Ten things to do in Canberra this week (26 November - 2 December)

It’ll be lights, cameras, action this week as the Sunset Cinema returns, taking the big screen outdoors at the Botanic Gardens into the new year.

For the kids, the furry characters of Sesame Street also return to the big circus tent at Majura Park in the lead up to Christmas, while the adults can take a shot at the GIO Stadium as it transforms into a giant golf course.

There’s even something for budding local entrepreneurs as 10 pitches go head-to-head in a live Shark Tank-style online event from the Canberra Innovation Network.

It wouldn’t be a week without live music taking place somewhere, and sure enough, go along to Smith’s Alternative, the Hume Conservatorium or Tallagandara Hills Winery to hear some local artists.

And to test your music knowledge, hit the Cornerstone Pub for trivia.

All week

The Sunset Cinema Canberra

When: Friday 26 November to Saturday 26 February 2022
Where: Eucalypt Lawn, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street
Cost: Tickets available here.

After a wild year of lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions, Canberrans are being treated to an all-time summer favourite: The Sunset Cinema. It kicks off at the Botanic Gardens on Thursday, 25 November and runs well into the new year.

Saturday

Canberra Kids Market

When: 10 am to 3 pm, Saturday 28 November
Where: The Fitters Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston
Cost: Free entry.

The Canberra Kids Market is back, selling new, handmade and pre-loved items for babies, toddlers and young ones. Market-goers will find clothing, toys, books, games, accessories, furniture, prams, strollers and other equipment for sale, with plenty of bargains to be had.

Free entry and free parking. The markets are easy to access by public transport too.

Welter – Loving it Live Shows

When: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday 27 November
Where: Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street
Cost: $20; buy tickets online here.

This Saturday, Welter is looking forward to playing live again and returning to Smith’s where they hope to cram in as many songs as possible. The band, specialising in acoustic lyrical pop/rock, is made up of Elliott Weston with the acoustic guitar and vocals, Dave Williams on the drums, Jacob Parker on the bass and Heath Nicholson on electric guitar.

Sunday

The Bloody Long Walk

When: 6 am to 5 pm, Sunday 28 November
Where: Red Hill Lookout to Reconciliation Place
Cost: $130 registration; sign up here.

Join a group of fellow local walkers for a 35 km walking challenge and raise money for the Mito Foundation, supporting people affected by mitochondrial disease.

Start at Red Hill, take in the breathtaking views of Canberra and its natural bush surrounds as you make your way from Red Hill to Lake Burley Griffin. Pass some of Canberra’s most iconic buildings, including Parliament House and the War Memorial, all with stunning water views.

We Love Local music festival

When: 12:15 pm, Sunday 28 November
Where: Tallagandra Hill Winery, 1692 Murrumbateman Road, Gundaroo
Cost: Free.

Tallagandra Hill Winery celebrates coming out of isolation in a series of special events in the Cellar door courtyard and the event venue. The program provides a range of entertainment options for their fun-starved community while supporting local artists and producers.

Featured artists include upcoming country star Stewart Barton, Marty K, Kim Yang, Code Red and local band Woodface.

Homegrown – Original Music Showcase

When: 5:30 pm, Sunday 28 November
Where: Hume Conservatorium, 160 Bourke Street, Goulburn
Cost: $10 concession, $20 adult; tickets at TryBooking or the Hume Conservatorium Office.

Join Hume Conservatorium for a night of amazing music from local talent, including the Mike Baker Organ Trio, Isy Cappo and The Rich Pitcher.

Wednesday

Sesame Street Circus Spectacular – Christmas Edition

When: 1 to 23 December, various times
Where: Majura Park Shopping Centre (Opposite Costco), Majura Park
Cost: $27.99-$84.06 (children under 2 are free); tickets available at Ticketmaster.

Santa is ready to welcome guests on arrival to the sensational Sesame Street Circus Spectacular – Christmas Edition, making its world debut in Canberra this December.

The show itself will feature a fun-filled 90 minutes of exciting and jaw-dropping international circus acts performing alongside Sesame Street favourites including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert and Ernie and Super Grover in an all-new Christmas story.

CBRIN Innovation Showcase 2021

When: 4 pm, Wednesday 1 December
Where: Online
Cost: Free; tickets available from CBRIN.

At this year’s Innovation Showcase Canberra, start-ups will go head-to-head in a live Shark Tank-style pitching competition judged live by a panel of outstanding corporate innovators.

This event is open to all creative business people, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, investors and anyone interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Thursday

GIO Stadium Golf

When: 2 to 4 December, 5 pm to 8 pm
Where: GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce
Cost: From $55 plus booking fees; to book, call 6256 6700 or email.

GIO Stadium is transforming into a golf coliseum. Players of all levels are invited to test their skills on the elevated platforms staged around the stadium.

Be the first person to get a hole-in-one on Hole 9 to score the Golden Ticket (valued at around $2250). All golfing equipment will be supplied, along with your very own caddie.

Cornerstone Pub Musical Bingo

When: 7 pm, Thursday 2 December
Where: Cornerstone Pub, 51 Hinder St, Gungahlin
Cost: Free entry.

Thursday nights at Cornerstone are packed with fun, music, pizza, prizes and cocktails, kicking off at 7 pm. Bookings are recommended. To reserve a table, send Cornerstone Pub a message on Facebook.