Things to do in Canberra this week (25 - 31 August)

Two global phenomenons come to Canberra this week in the form of a Barbie-themed brunch and the chance to hear from former Matildas soccer star Grace Gill.

For those wanting to give back to the community, there are two major fundraisers for a local muscular dystrophy charity and for lifesaving cancer research.

Plus, there’s a special Book Week-themed celebration for dog lovers, the songs and stories of Simon & Garfunkel at Canberra Theatre Centre and much more.

Friday

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

When: Friday 25 August, from 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: $109 to $129; book here.

Direct from sell-out US, UK and Europe tours, The Simon & Garfunkel Story returns to Canberra for one night only. The performance tells how two boys from Queens, New York, became the most successful music duo of all time through the songs and stories that shaped them. Expect evocative 1960s imagery accompanied by a full band performing all their biggest hits.

Saturday

Sneaky Jeremiah at Yazzbar

When: Saturday 26 August, 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Yazzbar, 81 Comur Street, Yass, NSW
Cost: Call 0468 542 424 to book a table.

Love seeing new bands? Yazzbar has one for you! Sneaky Jeremiah promises to have your toes tapping and body swaying with genre-crossing anthems. Think rock and roll, soul, blues, pop and a little bit of country. From Cream to Chris Isaak, Aretha Franklin to The Black Keys and The Rolling Stones to Tracy Chapman, there will be something for everyone to enjoy this Saturday night.

Muscle Up Charity Fight Night 8

When: Saturday 26 August, from 6:30 pm
Where: Hellenic Club Woden, 1 Matilda Street, Woden
Cost: $40; book here.

The Muscle Up Charity Fight Night will see four of Canberra’s best boxers going head to head, a samurai sword show, a sporting memorabilia auction and more to raise funds for Capital Region Muscular Dystrophy. The non-profit has provided programs and services to people living with a neuromuscular condition in the Canberra region since it was formed more than a decade ago by former Paralympian Rob Oakley.

Sunday

PAWS Party: Tails and Tales

When: Sunday 27 August, 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Haig Park, Mort Street, Braddon
Cost: Free; no booking required.

Book and dog lovers and their literary-inspired canine companions are invited to this special Book Week edition of PAWS Party. To celebrate the power of storytelling, guests are asked to dress their dogs up as their favourite book characters. Expect a dog fashion parade, photoshoots (and free treats) for pets, live music and Haig Park Village Markets happening at the same time.

Barbie Burlesque Brunch

When: Sunday 27 August, 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Flazéda, Unit 4/68 Emu Bank, Belconnen
Cost: $140 (table for two) to $360 (table for six).

Get ready for all things pink, sparkly and delicious at this Barbie-themed brunch hosted by Canberra’s alternate performing arts hub, Flazéda. There will be singing, dancing and a range of Barbies to entertain you with games, a best-dressed competition, live performances and, of course, brunch. Donut Bouquet will supply savoury and sweet treats, high tea food and drinks.

Canberra Symphony Orchestra Chamber Classics Series: Night Visions

When: Sunday 27 August, from 2 pm
Where: Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla
Cost: $17 to $49 plus transaction fee; book here.

While night is often associated with fear or foreboding, this program shrouds us in warm and misty tones of dark purple, where the night is a refuge and place of quiet wonder. The atmosphere is set with B major Nocturne from Dvořák’s opus 40, followed by Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 in D major and concluded by the first live performance of Sally Greenaway’s The Sky is Also Yours.

Wednesday

The Matilda Effect with Fiona Crawford and Grace Gill

When: Wednesday, 30 August, from 6 pm to 7 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Canberra, or live online
Cost: Free; book in-person tickets here.

Join Queensland University of Technology adjunct lecturer Fiona Crawford as she discusses her latest book, The Matilda Effect, with former Matildas soccer star and commentator Grace Gill. The book tells the colourful story of the Australian women’s soccer team and their ultimately successful struggle alongside other women from around the world to compete in the World Cup.

Thursday

Daffodil Day 2023

When: Thursday 31 August, 9:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Various locations, view here
Cost: Various prices.

Help save lives and bring Australia closer to a cancer-free future this Daffodil Day. Cancer Council ACT is encouraging all Canberrans to register as a Yellow Fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for lifesaving cancer research. On Daffodil Day (Thursday, 31 August), volunteers will sell daffodils at the Cancer Council ACT office in Deakin and several other locations.

Canberra Symphony Orchestra Down South: Night and Day

When: Thursday 31 August, bar open from 5 pm, concert from 6 pm to 7 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Tuggeranong
Cost: $20 to $35; book here.

The CSO Chamber Ensemble returns to Tuggeranong Arts Centre with an uplifting program for violin, cello and piano. CSO Concertmaster Kirsten Williams (violin), Patrick Suthers (cello) and Edward Neeman (piano) will begin by performing a virtuosic Passacaglia for violin and cello, followed by Dvorak’s emotionally stirring and strikingly contrasting Second Piano Trio.