every week – see the movies available here.

Palace Electric is located in Canberra’s award-winning New Acton Nishi Precinct and is proud to offer an alternative to mainstream multiplex cinemas, by showing a mix of quality cinema, blockbusters, operas, special events, and film festivals. Palace Electric cinemas are licensed throughout, and provide not only popcorn and soft drink; but also an extensive wine list, barista coffee, cheese and antipasto platters. Yes, you can take your drink in.

Tuesday

Bush Play Connections

Where: Farrer Ridge Nature Reserve, ACT
When: 9:45 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: Free

Explore some of Canberra’s incredible nature spaces with Bush Play Connections, which are bush play sessions held in different nature locations across the Canberra region.

Children and families will learn local indigenous stories of place and enjoy bush play, craft creation stations, wandering walks, nature explorations and more.

Thursday

Glenn Keys AO on Canberra Innovation Network’s Billion Dollar Series

Where: Online
When: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: Free

The Canberra Innovation Network’s Billion Dollar series is back with outstanding Canberra entrepreneur and businessman Glenn Keys AO. Glenn is an inspiring entrepreneur who founded one of the world’s leading providers of outsourced healthcare solutions.

In this fireside chat format you will hear the real stories of how Aspen Medical has become a world leader in the delivery of healthcare solutions. For more details and to register your place, visit here.

If you’re looking for more events around Canberra, check out the RISE Canberra website.