What's on in Canberra This Week?: 18th - 24th November

The Christmas events have arrived in Canberra, and there's plenty of fun for the whole family! Keep reading to find out all of the things happening in Canberra this week for families and kids.

Talented Tales: A Woolly Tale

Join the NMA for an adventure with author Jackie Hosking as she shares the story of Chris the sheep in A Woolly Tale, the latest book in the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre children’s series. Then spark your creativity in a hands-on workshop. Perfect for young adventurers aged 3 to 6 years! Spaces are limited, bookings are essential. More info here.

Talented Tales: A Woolly Tale @ the National Museum - 24th November - $10+

Ghostbusters & Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

The National Film and Sound Archive are bringing cult classics to their beautiful Arc Cinema, and we are here for it! Watch Ghostbusters (and celebrate its 40th anniversary!) on Friday the 22nd at 8pm, or steep yourself in some 80s nostalgia with Bill & Ted at 1pm on Sunday the 24th. More info and tickets here.

Film screening @ the NFSA - 22nd & 24th November - $10+

RecipeTin Eats' Nagi Maehashi book tour

Australia's favourite blogging chef, Nagi Maehashi, is visiting Canberra to promote her new cook book, TONIGHT, and you can bet your bottom dollar we'll be there! And if Nagi herself isn't exciting enough, she'll also have her furry best friend Dozer there for visits too. Get yourself to Westfield Belconnen to meet Nagi and Dozer, get a photo op, and get your copy of TONIGHT signed. Find all the details here.

RecipeTin Eats' Nagi Maehashi book tour @ Dymocks, Westfield Belconnen - 23rd November - 12pm-2pm - free

Big Art by Little People – Messy Play Magic

Watch your little ones revel in creative play at Jellybean Street's Bug Art by Little People workshops. Kids will have the chance to get messy and create wonderful art, and their creations will be turned into stunning masterpieces. Jellybean Street's skilled artists will turn your child's artwork into a gorgeous print, perfect for adorning your home with unique art that celebrates your child's vibrant imagination. Find more details and book tickets here.

Big Art by Little People @ Downer Community Centre - 23rd November - $30

Jacka Open Day

Join us for a day of family fun in Jacka's newest playground and discover what this growing community has to offer! This free family event will include food, a variety of activities and an excellent line up of entertainment for all ages. Get ready for an exciting day of activities for the whole family. There'll be free face painting, games, live music, street food vendors, and visits from Rubble and Skye (two of Paw Patrol's adventurous pups!). Find all the details here.

Jack Open Day @ the Jacka Playground - 23rd November - 11am - free

Cricket Trivia Night

Got some crickets fans in the house? Get excited the day before the first test this summer as The Durham holds their first-ever cricket trivia evening. Put all that cricket knowledge to the test and battle it out against other cricket fanatics. Find more info here.

Cricket Trivia Night @ The Durham Castle Arms - 21st November

The Happiest Refugee Live

Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee, a staple in school curriculums across the ACT, has made readers laugh and cry over the years. Anh’s stage show takes it a step further, combining stand-up comedy with real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story. When one of Australia’s most talented comedians delves deep into his own life’s joys and sorrows, the result is an unforgettable night at the theatre that leaves an audience uplifted and quite simply experiencing… happiness. Book your tickets here.

The Happiest Refugee Live @ The Canberra Theatre Centre - 19th November - $69.90

Sunset Cinema Opening

Get out and enjoy the rare warm weather in Canberra at the Sunset Cinema outdoor cinema screenings. With fresh popcorn and snacks, food trucks, a licensed bar, and an awesome lineup of films (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Gladiator 2, Wicked, Moana 2, The Princess Diaries, Elf, Home Alone, and heaps more), it's guaranteed to be an awesome night out for the fam. See the lineup and grab your tickets here.

Sunset Cinema @ The National Botanic Gardens - 21st November - 22nd Feb - various costs

Woden Throwdown @ Woden Skatepark

Head to the Woden skatepark for the Best Trick Jams comp, with $200 cash up for grabs for the overall ripper of the day. Plus prizes from Trilogy Skateboard for anyone skating hard and having fun! This is a free event, volunteer-run by local skateboarders for local skateboarders. Come get amongst it! More info here.

Woden Throwdown @ Woden Skatepark - 23rd November - 2pm - free

PlayUP Takeover

PlayUP is taking over the Museum for World Children's Day with a slew of activities on offer. Boogie along to the disco in King's Hall, skip out to Open Air PlayUP for outdoor games, get creative at one of the crafting stations, play a rousing round of dress-ups, then chill out on comfy cushions and listen to a story. The theme for the day is 'loud', so come along dressed in your brightest, funkiest outfit. Find more details here.

PlayUP Takeover @ Museum of Australian Democracy - 23rd November - 10am - 4pm - free

SciNight: Refraction – Proud to be Curious

In need of a date night? Grab your partner and head to Questacon to experience science after dark! SciNight: Refraction is a vivacious celebration of science and pride, with performances that enchant, activities that provide connection, and science demonstrations that inspire.

Featuring:

• Flamingos from Dead Puppet Society: Marvel at full-sized flamboyant flappy-footed, illuminated flamingos in every colour of the rainbow.​

• Canberra Qwire Performance and Pride in Harmony: Be serenaded by Canberra’s inclusive LGBTQIA+ choir and join an interactive workshop. ​

• Curiosity Corner: Engage with Meridian’s exciting activities and resources that build rainbow connections (with giveaways too).​

• Excited Particles' Colour Shows: Explore how light, materials, perception and biology all interact with your personal colour experience!​

• Drag Performances: Enjoy smooth, sparkling nonsense from Dapper Drag King Guy Alias, and Deadly Drag Story Time with Tina Cox.​

• Queers in Q Lab Trivia and Science Demonstrations: Explore the science of waves and light sources at Q Lab or learn something new with QueersInScience trivia.​

• Pride Flag Scavenger Hunt: Find your LGBTQIA+ community and discover hidden flags around Questacon. Prizes are available for being the first to complete the hunt!​

• Fuel to keep you going: Purchase drinks, cocktails and tasty bites from Atomic Café’s pop-up bars. ​

This inclusive LGBTQIA+ event is inspired by the rainbow and all its possibilities. Grab your tickets here.

SciNight: Refraction – Proud to be Curious @ Questacon - 22nd November - 6.30 - 9.30pm - $23+

Market Day @ the National Museum of Australia

Shop in the relaxed atmosphere of Museum Market Day. Discover unique gifts in the Museum Shop or browse fashion, jewellery and homewares from over 50 local and regional stallholders. Soak up the lively ambience with a DJ, plus food and drink stands in the Gandel Atrium.

Market Day @ the National Museum of Australia - 23rd - 24th November - 9am - 3 pm - free

Christmas Events

Christmas Paws Party

Woof Woof Woof! Haig Park invites you to kick off the holiday season with the Christmas PAWS Party on Sunday, 24 November, where they're hosting a series of Christmas activities tailored just for your furry friends. There'll be custom made Christmas ornaments with photos of your dog, free treats and goodies for all festive pooches, plus the Haig Park Village Markets happening at the same time. Find all the details here.

Christmas Paws Party @ Haig Park - 24th November - 11am - 1pm - free

Santa's Arrival Parade

Celebrate Santa's arrival at Majura Park Shopping Centre! From 9:30am, join us for a special parade as Santa and his dancing elves travel from Woolworths to Toymate. There will be roaming entertainment, music, food and Christmas giveaways for those on the naughty and nice list. From 10:30am-1pm, get your photo with Santa and receive a goodie bag full of Christmas treats, including vouchers to Majura Park retailers, Christmas activities and more.

Santa's Arrival Parade @ Majura Park - 23rd November - 9:30am - free

Herbal Magick Christmas Workshop

Join us in-store for a festive workshop where you'll craft beautiful herbal baubles for your tree. Fun for all ages, this hands-on experience is perfect for making lasting holiday memories. Let’s get creative and bring some magic to your Christmas decor! Find more details here.

Herbal Magick Christmas Workshop @ The Hierophant - 21st December - $11.90+

Make Your Own Bauble

Blow your own Holiday Bauble to put on the tree! In this limited edition 40-minute one-on-one class, learn some of the basic glassblowing techniques to make two baubles with expert guidance of a teaching artist. Find tickets here.

Make Your Own Bauble @ Canberra Glassworks - 23rd November - $180

Buy Nothing Pre Christmas Toy Gifting

Starting to look towards Christmas? Also looking to tidy up and maybe give away some of the kids' toys? Head to the Buy Nothing Groups’ Toy Gifting event at Suttor Reserve in Ainslie (around the corner from the Ainslie shops) 4-6pm on Sunday 24 November. Bring a picnic blanket and all the toys you're keen to gift away, and stroll around to see what others are gifting that you could take for the kiddos, for Christmas. In the true Buy Nothing Project spirit, it's about gifting things you no longer want, to others, and reducing waste. There will also be a food drive for the Ainslie Community Pantry and a small bake sale. Find more info here.

Buy Nothing Pre Christmas Toy Gifting @ Sutton Reserve, Ainslie - 24th November - free

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar

Join the festive celebration featuring charming Christmas markets, a cozy Scandinavian café, and a delightful children's Lucia procession. Guests can enjoy lively entertainment, participate in a raffle, and discover many more exciting activities that capture the Scandinavian holiday spirit! Everyone welcome - entry by donation. Find more information here.

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar @ Albert Hall - 24th November - gold coin donation

Merry & Bright Christmas Market

Head along to the Merry & Bright Christmas Market, presented by the Canberra Circle of Women and Pearce Crafters Market. Find more details here.

Merry & Bright Christmas Market @ The Fitters Workshop - 24th November - free

Christmas Stories with R.A. Spratt

Best-selling children’s author R.A. Spratt performs her favourite Christmas tales. In this whirlwind of storytelling, R.A. Spratt (bestselling author of Friday Barnes and Nanny Piggins), will be performing her favourite Christmas tales. This will be high energy, action-packed, side-splittingly, hilarious storytelling at its festive best, and featuring Christmas carols written by Nanny Piggins herself.

Christmas Stories with R.A. Spratt @ Belconnen Arts Centre - 19th December - $28

Got any events you'd like us to post about in the future? Get in touch so we can include you in our 'What's On This Week in Canberra' posts.