Things to do in Canberra this week (31 January to 6 February)

Canberra is abuzz with events for people of all tastes and moods in the coming week, with free arts and crafts activities for kids, concerts, a new tradition at a favourite Canberra venue and even some ‘life’ drawing!

Whatever you’re into, we’re pretty sure we’ve got something you’ll love.

Multiple Days

Eggsellent Animal Portraits

When: 31 January and 1 February, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway
Cost: Free; for more information, visit Tuggeranong Arts Centre.

Let your kids practice their artistic and recycling skills at this drop-in event at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre. Kids will create their own small portrait of an animal or perhaps even themselves using recycled egg cartons, then add it to the wall of portraits, creating a broad tapestry of art showing off the talent of Canberra kids.

Mojo

When: 31 January, 7:30 pm, 1 February, 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: ACT Hub at Causeway Hall
Cost: $30 to $45.

This thriller about the seedy world of London’s 50s rock scene is shot through with grim humour. The audience follows a gang of wannabe hotshots fighting for control of a singing prodigy seeking to ride his coattails all the way to Easy Street.

Perfectly blending laughs with visceral gut punches, Mojo captures an exciting but dingy world. Its writer, Jez Butterworth, won an Olivier Award, and it started a new wave of British crime films, including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

This week at the NFSA

When: 31 January to 2 February
Where: Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Prices vary from free to $16.

The NFSA brings you films of romance and love to keep you going in the coming week. Dive into a world of youthful bliss and freedom in Ingmar Bergman’s Summer with Monika, a 1953 film about two teenagers escaping for a life on a boat on the Swedish archipelago. But their bliss comes undone when reality comes crashing through their fantasy life.

In the same vein, Wes Anderson’s 2012 Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two runaway kids determined to make their own lives. Led by misfit scout Sam Shakusky, they navigate their small island home and their burgeoning feelings for one another.

Little Faces at the National Portrait Gallery

When: 5 and 6 February, 10:30 am to 11:15 am, 7 February, 9:30 am to 10:15 am and 10:30 am to 11:15 am
Where: National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: $12 per adult, bookings and more information via The National Portrait Gallery.

The National Portrait Gallery is treating you and your kids to a special treat. Little Faces is an event for babies, toddlers and their parents to discover a portrait through singing, playing and having fun. Children from 6 months to 3 years will explore colour and expression in Howard Arkley’s portrait of Nick Cave and have fun with other kids.

This program is made possible through the generosity of Tim Fairfax AC.

Friday

Twilight in the Gardens

When: 31 January, 4 pm
Where: Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla
Cost: Walk-ins and bookings are free.

The Hyatt Hotel begins a new tradition this week. Join them every Friday from 4 pm for an evening of live acoustic music, a Chandon pop-up bar and a gourmet grill. From 4 pm to 6 pm, treat yourself to $12 beers, $13 wine by the glass and $15 cocktails.

There’s no better place for a relaxed catch-up, date night or an evening of cruisy drinks and freshly grilled food than the Hyatt’s lush green gardens. Start the weekend on the right foot at the Hyatt.

Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings

When: 31 January, 8:30 pm
Where: James Fairfax Theatre at the National Gallery of Australia
Cost: $83.

Can’t get enough of Bridgerton? Chomping at the bit for more Regency-era romance? Then the Candlelight Best of Bridgerton concert is the event for you. This candlelit strings concert takes you through the enchanting world of the much-loved series through its soundtrack. Finish off the week with an hour of orchestral excellence.

Candlelight is dedicated to bringing you beautiful orchestral music from popular culture. Enjoy your favourite shows and movies in a different, more cerebral way at Candlelight. Book as soon as possible as tickets sell fast.

Saturday

Ginninderry’s Summer Party in the Park

When: Saturday 1 February, 4 pm to 8 pm
Where: Paddys Park, Corner of Asimus Ave and Pro Hart Avenue, Strathnairn
Cost: Free.

Paddys Park plays host to a fun Summer Party in the Park, with live music, face painting, family activities, and so much more!

Celebrate Lunar New Year with roving Lion Dancing, bring the kids along to test out a fire hose with Emergency Services, or simply come to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

You can settle in to enjoy the tunes from homegrown talent, while tucking into tasty treats from local foodies including Le Petit Brenton, Tacontento, Jacko’s Pizza, Grill-AX, Slinko, Safari Delight, Papis Fish and Chips and Shot Clock.

Crafting Connection: A South Asian-Inspired Community Fair

When: 1 February, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: SLA Display Village, Whitlam
Cost: Free entry; cash welcome.

The Suburban Land Agency’s Cultures of Canberra presents Crafting Connection, a community-run fair celebrating diversity and community spirit. Canberrans of all backgrounds are welcome to come experience South Asian culture through a variety of crafts, food, art and fashion. This fair provides an inclusive platform for local women entrepreneurs to show off and share their handcrafted goods and small enterprises.

Canberra United v Perth Glory

When: 1 February, 5 pm
Where: McKellar Park, Walkley Pl, McKellar
Cost: Tickets from $14.

This is the second time the two sides have met this season, with the previous meeting ending in a one-all draw back in Unite Round.

Perth is in ninth place on the ladder, just one spot behind United. However, it trails by six points, making this a crucial clash for Canberra, which wants to keep in touch with the top six and gain some distance from the chasing pack.

Expect plenty of entertainment, with an average of 4.3 goals in the last six matches. What are you waiting for? Get out there!

Under 12s enjoy free admission.

Wednesday

Lunar New Year Concert 2025 – Hong Kong String Orchestra

When: 5 February, 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit
Cost: Tickets from $48.20 to $108.

The Canberra Theatre Centre proudly hosts the Hong Kong String Orchestra, which will welcome the new year with a very special concert. Internationally acclaimed for its fusion of Western and Eastern music traditions, the Hong Kong String Orchestra is a 20-piece ensemble of talented artists. They will celebrate the lunar new year with classical works by Vivaldi and traditional pieces honouring the lunar festival. The orchestra will also celebrate Hong Kong’s unique history and heritage with iconic music unique to the city.

Thursday

Life Drawing at Templo Theatre

When: 6 February, doors open from 6:30 pm, drawing begins at 7 pm
Where: Templo Theatre – Level 1, 19 London Cct, Canberra City
Cost: $34.50.

If your 2025 resolution includes being more artistic, we have something for you. The Tipsy Sketching Club is hosting life drawing at the Templo Theatre. This two-hour session of drawing and drinking is a relaxed and safe place where artists and would-be artists get together and sketch real live nude models.

Test your abilities and hone your skills with three to four two-minute poses, three five-minute poses, three 10-minute poses and one 25-minute pose.

Become a better artist or just have fun at this unique event celebrating the human body and the artistic process.

If you have your own art supplies, you are encouraged to bring them, but basic supplies will be offered.

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