17 December 2020

Ten things to do in Canberra this week (18 - 24 December)

| Sharon Kelley
Flazeda alternative arts hub

Rachel Reid of Jazida Productions will be holding a fundraising performance for the new Flazeda alternative arts hub. Photo: Black Bulb Imagery.

It’s a busy week before Christmas so there’s a lot going on, including the Southside Farmers Markets for all your Christmas lunch needs, Christmas lights and a Christmas dog party at EPIC. Don’t miss the fundraising performance by Jazida Productions for the new Belconnen Alternative Arts Hub, and take your mum along to see Human Nature at the Canberra Theatre.

Have a great Christmas week Canberra!

All week

Questacon

Questacon is now open for pre-booked 2-hour timed sessions. Photo: Supplied.

Visit Questacon!

When: Daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: $24.50 adults, $18.90 children, family (2 adults, 2 children) $73.40.

Unlock your curiosity and inspire your imagination with the world of science and technology with a visit to Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre. Explore and enjoy interactive exhibits in select galleries open for set times each session. Experience exciting demonstrations and see a live Spectacular Science Show. The Questacon Shop will be open for ticket-holders at the end of each session. Browse the wide range of STEM gifts and toys and continue your Questacon experience at home!

A Portrait of Australia: Stories through the lens of Australian Geographic

When: Daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
Cost: Free.

This exhibition features photographs from the Australian Geographic archive selected and curated by the National Museum of Australia. This stunning display of large-format photographic prints will transport you to some of the most rugged and remote parts of the country where you will discover the remarkable stories of ordinary Australians.

Saturday

Mr Smiggle

Mr Smiggle, head of HR at Region Media is looking forward to Christmas. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

A Pooch Affair Doggie Day Out Christmas Style

When: Saturday 19 December, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra in the Mallee Pavilion and Drover Park
Cost: Free.

Bring your pooch for a Christmas-themed day out. There will be plenty for you and your furry friend to enjoy – such as a photo booth, outdoor cafe and Christmas music, a mobile dog wash, a best-dressed dog competition (Christmas theme) – taken in the Christmas Selfie Frame, and even a doggie retail mall including treats, kennels, luxury beds.

Fire Brigade Historical Society of the ACT Museum Open Day

When: Saturday 19 December, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: 4 Empire Circuit, Forrest (between Canberra Ave and Fitzroy St)
Cost: Free, gold coin donation welcomed.

The Fire Brigade Historical Society of the ACT is holding a Museum Open Day, featuring historic vehicles and fire engines. The focus of the Society is the preservation of artefacts of historical significance relating to fire-fighting services in the Canberra region over many years.

Rachel Reid

Rachel Reid, social venture entrepreneur and dance instructor is opening a new studio in Belconnen. Photo: Supplied.

Flazeda – the Alternative Arts Hub fundraising performance

When: Saturday 19 December, 8:00 pm
Where: The Abbey Function Centre, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls
Cost: Tickets from $38 – $55 bookings through Eventbrite.

Flazéda is Canberra’s newest alternate performing arts hub launching in Belconnen at the start of 2021, an aesthetically beautiful studio/performance space that is custom made to support artists and the community. This is the newest venture from Jazida Productions (finalist in the Regional Business Awards in the category of ‘Performing Arts’, Winner of ‘Best Dance’ at the Adelaide Fringe Festival weekly awards, voted top 10 for biggest contribution to the Australian Burlesque Industry two years running, and the founder was nominated for ACT Woman of the Year).

Sunday

Southside farmer's market

The southside farmer’s market of the year is on Sunday. Photo: Supplied.

Southside Farmers Market

When: Sunday 20 December, 8:00 am to 11:30 am
Where: 2 Launceston Street, Phillip
Cost: Free.

The fabulous farmers and producers from around the region are putting the best on offer this weekend. From the freshest fruit and veggies, pastured eggs to family-caught coastal seafood, oysters, and grass-fed beef, baked goods and treats. With this amazing array of delicious foods, you’ll be all stocked up for Christmas lunch.

Canberra Miniature Railway night time train rides

When: Sunday 20 December, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Jerrabomberra Avenue, near Narrabundah
Cost: $10 per person, with one child aged three or under free with each paying person.

With an animated light show, the Canberra Miniature Railway is a magical place to see this Christmas! Admire the sparkling Christmas lights decorating the railway, as your train rides along the tracks. With food, drinks and a picnic area, bring the kids along for a special experience they will never forget.

Monday

Little Sandpipers Canberra Kids Christmas Party 2020

When: Monday 21 December, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Little Sandpiper, 18 Benjamin way, MM3 Westfield Belconnen
Cost: Members $20 per child, with two accompanying adults free, non-members $30 per child with two accompanying adults free. Tickets available online.

Keeping in line with the Christmas theme, Little Sandpipers is hosting a Christmas party for your little ones to enjoy.

From 6:00 pm, kids will have a light meal, get a Christmas Loot Bag, enjoy unlimited play on the Little Sandpiper Playcentre equipment, go on a lolly hunt, have a dance party and participate in the Best Costume Competition.

Tuesday

Human Nature

Human Nature will play the Canberra Theatre on Tuesday. Photo: Supplied.

Human Nature: Christmas classics, hits and more

When: Tuesday 22 December, 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Cct, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $95 to $125, available through Canberra Theatre Centre.

Singing all the Christmas and holiday classics from their chart-topping Christmas album (which has rocketed back into the Top 10 every Christmas since its release), this fantastic foursome will have you singing Let It Snow, White Christmas, O Holy Night, Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer, and more.

Nothing says Christmas like the soulful harmonies and effortless charm these guys exude, so spend your holiday season with Human Nature.

Wednesday and Thursday

Christmas lights on Hoddy Street

Grab some wood-fired pizza and enjoy the Christmas lights on Hoddy Street. Photo: Supplied.

Huddy Street Christmas Lights

When: Wednesday 23 December and Thursday 24 December, 8:30 pm
Where: Huddy Street, Forde
Cost: Free, donations welcome.

Huddy Street Christmas Lights is a street of community-based neighbours who light their houses through December to spread a little Christmas cheer.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Alex the Pizza Guy will be cooking wood-fired pizza for you to enjoy while you look at the Christmas lights. Alex will be donating $5 from every pizza to Kids in Care ACT, for which he has raised thousands of dollars over the last two years.

Original Article published by Sharon Kelley on The RiotACT.

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