Canberra Events calendar September — November 2013
FOUR BEAUTIFUL SEASONS TWELVE FANTASTIC MONTHS ONE VERY BIG YEAR
Brilliant blue skies and a city awash with spring blooms provide the perfect backdrop for your spring getaway in
Spring must dos
the nation’s capital.
DISCOVER AUSTRALIA’S STORIES
FLORIADE NIGHTFEST LIGHTS UP THE CITY
Canberra’s attractions are repositories of Australia’s diverse stories. Step back in time to Australia 100 years ago at the National Museum of Australia’s Glorious Days: Australia 1913 (closes 13 October) and also see vibrant paintings of the Western Desert community at the Warakurna: All the stories got into our minds and eyes exhibition (until 3 November). Be moved by the stories of Afghanistan veterans and their families at the Australian War Memorial exhibition Afghanistan: The Australian story. See our country’s emerging artists’ take on portraiture at the National Portrait Gallery’s Macquarie Digital Portraiture Award. visitcanberra.com.au
The moonlit extravaganza Floriade NightFest (25 to 29 September) will feature stellar light shows, live music, comedy and DJs. Highlights include circus acts, light shows and live music at new venue, the Electric Theatre. Comedians Felicity Ward, Matt Okine, Cal Wilson, Justin Hamilton and Tommy Dean will star at comedy and DJ venue the Moonlight Lounge and the Inspiration Hub will be the venue for glamorous Canberra Centre runway fashion shows. If cooking is more your style, head to the Gourmet Garden to see chefs making indulgent sweet treats. Tickets available from ticketek.com.au
SPIN INTO SOME QUIRKY EVENTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES BEAUTIFUL INNOVATION Commonwealth Park is the hub for the sights, tastes and sounds of spring as Floriade celebrates Canberra’s centenary (14 September to 13 October) with the theme Beautiful Innovation. Stunning garden beds, horticultural workshops, engaging demonstrations and children’s entertainment return with some star power courtesy of celebrity chefs (Julie Goodwin, Simon Bryant, Janelle Bloom, Poh Ling Yeow, Shane Delia, Meredith Kirton), horticulturalists (Costa Georgiadis), designers (Emma Elizabeth) and science geeks (Dr Karl Kruszelnicki) appearing over four themed weeks. floriadeaustralia.com Image: Floriade
Throughout October Canberra is celebrating all things on wheels and everything that spins with SPIN: Canberra’s Weekends on Wheels. Highlights include the Museum of the Long Weekend (18–20 October) which sees 40 vintage caravans converge on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Fifteen of the vans will be curated with artists’ installations and turned into mini museums. Other events include SPIN Saturday (19 October) at 255 Canberra Ave Fyshwick, a day of performances, installations and artworks that are car themed or created from cars. The day culminates in a performance by the Petrolsexuals, a one off gig featuring Mark Seymour of Hunters and Collectors, performing songs that are odes to the car. canberra100.com.au/programs/spin-/
TAKE A WALK AMONG THE TREES
NATIONAL LIBRARY MAPS OUR WORLD
Take a self-guided walking tour of the National Arboretum Canberra to learn about the 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world. There are more than 48,000 trees including the largest cultivated collection of living Wollemi pines in the world. Hire a sound pen and grab a map from the Village Shop — walks range from 20 minutes to an hour. Learn more about the Arboretum’s role in building up seed banks for the future, enjoy a bite to eat at the cafe with fabulous views of the city and let the kids run wild on the Pod Playground. nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
It’s a once in a lifetime experience and on display at the National Library of Australia from 7 November to 9 March 2014. The exhibition, Mapping our World: Terra Incognita to Australia, coincides with Canberra’s Centenary, bringing 85 maps, atlases, globes and scientific instruments together from famous libraries around the world including the Vatican and British Library. nla.gov.au
EXTREME MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION Ride the Stromlo Forest Park track that the world’s best mountain bikers have conquered. During October, Stromlo is the place to be with both the SCOTT Australian 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships (5-6 October) and the WEMBO World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships (12–13 October) taking place. When major events are not held, you can ride the 60km of trails or take your kids on the criterium circuit or running track, all part of this multi-sport venue. stromloforestpark.com.au
HOME MADE AND HOME GROWN You can go green, retro and sparkle with bling after visiting Canberra’s weekend markets this spring. Each Sunday you’ll find food, art, craft, clothing, jewellery and more at the ever popular Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston. Hip homemakers should head to the Handmade Market at the National Convention Centre from 5-6 October. obdm.com.au, handmademarket.com.au.
SIP COOL CLIMATE WINES There’s no better time than spring to sample the best of the Canberra district’s wine. Visit the Murrumbateman Moving Feast (5–6 October), a roving degustation of meals matched with local wine. Riesling lovers can taste the best of local, Australian and international drops at the public tasting day of the Canberra International Riesling Challenge (12 October). For the full Canberra District wine experience look no further than the Wine, Roses and all that Jazz annual festival (2–3 November). canberrawines.com.au
BANISH SCHOOL HOLIDAY BOREDOM The school holidays are a fantastic time to explore the capital’s attractions with programs designed to entertain and stimulate young minds. From testing your sporting skills at the Australian Institute of Sport to art, craft and dress ups at multiple venues, you’ll find plenty to do. visitcanberra.com.au
Left to right, top row: Pod Playground, National Arboretum Canberra, Stromlo Forest Park, Two Before Ten; bottom row: Greg Gallagher, winemaker, Gallagher Wines, Old Bus Depot Markets, Australian Institute of Sport
What’s on
Throughout Spring NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA ROY LICHTENSTEIN: POP REMIX See slick, intelligent and humorous remixes with romance and war comics, brushstrokes and nude women among his best known pop prints. nga.gov.au
02 6240 6411
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA TREASURES GALLERY Browse new additions including James Northfield’s tourism poster when you come face to face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s best known stories. nla.gov.au
02 6262 1111
QUESTACON — THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE DEEP OCEANS Take the kids to see amazing glow-in-the-dark sea creatures, escape the jaws of an anglerfish and much more.
Roy Lichtenstein Nude With Blue Hair (detail), 1994, Nga
questacon.edu.au
02 6270 2800
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL AFGHANISTAN: THE AUSTRALIAN STORY Discover the extraordinary efforts of Australians in Afghanistan through the words of our veterans and their families. awm.gov.au
02 6243 4211
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE ART IS A WEAPON Encounter the Eureka Rebellion when, amid propaganda for and against communism, artists used the Southern Cross flag of the Eureka Stockade to plead their cause. BEHIND THE LINES 2012 Look back on the controversies, crises and sometimes unintentional comedy of the 2012 political year through the eyes of Australia’s best cartoonists. moadoph.gov.au 02 6270 8222
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) Delta leaves on patrol from Patrol Base Razaq (detail), Photo Gary Ramage, AWM
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS AFTERDARK: BUSH TUCKER TOURS Take the kids on the AfterDARK bush tucker night time tour on the first Saturday of each month during spring (bookings essential). anbg.gov.au/gardens
02 6250 9540
NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE TEGAN THE VEGAN Kids of all ages will love seeing the sets, models and posters from the clay animation film based on filmmaker Marisa Martin’s memories of growing up as a vegetarian. See the film which features the voices of Noni Hazlehurst and Paul McDermott.
Until 29 September
Until 12 September
Tegan the vegan, NFSA
Until 8 September
nfsa.gov.au
Arthur Boyd, Hanging Rocks With Bathers And Mars (detail), C1985, Bundanon Trust Collection, MOAD
02 6248 2000
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA TURNER FROM THE TATE: THE MAKING OF A MASTER See Turner’s landscapes and atmospheric and light-filled seascapes. Browse the London Tate’s famous Turner artworks including 45 oil paintings complemented by 70 works on paper, from sketches to watercolours. nga.gov.au
02 6240 6411
CANBERRA GLASSWORKS RANAMOK GLASS PRIZE Browse this exhibition showing creativity, skill and innovation in contemporary glass and learn about glassmaking, tour the boiler room and see molten glass in the hotshop. canberraglassworks.com
02 6260 7005
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE ARTHUR BOYD: AN ACTIVE WITNESS Explore more than 60 works by one of Australia’s greatest artists – Arthur Boyd. Reflect on the social and political consciousness that influenced his art, from the madness of war to landscapes experienced and remembered. moadoph.gov.au
02 6270 8222
Until 7 October Until 13 October Until 14 October Until 24 November
Deep Oceans, Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre
Until 20 November
Until 3 November
Until 3 November
City of Trees, Jyll Bradley, Nla
National Library of Australia CITY OF TREES Hear sound pieces and see photographic light box works and drawings by Jyll Bradley at this installation celebrating the urban forest of Canberra. nla.gov.au
02 6262 1111
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA GLORIOUS DAYS: AUSTRALIA 1913 Step back in time to a young and hopeful nation. Immerse yourself in the fashion, cars, designs and ideas that expressed our dreams before the world changed forever. nma.gov.au
02 6208 5000
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT SHILLING’S YEAR - A COIN’S EYE VIEW OF THE YEAR 1913 Join Shilling’s adventures in 1913 when she meets ordinary and extraordinary Australians, buys things both familiar and unusual, and witnesses some significant events in Australia’s history. ramint.gov.au
02 6202 6999
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA WARAKURNA: ALL THE STORIES GOT INTO OUR MINDS AND EYES Discover the new art movement emerging from the Western Desert community of Warakurna which uses a figurative style showing everyday life and people. nma.gov.au
02 6208 5000
Canberra Museum and Gallery A CANBERRA ODYSSEY Explore scenarios of how Canberra might be in 2113 — our bicentennial year. See reflections on time, place and identity through the interplay of art, science and historical material. museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au
02 6207 3968
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL SALUTE: CANBERRA’S MILITARY HERITAGE Discover the contribution of Australian military forces to the development of Canberra’s landscape and life. awm.gov.au
02 6243 4211
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY RICHARD AVEDON: PEOPLE See the original and groundbreaking artistic work of the great American photographer in this rare and intimate look at his most iconic portraits. portrait.gov.au
02 6102 7000
5 September 10 November
September
14 September – 13 October
13 September
7 September
Nellie Donegan, rollerskater, 1913, NMA
A night at the Museum, Photography Damian McDonald, Nma
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY MACQUARIE DIGITAL PORTRAITURE AWARD Browse the finalists’ screen-based portraits in an annual event intended to extend traditional notions of portraiture. portrait.gov.au
02 6102 7000
Stromlo Forest Park SHIMANO MTB Grand Prix Don’t miss Australia’s best mountain bike endurance racers compete for four or seven hours. They’ll explore some of the best mountain bike trails in Australia. corc24hour.com.au
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SUPERSTITION Why do superstitions still exist in the digital age? Challenge your superstitions in an evening of fun, music and hands on entertainment as the National Museum opens its doors after hours (over–18s only). nma.gov.au
02 6208 5000
SUTTON NSW TULIP TOP GARDENS Just 15 minutes from Canberra is a hidden valley with a 10 acre garden of tulips, daffodils, blossom trees and other spring flowers. tuliptopgardens.com.au
02 6230 3077
September continued
floriadeaustralia.com
1300 554 114
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL Annexe, MITCHELL BIG THINGS IN STORE Once a year, Treloar Technology Centre opens its doors to the public to reveal Australia’s national treasures and vast array of aircraft, rockets, tanks and artillery used by or against Australians in war for over a century.
18 September – 14 November
02 6243 4211
20 September – 10 November
awm.gov.au
NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA WATERHOUSE NATURAL SCIENCE ART PRIZE Celebrate the beauty of our natural world with artworks in various media of objects, paintings and works on paper, with bursts of colour that will impress.
27 September – 3 November
25–29 September
Floriade NightFest
Commonwealth Park, Parkes Floriade Floriade, Australia’s celebration of spring, transforms Commonwealth Park into a tapestry of colour. Over a million colourful bulbs and annuals bloom on cue, creating a vibrant display unrivalled by any other event of its kind. Enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, food, craft and much more.
CANBERRA GLASSWORKS ANTARCTICA: EMMA VARGA Browse works capturing the beauty of Antarctica’s wild environment in cast and assembled works in glass.
22 September
Big Things in Store AWM
15 September
14 September – 13 October
What’s on
canberraglassworks.com
naa.gov.au
02 6260 7005
02 6212 3600
KOWEN FOREST THE KOWALSKI CLAsSIC Be challenged on a single track bike marathon like no other. Find your flow on the Bird and the Kow. selfpropelled.com.au/event/kowalski-classic/the-race/
Commonwealth Park, Parkes Floriade NightFest Experience Floriade as it comes magically to life at night with spectacular lighting, live entertainment, bustling night markets and illuminated flower beds. Enjoy a drink from the night bars or grab a bite to eat. floriadeaustralia.com
1300 554 114
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA WILLIAM KENTRIDGE: DRAWN FROM AFRICA Working in the tradition of William Hogarth and Honoré Daumier, Kentridge explores society in a subtle way through drawing, film and printmaking. nga.gov.au
02 6240 6411
October
5–6 October
5–27 October
5–6 October
Murrumbateman Moving Feast
Stromlo Forest Park
Various venues Murrumbateman Moving Feast Tantalise your tastebuds with exceptional wines matched with gourmet delights. Indulge at cafes, wineries and B&Bs. murrumbateman.org.au/moving_feast
02 6227 5921
Various venues SPIN: Canberra’s weekends on wheels Come to a wild celebration of anything and everything that spins. From bicycles to caravans, wheelchairs, rollerblades, skateboards to spinning wheels, potters’ wheels, CDs and much more. canberra100.com.au/programs/spin-/
Stromlo Forest Park SCOTT Australian 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships See the adrenaline pumping as riders of all skill levels participate in the best 24 hour race in the country. corc24hour.com.au
12–13 October 12 October 22 October – 11 March 30 October – 10 November
26 October
Canberra Nara Candle Festival
7 November – 10 March 2014 11 November 23 November
20 November – 5 January
Dutch Bellarmine jug c 1650, NLA
Remembrance Day, Australian War Memorial
corc24hour.com.au
Albert Hall Canberra International Riesling Challenge Public Tasting Discover why Riesling is one of the world’s favourite grapes with good vintages both in Australia and overseas this year. rieslingchallenge.com
02 6290 1505
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE INSURGENCE See thought-provoking works from the proppaNOW Indigenous artist’s collective and connect with their personal stories, experiences and protest for change. moadoph.gov.au
02 6270 8222
Canberra Nara Peace Park Canberra Nara Candle Festival See a spectacular display of candles and lanterns in the beautifully landscaped gardens at sunset, and enjoy a cultural exchange with Japanese entertainment, activities and food. events.act.gov.au
13 22 81
Dendy Cinema Canberra and Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive Canberra International Film Festival Don’t miss this special season of international art house films and a showcase of the Australian film industry. canberrafilmfestival.com.au
02 6230 5211
November 2–3 November
Wine, Roses and all that Jazz
Stromlo Forest Park WEMBO World Solo 24 hour Mountain Bike Championships Catch the action and intense competition when the world’s top riders compete. The world’s largest 24 hour mountain bike race gives riders of all skill levels the chance to participate in a competitive and fun environment. Competitors take on individuals, the terrain and the clock to complete the most laps in 24 hours.
Various venues Wine, Roses and all that Jazz Celebrate the art of the grape by visiting capital region wineries. Sample award-winning reds and whites, indulge in gourmet food, relax to live music in the vineyards, take a wine tour and meet Canberra’s passionate vignerons. canberrawines.com.au
1300 554 114
National Library of Australia Mapping our World: Terra Incognita to Australia See 85 spectacular maps, atlases, globes and scientific instruments drawn from Australia, the Vatican Library, the British Library and the Bibliothèque nationale de France. nla.gov.au
02 6262 1111
Australian War Memorial Remembrance Day at the Australian War Memorial Share a minute’s silence at 11.00am to remember the sacrifice of those men and women who have died or suffered in wars and conflicts and all those who have served during the past 100 years. awm.gov.au
02 6243 4211
CANBERRA GLASSWORKS TREASURES Admire exquisite jewellery and small objects including works by some of Australia’s leading designers. This is a cash and carry show so you can buy and take it home. canberraglassworks.com
02 6260 7005
NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA VOICES IN THE FOREST Yvonne Kenny, Emma Matthews and Rosario La Spina will perform operatic arias, pop and Broadway songs at the amphitheatre to celebrate Canberra’s Centenary. voicesintheforest.com.au
02 6275 2700
What’s on
Markets
Old Bus Depot Markets (10am–4pm) 15 September 13 October 10 November
Kingston Green Savvy Sunday Retro Depot in October The Jewel of Canberra
5–6 October
Handmade Market (10am–4pm)
National Convention Centre Canberra
Saturdays
Capital Region Farmers Market (7.30–11.30am)
Exhibition Park in Canberra
1st Sunday
Hall Markets (10am–3pm)
Hall
3rd Sunday
Bungendore Markets (10am–4pm)
Bungendore
4th Saturday
Braidwood Markets (8am–2pm)
Braidwood
8 September
Canberra Raiders vs Sharks
Canberra Stadium
7 September
SHIMANO MTB Grand Prix
Stromlo Forest Park
27 September
ACTTAB Tony Campbell Memorial Race Day
Thoroughbred Park
5 October
Canberra Capitals vs Sydney University
Australian Institute of Sport
5–6 October
SCOTT Australian 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships
Stromlo Forest Park
12–13 October
WEMBO World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships
Stromlo Forest Park
13 October
International Netball Australia V New Zealand
Australian Institute of Sport
19 October
Canberra Capitals vs Bendigo, Victoria
Australian Institute of Sport
25 October
Canberra Capitals vs Adelaide, SA
Australian Institute of Sport
2 November
Canberra Capitals vs Dandenong, Victoria
Australian Institute of Sport
5 November
ACTTAB Melbourne Cup Race Day
Thoroughbred Park
Sundays Special themes
Old Bus Depot Markets
Shop Handmade
Sport
Theatre and music
Canberra Capitals, photo John Preller
Canberra and Region Visitors Centre 330 Northbourne Avenue Dickson ACT 2602 Open 9am–5pm weekdays 9am–4pm weekends/public holidays Closed Christmas Day
For information, accommodation deals and bookings:
1300 554 114
3–8 September
Stomp 13
Royal Theatre
12 September
Rhythm of the Dance
The Playhouse
12–14 September
Sydney Dance Company & Australian Chamber Orchestra: Project Rameau
Canberra Theatre
13 September
Marina Prior: The encore tour
The Playhouse
17–19 September
A festival of Russian Ballet
The Playhouse
26–29 September
Tim Winton: Shrine
The Playhouse
2–5 October
Noel Coward: Brief encounter
Canberra Theatre
10 October
Mental as Anything
Casino Canberra
11 October
Swan Lake: The Russian National Ballet Theatre
Canberra Theatre
12 October
The nutcracker: The Russian National Ballet Theatre
Canberra Theatre
19 October
Australian Chamber Orchestra Brahms 4 and Steven Isserlis
Llewellyn Hall, ANU
26 October
TaikOz: Crimson sky
Canberra Theatre
30–31 October
Carmina Burana
Llewellyn Hall, ANU
7 November
Anh Do: The happiest refugee live!
The Playhouse
8 November
Salt N Pepa
Canberra Theatre
15–17 November
Canberra Country Music Festival
Hall Polocrosse Grounds
16 November
Harrison Craig: More than a dream tour
Canberra Theatre
16 November
Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Llewellyn Hall, ANU
19 November
An evening with Hoges
Canberra Theatre
Every effort has been made to ensure that information is current and correct at time of printing.