29 July 2021

Ten things to do in Canberra this week (30 July - 5 August)

| James Coleman
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The Bohemian Symphony

The Bohemian Symphony is touring Australia, starting with Canberra this weekend. Photo: Bohemian Symphony.

It’s lining up to be a week of extremes for Canberra.

The Southern Cross Club in Woden will be serving coconut and trout in a tropical-themed dinner, while Haig Park will be turned into a winter wonderland. Meanwhile, a classical orchestra will be performing Queen’s rock hits in a ‘Bohemian Symphony’ at the Canberra Theatre Centre.

And just when we thought the circus tent was about to be folded up, Sesame Street Circus Spectacular has been extended for two more weeks. This really will be your last chance to see Elmo and his fuzzy friends live on stage. Hudsons Circus is also coming to Queanbeyan.

For those with an artistic bent, the Chopper Read art collection is still on display, as is an exhibition detailing the history of the Didjeridu. Meanwhile, at the ANU, journalist Julia Baird will also be launching her updated book about women in media and politics, Media Tarts.

As with everything at the moment, be sure to check the organiser’s website to stay up to date with any last minute COVID-related changes.

All week

Sesame Street Circus Spectacular

Characters from Sesame Street in the Circus Spectacular are staying for another 2 weeks. Photo: Sesame Street Circus Spectacular.

Sesame Street Circus Spectacular

When: Friday 30 July to Sunday 15 August, various times
Where: Majura Park Shopping Centre (opposite Costco) – Majura Park
Cost: $40-$80, tickets from Ticketmaster. For more information, visit Sesame Street Circus Spectacular.

This 90-minute Circus featuring all your favourite Sesame Street characters was originally meant to finish up on Monday, 2 August, but has been extended for another two weeks.

Every element of the show was newly developed for the tour, written and produced by local talent. It also includes the original Sesame Street voices recorded in New York just for this production.

Chopper Read art

Chopper Read was certainly a character; his works on display until 8 August. Photo: Aarwun Gallery.

I Regret Nothing – Chopper Read Exhibition

When: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
Where: Aarwun Gallery, 11 Federation Square, Gold Creek, Nicholls
Cost: Free.

Aarwun Gallery is presenting an exhibition of works and memorabilia by the late convicted Australian criminal, gang member and author Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, titled ‘I Regret Nothing’.

The late gangland killer turned author, with the trademark hacked ears, has left a legacy through his paintings which will be on display until Sunday, 8 August.

READ MORE Chopper canvases his colourful life of crime

Yidaki: Didjeridu and the Sound of Australia mural

National Museum of Australia launches iconic Arnhem Land sound and sensory exhibition, Yidaki: Didjeridu and the Sound of Australia. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Yidaki: Didjeridu and the Sound of Australia

When: Friday 25 June to Sunday 26 September, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: National Museum of Australia
Cost: Free; see National Museum of Australia for more information.

Discover the power of the didjeridu and its meanings with the Yolngu people, cultural custodians of the instrument they know as yidaki, in this exhibition at the National Museum of Australia.

Weekend

Queen promotion

Orchestral versions of some of Queen’s greatest hits will lift the roof at the Canberra Theatre Centre this weekend. Image: Canberra Theatre Centre.

Bohemian Symphony: The Music of Queen Orchestrated

When: Saturday 31 July, 7:30 pm and Sunday 1 August, 5:00 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Cost: $99.90 – $149.90; book tickets.

Bohemian Symphony is an orchestral tribute to Queen.

A 24-piece symphony orchestra, conducted by internationally renowned George Ellis, will perform Queen’s Greatest Hits including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, ‘I Want to Break Free’, ‘Radio Ga Ga’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘We Are the Champions’, ‘Somebody to Love’, ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ and more.

Experience a breath-taking celebration of Queen’s Greatest Hits as rock meets classical for this spectacular concert event!

Friday

A Taste of the Tropics promo

Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden presents A Taste of the Tropics Dinner. Image: Canberra Southern Cross Club.

A Taste of the Tropics Dinner

When: Friday 30 July, 6:30 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip
Cost: $56 for four courses, with an optional package of matched wines available for $24. Tickets from the Canberra Southern Cross Club.

Be transported to a faraway tropical paradise with ‘A Taste of the Tropics’ dinner at Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden. Enjoy four delicious courses expertly crafted by Head Chef Brad Howden, including Cured Coral Trout, Rendang Beef Short Rib and Guava Bavarois.

Emergency services in action

Rotary Clubs of ACT Emergency Services Community awards are on 30 July 2021. Photo: ESA.

Rotary Clubs of ACT Emergency Services Community Awards 2021

When: Friday 30 July, 6:30 pm for a 7:00 pm start
Where: Hellenic Club, Matilda Street, Phillip
Cost: $50 per person, includes a three-course meal; tickets available from ACT RESC Awards.

Join Rotary in acknowledging and celebrating outstanding Community Service of ACT Emergency Service Members.

This year, there are eight finalists from the ACT Rural Fire Service, ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Fire & Rescue, and ACT Ambulance.

Two overall winners will be announced on the night; one in a paid capacity and one in a volunteer capacity.

Sunday

Winter Wonderland Digital Poster

Experience the magic of a Winter Wonderland. Image: Haig Park Village Markets.

Winter Wonderland at the Haig Park Village Markets

When: Sunday 1 August, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Haig Park, Braddon
Cost: Free.

With twinkling lights, fire pits, a mulled wine and warm ale garden, festive workshops, roving children’s entertainment, roasted chestnuts and the smell of spices on the air – an overall magical winter experience will be set amongst the pines of Haig Park.

READ ALSO Hot in the City: Don’t stall, make a beeline for Haig Park’s Winter Wonderland marketplace

QT Winter Twilight promo

QT Winter Twilight Sessions are here to bring some music and mulled wine to your Sunday. Image: QT Canberra.

QT Twilight Sessions

When: Sunday 1 August, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: QT Deck, QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit
Cost: Free entry; see QT Canberra for more information

Instead of hiding and hibernating during the frigid weather, QT is bringing a little bit of music and mulled wine to your Sundays. Say hello to QT Winter Twilight Series, an eight-week music series on the QT Deck, showcasing local and interstate talent throughout July and August.

This Sunday’s show is fifth in the series and will feature the Chris Harland Blues Band. With the first beat at 5:00 pm, take a seat for three hours of live music that will warm your soul.

Monday

Media Tarts book cover

Katharine Murphy from The Guardian will discuss the revised edition of Media Tarts with author Julia Baird. Image: ANU.

In conversation with Julia Baird

When: Monday 2 August, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Auditorium, Manning Clark Hall, The Australian National University, Union Court
Cost: Free.

Julia Baird is one of Australia’s foremost journalists and political commentators. In her updated version of Media Tarts, she provides a powerful, sobering and incisive insight into how deep the currents of misogyny run and how the media continues to treat female politicians.

Books will be available for purchase on the evening in the Cultural Centre foyer. Pre-event book signings will be available from 5:30 pm and available again after the event until 7:30 pm.

A bar will be open from 5:30 pm in the Kambri Cultural Centre lobby for drinks preceding the conversation.

Thursday

Hudsons Circus

The travelling Hudsons Circus is coming out of lockdown from Bathurst to Queanbeyan this Thursday. Photo: Hudsons Circus.

Hudsons Circus

When: Thursday 5 August, 7:00 pm
Where: Queanbeyan Showground, Glebe Avenue, Queanbeyan
Cost: $15 to $60; book at Hudsons.

Hudsons Circus presents a two-hour traditional circus with a modern twist under the watchful eye of Australian Ringmistress Jane De Goldi! But bring your face mask – they’re mandated in Queanbeyan for indoor gatherings at the moment.

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