Things to do in Canberra this week (16 - 22 August)

Diary all clear? (Wondering why you still have a diary in 2024?) We’ve got your back – there’s a stack of great stuff happening in the capital this week, so let’s get to it!

Multiple days

Every Brillant Thing

When: 20 August to 25 August, shows at various times
Where: ACT Hub, Causeway Hall, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston
Cost: Tickets cost between $30 and $42 and are available online.

In Duncan Macmillan’s Every Brilliant Thing, a seven-year-old makes a list of everything worth enjoying – after all, mum’s in hospital, and it might make her feel better. As decades pass, the list grows, and what started as a naïve way of getting through the day eventually becomes proof of something different: the sublime can be found in the everyday. Every Brilliant Thing is a story about love, hope and how humour can be the best medicine.

National Science Week 2024

When: 10 August to 18 August, events at various times
Where: Various locations around Canberra and virtually; see program
Cost: Free entry.

Join in the fun of National Science Week from 10 to 18 August, with plenty of in-person and online events ready to inspire you and get you thinking (including more than 150 just in Canberra). Check out virtual tours, hands-on experiments, chances to explore a nearby nature serve, an exhibition NFSA, a theatre show with a (scientific) twist and much more.

Cirque Bon Bon

When: 22 August to 24 August, shows at various times
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Tickets cost between $65 and $99 and are available via the Theatre Centre’s website.

After a sold-out Brisbane festival season, Cirque Bon Bon is bringing the circus to Canberra. Head along and be dazzled by the contortionists, acrobats and dancers performing under the big top in an all-ages show. The show is the brainchild of former Cirque Du Soleil assistant creative director Ash Jacks (McCready) and choreographer Julieann Nugent and contains haze and strobe lighting effects.

Friday

Jojy’s Magnificent Arabic Buffet

When: 16 August, from 6:30 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip
Cost: Tickets cost $59 (for adults) or $29 (for children aged 12 years and younger) and are available online.

Re-think your dinner plans for Friday! Chef Jojy has prepared a menu full of delicious flavours, drawing from his experience at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab and learning from Dubai’s Master Chefs Mohammed and Chef Moussa. After the success of previous Arabic Buffets at Jamison, they’re bringing it to Woden for more people to enjoy.

Saturday

Questacon AFP Takeover

When: 17 August, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Normal Questacon ticket prices apply; attendees can pre-book their entry via Questacon’s website.

Have you ever thought you could solve a crime? Kids and families can meet AFP Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) experts for a peek into what it’s like to work as a forensic or STEM expert. Spend a day matching fingerprints, examining crime scenes and learning how artificial intelligence can be used in investigations. Mini detectives will receive a special ‘Junior Forensic Investigator report card’ and can complete activities as they navigate their way through Questacon, learning about the science behind solving crimes.

Kambah Turns 50 workshop

When: 17 August, 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway
Cost: Free entry.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre is hosting a party to celebrate the Kambah’s 50th birthday in style – and you’re invited. In 1974, Kambah’s first residents moved in! This drop-in workshop shows how the suburb has developed and grown in the decades since. Everyone who has a soft spot for Kambah in their heart is invited to come and share their Kambah-related memorabilia.

Australian Women in the Film Industry panel

When: 17 August, from 4 pm
Where: Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets are free, though attendees can register their seats online through the Archive’s website.

This panel will celebrate contributions from Australian women working in film, both here and overseas. While the spotlight often shines on Australian female stars and directors, this panel specifically celebrates women in behind-the-scenes roles like cinematography, screenwriting, editing, music composition and more.

CEO of Screen Canberra, Dr Holly Trueman, will moderate a discussion with the CEO of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, Dr Nell Greenwood, award-winning Australian composer Bryony Marks and casting director Anousha Zarkesh.

Tuesday

Information Session for Renewables Pre-employment Program for Migrants and Refugees

When: 20 August, 10:30 am to 12 pm
Where: Room A022, Canberra Institute of Technology, Bruce campus, 35 Vowels Crescent, Bruce
Cost: Free entry.

The Ginninderry SPARK Training and Employment Initiative has partnered with several organisations and bodies for a program dedicated to upskilling migrants and refugees living in the capital region in the renewables sector. Participants will receive accredited training related to the construction sector, as well as non-accredited training in Australian Workplace Culture, Conversational English, Bullying and Harassment Prevention. Personal and Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided for each participant, and they will also enjoy industry site tours and hear from guest speakers. The information session will be an introduction to what the program contains, and while eligibility criteria for the program, all individuals seeking to be on the program attend the session.