With the hot weather continuing, why not head outdoors for your entertainment this weekend? There is plenty to enjoy. Manuka Oval is getting its first international Test Cricket match with Australia playing Sri Lanka, the American Express Openair Cinema is screening films on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the Summer Sounds Concerts are starting at the Botanic Gardens this weekend, and the National Museum is celebrating the end of its Rome: Empire and City exhibition with an outdoor screening of Gladiator on Friday night. Sunday is World Wetlands Day—head to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands for beer, pizza and bird-watching. But if you’re looking to stay in air-conditioned comfort head to the Canberra Theatre where The 91-Storey Treehouse is playing, as is Omar Musa’s latest show, Since Ali Died.
All weekend
Test Cricket: Australia vs Sri Lanka
Where: Manuka Oval
When: Friday–Monday, 10 am–5:30 pm
International Test Cricket is coming to Canberra this weekend! Manuka Oval will host the second and final Test between Australia and Sri Lanka as they battle it out for the Warne-Muralitharan trophy. Australia is ahead in the series, having recently won the first Test in Brisbane, and is looking to reclaim the trophy from Sri Lanka. Pack a picnic, you can bring your own food and drinks—just leave the alcohol, glass and cans at home. There will also be a Dry Zone and a Family Zone. Tickets available from $10 for Friday, Sunday and Monday, and from $30 for Saturday. Book here.
The 91-Storey Treehouse
Where: Canberra Theatre
When: Friday 11 am, 1:30 & 6 pm & Saturday 11 am
Andy and Terry’s Treehouse has reached an amazing 91 Stories! It’s now more fantastically dangerous than ever, with a deserted desert island, a whirlpool, and a giant spider! In the latest instalment of this incredibly popular series, Mr Big Nose has sent his grandchildren to the Treehouse for Andy, Terry and Jill to babysit, but they don’t want to just sit quietly. Suitable for kids aged 6–12 and their adults, tickets from $34 for adults and $29 for kids. Book here. Andy Griffiths will be available following the Friday 6 pm show for book signings.
American Express Openair Cinema
Where: Patrick White Lawns
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6 pm
This weekend, the American Express Openair Cinema on the Patrick White Lawns is showing Vice on Friday night, Ralph Breaks the Internet on Saturday night, and Aquaman on Sunday night. Gates open at 6 pm and the films start at 8:3o pm. There will be live music and food and drinks available for purchase. Take a picnic blanket and cushions or hire a lounger to make your evening even more comfortable. Tickets from $20 for adults and $17 for kids, book here.
Omar Musa’s Since Ali Died
Where: The Courtyard Studio
When: Friday & Saturday, 8 pm
Local rapper, poet and author Omar Musa is bringing his show Since Ali Died to the Courtyard Studio this weekend. Musa uses the death of his hero Muhammad Ali as a lyrical springboard to dive into a furious torrent of poetry, story and song, tackling suburban violence, his lost love for his Malaysian heritage and the realities of growing up as a brown-skinned Muslim boy in Queanbeyan. Directed by Anthea Williams, this show has been described as a hypnotic and unmissable hour of theatre. Tickets are $39, book here.
Summer Sounds Concert
Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens
When: Saturday & Sunday 5–7:30 pm
Summer Sounds concerts are back in the Botanic Gardens for the next two weekends, and with live music, dancing, food and drink it is a great way to spend a summer evening. This weekend the Jumptown swing dance troupe will team up with Bewitched, a 10-piece ensemble which plays the music from the 40s and 50s, on Saturday night and with the Band of the Royal Military College Duntroon on Sunday night. Fronted by jazz singer Melody, Bewitched plays the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin and others. The band will transport you to the bright lights of Vegas or the smoky clubs of Los Angeles. The Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon is one of Australia’s premier military bands which delivers a big band sound with military precision. Bring family and friends, pack a picnic or enjoy the onsite catering, including wine and beer. Entry is $10 for adults, $5 or kids 4–17 and kids under 3 are free. Gates open at 5 pm, the band starts at 6 pm.
Friday
Outdoor film screening: Gladiator
Where: National Museum of Australia
When: 5–9 pm
It is the final weekend to catch the Museum’s Rome: City and Empire exhibition. To help visitors see it, the exhibition is open daily between 8 am to 7 pm, but it will close this Sunday. Tickets for the exhibition are $24 for adults, $20 for concession, $12 for kids and $16 for Museum Friend, book here. To celebrate the final weekend the Museum is screening Gladiator in its Outdoor Amphitheatre on Friday night from 6 pm. Pack a picnic or there will be snacks and drinks available for purchase. No tickets needed for the film, just show up from 5 pm to secure your spot.
Saturday
World Wetlands Day
Where: Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Canberra City Farm
When: 4–8 pm
This Saturday is World Wetlands Day and Jerrabomberra Wetlands and the Canberra City Farm are celebrating. Eat delicious local food, join a tour, participate in a number of family activities, get your face painted, or simply enjoy a Capital Brewing beer and slice of wood-fired pizza while watching the birdlife. Buy local artwork, listen to music and more.