While winter continues to bite in the Australian capital, Canberra, the city gears up for a diverse schedule of events and festivities. The dramatic arts, gastronomy, athletic games, and communal celebrations – the first week of August is packed with offerings for everyone. It is now time to discuss the list of essential things to do to make your week in Canberra unique.
Theatrical Delights: Julia Gillard Returns to the Stage
When: 31 July to 11 August Where: The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Civic
Starting the list is the much talked about play ‘Julia’ that takes Australian first female Prime Minister back to Canberra at least in spirit. This new Sydney Theatre Company play written by Joanna Murray-Smith is a fictionalized version of the events leading up to Gillard’s now infamous Misogyny Speech.
Image credit: Prudence Upton
Featuring Justine Clarke as Julia Gillard, this compelling production is not to be missed by anyone interested in politics or great theatre. There is use of vulgar language and some features indicating that the play is not suitable for children below fifteen years of age. Tickets range from $69.95 to $119.95, giving choices for different price ranges.
Dance Extravaganza: Wired at Erindale Theatre
When: 2-3 August, 7 pm to 9 pm Venue: Erindale Theatre, 115 McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa
Dance lovers will not want to miss the chance to see 18 gifted young dancers from the ACT and the surrounding region in “Wired”. Created by The Training Ground, this is a full-length contemporary dance piece based on a true and quite interesting story set in 1980s America.
These are talented performers who after six months of training and rehearsals are now set to enthrall the audience. Tickets range from $25 for students and $63.50 for adults and as such is affordable for them and therefore can be considered an affordable cultural activity.
Brew Lovers Rejoice: International IPA Day at The Durham Castle Arms Inn
Image credit: Thomas Lucraft
When: 1-2 August, from 12 pm Where: Durham Castle Arms Inn, 52 Jardine Street, Kingston
Beer aficionados, pay attention! The Durham Castle Arms Inn is marking the International IPA Day in a two-day affair with a diverse selection of India Pale Ales. Working together with some of the most popular breweries such as Cloudwater Brew Co, Mountain Culture Beer Co, and Big Shed Brewing, this event is going to be all about hops.
If you already have experience tasting IPAs or if you have never tried this beer style before, this is the right place for you to open your taste buds and start the weekend early in the evening.
Community Spirit: Light Up Lyneham Festival
Image credit: Jocelyn Barbic
When: 3 august, 3-8pm Where: Lyneham Shops, Wattle Street
Feel the community spirit at the Light Up Lyneham festival. It is family-oriented and adds warmth and brightness to a cold winter evening filled with various events. Watch performers on stage, visit vendor booths, engage in crafting, and be amused by strolling circus troupes.
At night, take part in the lantern parade through the wetlands which will be guided by the lion from Canberra Prosperous Mountain and Lion Dance. Food trucks, hot drinks including mulled wine and free entry make this festival perfect for a Saturday evening.
Sports Action: Canberra Brave vs Central Coast Rhinos
Image credit: Paul Furness
When: 3 August, from 5:15 pm Where: Phillip Ice Skating Centre, 1 Irving Street, Phillip
Witness the excitement of ice hockey as the Canberra Brave face-off against the Central Coast Rhinos. At the moment, the Brave occupy the second position on the Rurak Ladder; therefore, a game against the Rhinos will be very interesting.
If you have never felt the excitement of the so-called “Brave Cave”, it’s high time to do it. At only fifteen dollars for a ticket, it is a great option to test a new activity and who knows, maybe find a new hobby.
Youth Empowerment: TEDxCanberra Youth 2024: Stars
Image credit: TedXCanberra
When: 4 August, 10 am to 3 pm Where: Canberra Girls Grammar School, 48 Melbourne Avenue Deakin ACT 2600
Learn from the TEDxCanberra Youth ‘Stars’ to ignite your mind. Eight young speakers: human rights defenders and political activists will reveal their visions for the future. This event is particularly suitable for professionals who seek new approaches and solutions from young minds.
Tickets cost $15 for students and $45 for adults, thus embracing all students and anyone who loves dancing.
Nature and Photography: Winter Photo Walk with Cristy Froehlich
Image credit: Cristy Froehlich
When: Sunday 4 August, 10 am-1 pm Where: The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn
Discover the magic of winter in Canberra through the lens of an award-winning photographer Cristy Froehlich. Photography Tours are suitable for beginners as well as professional photographers as this guided walk takes place in the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor. If you have your own professional camera or just a smartphone, you will be able to take beautiful winter shots on your own, guided by an experienced photographer.
This 3 hour session costs $10 per person which is great for learning and fun at the same time.
Local Shopping: Hartley Hall Markets
Image credit: Hartley Lifecare
When: 4 August, 10 am to 3 pm Where: Victoria Street, Hall
Buy locally handmade products and donate to charities at the Hartley Hall Markets. As one of the most anticipated community events, this market offers a perfect choice of homegrown and handmade products from the stallholders. It’s the ideal store to buy gifts, or something for oneself, and at the same time contributing to Hartley Lifecare, a charity organization.
The admission is a gold coin donation, which makes it a cheap affair to indulge in on a Sunday. Also, it’s pet-friendly, which means that your furry buddies can also enjoy the ride!
Health and Wellness: Optimizing Gut Health Workshop
Image credit: Canberra Southern Cross Club
When: 5 August, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip
Take care of yourself by attending this enlightening workshop on Gut Health. This one will be led by a registered nutritionist, Kate Freeman, and will be centered around the basics of gut health and what to pay attention to when it comes to it.
Open for the members of Stellar Canberra and available at $20 for others, this workshop provides a lot of useful information concerning one of the key components of a person’s wellbeing.
Culinary Indulgence: Truffle Dégustation at Les Bistronomes
Image credit: Thomas Lucraft
When: 7 August, sessions from 6 pm or 8:30 pm Venue: Les Bistronomes, 18 Blamey Place, Campbell
Be sure to pamper your palate with the exquisite truffle dishes offered at this restaurant called Les Bistronomes. This is a French fine dining event where truffle is displayed in different dishes such as La soupe de châtaignes and La crème brulée à la truffe.
Priced at $200 per person with an option for matched wines, this is the perfect event for those interested in good food and a great night.
Networking Opportunity: First Wednesday Connect for August
Image credit: Canberra Innovation Network
When: 7 August, 5 pm to 6:30 pm Where: Louie Louie, Verity Lane Market 50 Northbourne Avenue, Civic
Socialize with professionals during the First Wednesday Connect event. The goal of this monthly event is to facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship in Canberra’s business community. Join the pitch blitz to listen to young entrepreneurs and discover new innovations in your region.
Open to both professional and business hopefuls, this event at the UNSW Canberra presents an ideal platform for networking and growth.
Cultural Fusion: The Offering at Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre
Image credit: Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre
When: 8 August, from 7:30 pm Where: Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre (The B), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
‘The Offering’ is an interdisciplinary multimedia performance that combines poetry, rap music, and the art of the theatre, featuring Australian writer and rapper, Omar Musa and the American cellist Mariel Roberts, and addresses themes of environmental degradation, immigration, and displacement.
Tickets for this piece are between $30 and $55, which is a good opportunity to engage in deep thinking at a relatively low price.
Historical Insight: Spotlight Conversations: Spirit of the Thylacine
Image credit: National Museum of Australia
When: 8 August, 6 pm to 8 pm Where: Visions Theatre, National Museum, Lawson Cresent, Acton
Learn more about the Tasmanian tiger and its place in history and folklore during this special evening. During the evening, there is a panel discussion with Pakana artist Vicki West as well as Cathryn Vasseleu and Pat Fiske of ‘Tiger on the Rocks’ documentary.
Priced at $15 for a general admission, this event is a great way to learn more without having to spend too much money.
Conclusion
August first week is action packed with several events that cut across the demographics of the society and which are located in Canberra. Whether you’re interested in learning about cultures and trying new foods or watching sports and socializing, this nation’s capital offers a plethora of activities.
These events pack entertainment, knowledge, and an opportunity to engage with the locals or, on the other hand, discover more of the city when you only have a short stay. Well then, wrap up warm against the frosty weather and get set to embrace all that Canberra has to offer in this August!
Remember to pre-purchase your tickets where required, and be sure to review the updating and additional details on the website for each event. Have a great week in Canberra!
FAQs
Q1: Are there any free events during this week?
A: Yes, several events have free entry, including the International IPA Day at The Durham Castle Arms Inn, Light Up Lyneham festival, and the First Wednesday Connect networking event.
Q2: Is there anything for sports fans?
A: Yes, there’s an ice hockey match between Canberra Brave and Central Coast Rhinos on August 3rd.
Q3: What events would be suitable for young adults or students?
A: The TEDxCanberra Youth event, the International IPA Day celebrations, and the First Wednesday Connect networking event could be particularly appealing to young adults and students.
Q4: Are there any events related to Australian history or culture?
A: Yes, the play “Julia” about former PM Julia Gillard and the “Spirit of the Thylacine” discussion at the National Museum both relate to Australian history and culture.
Read more trending entertainment and Lifestyle news at TheScoopVilla.
James Parker is a writer and curator of all things that make life a little more vibrant. Whether it’s whipping up delicious meals in the lifestyle, Home decor, or discovering hidden travel gems. On this blog, he shares tips, tricks, and personal anecdotes to help you navigate the wonderful world of men’s fashion, travel, food, etc.]