What’s on This Weekend in Canberra: Sitchu's Top Picks
This is what we're doing this weekend in Canberra.
Find a Second-Hand Treasure
Fancy yourself a nifty thrifter? The Second Life Markets in Canberra is a sustainable shopping event focused on giving pre-loved items a new lease on life. Held at the Fitters' Workshop, expect a wide range of second-hand goods, from vintage clothing to cute homewares. It's a must-visit for eco-conscious shoppers looking to reduce waste and find hidden treasures.
Tickets from $12.88
Sunday, September 8th
UC Refectory, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce
Head to the Annual Gin-Tasting Festival
Calling all gin lovers! For one weekend only, the Botanica Spirits and Food Festival will take over the Australian National Botanic Gardens. This immersive event will feature over 20 distillers and crafters offering gins, vodkas, spritzes, and gourmet snacks. Enjoy live music, masterclasses, and cocktails from the Fever-Tree bar.
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September
Tickets from $79
The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton
Soak up the Sunshine with the Bridge-to-Bridge Walk in Lake Burley Griffin
Who says you can’t enjoy a slice of nature in the middle of the city? And what better way to celebrate spring than with this lovely, gentle 5km bridge-to-bridge (Commonwealth Bridge to Kings Avenue Bridge) walk around the iconic Lake Burley Griffin? This walk is popular for those who want to get in a brisk walk during their lunch hour or those who like to indulge in a coffee midway—yes, please.
The walk also allows you to view Canberra icons along the way like the National Library, the National Carillon, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Sculpture Garden and more goodies.
Starting point: You can start anywhere along the basin of the lake in between the two bridges.
Duration: 1.5 hours
The Tipsy Sketching Club
Spring is the perfect time to learn a new skill. Try your hand at life drawing whilst sipping away on cocktails from Wakefield's Bar & Wine. You'll get to attempt a variety of poses with drawing time ranging from two minutes to twenty per pose.
Dates throughout September
1 Wakefield Gardens, Shop 2, Ainslie
Canberra Moon Festival
Canberra Moon Festival offers up a great chance to learn about different Asian cultures via local food and drink stalls, performances and interactive activities. It's going to be a big one this year with the festival expected to draw in over 35 000 visitors.
Friday 6th to Sunday 8th September
City Walk and Petire Plaza
Omakase Experience at Koto Dining
The opening of Koto has been a true highlight for Canberra's foodie scene this year and this heavenly Japanese restaurant isn't done delighting us yet. Koto has just launched an 18-course omakase menu curated by their hatted executive chef and sushi master, Shinya Nakano. There are only ten seats available at each sitting so get in quick if you have a date in mind.
1 King George Terrace, Parkes
Tulip Top Gardens
An annual highlight, Tulip Top Gardens has released their open dates for the 2024 season. Perfect for a family day out, doggos included, the gorgeous gardens are a serene spot for a picnic and a day spent wandering amongst the blooms. Coffee and tea are included in the ticket price with other food and beverages available for purchase also. Pick your date wisely as there are also live entertainment and creative workshops available on selected dates.
Wednesday 11th September to Sunday 13th October
20 Old Federal Highway, Sutton
National Photographer Portrait Prize 2024
Planning ahead? You won't want to miss this one. Discover the essence of 2023 and 2024 in photo form at the National Portrait Gallery's iconic event, the National Photographic Portrait Prize. Celebrating its 17th year, this exhibition gives a snapshot of the year's essence through a kaleidoscope of identities, both communal and personal.
With 34 talented artists in the limelight, including Zoe Helene Karouzos and Paul Knight, prepare for visual storytelling at its finest. Opening in late June, this isn't your average exhibition; it's one of the most popular events on the calendar. And with a whopping $50,000 prize package up for grabs, it's bound to be a showcase of pure photographic magic.
Opens June 22nd, 2024 — October 13th
National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes Canberra
Get Creative at the Craft and Design Centre
Are you itching to get your hands to work? Visit the Craft and Design Centre to see what's on offer. This month, you can learn cultural weaving and watercolour food journalling.
Dates throughout August-Septmeber
Shades of Shadows
Discover a whole new world of light and shadow at the Canberra Museum and Gallery's Shades of Shadows exhibition. Glass artist Hannah Gason invites you on a journey where light dances with architectural forms, inspired by the visionary work of Frank Hinder.
Just like Hinder's iconic designs that shaped Canberra's landscape, Gason's pieces weave together harmony, movement, and luminosity. As you explore, watch how light transforms and plays tricks with glass, creating an enchanting display of shapes and textures, captivating the endless possibilities of light and glass.
June 15th to November 17th, 2024
Canberra Museum and Gallery, Corner London Circuit and City Square, Canberra
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Hold hands and get swept up in the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience, all under the glow of candlelight. For an unforgettable date idea in Canberra, you simply can't look past attending a candlelit concert from Fever Up.
There are orchestral tributes to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Coldplay and Taylor Swift, or swoon to the soaring sounds of Mozart's Requiem and Vivaldi's Four Seasons played out to a transfixing degree in stunning and oft-historic venues around town. They even have family-friendly options with their Candlelight Kids series.
Multiple locations, visit Fever Up website for more details
Still on the lookout for something to do this weekend? Why not check out one of Canberra's epic exhibitions or if you're looking to save some cash, check out our edit of the best free things to do in Canberra.
