Only a few days until we’re allowed to turn on our heaters! But there’s lots on in the capital this long weekend to enjoy before digging in for the winter. Here’s The Owl‘s rundown of the Canberra scene for 23-25 April, 2022.
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ANZAC Day
Monday 25 April is a day to commemorate and reflect on the sacrifice made by our Anzacs and pay respect to those who fought and continue to serve for our country.
So, with no work or school on Monday, here are some of the ways Canberrans can commemorate ANZAC Day.
The Australian War Memorial
At 3:30 A.M. commemorations will commence in the Captain Reg Saunders Courtyard and Sculpture Garden.
At 4:30 A.M. representatives of the armed forces will read excerpts from the letters and diaries of Australians who have experienced war first-hand.
The Dawn Service commences at 5:30 A.M. – no tickets required.
At 8.00 A.M. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association Commemorative Ceremony commences.
At 9.30 A.M. the ACT RSL Veteran’s March commences.
From 12:00 P.M. the Galleries and Commemorative area opens for viewing – tickets are required
At 4.45 P.M. The Last Post Ceremony commences – now fully booked but the ceremony will also be live streamed via YouTube and Facebook.
More information on these events can be found through the Australian War Memorial.
Cross-border residents
For those locals across the border who can’t travel into Canberra, Walsh’s Hotel Queanbeyan has lots to offer as they are hosting multiple events during the day.
Twenty-Twenty-Two-up
Two-Up is a popular tradition, and is set to return after the Anzac Day services across the Territory at multiple venues.
If you are interested in testing your luck, head to one of these licensed locations.
- Gungahlin Lakes Club
- The George Harcourt Inn
- Siren Bar and Restaurant
- Canberra Irish Club
- Hellenic Club of Canberra
- The Duxton
- Hopscotch
- Lake George Hotel
- Ainslie Club
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
If you are looking for more ANZAC long weekend items, NFSA have you covered with a screening of Gallipoli (35-mm) on Friday night at 6:00 P.M. and Black ANZAC on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. hosted at the Arc Cinema, Acton.
After a two year wait, Groovin The Moo returns this long weekend, joining a diverse line up of music events across Canberra. From heavy metal to jazz, blues and a special concert of Australian war ballads, there is something for everyone.
Music
Saturday: DODO + MATILDA ABRAHAM
Former Canberra Jazz students Carl Morgan and Matilda Abraham are coming back from Berlin to their home town for a night of Modern Jazz collaboration.
WHERE: Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street
WHEN: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. (doors open from 3:30 P.M.)
TICKETS: Concession – $20, Standard – $25, available here
Saturday: JUST ANOTHER METAL FESTIVAL
Enter the Basement to experience a thundering onslaught of heavy metal in a celebration of Australian bands showcasing face melting shredding, explosive choruses and extreme headbanging.
WHERE: The Basement, 2 Cohen Street
WHEN: 5:30 P.M. – late (doors open from 4:30 P.M.)
TICKETS: General – $30, available here
Saturday: ASH GRUNWALD
One of Australia’s pre-eminent blue’s musicians is coming to Canberra as part of the album launch tour of ‘Shout Into The Noise’, made in collaboration with Lachlan Bostock of Mansionair.
WHERE: The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street
WHEN: 8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
TICKETS: Standard – $50, available here
Sunday: GROOVIN THE MOO
For the first time since 2019, the popular music festival Groovin The Moo is going ahead, with a stellar line-up of homegrown and international artists. Hockey Dad, Hilltop Hoods, Lime Cordiale, and Broods plus many more will be taking the stage at Exhibition Park.
WHERE: Exhibition Park (Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country)
WHEN: 10:30 A.M. – Late
TICKETS: General admission $129.95, tickets at Moshtix (get in quick before they sell out)
Sunday: FRED SMITH – ANZAC WEEKEND CONCERT
This ANZAC Day eve, a special event will feature Australian artist Fred Smith singing a collection of his songs which draw on his experiences working alongside Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.
This is the perfect event to start reflecting on the sacrifices our veterans have made and are still are making to keep our country safe.
WHERE: Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street
WHEN: 7:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M. (doors open from 7:00 P.M.)
Tickets: Under 21- $35, Adults- $49, available here
Monday: LUNCHULELE
Bringing the sounds of Hawaii to Canberra, Smith’s Alternative is hosting a ukulele singalong to brighten up your Monday. Listen to songs from almost every decade or have a go at strumming a ukulele yourself, while you enjoy an Art of Espresso coffee or avocado on toast. All are welcome.
WHERE: Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street
WHEN: 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. every Monday
TICKETS: Free!
Culture
African Party In The Park 2022
The African Party In The Park festival is back in Canberra. Celebrating African culture, food, fashion, drumming music, dance, and much more. It is an immersive experience you won’t want to miss.
Where: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Parks Act.
When: Saturday 23 April, 10:00 A.M – 8:00 P.M.
Tickets are here
Australians & Hollywood Exhibition
The Australians & Hollywood: A Tale of Craft, Talent, and Ambition exhibition showcases a unique look at Australia’s involvement in cinema and the iconic people that brought beloved movies to life. With a rare look at props, costumes, original storyboards and exclusive behind the scenes moments, this is a must for any movie lover.
Where: McCoy Cct, Acton ACT 2601
When: 21 January – 17 July, 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M
Tickets are here
ACT Heritage Festival
The theme of this year’s ACT Heritage Festival is all about curiosity, with a wide selection of events around the city that provide the opportunity to learn more about the innovative approaches to the city’s initial planning and development, plus a lot of opportunities to learn more about the indigenous heritage and connections to the land, with lots of bush walk or guided tour opportunities.
For one example of the selection of events happening this weekend, you might be interested to take a trip to the Canberra Railway Museum in Kingston’s open weekend, to explore the city’s interesting rail history, and of course see some very impressive locomotives.
Where: 2 Geijira Pl, Kingston
When: April 23 – 24, 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Tickets: Adults $10, children from $5
You can find out more about the events running around the city throughout the month from the Heritage Festival’s event program here.
Annie Franklin and Gordon Robinson’s Fragile
This weekend Canberra’s city centre welcomes a special art exhibition featuring the artworks of Annie Franklin and Gordon Robinson, Fragile, that is on display at Civic’s Nancy Sever Gallery until May 8.
Franklin and Robinson have worked together for close to two decades, and this exhibition is made up of wonderful pieces capturing the theme of nature and it’s wonder.
They were inspired to put together an exhibition of artworks focusing on nature’s beauty, but also fragility, after most of the surrounding landscape of their bush studio was devastated by the bushfires of 2019 and 2020.
Where: Nancy Sever Gallery, 131 City Walk, Canberra
When: April 1o to May 8, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Sport
If you’re looking to fill your long weekend, there is plenty of sporting action going on in the capital. Whether you’re a fan of AFL, Rugby, soccer, or you want to get your body moving, there’s something going on for everyone.
AFL
AFL round 6 is on Friday night with a clash between GWS and St Kilda. St Kilda is looking to continue their strong form while GWS are desperate for a win as they sit in 14th place.
Where: Manuka Oval
Address: Manuka Cir, Griffith ACT 2603
When: Friday 22 April. Kickoff at 7:50 P.M.
Rugby League
The Belconnen Derby is on this Sunday as the West Belconnen Warriors take on the Belconnen United Sharks in the first grade comp.
Where: Raiders Belconnen
Address: Hardwick Cres, Holt ACT 2615
When: Sunday, Kick off at 5pm
Tickets: Free!
Soccer
In the National Premier League round three, Monaro Panthers take on Canberra Croatia on Saturday evening, which is set to be one of the games of the season.
Where: Riverside Stadium
Address: Carinya St, Queanbeyan NSW 2620
When: Saturday, Kick off at 5:45pm
Tickets: Free!
Zumba
If you’re looking to get out of the house and burn off some energy, look no further than a community Zumba class on Saturday Night
Where: Collet Place
Address: Collett Pl Pearce, ACT 2607
When: Saturday, Kick off at 6:30-7:30
Tickets: Free, but booking required.
Family
Australia’s biggest Inflatable obstacle course
Need something to tire the kids out this weekend? Look no further than Tuff Nutterz’s event course.
Australia’s largest inflatables, kids of all ages can attend with under 5’s needing to be accompanied by an adult. It’s here for a limited time only, with ANZAC day being their last in Canberra, so get in fast!
Where: Parkes Place Lawns, Parliamentary Triangle
When: Ends 25 April, 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Family Orienteering – National Arboretum
Want to take the kids out into nature? Need them to blow off some steam heading into the final days of the school holidays?
The National Arboretum has you covered, with their orienteering event being the perfect opportunity to visit one of Canberra’s most picturesque venues.
For just $5 you are free to explore the forests and gardens, trying to find letters hidden around the grounds.
Where: National Arboretum
When: Ends 25 April, 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Tickets: no pre-purchase required, pay $5 at the event
Canberra Circus Festival
If you and the family are in the mood to sit down and watch some of Australia’s best performers, look no further than Canberra’s Circus Festival!
With over ten seperate shows ranging from BMX tricks to food inspired performances, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.
Where: Lions Youth Haven, Kambah
When: Ends 23 April
Hours: Vary for each individual show
Pixar Putt
Do you love Putt Putt and have some Pixar obsessed kids? Pixar Putt may just be the perfect place to take the family this long weekend.
Nine or 18 holes of Disney fun, each hole is inspired by some of the world’s most beloved animated movies. Toy Story, Up, Luca and Wall-E characters fill the greens, with photo opportunities available.
Where: Civic Square, Canberra
When: Ends 1 May
Hours: 10am -10pm Friday and Saturday, 10am- 8pm Sunday and 3pm – 8pm Monday.