Things to do in Canberra this week (19 - 25 September)

Spring has sprung in Canberra, and there’s more than enough to keep everyone occupied across the next week, with a packed calendar of plays, live music, art and music festivals and more …

The University of Canberra is holding its open day this weekend, with a little something for everyone, whether you’re a young adult trying to find out more about their courses or you just want to come along and enjoy free doughnuts, jumping castles, food carts and live music.

Cézanne to Giacometti at the National Gallery is in its final days, while just over the border in Yass, the Irish and Celtic music festival celebrates the music, poetry and dance of the Emerald Isle, alongside Celtic markets, food and coffee. If you’re looking for a day trip, get out and about in the countryside this weekend.

All this and more in our weekly guide to the best to see, do and enjoy in the Canberra region.

Multiple Days

Peter/Wendy at the Mill Road Theatre

When: 19 and 20 September, 24 and 25 September
Where: Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Dairy Road, Building 3.3/1, Fyshwick
Cost: Tickets from $40 to $50 | Book online.

Peter/Wendy is a new, inventive and whimsical reimagining of the beloved classic Peter Pan from Ribix Productions.

One night, young Wendy Darling is drawn from her home by the mysterious Peter Pan, who whisks her away to the mythical Neverland, a bizarre place of lost boys, mermaids, shadowy creatures and the ever looming threat of Captain Hook.

Looking at the story through a new set of eyes, the story also focuses on Wendy’s mother, Mrs Darling, who must start her own adventure to bring her daughter home.

Cézanne to Giacometti – Exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia – Final Days

When: 19 September to 21 September, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes
Cost: Adult tickets $25 | Concession and student tickets $22 | Gallery member $20 | Child (0 – 17) Free. Bookings required.

Bringing together more than 80 works from the Museum Berggruen in Berlin and over 75 works from the NGA’s collection, this exhibition examines the moments in art history when European artists and their counterparts in Australia made contact and inspired each other.

Marking the first time such works will be seen in Australia, this celebration of the internationalism of art brings together the stories of Matisse, Cézanne and Picasso with Australians such as Russell Drysdale, Grace Cossington Smith, John Passmore and Dorrit Black.

For those looking to expand their knowledge of art or better understand Australia’s artistic place in the world, this is an unparalleled opportunity to see the joint story of how Europe and Australia changed art in perspective, colour, material and subject matter.

Don’t miss out on the final days of this major exhibition.

Trent Dalton’s Love Stories

When: 24 – 27 September
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Cct, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $78 to $129 plus transaction fee | Tickets available from Canberra Theatre Centre.

A father prepares himself for the day he lets go of his daughter’s hand. A young man breaks up with his girlfriend so they can both follow their dreams. A couple play nice in public to hide the fractures at home. A woman rebuilds herself along with a flood-devastated city. A working mum contemplates taking the photographs of her late husband down from the fridge. A grandmother dreams of seeing her grandson’s face. A renowned 100-year-old scientist ponders the one great earthly puzzle he was never able to solve: ‘What is love?’

Inspired by a personal moment of profound love and generosity, bestselling author and one of Australia’s finest journalists, Trent Dalton spent two months in 2021 gathering stories on his sky-blue 1960s Olivetti typewriter, on a prominent street corner in Brisbane’s CBD. Speaking to Australians from all walks of life, he asked them one simple thing: ‘Can you please tell me a love story?’

This week at the NFSA

When: 19 September to 25 September
Where: Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets from $12 to $16 | Book online.

The NFSA has a packed schedule of great films this week to keep you going, from Aussie classics to Japanese animated science fiction and neo-Western dramas.

On Friday, catch the much-loved Wim Wenders film Paris, Texas, about a man returning from the desert after going missing for four years. Travelling with his son, he starts a journey to find the boy’s mother.

While Saturday’s picture is the Aussie classic that spawned a thousand parodies, Crocodile Dundee is about … c’mon, we all know what it’s about! Relive this epic classic at the NFSA!

On Tuesday, the NFSA screens the 2006 film Paprika, a sci-fi cult classic blending imagination and reality, with psychedelic animation and stunning visuals.

Friday

Irish & Celtic Music Festival

When: 19 September, 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Comur Street, Yass NSW 2582
Cost: Free.

Join the Craic in Yass at the Irish and Celtic Music Festival. Set in a delightful rural valley, with a heritage rich in Irish and Celtic culture, a walkable area sets the scene in the centre of town for music, poetry, dance, Celtic markets and good CRAIC, in unique venues, many serving an excellent variety of food, great coffee and liquid refreshments to suit all.

Historical buildings will surround you, with beautiful parks to enjoy. There’s plenty of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Laminex Race Day at Thoroughbred Park

When: 19 September, 12 pm
Where: Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham
Cost: General admission is free, packages are available for purchase | Find out more.

Spring racing returns to Thoroughbred Park and the Acton Track.

A day at the races is more than getting out of the house in your finest finery; it’s an adrenaline-filled experience from start to finish. Whether you’re into horse racing or not, it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement of the day – and the thrill of seeing race horses pound the turf.

Food and beverages are available at the Thoroughbred Cafe, the Winning Post Bar and the Black Opal Room (Members).

Saturday

UC Open Day Fest

When: 20 September, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: University of Canberra, 11 Kirinari St, Bruce
Cost: Free | Register online.

Curious about studying at UC? Come check out the UC Open Day Festival, a vibrant, fun day all about learning and community.

The Open Day will feature hands-on showcases, sporting activities with the UC Capitals, Brumbies and Canberra United, as well as interactive centres such as the Mega Lab and the Politics and Government Hub.

Families won’t miss out either, as their kids zone has jumping castles, face painting, balloon artists and reptiles, while the older members of the family can enjoy the Adult Learning Hub and Drag Story Time. There will also be free doughnuts, food carts, a sausage sizzle and live music all day.

Floriade High Tea at Pavilion

When: 20 September, 12 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Pavilion on Northbourne
Cost: Tickets from $65 per person | Book now.

Pavilion on Northbourne’s popular high tea returns for an elegant Floriade-themed instalment this month! Relax among the lush greenery of the beautiful indoor atrium at Atrium Restaurant & Bar while indulging in finger sandwiches, fresh scones, irresistible sweets and two hours of free-flowing prosecco.

What’s included:

• Beautifully presented cake tower featuring a selection of mouthwatering desserts
• Freshly baked scones with cream and jam compote
• Finger sandwiches and brioche buns
• An array of T2 teas, coffee, and soft drinks

Set amongst the backdrop of Floriade in Canberra, it’s the perfect afternoon of delicious indulgence (we did mention the prosecco, didn’t we?)

Raiders v Sharks

When: 20 September, 7:50 pm
Where: GIO Stadium
Cost: Tickets from $29 per person | Book now.

Whether you’re new to the Raiders or you’ve been bleeding green for decades, we’re all on board for this one against the Sharks – it’s do or die, and Ricky’s boys will leave nothing in the tank. So get out to GIO and be part of the Raiders March to October!

If you

Saturday Salon: Neeman Piano Duo

When: 20 September, 1:30 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre 137 Reed Street North
Cost: Tickets from $32 per person | Book now.

Husband-and-wife team, the Neeman Duo, will perform at Tuggeranong Arts Centre on Saturday. The Neeman Piano Duo are acclaimed for their versatile programs that combine breathtaking piano technique with elegance, piano gymnastics and fun.

Specialising in works written especially for two pianists together at one piano, they have arranged over 15 works specifically for their ensemble.

Wednesday

A First Taste of The Grande on London

When: Wednesday 24 September from 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: The Grande Display Suite, 255 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601
Cost: Free. Registrations essential.

Come along to this special evening where luxury living meets local flavour. Be among the very first to tour the completed apartments and get a sneak peek at some of the resident amenities of The Grande, while gaining insight into the vision behind this iconic project.

To make the evening even more memorable, enjoy a guided wine tasting with Tallagandra Hill Wines, paired with exquisite catering from Midnight Bar. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience sophistication, connect with the team who brought The Grande to life, and see why this project is set to redefine city living.

Thursday

Anthony Marwood & James Crabb at Snow Concert Hall

When: 25 September, 7 pm
Where: Snow Concert Hall, 40 Monaro Cres, Red Hill
Cost: Tickets from $60 to $115 plus booking fee | Tickets available via Snow Concert Hall.

Accordion virtuoso James Crabb and British violinist Anthony Marwood bring a distinctive and engaging musical experience to the Snow Concert Hall.

Combining the lyrical qualities of the violin with the rich, versatile sounds of the accordion, this unique mega duo are a thrilling and unprecedented collaboration.

James Crabb brought audiences across the country to their feet when he performed music by Piazzolla with the ACO in 2022.

Now together with violinist Anthony Marwood, who regularly performs with leading orchestras around the world, this much-celebrated duo bring a thrilling and varied program on their Australian tour.

Upcoming events

• Pegasus Riding for the Disabled Community Open Day – 27 September
• Hops & Hooves is back, bigger and better than ever – 27 September
• The Unofficial Taylor – A Tribute to the Eras – 30 September
• Looking for Alibrandi – 3 October.

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