All Weekend
NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL Eat your way around the world when the National Multicultural Festival returns for 2015. Comedy, performance art, food and wine stalls, street parties, live music, circus-style acts and more. February 13-15. Garema Place. Free entry. For more information visit multiculturalfestival.com.au.
SUMMERSIDE FESTIVAL The Summerside Festival is a month full of dining events celebrating local and seasonal produce, opportunities to taste the best of the region's wines plus performances, events and exhibitions. Enjoy a lazy long lunch, twilight cinema, live music, a master class, champagne and wine tasting, evening tapas, a degustation dining experience or an evening horse ride. On until February 28. Visit thepoachersway.com.au/summerside-festival for a full list of events and prices.
LIFELINE BOOKFAIR Over three days, the Lifeline Bookfair is back with a range of fiction and non-fiction books, including rare books and collectables, children's books, textbooks, comics, vinyl, CDs, DVDs and more. Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. Saturday is family fun day with kids' activities and an appearance by Prime Possum at 10am. Budawang Building, Exhibition Park in Canberra. Entry by gold coin donation to Lifeline.
THE BALD ARCHY PRIZE Returning to Watson Arts Centre is the preview showing of the Bald Archy Prize, an eccentric icon of the Australian art calendar. Known internationally as the only art competition in the world to be judged by a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Maude, the satirical side of this event has its basis in the irreverent, larrikin Australian comic comment and provides a genuine opportunity for artists of all styles and standards to create portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy or caricature. 10am-4pm daily until March 9. Entry Adult $5/Concession $4.
CRAFT EXHIBITIONS Opening this weekend at Craft ACT are three new exhibitions. Emerging Contemporaries showcases the work of outstanding graduate students and selected national emerging craft practitioners and designers that demonstrate exceptional talent in their chosen field. Portraits of a Tea Cosy celebrates stories about the humble but often-quirky tea cosy by renowned textile artist Loani Prior and photographer Mark Crocker. Reminiscences is a series of small-scale paper compositions inspired by traditional Korean craft techniques by Mi-Kyung Myung. Showing until March 28. 180 London Circuit, Civic. Free entry.
Friday
From 4pm NIGHT MARKET CANBERRA Shop a range of fashion, homewares and lifestyle products under the stars in the Realm Precinct. Plus live entertainment, a licensed bar within Maple+Clove and street eats. 4-9pm. Free entry. Realm Park, Burbury Close, Barton.
From 5.30pm MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL CONCERT Justice Crew, UK-based psychedelic rock-soul singer Z-Star, Sol Nation, Bombay Royale and Inka Marka all feature as part of a free concert to kick off the 2015 National Multicultural Festival. 5.30-12pm. Garema Place. For more information visit multiculturalfestival.com.au.
5.40pm CAPITALS CLASH The University of Canberra Capitals will tear up the basketball court as they take on the Bendigo Spirit at the AIS Arena. Tickets $5.10-$25.49 at ticketek.com.au.
6pm UNFOLD AND CONSTRUCT Opening tonight is Bilk Gallery's first exhibition for the new year, Unfold and Construct, new works by Canberra-based artist Phoebe Porter. The series combines geometric abstraction, bold colour and unexpected asymmetry to create wearable jewellery that resonates with influences of the Bauhaus and Russian Constructivism. On until March 14. Free entry. Bilk Gallery, 12 Palmerston Lane, Manuka.
From 6pm SUNSET CINEMAS Head along to Birdman (MA) at Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinemas. Gates open at 5pm, movie starts at 8.15pm. Patrick White Lawns, Parkes (in front of the National Library). Fridays are Aperol Spritz Sunset Sessions where all 18+ ticketholders can enjoy a complimentary Spritz sample. Online tickets Adults $19/Concession $15/Volkswagen Polo Class $27/Star Lounge $40 from openaircinemas.com.au. Tickets cost more at the gate.
7.30pm SALUT! BAROQUE Salut! Baroque's February concert, Mr Purcell's Farewell, celebrates the music of Henry Purcell and his relationship with composers from the time. Albert Hall. Tickets Adult $40/Concession $35/Under 15 free available at the door.
7.40pm BRUMBIES MATCH The Brumbies take on the Reds at GIO Stadium in the first home game of the season. Tickets from ticketek.com.au.
8pm HIGH FIDELITY Based on the novel by Nick Hornby and the popular film, High Fidelity is the story of Rob, a slacker thirty-something record store owner who has just been dumped by his girlfriend Laura. In an attempt to figure out what went wrong, he decides to revisit his failed relationships of the past. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, fueled by his obsessive knowledge and love of music. ANU Arts Centre. Showing Wednesday to Saturday until February 21. Tickets Adult $35/Conc $30/Child $25 from phoenixplayers.com.au.
8pm SWEET CHARITY Three-time Helpmann Award Winning Production Sweet Charity comes to Canberra Theatre until February 21. The high-octane musical tells the story of dance hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine, who dances with man after man in order to earn a living, all the while dreaming of the day she will be taken away from her sordid dance hall existence and rescued by a respectable man who falls madly in love with her. Tickets $69-$99 from canberraticketing.com.au.
8.30pm THE SUMMIT IS BLUE POST PHASE: The Summit Is Blue is an urgent undertaking, a departure point, a pursuit for transition and a hope for an arrival. Using a metaphor of scaling an ice-capped mountain the dance explores physical endurance, beauty and their changing relationship. A mountain of ice glimmers in the space, melting, changing state, and reflecting the light. Canberra Theatre. Also showing Saturday 3.30pm and 8.30pm and Sunday 7.30pm. Tickets Adult $20/Concession $15 from canberraticketeing.com.au.
From 9pm MR WOLF OPENING New Civic nightclub Mr Wolf opens this weekend with two nights of celebrations. On Friday, they have French house star Shiba San, supported by Skin & Bones, NayNay and Megan Bones. Sunday night is their VIP opening – anyone is invited, you just have to register on the list at mrwolfclub.com.au. 122 Alinga Street.
Saturday
From 10am TRANSLATIONS IN GLASS New this week at the Canberra Glassworks is Diplomacy: Translations in Glass, an exhibition that responds to the international glass collections and glass traditions represented by diplomatic missions in Canberra. On until April 16. Open Wednesday to Sundays 10am-4pm. Free entry.
From 10am BRICK BY BRICK Every Saturday and Sunday at the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point, budding designers can create their own capital of the future using Lego and Duplo blocks or replicate some of Canberra's iconic buildings with construction sheets designed for all ages and abilities. 10am-4pm. Free.
9am MONSTER GARAGE SALE Find a bargain and help raise money for Marymead at their Monster Garage Sale. Plants, books, craft, toys, bric-a-brac, clothes, sausage sizzle and more. 255 Goyder Street, Narrabundah between 9am and 1pm.
2pm IN THE FLESH FILMS The National Portrait Gallery is showing a series of free films that relate to concepts of humanness as explored in their summer exhibition In the Flesh. This Saturday, see Still Life (2013, M). Free entry.
2pm PORTRAIT ENCOUNTER Meet for conversation and sharing of ideas around selected portraits from the National Portrait Gallery collection. Facilitated by gallery staff, Portrait Encounter is designed to create in-depth discussion around artists, subjects, technique and biography. Tickets $5 including coffee and tea. Bookings essential on 6102 7000.
3pm TWILIGHT MARKETS Shop from a range of local gifts, clothing, art, collectables and more plus enjoy food and entertainment at the CANBERRACOMM.UNITY Twilight Markets. Live music on the lawns from The Cheeky Violets and Queen B and the Archers. Bring a picnic rug and enjoy a devonshire tea by Sweet Chari-Tea or sausage sizzle by Canberra Roller Derby League. Free Parking, optional donation at the door for the Cancer Council. 3-8pm. 55 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick.
2pm and 7pm METASYSTEMS METASYSTEMS is a contemporary dance performance that analyses our human interactions with the environment from the individual to the universal. Canberra Theatre. Also on Friday at 7pm and Sunday at 6pm. Tickets Adult $20/Concession $15 from canberraticketing.com.au.
5pm SHELL PROM CONCERT From the grounds of Government House, this concert invokes the spirited and intoxicating musical traditions of the British Isles. Featuring Australian violin sensation, Anna Da Silva Chen, in the sprightly folk melodies of Max Burch's Scottish Fantasy. With the wit, whimsy and energy of compére and conductor Guy Noble, this concert is a must for all the family. Gates open 3.45pm. Bring a picnic, rug and the family. Tickets start at $19 pre-purchased from canberraticketing.com.au.
From 6pm SUNSET CINEMAS Head along to Pretty Woman (M) at Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinemas. Gates open at 6pm, movie starts at 8.15pm. Patrick White Lawns, Parkes (in front of the National Library). Online tickets Adults $19/Concession $15/Volkswagen Polo Class $27/Star Lounge $40 from openaircinemas.com.au. Tickets cost more at the gate.
7pm LOVE IS IN THE AIR Carillonists Lyn Fuller and Anna Wong perform Love Is in the Air, a special Valentine's Day recital at the National Carillion. Aspen Island, Parkes. Free entry.
8pm CRUISE Take your loved one aboard the M.V. Southern Cross for a romantic evening cruising the waters of Lake Burley Griffin at sunset. Tickets $85 from ticketek.com.au which includes a glass of sparkling wine, a red rose for the ladies and a three-course dinner. 8-10pm. Departing from the Southern Cross Yacht Club, Yarralumla.
8pm THE FOUR SEASONS The Australian Chamber Orchestra's Richard Tognetti and Joseph Tawadros bring their own blend of musical alchemy to Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Llewellyn Hall. Tickets $46-$109 from aco.com.au.
8pm OPERATIC LOVE Canberra Opera opens its 2015 season with a Valentine's themed concert Operatic Love –Lost and Found. Featuring some of Canberra Opera's principal singers as well as some soloists joining for the first time. Also on Sunday at 2pm. Tickets Adult $25/Student $20/Child $10/Pensioner $20 from canberraopera.org.au.
8pm LBD PARTY Don your fave little black dress and head to QT Canberra's Lucky's Speakeasy for a night of drinks and dancing. Instead of a date, take your single friends so another single may meet their perfect match. Free entry. Group booth packages also available. Visit qtcanberra.com.au for more.
Sunday
10am THREE SIXTY FASHION MARKETS A fashion market all about sustainability – the Three Sixty Fashion Market is on again at the Fitters Workshop next to the Old Bus Depot, Kingston. Everything on sale is either recycled, has an ethical focus or is handmade. 10am-3pm. Free entry.
From 10am ANNE FRANK EXHIBITION Developed by the world-famous Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank exhibition is on now at the ACT Jewish Centre. On until March 31. Sunday, Monday and Wednesday: 10am-5pm; Tuesday and Thursday: 10am-8pm; Friday: 10am-2pm. Entry $5. ACT Jewish Centre, 31 National Circuit, Canberra.
From 10am TRAVEL EXPO The event brings together Australia's leading travel suppliers, airlines, tourism bodies and tour operators to offer travellers the chance to pick up special one-off bargains. 10am-4pm, National Convention Centre. Free entry.
1.30pm SUNDAY JAZZ Make your summer weekends last longer with Sunday afternoon jazz in the House of Representatives courtyard. Get a share platter and two glasses of sangria for $30, a rose-themed high tea, plus a full summer menu is also available. Every Sunday 1.30-3.30pm until February 22. Free entry. Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House. For more information visit moadoph.gov.au/events/sunday-afternoon-music.
2pm BLACK DIGGERS TALK One hundred years ago young Aboriginal men stepped up to enlist in the Great War although banned from military service. Black Diggers is a new Australian play that tells the stories of some of these men. The play is showing at Canberra Theatre 25-28 March. In this free talk, the panel featuring director Wesley Enoch, writer Tom Wright, historian Gary Oakley and one of the actors from the play, will discuss the historical research and process of creating this play and the impact it has had on indigenous communities and families. Parliament House. Free but ticketed event. Tickets from canberraticketing.com.au.
4pm EVENSONG Hear the acoustics of quality choral music in the National Portrait Gallery's Gordon Darling entrance hall with Evensong, performed by Canberra's newest professional vocal ensemble, Clarion, led by Tobias Cole, one of Australia's most successful counter-tenors. Free entry. Also on Saturday February 14 at 4pm.
4pm ARTHUR BOYD Opening today at Manning Clark House Gallery is Portrait of a Friendship, an exhibition of paintings by Arthur Boyd, from the period of his long friendship with historian Manning Clark. These intimate works, figurative and set against the Australian bush, include two portraits of Manning Clark as well as a series of artistic nudes. This unique exhibition takes place in the original home of Manning and Dymphna Clark – the loungeroom where Arthur and Manning discussed art, culture and other issues of the day over a pot of tea. Exhibition open 10am-4pm Tues-Sun until 15 March. For more information visit manningclark.org.au.
From 5pm SUNDAE SESSION Head along to Into The Woods (PG) at Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinemas. Gates open at 5pm, movie starts at 8.15pm. Pre-movie entertainment by pop/rock duo Second Avenue from 7.15pm. Patrick White Lawns, Parkes (in front of the National Library). Online tickets Adults $19/Concession $15/Volkswagen Polo Class $27/Star Lounge $40 from openaircinemas.com.au. Tickets cost more at the gate. And Sundays mean Sundae Sessions, which include unlimited free Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
6.30pm LOCKS OF LOVE Locks of Love (M), the Canberra-made feature film bridging 11 stories of love, will be screened at Palace Electric followed by a Q&A with two of the directors, Christian Doran and Kris Kerehona. Tickets $11.50-$15.90 from palacecinemas.com.au.
