Nine things to do around Canberra this weekend (13–15 October)

Canberra seems to have a German vibe to it this weekend: the Canberra International Riesling Challenge and Oktoberfest are on. For other cultural exchange experiences, the Japanese Film Festival is on at the Dendy Cinemas and the Czech and Slovak Fim Festival is on at the National Film and Sound Archive. It is the final weekend to catch Floriade and as is tradition, Floriade invites you to bring your dog along this Saturday to enjoy the flowers. Finally, there are some good theatre shows on with Bell Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice opening at the Canberra Theatre; Canberra Youth Theatre’s production, Versions of Us at the Ralph Wilson Theatre; and Under Sedation: Canberra verse remixed continuing at the Street Theatre.
All weekend

Canberra International Riesling Challenge

Where: Realm Hotel, Barton & Albert Hall, Yarralumla
When: Friday 11 am – 10 pm & Saturday 11 am – 3 pm
The Canberra International Riesling Challenge has been on this week and it is culminating this weekend with a Riesling Master Class, Awards Presentation & Dinner on Friday, and a Trade and Consumer Tasting event on Saturday. At the Master Class, experts will lead participants through a range of Rieslings from Germany and the Canberra District, explaining different styles and regional characteristics. The Master Class is on this Friday from 11 am – 2:30 pm at Realm Hotel, tickets are $100. Following the Master Class, the Awards Presentation will start at 5:30 pm, where you will be able to taste the winning wines from this and previous years. Tickets are $80. Then at 7:30 pm, Buvette is hosting a dinner featuring food matched with different Rieslings, tickets are $90, or $150 when the awards presentation and dinner are booked together. On Saturday you will be able to taste all the wines entered into this year’s Riesling Challenge at a Trade and Consumer Tasting event. Entry is $50 and bookings are not required – you only need to pay at the door.

Versions of Us

Where: Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman House
When: Friday 7 pm, Saturday 2 pm & 7 pm
Canberra Youth Theatre’s latest production, Versions of Us, explores the different versions we have of ourselves around different people. “Who are you when you are with your friends, around your family or at work? Which of these versions of you is the ‘real’ one?” Written by young, award-winning playwright, Emily Sheehan, the play is fictional but is based on material developed in a series of workshops involving the cast, Emily, and co-directors Jess Baker and Jamie Winbank. Please note, this play is recommended for ages 13 and over because it includes coarse language and mature themes. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for concession, book here.

The Merchant of Venice

Where: Canberra Theatre
When: Friday 7:30 pm, Saturday 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Sunday 4 pm
Bell Shakespeare’s production of Shakespeare’s rom-com, The Merchant of Venice opens this weekend in Canberra and will be on until 21 October. Directed by Anne-Lousie Sarks, it features Mitchell Butel as the Jewish moneylender, Shylock and Jessica Tovey as Portia. Tickets available here.
Friday

Light the Night

Where: Kingston Foreshore
When: 4 – 8:30 pm
Light up Kingston Foreshore this Friday evening with blue and yellow lanterns, and help raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. The event starts at 5:30 pm, with entertainment from 6 pm – there will be performances from Drumassault, Elite Dance Studio and Claire Howell, who appeared on The Voice Australia – and the walk starting at 7:15 pm. Head down early and grab dinner at the Kingston Night Markets before the walk.

Saturday

Dog’s Day Out at Floriade

Where: Commonwealth Park
When: 10 am – 7 pm
It’s already the final weekend for Floriade, and as is tradition, Floriade is inviting you to bring your dog along this Saturday to enjoy the flowers. There will be a free photo booth, delicious doggie delicacies at the Pooch Cafe, and a program of dog-related events on the main stage, including sessions on dog grooming and dealing with barking and digging; a best-dressed dog competition; and demonstrations of dog soccer and frisbee. There will also be an opportunity for your dog to join in a group breed photo. For more details of what’s on, check out the program here.

Oktoberfest

Where: Patrick White Lawns
When: 12 – 10 pm
The popular cultural celebration, Oktoberfest is coming to Canberra this Saturday. The Patrick White Lawns will be transformed into a slice of Bavaria with craft beer, Bavarian food and Oompah bands. Frock up in a Dirndl dress or put on some Lederhosen, and indulge in Kranski, pork knuckle, pretzels and apple strudel washed down with beer made by local brewers Zierholz, whose beer conforms to the German Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) of 1516! Tickets are $49.95 plus booking fee, book here. Note, this is an 18+ event.

Living Artefact Tour: Luka Lesson ft. Kahl Wallis

Where: Nishi Playhouse, New Acton
When: From 8 pm
After collaborating on the song Living Artefact, poet and hip-hop artist Luka Lesson and Indigenous singer and songwriter, Kahl Wallis from indie band, The Medics, are now touring together. They will be playing in Canberra this Saturday at the Nishi Playhouse in New Acton. Luka has recently returned from hosting a writers’ retreat in Greece and Kahl is currently working on his much-anticipated debut solo album. Tickets are $12.50 online or $15 at the door, book here.

Sunday

Sunday Assembly

Where: Majura Hall, Dickson
When: 2:30 – 4 pm
The theme for this month’s Sunday Assembly is Gratitude and the guest speaker is rugby player Clyde Rathbone. Shortly after retiring from rugby – Clyde played for the Brumbies and the Wallabies – he teamed up with his brother Dayne Rathbone to develop and launch the social network site, Karma. Rather than posting information about themselves, Karma encourages users to write lengthy letters to other people. Clyde will speak about the wonderful examples of gratitude that have been shared between Karma’s users as a result of this practice. There will also be songs and personal reflection based on the theme gratitude and tea and cake served at the end.

Canberra Fundraiser for Rohingya

Where: Nara Peace Park, Yarralumla
When: 12 – 3 pm
A family-friendly event to raise money for displaced Rohingya people who, fearing for their safety, are fleeing from Myanmar to Bangladesh. There will be a BBQ, an auction, guest speakers, food stalls and kids activities including a jumping castle. With reports of more than 400,000 Rohingyans fleeing Myanmar, and Bangladesh struggling to meet their basic needs for clean water, food and shelter, this is indeed an important cause.

Live Music around Canberra

If you’re looking for live music around Canberra check out The RiotACT Gig Guide (11-17 October).