Ten things to do in Canberra this week (22 - 28 January)

This week it’s Australia Day, and there are some great events on around Lake Burley Griffin as part of the Great Aussie Picnic, including a headline concert at Stage 88. Get your penny-farthing out of the garage because there’s a ride on with the Canberra Penny Farthing Riders, don’t miss the Kambri Film Festival, and check out the National Film and Sound Archive for a nostalgic look at 1960s Australia.

Have a great week, Canberra!

All weekend

Kambri Film Festival

When: Thursday 21 January to Sunday 7 February
Where: Kambri Cinema, Cultural Centre Kambri (ANU Building 153), University Avenue, Acton
Cost: Free, bookings essential.

From 21 January to 7 February, as part of HERE I AM: Art By Great Women, Kambri Film Fest is back in the Kambri Cinema – a family-friendly segment with films starring female heroines and an ‘after hours’ session with films directed and written by women.

The free film programming will include 3:00 pm sessions for the whole family to enjoy with a selection of kids films that celebrate female heroes. Friday and Sunday sessions at 7:00 pm will showcase recent movie releases from female directors. Saturday nights will be for 2020 blockbusters that you may have missed in cinemas last year.

Friday

Jack Botts 18th Floor Australian Tour

When: Friday 22 January, 7:00 pm
Where: Smith’s Alternative 76 Alinga Street, Canberra City
Cost: Free.

Jack Botts is stoked to announce a tour of Australia to further celebrate the release of his latest single 18th Floor, which is now accompanied by a brand new music video.

2020 saw Jack play countless shows across the country, most of which were in intimate COVID-safe settings, but still with the same immense positive energy that the independent busker from the Northern Rivers of NSW has become known for. 2021 will kick off with Jack playing 25 shows around the country, bringing the good vibes and great times to every stop along the way.

Saturday

Canberra Penny Farthing Riders Monthly Meetup

When: Saturday 23 January, 9:00 am
Where: At the front of Old Parliament House
Cost: Free.

The Canberra Penny Farthing Riders Monthly Meetup will be held on Saturday, meeting at the Old Parliament House front car park. The intention is to do a lap around either the west or east basins. The ride will finish up at one of the coffee shops along the route.

National Film and Sound Archive: Daily Program, Vintage Australia

When: Daily, from Saturday 23 January, from 10:00 am
Where: National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Street, Acton
Cost: Free, no bookings required.

What was life in Australia like more than 50 years ago?

Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy a look at our cities in the 1960s in these featurettes and newsreels from the National Film and Sound Archive collection.

Canberra Street Dance Festival

When: Saturday 23 January, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Garema Place, Canberra City
Cost: Free.

Canberra Street Dance Festival is a community festival that celebrates the four main elements of hip hop culture: dance, DJing, MCing and graffiti. Join them in Garema Place for dance and music showcases, competitions, dance parties, art installations, fashion stalls, workshops and more!

There will be prizes for crowd interaction and dancers from local street fashion brands Inaugural Garments and World Tour Supply and Impact Comics.

Register to attend this free event or register to compete in the 3v3 dance battle.

Battle of the Froths – GABS & Triple J Hottest 100 Party

When: Saturday 23 January, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: The Warehouse, Kingsborough Forecourt, off Parbery St, Kingston
Cost: Free entry.

Celebrate Triple J’s Hottest 100 this Saturday with The Warehouse. Alongside the battle of the tunes, they’ll be hosting the battle of the beers – with crowd favourites from Capital Brewing and Bentspoke ready to pour. Brazbecue will also be there cooking up a mouthwatering meaty-storm – so grab your mates and get ready for the sesh.

Plenty of space is available in the Village Square, but attendees are reminded to be respectful of COVID-19 restrictions and maintain social distancing.

Sunday

National Zoo Canberra Wildlife Photography Workshop

When: Sunday 24 January, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: National Zoo and Aquarium, Lady Denman Drive
Cost: $279 per person, bookings online.

What could be better than learning how to take better photos with your digital camera, and then putting it to the test and capturing photos of some of the amazing animals, from the tiniest lizard to the fierce lion, at the Canberra Zoo and Aquarium?

There will plenty to see, and this will be a day to remember. The wildlife photography workshop is designed with the novice in mind. It begins with a morning theory session followed by an afternoon of practical picture taking with ample time for questions.

Tuesday

The Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans Australia Day BBQ

When: Tuesday 26 January, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Where: Siren Bar, 85 Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin
Cost: Free.

Veterans, serving members, police, fire, and ambulance personnel are invited to the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association (APPVA) Australia Day Barbeque at Siren Bar.

The BBQ and first two drinks are free, courtesy of their sponsor and veteran-owned business, Effective People. The purpose of the APPVA is to support the transition, health, wellbeing, and integration into society of all participants in past and present operations, and their families, so that they are valued and can attain happiness after service.

The Great Australian Picnic

When: Tuesday 26 January, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Where: Around Lake Burley Griffin, see each event for details
Cost: Free, bookings essential.

Celebrate Australia Day at one of the Great Australian Picnic events around Lake Burley Griffin. Choose from Ankle Biters for families and kids, Garden Jive for smooth jazz tunes, or Rockin Regatta for covers of all the classic Australian pub tunes. Also available is Sand Grooves for fresh DJ sets on the shores of the Carillon, and Rhythm ‘n’ Brews putting on live music from talented Canberra locals. Take your own picnic or buy a pre-made one, and celebrate all that’s great!

Australia Day Concert at Stage 88

When: Tuesday 26 January, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park
Cost: Tickets start at $29.95 plus booking fee. Book here.

In association with Events ACT, the National Capital Authority and National Australia Day Council have prepared a range of activities to respect, reflect and celebrate Australia Day 2021 in Commonwealth Park and along Lake Burley Griffin.

Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park will host a concert featuring James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaite, Lee Kernaghan, Kingswood, Fanny Lumsden and more.

A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to Fortem to support first responder families to proactively look after their wellbeing and mental fitness.

Original Article published by Sharon Kelley on The RiotACT.