25 August 2016

Seven things to do around Canberra this weekend

| Rachel Ziv
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For the last weekend of winter, Canberrans have a range of arts, festivals and expos to choose from. For book lovers, writers, music-goers and brides-to-be, you won’t be lacking in things to admire this weekend.

All weekend

Writers Festival
Canberra Writers Festival
When: 11am Fri to 5pm Sun | Where: Various locations across Canberra
The inaugural Canberra Writers Festival kicks off this weekend, featuring an impressive array of writers from a diverse range of genres including former Booker Prize-winner Yann Martel and Miles Franklin Literary Award favourite Charlotte Wood (the winner of that award is announced today), with most events held at national cultural institutions including the National Library, National Museum and Museum of Australian Democracy. The writers will deliver a series of workshops, panel sessions, keynote addresses and intimate events including literary lunches and dinners. The theme of the festival is Power, Politics and Passion – perfect for lovers of reading or writing both fiction and non-fiction. Pricing and booking information can be found on their website.

Friday

Strings Attached
When: 8pm Fri | Where: Nishi Playhouse – 2 Phillip Law St Hotel Floor
Presented by the Australian Dance Party and Canberra Symphony Orchestra is this debut performance by the Australian Dance Party, which investigates the intimate and ancient connection between dance and music. Tickets from $30, available online.

Saturday

Cream Festival
When: 12pm-10pm Sat | Where: Westside Acton Park – 3 Barrine Drive, Acton
Located in hip lakeside hangout Westside Acton Park, Cream Festival offers an afternoon/evening of local music talent, including some who have made it to the international stage. It’s a local event, created specifically to help local bands and DJs showcase their work while bringing everyone together for a fun evening out. Please note this is an 18+ event only. Ticket information is available on their website.

David Bowie

Bowie Unzipped
When: 8pm Sat | Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 96 Corrina Street, Phillip
For David Bowie lovers, you can’t miss Jeff Duff’s unique rendition of Bowie’s songs. The full two hour show has been booked solid in venues across the country. The band features guitarist Jak Housden (The Whitlams), brilliant keyboard player Glenn Rhodes and drummer-percussionist Jess Ciampa. Tickets are available for $28 (show only), and $60 (dinner and the show). Tickets are available at the club or online.

Sunday

Bridal Expo

Your Local Wedding Guide Canberra Bridal Expo
When: 10am-3pm Sun | Where: Budawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park
This bridal expo brings together local wedding industry suppliers to showcase their products and services, and offer a range of special promotions for those planning their big day. There’ll be bridal fashion parades at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm, as well as a large collection of exhibitors and prize giveaways. Entry is free.

Party Plan Expo
When: 2pm-4pm Sun | Where: The Griffin Centre, 20 Genge Street
If you’ve ever wondered about a party plan business, this expo is a chance to talk to a range of local party planners and sample all of their products. You can network, chat to a range of business owners and maybe even score a lucky door prize. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Ben Folds

Ben Folds with yMusic
When: 7:30pm Sat | Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit
Piano pop-misfit Ben Folds returns to Canberra with New York’s critically acclaimed yMusic to perform interpretations of his favourite solo hits and tracks from his new collaboration album, So There. In true Ben Folds spirit, the 49-year old will bring his lyrical wit and harmony to this new suite of “chamber rock” songs, with a little profanity and crowd participation. Tickets from $79, available online.

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