With so much to see and do in the capital, it’s hard to decide how to spend your well-earned days off. Here are 10 things we recommend you make a date for this weekend.
$5 movies – Palace Electric – all weekend
To celebrate the upcoming launch of their new Palace Cinemas Rewards Club, for one epic week Palace Electric are slinging super-duper movies your way for a feeble fiver! No, your eyes are not deceiving you – $5 movies from August 9 to 15. Book your tickets before they sell out (because they definitely will)! MORE DETAILS
Game of Thrones Winter Feast – National Arboretum – Friday
Winter is coming and dinner is here! Nosh on a medieval feast from the Seven Kingdoms, with venison pies, whole suckling pig, dragons eggs and lemon cakes. Live your Game of Thrones fantasy! Ticket price includes a three-course dinner with mulled wine, and there’ll also be a pop-up ice bar, photobooth and entertainment. BOOK TICKETS
BlacKkKlansman Club Preview – Dendy – Friday
Head to Dendy Canberra Centre for the Club Preview of Spike Lee’s new film BlacKkKlansman, the true story of Ron Stallworth, an African-American police officer who successfully managed to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan and become head of the local chapter. The preview includes a drink on arrival, with a 6.30pm start. MORE DETAILS
The Long Table – Muse – Saturday
Sit down with award-winning Canberra district winemaker Greg Gallagher for a special six-course Long Table lunch with food matched by Muse Head Chef Steven Sweeney. The event includes the first tasting of two of Greg’s latest releases, his 2018 Riesling and 2016 Sparkling Shiraz. BOOK TICKETS
Niche Markets – Fyshwick – all weekend
The just-opened Niche Markets at the Fyshwick Markets is now home to 40 new specialist traders, with many small local retailers and artisan food providores opening in the new warehouse-inspired space. Not only can you now do your grocery shop, but you can also pick up that special birthday gift or even get your hair-cut, and there’s everything from fashion and jewellery to homewares, flowers, art, donuts and, of course, good coffee.
Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures – NFSA – starts Friday
Audiences around the world know and love Heath Ledger as a charismatic movie star who pushed boundaries and created iconic roles. Now they have a chance to discover Heath’s creative process and deep passion for the film industry and the visual arts, in a unique exhibition curated in collaboration with his family. Explore a selection of film costumes and props, Heath’s own character research journals, celebrity portraits and acting awards and more. A Life in Pictures offers a rare insight into the man behind the camera.
Peter Cochrane: Best We Forget – Muse – Sunday
Join Peter Cochrane for a conversation about his latest book Best We Forget, an examination of how the racial preoccupations that shaped Australia’s preparation for and commitment to the war have been lost to popular memory. BOOK TICKETS
Open day – National Library – Sunday
Celebrate 50 years since the Library building opened, with a party on the podium, fun for kids and adults alike, live music, scrumptious snacks and, of course, balloons and cake! Explore deep behind the scenes, discover surprising and rare collections and learn fascinating Library facts. You can even go underground and meet the robots who live deep within the stacks.
Science in ACTion – Old Bus Depot – Saturday
The work of local, national, and international STEM organisations is on show at this free community event during National Science Week. This interactive science fair is for science enthusiasts of all ages. Over 50 stallholders will be there to engage you with hands on activities that showcase how science is used every day in their work. Bookings not required – just turn up and be inspired by Canberra’s Science in ACTion.
ALM Race Day – Thoroughbred Park – Friday
Head to Thoroughbred Park for free admission through the gates and grab a drink at the Winning Post Bar, which is open to the general public. TAB facillities, ATM, coffee and Snaffles Snack Bar available, and non-members are able to purchase day passes to the Members room for $15 per person. The Black Opal Room is located on the second floor of the Queen Elizabeth II grandstand and overlooks the Winning Post and grand views of the Majura, Ainslie and Black Mountains. A bar tab, consumption or beverage package can be organised prior to the day. MORE DETAILS
