20 August 2020

Nine things to do in Canberra this week (31 July - 6 August)

| Sharon Kelley
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Canberra Theatre

Head back to the Canberra Theatre this week, as they present Wake in Fright from Thursday, 6 August. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

With music, food, art and adventures in the outdoors on offer, there are plenty of activities to choose from in Canberra this week. The RISE Canberra #WhereYouAreFestival has a great lineup this weekend including another brilliant Live in Ya Lounge, this time featuring East Row Rabble and Formerly Known As on Friday night.

You could take a look at how the famous Blue Poles is being restored at the National Gallery of Australia, while foodies will be delighted with the Christmas in July menu at the Upper House of the Royal Hotel in Queanbeyan.

Live music makes a return to Magoo’s, and the Canberra Playhouse is reopening with a season of Wake In Fright.

Grab some friends and learn how to paint with The Social Creative at Assembly on Monday, or get the kids involved in Recycling and Creating Art for Aged Care on Saturday at the National Arboretum.

There’s plenty more to be found at RISE Canberra, so if you can’t find something that tickles your fancy here, click through to their website and discover the full list of activities for all ages.

Enjoy your week, Canberra!

All weekend

Creations by Goat Eyed Fabrications

Some of the creations made by Goat Eyed Fabrications. Photo: Supplied.

Goat Eyed Fabrications Showcase

Where: Federation Square, Gold Creek
When: Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: Free

Gold Creek is hosting the very talented Myles from Goat Eyed Fabrications all weekend!

Myles custom designs and manufactures unique sculptures, fire pits and garden art, some of which will be on display at the showcase at Federation Square.

Friday

Live In Ya Lounge

East Row Rabble and Formerly Known As feature in another live music concert presented by Live In Your Lounge as part of #WhereYouAreFestival. Image: Live In Ya Lounge Facebook.

Live in Ya Lounge with East Row Rabble and Formerly Known As

Where: Online
When: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Cost: $25 plus booking fee

Spend your Friday night with East Row Rabble bringing you an upbeat party mix of funk, reggae, blues and soul, and Formerly Known As in a one-off gig in an all-new live concert from the comfort of your own home.

Presented by Live In Ya Lounge and the #WhereYouAreFestival, tickets and further information are available from RISE Canberra.

Christmas in July

Christmas in July at the Royal Hotel in Queanbeyan. Image: Royal Hotel Queanbeyan Facebook.

Christmas In July at the Upper House at the Royal Hotel

Where: Upper House at the Royal Hotel Queanbeyan
When: 6:00 pm to 11:45 pm
Cost: $90 adults, $40 children

It’s not too late to celebrate Christmas in July!

The Royal Hotel in Queanbeyan, renowned for their steaks, is putting on a feast in their warm Upper House venue, offering hot mulled wine, a spectacular four-course banquet and live Christmas music.

The menu includes a delicious variety of Christmas-inspired meals for all to enjoy. Bookings are essential, call 6297 1444 to book.

Magoo's Cafe & Bar

Live music is on the menu at Magoo’s Cafe & Bar. Photo: Michelle Taylor.

Special K at Magoo’s Cafe & Bar

Where: Magoo’s Cafe & Bar, Kingston Foreshore
When:
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: Free

Magoo’s Cafe & Bar is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends or family – and get some live music from Special K.

Don’t forget to book a table so you don’t miss out.

Saturday

Where you are festival

Art For Aged Care presents ‘Recycle And Create Art For Aged Care!’ as a part of #WhereYouAreFestival. Image: Supplied.

Recycle And Create Art For Aged Care

When: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive
Cost: Free

Join Fiona from Art For Aged Care in a fun and creative day turning recycled stuff into exciting artworks to be shared with aged care residents in Canberra!

Rediscover the joy of creativity and imaginative play in a fun, safe and inclusive community atmosphere. Presented by the ACT Government and #WhereYouAreFestival.

To register and for more information visit RISE Canberra.

The Wilderness Wanderer's hike the Urambi Hills and Murrumbidgee Trail

The Wilderness Wanderer’s hike the Urambi Hills and Murrumbidgee Trail. Photo: Supplied.

The Wilderness Wanderers hike the Urambi Hills and Murrumbidgee Trail

Where: Meeting at Casuarina Sand Reserve
When:
8:00 am start
Cost: $30 per person with morning tea or $50 per person with lunch

Join the Wintery Warmer Walkies series for a fun day hike along the beautiful and scenic Murrumbidgee Discovery Trail.

The 28 km trek of varying terrain, open pastures, river views, single trail and beautiful scenery is a one-way hike – requiring car drop or pick up from the finish.

The hike can be broken down into three sections to suit half-day adventurers. The checkpoints are:

  1. Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pools – 14 km.
  2. Kambah Pools to Pine Island – 9 km (23 km total).
  3. Pine Island to Point Hut Crossing – 5 km (28 km total).

The hike is expected to take between 7 and 8 hours, including time for morning tea/lunch and a cool-down stretch. Dress warm and come ready for a fun day of hiking!

Monday

The Social Creative

Toucan Painting with The Social Creative. Photo: The Social Creative Facebook.

Learn to paint a toucan with The Social Creative

Where: Assembly, 11 Lonsdale St, Braddon
When: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $60 per person

Grab your pals and clear your Monday night schedule! The Social Creative is hosting another fun night of creativity and cocktails at Assembly that you don’t want to miss.

They’ll be teaching you how to paint a beautiful, colourful toucan with florals, while you sip on delicious cocktails and enjoy a night of socialising with friends. Buy your ticket here.

Wednesday

Blue Poles

Conservator David Wise working on the National Gallery of Australia’s Blue Poles. Photo: NGA.

Blue Poles in conservation

Where: The National Gallery of Australia
When: 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Cost: Free

Visit the National Gallery of Australia to see the live conservation of Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles.

Learn more about the conservation with Senior Painting Conservator, David Wise. David will be with the painting in the International Galleries talking about the conservation and answering questions.

Places are limited in line with the Gallery’s social distancing guidelines and timed entry. To book, select the 1.30 pm session and enter your details.

Wake in Fright is coming to The Playhouse at Canberra Theatre Centre from 5-8 August 2020.

Wake in Fright is coming to The Playhouse at Canberra Theatre Centre from 5 to 8 August 2020. Image: Supplied.

Wake in Fright

Where: The Playhouse at Canberra Theatre Centre
When: 8:00 pm – 9:10 pm
Cost: $45 – $69 + BF

If you’re a good bloke, you’ll be all right. Right?

John Grant is well-read, but an outback misadventure strands him – cashless and jobless – in a harsh and remote Aussie outpost, Bundanyabba.

He makes new mates, they’re quick with a drink, but with every scull a dark violence lurches forward. Are these blokes fair dinkum, or is there something more sinister at the heart of this little Aussie town?

The entire world of Wake in Fright is conjured in a one-person show accompanied by a sonic assault from art-electronica band Friendships. Under the direction of Declan Greene, Kenneth Cook’s iconic work of Australian gothic horror is felt in the flesh.

Bring sunscreen, buy a beer and wear your earplugs. Once we pierce the Yabba’s ocker veneer, you better be ready for the explosive brutality pent up inside. Get your tickets here.

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