Fancy a circus with a difference, some chamber music, or perhaps a trip to GIO Stadium to watch the big boys of league and union? Your options are many and varied but here we offer our selection of things to do around Canberra this long weekend.
ALL WEEKEND
Cirque Africa
Where | Exhibition Park, Corner Northbourne Ave and Flemington Road, Mitchell When | Friday and Saturday at 1.00pm and 7.30pm; Sunday at 1pm
Cirque Africa is a blockbuster modern circus set to an African beat, boasting 38 artists from six countries. Two hours of acrobatic performances transport the audience to another side of the continent under the direction of Winston Ruddle, also known as Papa Africa, the first black African to own, direct and produce a circus show in a big top circus tent. Founded in Tanzania, Cirque Africa started as an underground acrobatic school in Dar es Salaam in 2003 but is now home to many of Africa’s most notable acrobatic circus acts, including the world renowned Amazing Hakuna Matata Acrobats.
Home made Canberra
Where | ARC Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton When | Friday 6pm, Sun 3pm
As part of the cinema’s exploration of identity and what is means to be Australian, it will showcase home movies showing 1960s and 1970s Canberra through the eyes of migrant families, plus two Australian films that present different cultures settling into the Australian identity of the time. Welcome to Canberra: home movies from new Australian families, presented by their amateur filmmakers, is a free event with no booking necessary
Also at the ARC this weekend, the centenary of the Irish Easter Rising will be marked with a special 45-minute screening of newly remastered footage of Melbourne’s 1920 St Patrick’s Day celebrations, with live piano accompaniment. It is presented in association with the Embassy of Ireland and with the support of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. When: Friday 22 April, 6pm for a 7pm screening. Tickets$10/8.
SATURDAY
Canberra Toy and Hobby Fair
Where | Kaleen High School, 104 Baldwin Drive, Kaleen When | 9am-3pm
ACT Brumbies captain Christian Lealiiano is the special guest and there will be lucky door prizes supplied by Elite Sports Property, Classic Carlectables and Banter Toys. Admission: adults $4, seniors $2, accompanied children free.
Canberra Raiders v West Tigers
Where | GIO Stadium When | Saturday 5.30pm
The Raiders take on Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium this Saturday, looking to return to the winners list after losing their past two games to the Eels and the Sharks. They may be able to take inspiration from the heroes of yesteryear who will gather at the stadium for a reunion, including several who helped deliver the club three premierships from 1989 to 1994. Fans will have the chance to see the players at half-time during a lap of honour, and even meet them after the game.
SUNDAY
ACT Brumbies v Crusaders
Where | GIO Stadium When | 4.05pm
The ACT Brumbies, fresh from their rousing 26-20 win over the Warathas last weekend, will be looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Australian Super Rugby conference when they take on the Crusaders. The Kiwi outfit is in tip-top form also, having won their previous six games on the trot. The Brumbies will take the field in a commemorative Anzac jersey to pay their respects to the Australian Defence Forces.
Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s Strings in the Salon
Where | Monster Kitchen and Bar, Hotel Hotel, NewActon Nishi, 25 Edinburgh Ave When | 1-4pm
The Canberra Symphony Orchestra will play Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 by Russian Romantic composer Alexander Borodin. Performing will be Barbara Gilby on violin, Pip Thompson on violin, Tor Fromyhr on viola and David Pereira on cello. Set two-course lunch is $55. Simple entry $10.
MONDAY
ANZAC Day dawn service
Where | Australian War Memorial When | 5.30am
The Australian War Memorial hosts the Dawn Service in close cooperation with the Returned Services League of Australia ACT. This year marks the 101st anniversary of the landing of Anzac troops on Gallipoli. In the lead up to Anzac Day, commemorations will begin at dusk on Saturday 23 April, when images of Australian servicemen and servicewomen, drawn from the Memorial’s rich photographic collection, are projected onto the Memorial building. Prior to the Dawn Service at 4.30am excerpts will be read from the letters and diaries of Australians who experienced war first hand.
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