What's on this week in Canberra?: 12th - 18th August 2024

The 17th - 23rd of August is National Book Week, which means a whole lot of fun literary based activities this week. Plus, a ballet workshop, meet the author, and more National Science Week fun. Check out our guide to what's on this week in Canberra for kids and families.

There's so much for families to do in Canberra this week. Check out our guide to everything Book Week, Science Week, and more.

Book Week - Celebration of May Gibbs

To mark the beginning of Children's Book Week, the National Archives will be celebrating May Gibbs, one of Australia's best loved authors, illustrators and cartoonist. This free event will include arts and crafts and activities for all ages, allowing families to bask in the nostalgic, environmental legacy of the Queen of the gumnut babies and her love of the Australian Bush. Reserve your spot here.

Meet the author - Norman Swan

Want straightforward, honest and common sense advice on what's most important for your kids in the crucial years of five to ten ('the runway to adolescence')? With a background in paediatrics and an over 30 year career monitoring and broadcasting the latest medical research, Norman Swan knows what issues parents are worried about. In his book, So You Want to Know What's Good for Your Kids?, Norman draws on the questions he hears all the time and gives the information you want and the answers you need to raise healthy and happy children.

Norman Swan will be in conversation with Laura Tingle on his new book at Llewellyn Hall on Friday the 16th of August from 6-7pm. Get your free tickets here.

Ausdance ACT Workshop Series with Ballet International Gala Soloist Iana Salenko

Ausdance ACT is hosting an exclusive masterclass with Iana Salenko, Principal Dancer at Staatsballett Berlin, on Sunday 18th August. The workshop is designed for dancers aged 14 and above. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of the world's leading ballet artists! From 2pm to 3.30pm at the Gorman Arts Centre QL2 Dance Studio. Get tickets here.

Science Week - Respect the Reef with The Chamaeleon Collective dancers

The Chamaeleon Collective will be in residence at Libraries ACT this week for special Science Week Storytimes. Combining scientific research with the magic of theatre, The Chameleon Collective will help students learn about what is happening to our coral reefs and how we can save our oceans. Along with a slew of interesting characters, the Chamaeleon Collective will combine dance, theatre, music and amazing costumes to highlight the beauty and precarious nature of the reef ecosystems across the globe. These events are free, but registrations are required.

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.