Nine things to do in Canberra this week (9 - 15 April)

It’s the first week of the school holidays in Canberra, meaning there are probably a lot of parents out there scratching their heads and wondering how to keep the kids entertained.

Never fear, however, as Canberra has got plenty of activities for adults and children alike. You could expand their cultural landscape with their first opera, head to one of the many events at the Heritage Festival, learn how to make your very own zine or decorate a finger bun.

Have a great week, Canberra!

All week

National Opera presents La Clemenza di Tito

When: 10, 13, 15, 17 April, various times
Where: Llewellyn Hall, School of Music, ANU
Cost: $88-$165. Buy tickets at National Opera.

One of Mozart’s last operas, La Clemenza di Tito (The clemency of Titus), is a story of friendship and forgiveness triumphing over jealousy and violence.

It’s got all the classic trappings for a great story – power, love, guilt and forgiveness, and a struggle for a throne, of course.

Directed by Peter Coleman-Wright and with music from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, this is sure to be a spectacle you don’t want to miss.

MoAD’s zine-making workshop

When: Daily from 12 to 16 April, from 10:00 am to midday
Where: The Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House
Cost: Free, book your place now.

Already searching for inspiration to keep the kids entertained these school holidays?

Look no further than the Museum of Australian Democracy’s (MoAD) zine-making workshop.

Zines – small, hand-made, self-published magazines – have been around since the 1930s, providing a way for alternative voices to be heard. They are now part of the low-fi resurgence in the arts scene.

You can learn how to produce your own 8-page zine using collage, stencils, stamps and paper-folding techniques, and share your story or your big idea.

All materials are provided. Bring your own creativity.

For participants aged 8 to 15 years.

Canberra’s Reimagined Heritage Festival

When: 6 to 26 April
Where: Locations around Canberra, some events are virtual
Cost: Varies, view the full program for more details.

This year’s Heritage Festival is aptly themed ‘REIMAGINE’, as many event holders have had to completely redesign and reconfigure their usual offerings in line with COVID-19 requirements.

Our heritage is irreplaceable, say festival organisers, and continues to form who and what we are as a community. It represents our legacy, informs our present and shapes the future.

This weekend, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

On Saturday 11 April, you can go cycling and orienteering in the Heritage Polaris. It’s a 7-hour navigating and biking event where teams of two must find their way around a series of control points (many linked to heritage sites) spread throughout Canberra.

If art is more your thing, why not visit the murals of the Free Serbian Orthodox Church St George in Forrest? The church is Canberra’s mini-Sistine Chapel and features stunning religious artwork and murals painted by Carl George Matzek from half a century ago.

Or, you can take a tour of Manning Clark House. The house is a great example of Modernist architecture designed by Robin Boyd, and was the home of eminent historian Professor Manning Clark, his wife Dymphna and their children.

If you’re eager for more on Sunday, there’s Wiradjuri Echoes by the Murrumbidgee. Gather at the riverside to hear celebrated Wiradjuri man Duncan Smith share his Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.

For history buffs, A Bookshop in Wartime tells of Canberra’s society from 1938 to 1946. Listen to stories about what the shop saw during those difficult years, and then enjoy a Devonshire tea. There’s also Mt Franklin open day which will let you imagine the early days of skiing in Canberra. You can handle the handmade skis and hear a story or two from the Canberra Alpine Club members and ACT Parks and Conservation Service rangers.

Bookings are essential so all events can be delivered in a COVID-safe way. To view the full program of events and to make a booking, visit the Heritage Festival website.

Friday

ANU Solar Racing Drinks Night at Capital Brewery

When: Friday 9 April, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Capital Brewing Co in Fyshwick.

Ever wanted to meet the faces that make up the ANU Solar Racing team as well as get up close and personal with their 2019 car – the MTAA Super Solar Charge?

Well, now’s your chance as they are welcoming all for an evening of drinks at Capital Brewing Co in Fyshwick.

All are welcome!

Weekend

Finger Bun Decorating with Bakers Delight

When: Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 April, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Food Court, Riverside Plaza, Queanbeyan
Cost: Free, register your interest here.

Kids, it’s time to get creative with Bakers Delight, Queanbeyan!

Join us in the Food Court this April school holidays Thursday 8th, Friday 9th and Saturday 10th to decorate a classic Bakers Delight Finger Bun!

Best of all, once you’re done you get to enjoy your delicious creation!

No need to buy a ticket, just respond to the Facebook event.

Saturday

Circus Drag Show Spectacular

When: Saturday 10 April, 7:00 pm
Where: Kambri Precinct, Australian National University
Cost: $24.60 tickets available via Moshtix.

Come one, come all! The circus is coming to town bringing freaks, geeks, clowns and more!

The Rainbow Underground, a non-profit queer arts organisation based in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions of NSW, invites all along for a night of spine-tingling shows.

Patrons must be over the age of 18 to attend.

The Great Haig Park Water Fight

When: Saturday 10 April, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Haig Park
Cost: Free.

After a few years of drought, the park deserves a drink, and we all deserve a bit of fun in the sun before Winter hits! Let’s celebrate the last of the warm weather with a huge water fight. Join us for a day of wild water fun among the shade of the trees in Haig Park.

What to expect?

Well, there will be sprinklers, bubbles, water pistols, sponges and a dunk tank.

Just bring yourself and your friends, a picnic, a water pistol and don’t forget a towel!

The Soul Defender will be playing music throughout the day and The Italian Place Providore & Bottega will have a pop-up stall offering a gourmet spread of goodies to add to your picnic.

Chuck on whatever feels comfortable, some sturdy shoes and come join the waterpark fun!

The full water fight schedule will be released next week. This is a free event, but in the case of wet weather or if the weather is below 23 degrees the event will be postponed.

Sunday

LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club Canberra – April Edition!

When: Sunday 11 April, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Ainslie Arts Centre
Cost: Free, bookings essential at Ainslie + Gorman.

Welcome to the next edition of the LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club Canberra with special guest Venus Mantrap!

This fabulous free monthly social event for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, and Intersex elders and allies is a fun way to connect, learn new dances, enjoy delicious catering and chat with fab people in a COVID-safe environment.

Come one, come all! No dance experience needed! All are welcome!

Tuesday

Woden Women’s Network

When: Tuesday 13 April, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: WOTSO Woden
Cost: Free, register here.

The Woden Women’s Network connects female-identifying community members of all ages in Woden and surrounding areas.

This leadership and personal growth session will begin with a short presentation by an attendee focusing on ‘How to connect effectively with people’.

This will be a half-hour session with Q&A, and plenty of time afterwards for drinks, food and a chat! Whether you are involved in community, arts, business, social enterprise or government, you are welcome to come along.

The Network meets with the aim of empowering women to engage with, take ownership of, and fill leadership roles within their communities. Through sharing, we can understand the barriers faced within the community and how we can take an informed and cohesive approach to growing together.

You’re all invited to network, learn and collaborate!

Original Article published by Lottie Twyford on The RiotACT.