It’s the first week of autumn and we seem to have avoided the “rain bomb”, so why not take advantage of all that there is to do and see in the capital this weekend?
Here’s The Owl‘s rundown of the Canberra scene for 4-7 March, 2022.
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Enlighten
The main event this weekend is the annual Enlighten Festival. In its twelfth year now, the festival has long been a staple of any Canberran’s calendar. The show is filled with pretty lights, food, music, friends and family and is the perfect event to enjoy.
Running until March 20, from 5:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M., it promises to be the best Enlighten Festival to date. There are two main attractions: illuminations and food.
The illuminations
From March 4 to March 14 there will be iconic Canberra landmarks lit up in amazing ways, with the National Library, Old Parliament House and the National Gallery to name a few. You also mustn’t forget to visit the unreal installations around the National Triangle. The Lily pads and the Fibonacci’s Genie promise to attract crowds from far and wide.
The food and drink
Seeing amazing lights is scientifically proven to stoke hunger and thirst into people (source: trust us). So, make sure you come down to the BentSpoke Beer Garden for a beer from the capital’s favourite brewer and a bite to eat from many of the local Canberra vendors ranging from burgers and gozleme to spuds on a stick.
Events
Enlighten might be the biggest event in Canberra this weekend but it’s definitely not the only one.
Hard Quiz Live
The ABC’s Hard Quiz hosted by comedian Tom Gleeson is coming to Canberra. the TV show is currently in its 7th season on the ABC but it’s finally on tour and in Canberra this weekend.
Hard Quiz is the only quiz show where the host has no shame about his disdain for the contestants and the only prize is the opportunity to stare down the barrel of the camera. Hard Quiz Live is a show as you’ve never seen before with Logie Award-winning comedian Tom Gleeson pulling his contestants from the live audience to get roasted.
Tickets are limited so act fast!
Cricket: The Musical
Cricket: The Musical is a one-man comedy musical performed by Dennis Carnahan, Australia’s only musical sports satirist. This time around he’s taking his biting wit to Australia’s national pastime, finding musical ways to make fun out of everything from the MCC selection policies to Mitchel Johnson’s moustache.
Cricket: The Musical is showing outside of Sydney for the first time at the Canberra Street Theatre on Saturday at 7:30 P.M..
Spotlight on Our Performing Arts
On Stage: Spotlight on Our Performing Arts opens today at the National Library of Australia. It spotlights all aspects of the performing arts industry – from actor to audience, the theatre to backstage. It will bring an extra dimension to the stories we know well, and the ones only just discovered.
Artists and icons on display will include the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Peter Allen, Tim Minchin, and even a large-scale AC/DC poster features in one of the exhibits.
The exhibition runs until early August, 2022. You can attend from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. each day the library is open, and entry is free.
Music
Come along, listen, and join in some of Canberra’s local music and other music events happening in the city.
Friday: An Evening with Blue Milk
Blue Milk invites you out for a night of “love, music, and fun” at Smiths Alternative. If you feel like dressing up, fancy dress is encouraged!
Where: Smiths Alternative
When: 7: 30 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.
Ticketed: Concession $10; Full Price $15
Friday: Kid Presentable – The ‘Modern Living Fear’ Tour
If your idea of a fun Friday night is getting your face melted off by brutal riffs and blast beats, this is the event for you. Trenchknife, Facecutter, and Thantu Thika open for the metal/hardcore kids Kid Presentable at Transit Bar.
Where: Transit Bar
When: 8:00 P.M.
Ticketed: $15
Friday: The Terrys
If you’re fans of bands like Hockey Dads or Skeggs, triple j reckons The Terrys may be your “new favourite surf-indie outfit”. Check them out at the UC HUB as they tour TheTerrySonic Mixtape.
Where: UC Hub
When: 8:00 P.M. – 11:55 P.M.
Ticketed: $30
Friday: The Whitlams
6 x platinum album artists The Whitlams are back with their first new music in 15 years. They’ll be serenading the Canberra Theatre with songs off their new album ‘Sancho’ as well as the much loved classics.
Where: Canberra Theatre
When: 7:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Ticketed: From $69
Friday: ABBA VS QUEEN at Mooseheads
If you’re after a big night, Mr Moose reckons he has you covered with Moosehead’s ‘Ultimate ABBA vs Queen’ party. Starting at 9 the DJ’s will be blasting the classics, and maybe some not so classics.
Where: Mooseheads
When: 9:00 P.M. – Midnight
Ticketed: No, just pay the door cover charge
Friday: Somebody Like You (Keith Urban and Bryan Adams) Tribute Show (Staring Craig Woodward)
In tribute of Keith Urban and Bryan Adams, this show presents decades long of recording music shared between the two superstars.
Where: The Harmonie German Club of Canberra
When: 8:00 P.M.
Ticketed: Free
Saturday: Dana Hassal Live Performance
Find local Canberran Dana Hassall in the famous Night Noodle Market this Saturday. She’s full of soul and country with guitar in hand.
Where: The Night Noodle Market
When: 5:00 P.M. – 7:25 P.M.
Ticketed: No
Saturday: Raised Glass 12
In their 12th festival, Raised Glass presents folk rock and indie music from Carnival Road, Bassless Rumours, Hogan’s Ridge and many more. Come along and bring your chairs and blankets for a nice relaxed evening.
Where: Atsic Culture Centre
When: 3:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Ticketed: No
Saturday: DJ DISCRETION at Club 420 X Monkebar Saturdays
‘Australia’s Most Wanted Remix King’ and ‘King of TikTok’, DJ DISCRETION, will be taking over Club 420 x Monkebar Saturdays at Mile High Club Canberra, only playing the best RNB, Hip Hop, Reggaeton and Old Skool tracks.
Where: Mile High Club Canberra
When: 10:00 P.M. – 4:00 A.M.
Ticketed: $15
Saturday: The Faction Hardest 100 Countdown Listening Party
If triple j’s Hottest 100 wasn’t exactly your cup of concrete, head on over to The Basement at midday for The Faction’s ‘Hardest 100’ listening party as they blast the top 100 hardest songs of 2021.
Where: The Basement
When: From 12:00 P.M.
Ticketed: Free
Sunday: Kim Yang: Vinyl Record Launch + LIV LI
Kim Yang a Taiwanese-Australian singer-songwriter is launching her first vinyl release ‘Ocean of Mind/Brave’. Catch her at Smith’s alternative this weekend accompanied by our very own LIV LI.
Where: Smith’s Alternative
When: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Ticketed: $30
Sunday: AVE – Australian Vocal Enemble
Catch Katie Noonan’s debut national tour – AVE. With classical music, Andrew Goodwin, Fiona Campbell, and Andrew O’Connor.
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
When: 5:00 P.M.
Ticketed: $55 – $69
Sunday: Canberra Strings: Tchaikovsky String Quartet No.1
Listen to Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet no.1 that was written in 1871 and is one of his most beloved works. Performed by Canberra Strings who specialise in strong chamber music.
Where: Wesley Church
When: 3:00 P.M. – 4:15 P.M.
Ticketed: $35
Sunday: Escapado Sol
Watch Escapado Sol live at the Burns Club! These 5 musicians have toured across Australia in many other bands. Come along for some country, Latin, jazz, funk, soul, and the blues.
Where: The Burns Club
When: 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Ticketed: No
Sunday: BOLD Festival Flash Mob
Join Brunchercize and BOLD Festival’s Flash Mob! Celebrate ‘the legacy of dance in all cultures, abilities and generations’.Get involved in the BOLD Festival in Canberra.
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
When: 5:00 P.M.
Ticketed: No
Sport
Lots of action for sports fans to check out this weekend.
Super Rugby Pacific – Brumbies v. Waratahs
On Saturday, the Brumbies take on the Waratahs in the third round match of the Super Rugby Pacific competition at GIO Stadium. Following two wins in the previous rounds earlier this year, the Brumbies are looking to continue their form in what is guaranteed to be an extraordinary match between the rival sides.
Gates open at GIO stadium at 5:10 P.M., and the action starts with the SuperW teams taking to the field at 5:15 P.M.. With food and drink venders on site, enjoy a rugby filled evening until the main game starts at 7:45 P.M..
Tickets are exclusively available on Ticketek and can’t be purchased on site. There is also a free game day bus to take you to the venue, and $5 early bird parking for those who arrive up to 45 minutes before kick off. Go and support our local Brumbies, you won’t want to miss this one!
CRRL Raiders Come and Try Day
This event is for young women who are wanting to come and try Rugby League with the Raiders Tarsha Gale squad members. This is for new players or returning players. Girls are also welcome to come and watch!
Who: girls only, ages 9-17
When: Saturday 5 March, 9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Where: NSWRL HQ Bruce
Cost: FREE
Stromlo Running Festival
Was your New Year’s resolution to start running, but it’s March and you’re still making excuses? Never fear, the Stromlo Running Festival is here! The long-awaited event will be taking place on Saturday and Sunday after being postponed during the lockdown last year.
The festival is held at Stromlo Forest Park, and is considered to be one of Australia’s best off-road running and cycling venues. Tickets vary between $65-165 depending on the distance you intend to run, and are limited in numbers. With scenic views and a days worth of entertainment, you are guaranteed to love it. Get in quickly or miss out!
Capital Football Charity Shield Matches
The annual Capital Football Charity Shield matches are being played on Saturday, with all gate takings being donated to Fortem charity.
Canberra Croatia were defeated in the 2021 Charity Shield and are looking to go one better this year. Both clubs are gearing up to start their NPL Women’s campaign, so it is guaranteed to be a strong showing from both sides.
As for the Mens, Tigers FC are coming off a 2021 NPL title against opposing side Monaro Panthers in what will be an entertaining affair.
Make sure you head down to support a great charity!
Women: Canberra Croatia v West Canberra Wanderers, 4 P.M. Saturday 5 March
Men: Tigers FC v Monaro Panthers, 6.30 P.M. Saturday 5 March
Where: Gungahlin Enclosed Oval
Cost: FREE (Donations welcomed)
Food and drink
Looking for some date night activities this weekend? Wanting to take Grandma somewhere special?
Here’s a few of the top food and drink events happening this weekend.
High Jinks Interactive Cocktail Class
Interested in learning how to create your own fancy cocktails? High Jinks has got the class for you.
In their interactive class, for $65 pp you can learn how to make the perfect cocktail while enjoying a delicious antipasto to share for 2, complimentary drink and a fun and educational lesson which will make you consider a mixology career.
Taking place at the High Jinks bar in the city, the evening promises to be a good time.
So get your tickets soon and enjoy some of the best cocktails Canberra has to offer.
Sky High Tea at QT
If you’re looking for a gentle but fancy food experience, look no further than the Sky High Tea at QT.
Hosted throughout the months of Febuary and March, the executive chef Michael Box and his team create a culinary experience like no other, full of delectable treats.
$70 per adult may seem expensive, but the event promises a full range of savoury and sweet treats, including a welcome beverage and a spectacular view out of the QT Lounge.
With 2 sessions each Saturday, at 11:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M., you can pick your time and enjoy your feast.
This experience won’t be around for long, so grab your tickets now and enjoy the taste sensation.
Canberra Times Night Noodle Market
Love Asian cuisine? The Canberra Times Night Noodle Markets take your favourite Asian dishes to a whole new level.
With the event wrapping on Sunday, this is the last weekend for you, your friends and even your dog to get to the Noodle Markets and enjoy some tasty Asian dishes in a cool outdoor environment.
Located at the Parkes Place Lawns, the Noodle Markets is the place to be this weekend to enjoy an incredible variety of noodles, bao and more!
Friday: 5 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.
Saturday: 4 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.
Sunday: 4 P.M. – 9 P.M.
The Pop Inn
Need an excuse to wind down on after a long week of work? The Pop Inn has you covered this weekend.
From Friday until Sunday the Pop Inn is catering an outdoor picnic environment with a pop-up wine bar. Collect your friends, enjoy some wine, cheeseboards, and platters to completely restore yourself whilst watching the sun set.
This weekend, you can find the Pop Inn at Bowen Park and enjoy the beautiful lake view that’s on offer.
For the kids
What is the first thing you think of when you hear the name Canberra? Politicians … roundabouts … more roundabouts? Despite an abundance of politicians and roundabouts, this weekend, there’s a multitude of activities across Canberra to keep the kids entertained and parents away from the politicians … maybe.
Goulburn Show
Just an hour’s drive north of Canberra, The Goulburn Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society hosts the annual Goulburn Show. The annual Goulburn Show has a rich history spanning over 100 years, with the first-ever recorded Goulburn Show in 1846. Over the decades, the Goulburn Show has evolved with society and today is one of the most significant community events in the Goulburn area.
The Goulburn Show has something for everyone with an extensive list of activities included in the ticket price, from K9 Ninja Dogs, chainsaw sculptors, animal exhibits and bonsai demonstrations to pavilion exhibits and more.
Oh, and of course, there will be all the show favourites like show bags, sideshow alley, carnival rides, food stalls, helicopter rides and a variety of trade and market stalls to tempt even the most tight-fisted of people.
The 2022 Goulbourn Show, running Saturday and Sunday, is a must-see this weekend. Mums can enjoy a hot cuppa in the CWA Tearoom with a side of famous scones topped with jam and cream whilst the dads check out the car display and the children exhaust their energy on the exhilarating rides available.
Tickets are available online via The Goulburn Show website or available on the day at the gate.
Questacon
The National Science and Technology Centre – more commonly known as Questacon is an iconic Canberra weekend activity for the whole family.
Questacon began as an Australian National University project in 1980. Initially located in an unused space at Canberra’s Ainslie Primary School, the project showcased just 15 exhibits and was run entirely by volunteers.
Today Questacon is situated on the scenic shore of Lake Burley Griffin and is home to over 200 interactive exhibits. With over 500,000 visitors each year, Questacon is one of Canberra’s most popular locations.
Questacon offers a fun, hands-on opportunity for children of all ages to become immersed in the wild and wacky world of science. Step inside the earthquake house and experience the repercussions of sudden faults within the earth, explore the galaxy and discover Australia’s journey into space, express your creativity and challenge innovation in The Shed gallery.
The Q Room is the perfect place for the tiny tots to explore, observe, and refine fundamental development skills. The Q Room is a safe space for your baby, toddler or preschooler to release their inner scientist.
Questacon’s brilliant scientists host regular educational shows that encourage audience interactions that the whole family will enjoy, yes even mum and dad.
So if you are contemplating what to do with the family this weekend, Questacon provides educational entertainment for children and adults of all ages.
Ticket bookings are essential. For more information or to purchase your tickets and discover the wonders of science, head to the Questacon website.
Canberra Walk-In Aviary
The Canberra Walk-in Aviary makes our list of great fun for the whole family this weekend. With 1000 square meters of privately owned property, free-flying birds can be observed, photographed, and fed throughout the luxurious green trees.
With approximately 500 birds representing over 60 different species from our very own country and worldwide, there is always plenty to see and feed in this activity.
The aviary is open every day from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., with children under the age of 4 gaining free admission.
The entry includes a small plate of food and a small tub of mealworms which invites the birds to come and take the food from you. Some may even rest on you as they enjoy their meal.
Just a short drive from the city and surrounded by delicious cafes, quaint shops and beautiful scenery, the Canberra Walk In Aviary is a great place to entertain the family this weekend.
Canberra Aqua Park
Are you hanging onto summer before the wrath of Canberra’s winter arrives? If so, the Canberra Aqua Park has you sorted! The aqua park is a sure-fire way to keep your kids entertained with 50-minute sessions on the water inflatables, stand up paddleboards and pillows to launch through the sky.
With ramps to climb back up onto the fun, the Aqua Park stretches over 1,400 square meters and is anchored to the bottom of the lake, ensuring maximum safety and is proven to exhaust the kidlets for the drive home.
When you get thirsty from the consistent fun, not to worry, the Canberra Aqua Park has you covered with an array of slushies, milkshakes, and ice cream. Wanna add some oomph to your drink? Not a worry, just turn your slushie into a slushie spider, or if slushies don’t do it for you either, there is always the oldie but goodie soft drink spider.
Located in the heart of Canberra on Lake Burley Griffin, the Canberra Aqua Park is fun for all ages this weekend, with tickets available at the link below.
Kingpin
The pinnacle of entertainment for children this weekend is in the heart of Canberra City, King Pin. With fully licenced escape rooms, karaoke rooms, table tennis tables, ten pin bowling, movie screens, and so much more, children will find it impossible not to have fun. Located on Level 1 near Rebel Sport, you can be prepared to be blown away to a world of adventure and wonder. Kingpin Canberra also offers over 100 arcade games where kids will be lost for words with the number of games on offer.
Yarralumla Play Station
The Yarralumla Play Station, home to the Weston Park Miniature Railway, Lake Walter Miniature Golf courses and Mini Farm Friends, is an iconic business that has been operating in Canberra since 1973.
This historic play station is the perfect spot to spend the day with your family. So whether you want to have a picnic, play golf or just have a peaceful day, Yarralumla play station is the perfect place for you and the kids this weekend.