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

There’s a whole lot to get excited for in Canberra this week, with exhibitions, sport, live music, stand-up shows, markets and more.

A new exhibition launching at the Belconnen Arts Centre dives into the strange world of Australia’s various subcultures, exploring them through a variety of media.

Basketball is back on the menu this week as the UC Capitals go head-to-head with Adelaide Lightning.

The Street Theatre hosts the Canberra Tango Quintet as they explore the life and work of musical legend Astor Piazzolla in a unique, immersive experience.

All this and much more across the capital this week.

Multiple Days

Subcultures – Exhibition at the Belconnen Arts Centre

When: 5 December to 11 December, during normal gallery hours
Where: West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen
Cost: Free.

Subcultures is a new, exciting exhibition from Red Saunders shining a light on the alternative identities, communities, groups and modes of expression that make up the world outside the mainstream.

A unique look at the mini-cultures on the margins, Subcultures explores punks, goths, skaters, and street artists, with creators from across the country celebrating the creativity and innovation that come with alternative lifestyles.

Everything from painting to illustration, photography and collage will be present in this exhibition, providing insights into the fashion, music, politics and ways of life that make up subcultural identities.

Opening night is on 5 December at 6 pm.

Everyday Legacy Craft Distillery Gin Guided Tasting and SpiritsCBR Launch

When: 5 December to 7 December, various times
Where: Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Barrine Dr, Parkes
Cost: Ticket prices vary | Check website for more information.

Celebrate the launch of SpiritsCBR with a unique three-day schedule of fun events combining art, craft and spirit tastings. There will be hands-on artistic workshops, pottery workshops, embroidery classes, and guided tastings where amateur tasters will try some of the exciting new spirits from Everyday Legacy Craft Distillery and discover the process behind making the drinks themselves.

This is a great way to gain insight into how your spirits are made and to celebrate the launch of a fresh face in the Canberra food and wine scene.

Friday

Christmas Party Race Days at Thoroughbred Park

When: 5 December, 1 pm
Where: Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham
Cost: General admission is free | Packages are available for purchase | More information online.

Celebrate the end of the year at Thoroughbred Park’s Christmas Party race days.

With plenty of packages to choose from and options to suit just about any workplace, there’s something for everyone.

But be quick. Packages are selling fast.

John Bishop – 25 Years of Stand Up

When: 5 December, 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Tickets $89.90 to $99.90 | Book online.

Comedy superstar John Bishop is set to return to Australia & New Zealand with his new show “John Bishop: 25 Years Of Stand Up”, to celebrate his incredible 25-year career.

John has achieved huge success with a number of his own comedy, entertainment and documentary TV shows including: ‘John Bishop’s Australia’, ‘John Bishop’s Britain’; ‘John Bishop’s Only Joking’; ‘The John Bishop Show’ (BBC1); ‘The John Bishop Christmas Show’ and ‘John Bishop’s Gorilla Adventure’, ‘John Bishop’s Ireland’ and four series of the critically acclaimed ‘John Bishop: In Conversation With…’ which saw him chatting one to one with some of the biggest names in entertainment, music and sport. Other TV credits include two series of ’The John Bishop Show’, ‘Doctor Who’ and the documentary John & Joe Bishop: Life After Deaf.

Last year, John starred in the UK & Ireland tour of Mother Goose with Ian McKellen, which included a hugely successful run in London’s West End.

Saturday

Cockington Green Gardens Train Launch

When: 6 December, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Cockington Green Gardens, 11 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls
Cost: Tickets from $15.50 to $25 | Book online.

Cockington Green Gardens is celebrating the launch of their new miniature steam engine, with plenty of activities and fun across the day to keep families, especially kids, entertained.

Activities will have a Christmas theme, with balloon twisting, roving entertainment, plenty of festive music and a visit from Santa himself. All proceeds from train ticket sales on the day will go to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.

Canberra Antiques Summer Market Day

When: 6 December, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: The Auction Barn, 10 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick
Cost: Free.

Head to the Auction Barn this Saturday for their Summer Market Day, promising unique treasures, precious antiques and strange finds waiting to be uncovered.

Explore a curated selection of antique, vintage, and retro goods, ideal for collectors, enthusiasts, browsers, or anyone who appreciates a low-waste, high-quality way of living. There will be a coffee cart on site so you can have a brew while you browse the aisles.

Don’t miss out on this chance to find some unique items for your home or as a gift for Christmas.

Canberra Tango Quintet: Echoes of Piazzolla

When: 6 December, 7:30 pm
Where: The Street Theatre, 15 Childers St, City West
Cost: Tickets from $39 to $45 | Book online.

This unique musical experience combines the music of Astor Piazzolla with archival footage of his life, creating an immersive journey enveloping the audience in the life of a renowned musical artist.

Tracing his life’s story from childhood in New York to performances in Buenos Aires and Paris, this concert will offer a unique insight into the life, times and talent of a master composer who revolutionised tango and classical music.

The Canberra Tango Quintet is an Australian-Argentinian-Uruguayan ensemble featuring violin, bandoneon, electric guitar, piano, and double bass.

Sunday

Hartley Hall Markets

When: 7 December, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Hall Showgrounds, Gladstone St, Hall
Cost: Gold coin donation on entry.

The Hartley Hall Markets, organised by Hartley Lifecare, are one of Australia’s largest home-made and home-grown goods markets.

Held on the first Sunday of the month, the Hartley Hall Markets are open from 9 am to 2 pm. You will find stalls offering a variety of products, including food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts and more.

Stroll among the trees, stay for lunch and enjoy the fresh air, live entertainment and children’s activities.

This family- and dog-friendly market is proudly organised and operated by Hartley Lifecare to assist people with disability in living their best lives.

Monday

Senior Christmas Luncheon at Southern Cross Club Woden

When: 8 December, 12 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna St, Phillip
Cost: Tickets are $20 | Book online.

Seniors are invited to a special two-course Christmas-themed luncheon. You’ll enjoy a duo of roast turkey breast and honey-baked leg ham, and finish with a traditional Christmas pudding for dessert.

You can also enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas, so why not start the festivities early this year?

Tuesday

Round 8: UC Capitals v Adelaide Lightning

When: 9 December, 7 pm
Where: AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier St, Bruce
Cost: Tickets from $30 to $40 | Book online.

Coming off a road game in Geelong, the UC Capitals kick off a home-heavy December schedule with a matchup against the Adelaide Lightning.

It’ll be the second game of the season against the Lightning and will be the visitors’ only trip to Canberra.

Our Capitals will try to keep the buckets coming as they protect homecourt.

Upcoming events

• Hansel & Gretel – National Opera Canberra – 12 December.
• Christmas in the Park – 13 December.
• UC Capitals v Geelong Venom – 20 December.
• Christmas Gala Feast at the Yacht Club – 25 December.

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