1 November 2024

Things to do in Canberra this week (1-7 November)

| John Murtagh
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goalkeeper training

Will you be there for Canberra United’s season opener? Photo: Canberra United Facebook.

Looking for something to do? We’ve got you covered.

Expand your artistic tastes, tune in for a classic movie, or sit back and laugh with one of Australia’s best comedians. There’s something going on in Canberra for you.

Multiple Days

Coloured stepping stone graphic in red, orange and yellow on a dark navy background with Life of a CBRn logo mark inside the largest stepping stone.

Explore how University of Canberra research has impacted your life at the Life of a CBRn pop-up exhibition. Image: University of Canberra.

Life of a CBRn: Canberra Centre pop-up exhibition

When: 1 to 28 November, in Canberra Centre opening hours
Where: Foyer outside Dangerfield and the LEGO Store, ground floor Canberra Centre (Bunda Street)
Cost: Free.

Life of a CBRn is an experiential timeline of a Canberran’s life and how research from the University of Canberra has interacted with or impacted them at different stages across their life.

From transforming our waterways into vibrant, safe havens to designing engaging ways to teach children vital STEM skills and working to reintroduce a native frog species to the region, UC research makes an indelible impact on our community and region.

Friday

Illuminate event poster

Prepare to step into the light with TEDxCanberra 2024, where the theme, ILLUMINATE, takes centre stage. Photo: TedX Canberra.

TEDxCanberra 2024: Illuminate

When: 1 November, 11:30 am to 5:30 pm
Where: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)
Cost: From $70 (early bird), $90 general admission. Tickets are available now.

In a world increasingly defined by complexity and change, this event will shine a beacon of clarity, knowledge and inspiration.

TEDxCanberra 2024: ILLUMINATE is designed to cast light on the issues that matter most. Speakers will illuminate the path forward by unravelling the intricacies of diverse topics – from global challenges to local innovations, offering insights that will challenge your thinking and inspire action.

Man working at a sculpture in a workshop

Learn about the process of sculptural artist Bruce Reynolds. Photo: Canberra Museum+Gallery.

FLOOR TALK: How Soon Is Now? with Bruce Reynolds

When: 1 November, 1 pm
Where: Canberra Museum+Gallery
Cost: Pay what you want. Bookings essential.

Gain unique insights into the cast relief work of sculptor Bruce Reynolds as he welcomes you to consider the relationship between the ancient and present world through artistic expression in his exhibition How Soon Is Now?

Saturday

Kites fly in the wind at Paddys Park in Strathnairn for a kite festival at Ginninderry.

Explore a range of fun activities at Ginninderry Community Day, including a kite festival, frogging talks, playful pathways for little learners and more. Photo: Ginninderry.

Ginninderry Community Day

When: 2 November from 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Paddys Park, Strathnairn
Cost: Free.

Ginninderry Community Day celebrates Ginninderry’s unique community and environment.

There will be a range of fun, family-friendly activities, including a kite festival, frogging talk and a Block Party Pop Up. All the events will demonstrate the work of University of Canberra researchers to make Ginninderry a better place to live and play.

Canberra United goalkeeper preparing for ther 2024-25 season

Get to McKellar Park for the opening found of the 2024-25 season. Photo: Canberra United Facebook.

Canberra United v Brisbane Roar

When: 2 November, 4 pm
Where: McKellar Park, McKellar Canberra
Cost: Kids U12 are free for general admission. Youth tickets for ages 12-17 years. Adult tickets from $14.

Canberra United kick off the 2024-25 season against the Brisbane Roar this Saturday. United’s got some exciting new talent combined with some familiar faces, making this a great opportunity to see some superstars and the next generation of Matildas.

Sunday

tennis fans

Get ready for a summer of tennis at the Tennis ACT Community Tennis Day. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

Tennis ACT’s Free Community Tennis Day

When: 3 November from 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Tennis World Canberra, 3 Riggall Place, Lyneham
Cost: Free; register your interest.

Community Tennis Day is your opportunity to experience what the Summer of Tennis has in store and officially launch the Workday Canberra International 2025.

This is an action-packed event with plenty of activities for all ages, such as Cardio Tennis, face painting and ball kid activities. Plus, the first 200 kids to walk through the gates will receive a free racquet!

stalls at the hall markets

The Hartley Hall Markets are back this Sunday, 3 November. Photo: Hartley Lifecare.

Hartley Hall Markets

When: 3 November, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Hall Showgrounds
Cost: Gold coin donation on entry.

The Hartley Hall Markets, organised by Hartley Lifecare, is one of Australia’s largest home-made and home-grown goods markets. There’ll be 150 stalls, including 12 new stallholders, and there will be loads of gifts available to get a head start on Christmas shopping. Don’t forget, dogs are welcome!

A still from the film

Catch The Blues Brothers at the NFSA. Photo: NFSA.

The Blues Brothers at Arc cinema

When: 3 November, 1 pm
Where: Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Cost: Full $16, Concession $12.

The comedy classic The Blues Brothers is on at Arc cinema this Sunday, so suit up and tell them you’re on a mission from God. This whirlwind 80s cult classic has everything: car chases, knuckle-rapping nuns and soulful musical performances featuring the best of rhythm and blues from Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and, of course, the Brothers themselves.

Monday

A advertising banner for William Dalrymple

Discover the history of India with William Dalrymple. Photo: Canberra Theatre Centre.

William Dalrymple: How Ancient India Transformed the World

When: 4 November, 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Cost: Prices start at $89.

Scottish historian William Dalrymple comes to Canberra to reveal the often-forgotten history of India’s influence on the world. Dalrymple, acclaimed author of the bestselling history of the East India Company The Anarchy, delivers fascinating insights into how India changed the world in the fields of religion, art, poetry, trade and mathematics from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean by using the silk road. This is an absolute must-see event for history buffs this Monday.

Tuesday

Picture of a man playing the playing the double bass

Jazz night returns at Molly’s on Tuesday. Photo: Molly Bar.

Jazz Night at Molly Bar

When: 5 November from 7 pm
Where: Molly Bar, Wooden Door, Odgers Ln, Canberra
Cost: Free entry, but bookings are recommended.

Jazz Night at Molly Bar is here to help you through the mid-week slump. Sit back and enjoy the live music along with a few cocktails this Tuesday. It’s free, but bookings are highly recommended as the place fills up quickly when the music gets going.

A banner for comedian Monty Franklin's 'YEAH NAH' tour

Monty Franklin returns with another tour after a year of sold shows in Australia and the US. Photo: Canberra Theatre Company.

Monty Franklin Yeah Nah Tour

When: 5 November 7:30 pm
Where: The Playhouse, Theatre Ln, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $69.90.

Globetrotting comedian Monty Franklin is back, touring in Australia after a year of performing in Asia and America. His unique perspectives on American culture have garnered him a billion views on social media, and he recently starred alongside John Cleese and Rhys Darby in The Great Emu War.

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