4 April 2024

Things to do in Canberra this week (5 - 11 April)

| Claire Sams
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Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads. Photo: Peter Norton.

The long weekend has come and gone, but plenty remains to keep you entertained! The Woden Seniors Book Fair will kick off on Friday, and there’s a Holistic Wellness Taster Expo, new exhibitions at Tuggeranong Arts Centre and two theatre productions are starting their run.

Head outside for the Rally of Canberra, Bonsai Reshaped 2024, the return of Canberra Airport’s open day and celebrations for the Sri Lankan New Year. Elsewhere, the Canberra Raiders are seeking to erase last weekend’s loss when they take on the Parramatta Eels and Hartly Hall Markets will also return.

Multiple days

People watching a rally car

Techworkz Automotive Subaru was one of the entrants in the Rally of Canberra 2023 – now, more participants will take on the challenge in 2024. Photo: Peter Norton.

Rally of Canberra

When: 5 April to 7 April, events at various times
Where: In and around Kowen Forests and Tidbinbilla Forests, Canberra; Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), corner of Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell (Service Park and HQ)
Cost: Free entry.

Heart-stopping racing is once again coming to the bush capital thanks to the Rally of Canberra. The rally is Round 1 of the Australian Rally Championship and sees drivers follow a pathway through Kowen Forests and Tidbinbilla Forests. Gather at Gungahlin Place at 6 pm on Friday (5 April) for the rally show and ceremonial start, or watch the cars over the weekend.

Books at a book fair

More than 25,000 books, ranging from children’s books to adult fiction and nonfiction, will be for sale. Photo: Woden Seniors Club.

Woden Seniors Book Fair

When: 5 April to 7 April, 10 am to 4 pm (daily)
Where: Woden Seniors Club, 12 Corinna Street, Phillip
Cost: Free entry.

Looking for something new to read after spending summer clearing out your bookshelves? Come along to the Woden Seniors Book Fair to find books for all ages. Most books will cost $2.50 each, with children’s books to sell at $1 each. But there’s more – jigsaws, DVDs, CDs, board games and watercolour paintings by members of the Woden Seniors Art group will also be for sale.

Silhouette of someone sitting looking at sun

Take some time for yourself and your wellbeing and see what the Yass Valley has to offer. Photo: Holistic Wellness Taster.

Holistic Wellness Taster Expo

When: 6 April, from 5:30 pm (VIP experience); 7 April, from 9 am (the Taster Expo)
Where: Murrumbateman Primary School, 2 Fairley Street, Murrumbateman
Cost: Tickets can be purchased online.

Welcome to the Holistic Wellness Taster, where your healing journey towards well-being gets its wings! Imagine strolling through stalls, chatting with natural health practitioners ready to give you a sample of what they can do for you. It’s more than an event; it’s an interactive experience where you can dip your toes into alternative healing, try new wellness practices, and supercharge your well-being. Buy your entry here.

Poster for Billy Elliot

This musical is the story of Billy – a kid who learns the magic of dance. Image: Free Rain Theatre Company.

Billy Elliot the Musical

When: 9 April to 5 May, shows at various times
Where: Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre (The Q), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: Tickets cost between $55 and $75 and are available via the Centre’s website.

Billy Elliot the Musical is a breathtaking production that tells the story of 11-year-old Billy, who finds his passion for dance in the midst of the 1984 miners’ strike in northern England. This adaption is coming to Queanbeyan – so get ready to dance!

RBG: Of Many, One

RBG: Of Many, One is coming to the Canberra Theatre Centre this April. Image: Supplied.

RBG: Of Many, One

When: 11 to 21 April, shows at 7:30 pm, 2 pm or 5 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Civic
Cost: Tickets cost between $119 and $129 (plus transaction fee) and are available via the Centre’s website.

RBG: Of Many, One by Suzie Miller and directed by Priscilla Jackman is coming to Canberra. It is the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also known as RBG, an American lawyer and jurist. She served as an associate justice of the American Supreme Court from 1993 until her death in 2020 and was an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. Performances on 13 April and 20 April will be Auslan interpreted. The show contains adult themes, coarse language, strobe lighting and haze effects, and is suitable for audiences aged sixteen and older.

Arboretum bonsai

All things bonsai will be coming to the National Arboretum over several days in April. Photo: Michelle Rowe.

Bonsai Reshaped 2024

When: 11 to 14 April, events various times
Where: National Arboretum, Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Molonglo Valley
Cost: Entry cost depends on each event; see program.

Delve into this year’s theme of ‘Big & Small’ through an exciting series of events. Whether you’re an established bonsai artist, or just starting out, there will be no shortage of inspiration, new skills and tips to learn through workshops and the exciting Bonsai After Dark experience.

This year we welcome internationally recognised artists Marija Hajdic from Croatia and Morten Albek from Denmark, to share their expertise, influences, experiences and enthusiasm through workshops and live demonstrations. Both professional artists carry the legacy of the bonsai masters into the future while developing and exploring the boundaries of the artform.

Friday

A composite image with work from various artists

Visitors to the Tuggeranong Arts Centre will enjoy a cornucopia of art forms. Images: artwork by Louis Grant, Robbie Karmel, and artists from ABODE.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s new exhibitions opening

When: 5 April, from 6 pm (official opening); 5 April to 8 June (all three exhibitions), 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Friday) or 10 am to 4 pm (Saturdays)
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway
Cost: Free entry to the exhibitions, though events associated with them can be booked through TicketTailor.

Three exhibitions at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre will officially open on Friday (5 April) – I Know My Age, and I Act Like It with work by Louis Grant, Sitting Standing Turning by Robbie Karmel and ABODE, featuring Caroline Huf, Janet Long and Kati Görgényi. These exhibitions include glass artworks, colour-field installations, handmade furniture, printmaking, drawings and videos, exploring understandings of LGBTQIA+ identity, gender roles and the places we live. All artists will be present on Friday at the opening and the exhibitions will be open to the public until 6 June.

Saturday

Canberra Airport

If you’ve ever wondered what happens at an airport, this is your chance to see it up close. Photo: James Coleman.

Canberra Airport Open Day 2024

When: 6 April, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry at 2 pm)
Where: Canberra Airport, 21 Terminal Avenue, Canberra
Cost: Free entry, though tickets have to be booked via Eventbrite.

The Canberra Airport open day is coming into land for another year! In 2024, Canberra Airport is partnering with ACT Emergency Services Agency. There will be a range of food offerings and the chance to climb aboard modern and historical aircraft. ACT Policing, the Air Force and other industry bodies will have stalls set up, and representatives from the Ambulance Service, Fire & Rescue, the Rural Fire Service, and the State Emergency Service will be on hand to answer questions about their work in the community. Glitter tattoos, jumping castles, face painting and visits from mascots will be on hand to keep the youngsters entertained.

A banner for the event

Experience Sri Lankan culture in the heart of Canberra – and welcome in the new year with delicious food and drinks. Image: Australia Sri Lanka Association – ACT Inc/Facebook.

Sri Lankan New Year Celebrations 2024

When: 6 April, 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Cost: Free entry.

This event is organised in collaboration with all Sri Lankan community organisations based in Canberra, led by the Australia Sri Lanka Association of Canberra (ASLA-ACT). From 10 am, check out New Year games and activities for the young and young-at-heart, which will continue throughout the day. Musical performances will start at about 5 pm.

Sunday

Image with text on it, green and blue background.

The Raiders will be fired up after last week’s loss. Image: Canberra Raiders.

Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels

When: 7 April; gates open at 3:45 pm for a 6:15 pm kick-off
Where: GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce
Cost: General admission tickets cost $35 and are available via Ticketek.

Back the Green Machine when they take on the Eels at GIO. Last week, the Raiders were 18 points up but lost 36-22 against the Sharks, resulting in one of Ricky Stuart’s great post-match performances. He even slammed a journalist for praising one of his players, so you better believe they’ll be fired up!

market shoppers at nursery stall

Browse through the stalls and buy yourself something nice while supporting a good cause! Photo: Hartley Hall Markets.

Hartley Hall Markets

When: 3 March, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Hall Showground, Victoria Street, Hall
Cost: Gold coin donation on entry.

The Hartley Hall Markets, organised by Hartley Lifecare, is one of Australia’s largest homemade and home-grown goods markets. Head out to Hall and have a browse. The proceeds support Hartley Lifecare’s disability programs and services.

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