Classical comes to Canberra in a big way during the Canberra International Music Festival. Photo: Canberra International Music Festival.
Easter is over and while it’s tempting to lament the four-day weekend behind us, there’s heaps to get excited for in the next few days as we gear up for another long weekend. There are special documentary screenings, classical music performances, plays, footy double-ups, and Anzac Day commemorations across the capital and beyond.
Multiple Days
Catch the ACT Brumbies and Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium on 26 and 27 April. Image: Ticketek.
ACT Brumbies & Canberra Raiders – Two For One
When: 26 April, 7:35 pm and 27 April, 2 pm
Where: GIO Stadium
Cost: Tickets start at $30 and are available via Ticketek.
This Anzac weekend, get ready for the ultimate Canberra sports experience with this footy long weekend event.
On Saturday, catch the action as the Brumbies take on the Hurricanes in a thrilling Super Rugby Pacific showdown at GIO Stadium. Then, on Sunday, head back to the stadium for the Raiders vs Dolphins NRL clash.
With this special 2-for-1 event deal, you get access to both games for the price of one. Immerse yourself in the excitement of world-class rugby and league. This exclusive pass offers unbeatable value for sports lovers and families alike.
Enjoy nature on another level with Nature Journaling. Photo: NatureArt Lab.
Nature Journaling at the Canberra Heritage Festival
When: 26 April and 27 April, 10 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Aranda Bushland, Bindubi Street, Aranda
Cost: All tickets $75.
Have you ever looked at the natural beauty in Canberra and wished you could capture it and make it a part of something you can cherish forever? This event is all about capturing the beauty of flora on paper, allowing nature lovers, bushwalkers, and everyone in between to create lasting memories with paper and pencil.
A great mental health tool as well as an artistic endeavour, nature journaling is all about appreciating the world around us while expanding our own abilities. An art diary and ink pen are provided, but visitors must bring graphite pencils and colour pencils or watercolours.
Artists continue to create during violent times in Porcelain War. Image: NFSA.
This week at the NFSA
When: 26 April to 1 May, various times
Where: Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Prices vary depending on the event.
The NFSA has heaps of things to do in the coming week, with Q&As, doco screenings, dramas and coming-of-age films.
On Saturday, a special screening of 2024’s Porcelain War, followed by a Q&A with producer Camille Mazzaferro, will showcase Ukrainian artists’ methods for documenting their own stories in the face of invasion and war. Receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature and winning the Sundance Grand Jury Prize for Documentary, this is an important film that showcases the intersection of art and national sovereignty.
Also on Saturday, Our Father follows two Chadian teenagers on a surreal mission to find their father in N’Djamena in a beautifully told story of love and grief.
Sweet Charity is on at The Q from 29 April to 18 May. Image: Free Rain Theatre Company.
Sweet Charity (Previews and opening night)
When: 29 April and 30 April (Previews), 1 May (Opening night) and then 2 to 18 May
Where: The Q, 253 Crawford St, Queanbeyan
Cost: Premium $70 | A Reserve $65 | B Reserve $60 | Tizzy Tuesdays $55 (29 April) | Book via The Q.
Sweet Charity follows the adventures of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopeful dance hall hostess looking for love and a better life. Despite disappointments in her romantic endeavours, Charity remains resilient and continues to search for her happily ever after. Sweet Charity touches on themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams.
With a score by Cy Coleman, book by Neil Simon, and original choreography by Bob Fosse, Charity’s adventurous journey towards love is marked by some of the best-loved songs (If My Friends Could See Me Now, There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This) and most iconic dance numbers (Big Spender, Rich Man’s Frug, Rhythm of Life) in Broadway history.
Classical music that tells a story at the CIMF. Photo: Sam Salvador, Jess Gleeson.
Canberra International Music Festival
When: 30 April to 4 May, various times
Where: Various locations, see website for more detail
Cost: Prices vary, see website for more information.
The Canberra International Music Festival is bringing a stacked program of classical and string performances to the capital, with heaps to get excited about. Classical music fans will rejoice at the range on offer from Soviet masters Shostakovich and Prokofiev, to the drama of German composer Schubert, as well as the exciting contemporary work of Australian composer Richard Mills in his new concerto.
Friday
Australia will stop and remember on Anzac Day. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Anzac Day commemorations
When: 25 April, various times, depending on events
Where: Multiple locations around Canberra and the surrounds
Cost: Free.
Australia’s most important day of commemoration and memory is on Friday, bringing together all Aussies to remember those who have perished, been wounded or been scarred in various conflicts, from the Boer War to the present. Many venues, pubs and clubs are taking part in the commemorations in addition to the official service at the War Memorial. Read Region Canberra’s main article about how to commemorate Anzac Day for more information.
Medical mayhem and mishaps on examination at the CTC. Photo: Canberra Theatre Centre.
Adam Kay – This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor
When: 25 April, 7 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Cct, Canberra
Cost: $49.90 – $69.90, plus transaction fee. Tickets available from Canberra Theatre Centre.
Adam Kay is bringing back his hit show by popular demand following an absolute sell-out tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2024.
This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor is a hilarious show about life on and off the hospital wards, from doctor-turned-BAFTA-winning comedian Adam Kay. Based on his multi-million-selling book of diaries, his shocking and continence-endangering live show has been seen by over 300,000 people, including 50 sell-out nights in the West End.
Sunday
Playful pups for bookworms. Photo: National Library of Australia.
Story Dogs on Sunday at the National Library
When: Last Sunday of each month from 2 pm to 3 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West
Cost: Free, but bookings are essential. Tickets are available through the National Library of Australia.
Join the National Library for a paw-sitive reading experience with the Story Dogs program.
Trained volunteers and their accredited dogs create a nurturing environment where children can practice reading aloud without fear of judgment. This unique program aims to make reading fun, helping children become confident, lifelong readers.
Young people aged 7 to 12 are invited to read to a friendly and attentive dog in a relaxed setting just outside the Bookshop in the Foyer.
Very small children (under 7) can meet the dogs and volunteers, but cannot participate directly in the reading sessions.
The Canberra Southern Cross Club offers high tea and treats accompanied by bottomless Prosecco. Photo: CSCC.
Bubbly & Bites in the Patio
When: Sunday, 27 April 2025 at 3:00 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna St, Phillip
Cost: $85 per person. Tickets and more info available via Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Join the Canberra Southern Cross Club for High Tea in The Patio with bottomless prosecco, traditional finger sandwiches, petite cakes, scones with fresh cream, and more.
Tuesday
Do you employ casuals? Join this Fireside Chat highlighting all you need to know. Image: Canberra Business Chamber.
Fireside Chat: All you need to know about employing casuals
When: Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 3 pm to 4 pm
Where: Via Zoom (link will be provided prior to the event)
Cost: Free.
Recent changes to industrial relations laws on casual employment are reshaping how businesses manage their workforce. Understanding these changes is crucial to maintaining compliance and ensuring the fair treatment of casual workers.
This webinar is essential for HR professionals, business leaders, and compliance officers seeking to navigate the evolving employment landscape.
Upcoming events:
- Sammy J – The Kangaroo Effect – 3 May
- Geocon Stair Chase 2025– 7 May.
Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly events guide.
