Things to do in Canberra this week (28 November - 4 December)

Christmas is in sight and the capital is warming up with plenty to see and do – and we’ve got the pick of the bunch here!

The Canberra Theatre Centre hosts Here You Come Again, a musical comedy celebration of the life, music and passionate energy of musical legend Dolly Parton. After selling out across the US and UK, it’s coming to Canberra for a handful of shows.

The Summer Handmade Markets are back at Exhibition Park, with plenty of handmade goodies to check out, from fashion to ceramics, children’s goods and, of course, the food and wine pavilion.

Round 7 of the basketball season is set to stun as the UC Capitals go head-to-head with the Perth Lynx.

All this and much more in our weekly guide to Canberra.

Multiple Days

Super Kaylene Whiskey – Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery

When: 28 November to 4 December, during normal gallery hours
Where: National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Tickets from $14 to $16 | Book online.

This exhibition showcases the works of one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, Yankunytjatjara woman Kaylene Whiskey. Whiskey’s art is dynamic, colourful and full of optimism, focusing on the strength and joy in First Nations life.

Across more than 80 paintings, video projects and installations from the genesis of her career to now, this exhibition covers the artist’s full oeuvre.

Combining everyday modern life with Aṉangu culture and icons of pop culture, Whiskey tells rich visual stories through innovative composition.

The Dismissal: Words that made history – exhibition at MoAD

When: 28 November, during normal museum hours
Where: King’s Hall, Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Free.

Fifty years after the dismissal, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is holding a special exhibition examining the documents that propelled the event. From handwritten notes by some of Australia’s towering political figures, key historical documents, and the letter that actually dismissed Whitlam from office, this exhibition covers one of the most critical episodes in the country’s history through the papers that made it happen.

And for those who want to follow Australia’s political story through the decades, check out the Howard Library, which covers John Howard’s 11-year tenure in the Lodge, with papers, souvenirs, gifts from world leaders, and one of his iconic speedwalking tracksuits.

Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW!

When: 28 November to 4 December, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Free.

Spark your kids’ scientific curiosity at Questacon this week with hands-on demonstrations.

This fun exhibit shows kids science in practical, fascinating ways, allowing them to safely interact with and understand forces such as electricity, machinery, gravity, magnetism and aerodynamics.

All ages are welcome to see science in action at Questacon. There are 17 interactive exhibits, so there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied.

This week at the NFSA

When: 29 November to 4 December,
Where: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets from $12 to $16 | Book online.

The NFSA is buzzing with a full schedule of great films this week.

Saturday’s feature is the 2010 Darren Aronofsky film Black Swan, following a ballerina who goes to impossible lengths to perform the titular role in a production of Swan Lake. This exploration of the ruthless pursuit of perfection won Natalie Portman an Oscar for best actress.

Sunday’s film is The Manchurian Candidate, the classic 1962 film about captured US soldiers brainwashed during the Korean War to return to the United States, with the deadly mission of assassinating a presidential candidate.

On Thursday, check out Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson in Easy Rider, the 1969 road-trip film exploring the 60s counterculture.

Here You Come Again

When: 28 November, 2 pm and 7:30 pm, 29 November, 2 pm and 7:30 pm, 30 November, 2 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Cct, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $84.9 to 129.9, plus transaction fee | Book online.

Here You Come Again is a rollicking, joyous new musical comedy featuring all of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits! Packed with iconic songs like Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again, and many more, this colourful and heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose fantasy version of international icon Dolly Parton helps him navigate life’s toughest challenges.

With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps – whether or not those bootstraps have rhinestones.

Following sold-out seasons across the US and UK, Here You Come Again is coming to Australia with co-creator Tricia Paoluccio in the role of Dolly, next to Australia’s own Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar), with an ensemble cast and live band.

Here You Come Again is co-created and written by two-time Emmy Award-winning Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio, and adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish.

Summer Handmade Markets

When: 28 November, 5 pm to 9 pm, 29 November, 10 am to 4 pm, 30 November, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra, Budawang, Coorong, and Parkes Pavilions, Lyneham
Cost: Free entry. Cash preferred.

The Handmade Market showcases more than 260 Australian designers and producers, with plenty of locals selling fashion, ceramics, furniture, kids items, artwork, jewellery and accessories, along with an indoor food and wine pavilion.

The market will host a low-sensory hour from 9 am to 10 am on Sunday.

60th Good Neighbour Volleyball Tournament

When: 29 November, from 8 am and 30 November, to 6 pm
Where: Multiple locations across Canberra, check the website for more details
Cost: Free for spectators.

The 60th Good Neighbour Volleyball Tournament is bringing a weekend of sport, competition, camaraderie and fun to various spots across the capital. With divisions for youth, women, men and mixed recreational players, there’s something for everyone, with newcomers as well as seasoned players testing their mettle.

Celebrate the love of the game and the community spirit, with more than 1,500 local and interstate players and 200 teams battling in out in a non-stop show of sporting skill.

Friday

Lakeside at 5: Bella Groove

When: 28 November, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Bar open from 5 pm)
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway
Cost: Entry by donation.

Lakeside at 5 is a popular monthly after-work program of local live jazz at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. Come and relax by Lake Tuggeranong with a glass of wine and live music by some of Canberra’s most treasured artists. In November, the series wraps up for the year with Elise Walsh’s band, Bella Groove.

Bella Groove is a collective comprising a few regular players and rotating local session musicians. The Lakeside lineup will include regular band member and collaborator Matt Lustri on guitar and vocals, co-collaborator Miroslav Bukovsky on trumpet, Luke Glanville on drums, and Eric Ajaye on bass. This entertaining concert will feature original songs that tell a story and move you, as well as upbeat music that transcends all genres, blending influences and styles.

Saturday

Run for Palestine – Charity event

When: 29 November, 9:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Nara Park, Lennox Gardens, Northern end, Flynn Drive, Barton
Cost: Family tickets $40 | Adult tickets $20 | Concession $10 | Children under 12 free | Book online.

This relaxed, family-focused fun run is about raising money for vital medical aid for Palestinian families.

Runners are invited to jog, stroll or run, to help raise funds for families in need of medical care, which will be delivered through the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association, an organisation registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

This is a great way to make a concrete difference to people suffering hardship.

There are 5 km and 10 km courses, all through beautiful Canberra scenery, including Lennox Gardens, Lake Burley Griffin, Kings Avenue Bridge, and the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, followed by an awards ceremony and a community picnic.

The Diaphragm Delusion: Rethinking Breaking in Singing with Rachael Thoms

When: 29 November, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North
Cost: Tickets are $10 | Book online.

The Diaphragm Delusion: Rethinking Breathing in Singing with Dr Rachael Thoms is for singers and vocal coaches who want the truth.

Tired of hearing “sing from your diaphragm” or “breathe into your belly” without ever knowing what it really means? This course is your myth-busting guide to breath management—based on science, not slogans.

The Diaphragm Delusion challenges the most common misconceptions about breathing in singing. You’ll learn what the diaphragm actually does, why popular cues like “take a deep breath” can get you into singing hot water, and how to build functional breath control without confusing metaphors.

Round 7: UC Capitals v Perth Lynx

When: 29 November, 5 pm
Where: AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier St, Bruce
Cost: Tickets $30 to $40 | Book online.

With a third of the season already in the books, the UC Capitals are looking to establish their place in the standings with a matchup against the Perth Lynx.

Teige Morrell gets her first crack against her former squad in this matchup, so it’s sure to be a contest.

VISIBLE: An Art Show for Migraine Research

When: 29 November, 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Ave, Braddon
Cost: Tickets are $45 | Book online.

VISIBLE is a one-night event raising money for research into migraines, an ailment that affects one in five Australians and one in five women.

The night will include a full drinks package from Farrah’s Liquor Collective, Mediterranean catering, and an exclusive exhibition of more than 30 artworks, led by Zoee Mylordis and featuring artists Greta Cooper, French Rose Studios, and Arran McKenna. All artworks are purchasable, along with artist-designed cards and gifts, with an auction of artworks, hampers and gifts from Canberra businesses at the end of the night.

In addition, there will be a live DJ set, keynote speakers delivering speeches on migraine research, and a roaming professional photographer snapping shots throughout the night.

Upcoming events

• John Bishop – 25 Years of Stand Up – 5 December.
• Alan Davies – Think Ahead – 8 December.
• Hansel & Gretel – National Opera Canberra – 12 December.
• Christmas in the Park – 13 December.

Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly events guide.