Van Gogh Alive – experience art as never before. Photo: Grande Experiences.
Since masks are no longer required (although still encouraged) in most settings, and the public is more comfortable with large gatherings, there’s a diverse selection of interesting events that definitely make March the most exciting month of the year (so far, at least).
With great free festivals starting pretty soon, the city is revived with paint and lights and the promise of reactivating human connections through art and music. Sporting events, car shows, markets and foodie gatherings (many of which happen on the same day) highlight the expansive cultural offering of the capital.
All weekend
The Surface Festival 2022 is on from 4 March to 6 March. Photo: Surface Festival.
Surface Festival
When: Friday 4 March to Sunday 6 March, various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various prices.
Over the first weekend in March, 35 urban artists will transform the built environment of Canberra. The festival celebrates the raw energy and rich diversity of this scene. Artists encompassing street art, graffiti, portraits, stencils, Indigenous art, geometric and abstract art will work across 30 walls and structures. View the full program here.
Friday
See Houston Rogers, Portrait of Sir Robert Helpmann as Oberon at the National Library of Australia’s exhibition On Stage: Spotlight on Our Performing Arts. Photo: NLA.
On Stage: Spotlight on our Performing Arts
When: Opens Friday 4 March, running daily until Sunday 7 August
Where: Exhibition Gallery, National Library of Australia
Cost: Free entry.
Let the National Library entertain you when On Stage: Spotlight on Our Performing Arts opens in Autumn. The Australian stage has seen it all, from theatre, opera and dance to musicals, magic and hip hop, featuring household names like Sir Robert Helpmann, Dame Nellie Melba, Peter Allen, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Tim Minchin and the Hilltop Hoods. On Stage also provides a backstage pass to the action behind the scenes, showcasing perspectives on stage direction, costume design, scripts, contracts and musical scores used by performers.
The Whitlams has been one of the most successful, genuinely independent bands in Australia for nigh on 30 years. Photo: Supplied.
The Whitlams at the Canberra Theatre Centre
When: Friday 4 March, 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Cost: $70 – $80; get your tickets here.
The Whitlams return to Canberra for their ‘Gaffage and Clink 2022’ tour. With the show enlivened by new songs from their first new album in 15 years, Sancho, the band will have a fresh spring in its step. They will play their usual rambunctious set featuring a broad selection of tunes from their six Platinum and Gold albums.
Sunday
Walk for Epilepsy 2022 is on Sunday 6 March from 10 am. Image: Epilepsy ACT.
Walk for Epilepsy
When: Sunday 6 March, 10 am
Where: Lake Burley Griffin – Bridge to Bridge walk
Cost: $30 individual entry, $95 for a family. Register here.
Get ready to join Epilepsy ACT on Sunday, 6 March, for their annual Walk for Epilepsy. By taking part and raising funds, you can have a very real impact on people living with epilepsy throughout the ACT and region. The walk will be from Bridge to Bridge around Lake Burley Griffin; it is 5 km long and usually takes around 1 hour. Lots of fun activities will be available at the start and finish line for the whole family to enjoy.
Shannons Wheels 2022
When: Sunday 6 March, from 8 am to 11 pm
Where: Queanbeyan Showground
Cost: Free
Presented by the Council of ACT Motor Clubs in partnership with the Canberra Antique and Classic Motor Club, this year’s event marks the 40th anniversary of the first display at Phillip Oval in 1982. This event has raised almost $400,000 for local charities since then. Shannons Wheels 2022 is expected to attract more than 70 vehicle clubs from Canberra and between 400 and 600 bikes, cars, and trucks from the region. There will be veteran, vintage, and historic vehicles, as well as modified, electric, and many special interest vehicles. Check the website for details in case the weather worsens.
Tuesday
Serina Bird at a previous Female Founders event. Photo: Kerrie Brewer.
Female Founders: International Women’s Day
When: Tuesday 8 March, 12 pm to 2 pm
Where: Canberra Innovation Network, Level 5, 1 Moore Street, Canberra
Cost: $16.42; tickets here.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2022, two inspiring and action-oriented events will be held by collaborating with women-led businesses. Serina Bird will moderate an interactive panel discussion with key leaders in the field, including Sophia Hamblin-Wang, Mia Swainson, Ilea Buffier, and Claire Chesterton, to discuss the UN Women’s theme for 2022: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow. A one-hour Interactive Innovation Workshop called ‘Break the Bias’ will also be held on this day. During this one hour interactive workshop, the CBRIN team will provide practical activities, empower participants, and challenge assumptions on achieving this. Female Founders events are an excellent way to network and hear from inspiring Canberra women pursuing their passions.
What’s HOT during Enlighten
The Forage is back and making its way to a new venue at Enlighten. Photo: Supplied.
The Forage@Enlighten
When: From Friday 11 to Monday 14 March, from 5 pm to 11 pm
Where: National Triangle
Cost: Free; more information here.
The long weekend sees the arrival of an exciting new food precinct The Forage@Enlighten Festival offering an enticing lakeside zone for all things local and regional food and beverage. This well-loved Canberra food experience returns in a new home for this autumn experience that will quickly become a Festival must-do. With more than 25 local businesses offering a wide range of food and drink options, you’ll have plenty to choose from to tantalise the taste buds. Grab yourself a smorgasbord of a feast and relax by the lake with family and friends.
Van Gogh Alive is in Canberra from Saturday 5 March to Sunday 27 March 2022. Photo: Grande Experiences.
Van Gogh Alive
When: From Saturday 5 March to Sunday 27 March 2022, various times
Where: The Grand Pavilion, Parkes, ACT
Cost: $49 child, $54 concession, $59 adult; tickets available from Ticketek.
Immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s works in this unique experience. Housed in The Grand Pavilion, a specially designed and constructed 25,000 square foot gallery, audiences will be wowed as Van Gogh’s artwork is displayed over every inch of the gallery.
Anton Wurzer is one of the performers in the first Session of Aperitivo. Photo: Supplied.
Brunello Aperitivo
When: Every Friday during Enlighten, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Where: Lawns of City Walk
Cost: Free. More information here
During Enlighten, it is not only light that brings life to the city, but also music. Supported by the City Renewal Authority. Brunello is pairing delicious wine with live music every Friday of March on the lawns of City Walk. Join in for an evening full of music with an Italian and Spanish flavour and Enomatic wine tasting experiences from all over the globe. The first session features live performances from Anton Wurzer and a special surprise guest.
See the world premiere of the illuminated dichroic bubbles across City Walk, Ainslie Place and Civic Square. Photo: Supplied.
Ephemeral
When: Every Friday during Enlighten, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Where: City Walk, Ainslie Place and Civic Square
Cost: Free. More information here
Sydney-based Atelier Sisu, led by award-winning artists Renzo B Larriviere and Zara Pasfield, has collaborated on a new installation consisting of an 8-metre-tall ‘Ephemeral’ structure, three ‘Evanescent’ modules, three 5.4-metre Single Bubble modules and 200 1-metre spheres, many mounted in trees. Each evening, as the work is illuminated, an immersive lighting, sound and bubble show will engage young and old alike with the major installations as they pulse and change colours amidst thousands of floating bubbles. Across City Walk, Ainslie Place and Civic Square, and thanks to the support of City Renewal Authority, this dichroic installation will be transformed from day to night.
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