Are you and the kids feeling the back-to-school blues already? If you’re feeling down and already looking for a fun escape from your regular 9 to 5, or your 9 to 3 (if you’re still in school), we’ve got you sorted with plenty of fun events for you and the family to enjoy.
Where will you go first?
M. Ward – Celebrating 20 years of Transfiguration of Vincent
When: Friday, 3 February, at 8 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Cct, Canberra
Cost: Tickets are from $65 and can be purchased here.
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, prolific singer-songwriter and guitarist M. Ward will head to Canberra this Friday night to celebrate 20 years since the release of his critically acclaimed album ”Transfiguration of Vincent”.
Released in 2003, ”Transfiguration of Vincent” was Matthew Ward’s (aka M. Ward) third album – an infusion of folk and blues, dripping with deft guitar picking and bar-room piano.
Inspired by John Fahey’s 1965 album ”The Transfiguration of Blind Joe Death”, this extraordinary album of gritty stories and melody-drenched music is a tribute to Ward’s close friend, Vincent O’Brien.
With 10 albums under his belt and a crack backing band, M. Ward is not to be missed performing in this special anniversary tour of one of the greatest blues-inspired Americana albums ever created.
Kulture Break Open Day 2023
When: Saturday, 4 February, from 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Gold Creek Senior School, 130 Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls, or 115 Grattan Court, Wanniassa
Cost: Free
Have you ever wanted to give dancing a go, but you’re not sure what you’d like?
Come along to Gold Creek Senior School in Kaleen or Grattan Court in Wanniassa and enjoy as many classes as you want with Kulture Break.
From 9 am, there are hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, breakdance and adult Fuze Fitness trial classes to book. Click here to register.
Whisky Capital
When: Saturday, 4 February, 1 pm to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm
Where: Novotel Canberra, 65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $139 per person and can be purchased here.
New in 2023, Whisky Capital is bringing some of Australia’s (and the world’s) best whisky distilleries to the capital!
Whisky Capital will be pouring whiskies across two sessions – an afternoon one kicking off at 1 o’clock, and an evening session at 5.
Included in tickets for both sessions will be food provided by First Edition, a Glencairn whisky glass, and access to distillers’ masterclasses at no extra cost.
Cosentino: A Decade of Magic
When: Saturday, 4 February, at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Cct, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $71.55 and can be purchased here
Australia’s world-renowned entertainer and International Magician of the Year, Cosentino, is celebrating 10 years as Australia’s most successful magician, illusionist and escape artist by coming to Canberra.
He will be performing his new, 90-minute live show Decennium – the greatest hits tour.
Come and join Cosentino as he performs his most death-defying escapes that will thrill your senses, his greatest mind-boggling stage illusions and cutting-edge street magic that twists your view of reality.
His trademark blend of dance and magic with a touch of hilarious audience participation will take you on a journey that will captivate fans new and old until the last jaw-dropping moment.
Lantern Festival
When: Saturday, 4 February, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Canberra Beijing Garden, Flynn Place, Yarralumla
Cost: Free
A free event is taking place to celebrate Chinese New Year this weekend.
Bring the family along and enjoy an event where you can bring your own lantern, or buy one there, and enjoy a series of Chinese performances with singing, dancing, martial arts and more.
The festivities will conclude with a lantern parade.
Cricket ACT Centenary Gala
When: Saturday, 4 February, from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: National Museum of Australia
Cost: Tickets start from $170. Buy them here
Cricket ACT is inviting the Canberra community to join this once-in-a-lifetime event to celebrate a century of cricket in the ACT.
Since 1922, Cricket ACT has been the peak body for all forms of cricket in the ACT and region. This long and rich history is worth celebrating.
During the Centenary Gala, Cricket ACT will announce the Team of the Century, a group of outstanding players who have made a significant contribution to the game and cricket in the ACT.
The sit-down dinner will include a two-course meal, live entertainment and a limited-edition gift for all attendees.
Little Burley Market
When: Saturday, 4 February, 9 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place
How much: Free entry
The weekly lakeside market is the perfect place to spend your Saturday morning this weekend.
These markets have plenty to offer, with gourmet and fresh food and fruit, smoked meats, fresh cheeses, juices, kombucha, bread, pastries, cakes, brownies, cannoli, and gluten-free, paleo and vegan sweets.
There are also lots of authentic multicultural foods ranging from Argentinian to Mexican, Italian and Vietnamese. You’ll also find handmade pottery, soaps, candles, jewellery and home goods, baby clothes, toys, dog treats, accessories and more.
Your Local Wedding Guide Canberra Expo
When: Sunday, 5 February, from 10 am to 3 pm
Where: National Convention Centre, 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra
Cost: Free
Are you planning to get married soon and need some advice on the do’s and don’ts for your special day? Come to the National Convention Centre this weekend to see some gorgeous displays, talk to professionals, and hear their advice on everything you need to know to plan your wedding.
Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee Live!
When: Thursday, 9 February, at 8 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Cct, Canberra
Cost: Tickets are $74.90 plus transaction fee and can be purchased here
By popular demand, Anh Do is returning to the capital with his smash-hit show.
Anh Do’s stage show, inspired by his bestselling book The Happiest Refugee, has made readers laugh and cry, and will combine stand-up comedy with real-life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story.
When one of Australia’s most talented comedians delves deep into his own life’s joys and sorrows, the result is an unforgettable night at the theatre that leaves an audience uplifted and happy.
Sons Of The East
When: Thursday, 9 February, at 8 pm
Where: UC Hub, Kirinari Street, Bruce
Cost: Tickets from $45.64 and can be purchased on Moshtix.
Sons Of The East will bring their sensational live show to cities across Australia in February 2023.
After releasing their brilliant debut album ”Palomar Parade” and playing to sold-out crowds in more than 70 cities across Europe, the UK, Canada and the US, Sons are returning home to stage their biggest Australian tour so far.