Things to do in Canberra this week (23 - 29 February)

There’s more to do this week than twiddle your thumbs (or spend hours on your phone … twiddling your thumbs). But you’ll have to get out there!

Multiple days

Shakespeare by the Lakes V: Henry V

When: 23 February to 25 February, various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free entry (four of the shows) or tickets for the other three shows between $25 and $38.5; register for free shows or buy tickets via Eventbrite.

Written by William Shakespeare, Henry V tells the story of the English king from the 1400s as he takes an army to France to fight the Battle of Agincourt. But unlike the original Elizabethan production, Lakespeare’s latest shows see it staged as a rugby tour. This production encourages the audience to wear blue to support France or white for England. There will be four free shows – one at Tuggeranong Town Park, two on the Patrick White Lawns and one at Viking Park – and three ticketed shows.

Royal Canberra Show

When: 23 to 25 February; 8:30 am to 10 pm (23 and 24 February), 25 February, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), corner of Northbourne Avenue and Flemington Road, Mitchell
Cost: From $13.27 to $68.37; available online.

The Royal Canberra Show returns. This year’s outing will feature fireworks, a science show, tentpegging, a farmyard nursery and much more to keep young and old entertained.

Women in Leadership Summit

When: 28 to 29 February
Where: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Tickets start at $3,099 and are available for purchase online.

This summit aims to give current and developing leaders from across the Australian Public Sector a leg-up with new knowledge and connections. Former Secretary of State Clinton will feature in a live Q&A session with Australian journalist Leigh Sales (the session will also be streamed to summits in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane so no one misses out), while Australian Human Rights Commission Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody and Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek will attend as guest speakers.

Bring It On: The Musical

When: 29 February to 16 March, from 8 pm
Where: Erindale Theatre, 115 McBryde Cresent, Wanniassa
Cost: Various; book online.

Bring It On: The Musical is inspired by the 2000 American classic, with a score from Lin Manuel-Miranda (Hamilton and Moana, and many more). Directed by Isaac Gordon and choreographed by Charlotte Morphett, the Canberra Philharmonic Society’s production starts when Campbell, the newly appointed captain of her cheer team at Truman High, is forced to go to another school after a mysterious redistricting. At Jackson High, she starts their first cheer team and they prepare to perform at competitions – but that is all easier said than done.

Friday

Josh Thomas: Let’s Tidy Up

When: 23 February, from 6:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Civic
Cost: Tickets cost between $49 and $65 and are available via the Theatre Centre’s website.

Written with award-winning playwright Lally Katz, this show sees comedian and actor John Thomas (literally) tidy up. In this 70-minute show, Josh does his best to tackle the small things that feel like they are the size of mountains. This show is not suitable for children aged 15 years and under.

Saturday

2024 Lantern Festival

When: 24 February, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Canberra Beijing Garden, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla (located behind the Hyatt Hotel)
Cost: Free entry.

The Lantern Festival is a Chinese traditional festival that lights up the night and marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations. At this gathering in Canberra, festivalgoers can bring their own picnics, take home prizes for the best hand-made lanterns and watch Chinese cultural performances. But don’t worry if you arrive empty-handed – lanterns will be available for purchase at the festival so everyone can join in!

UC Capitals v Melbourne Boomers

When: 24 February, from 2:30 pm
Where: National Convention Centre, 31 Constitution Ave, Canberra
Cost: Tickets are available via the UC Capitals’ website.

In their last game of the regular season, the UC Capitals will take to the court against the Melbourne Boomers – but it won’t be any ordinary match. This player-led round, the brain-child of player Alex Bunton in 2023, will focus on raising awareness of domestic violence.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact 1800RESPECT, the national domestic and sexual violence support service, by calling 1800 737 732. Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line can also be reached at 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.

Jazz Haus: The Chris Cody Quartet

When: 24 February, 7 pm to 9 pm (bar open from 6 pm)
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway
Cost: Tickets cost between $38 and $45 and are available via the Arts Centre’s website.

Jazz pianist and composer Chris Cody has been performing for 30 years, but he’s coming to play for Canberra audiences for the first time. He will be joined by Max Alduca on double bass, Mike Avgenicos on sax and James Waples on drums. This is the first performance in the Jazz Haus concert series at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. The next will be on 4 May.

Sunday

SpeedFit Kingston Open Day

When: 25 February, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: SpeedFit Kingston, 6/81 Giles Street, Kingston
Cost: Free entry.

Sick of doing the same thing in the gym? Maybe it’s time for SpeedFit! SpeedFit combines personal training with scientifically proven technology delivered to you in fun, short 20-minute sessions within private studios. SpeedFit uses whole-body electro-muscular stimulation (EMS) technology to activate your body’s muscles through electrical pulses. Attendees can ask questions about EMS training (and even give it a go), take home goodie bags and watch live demonstrations.

Tuesday

Billion Dollar Panel at the Canberra Innovation Network

When: 27 February, 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Where: Canberra Innovation Network, Level 5, 1 Moore Street, Canberra
Cost: Free entry.

Have you wondered what goes into starting a successful business? The first Billion Dollar Panel of 2024 will give attendees a chance to chat with Michelle Melbourne and John De Margheriti about their stories and insights, as well as the practical advice they have.