Polling day is almost here! Voting in the ACT election aside, there’s something for everyone in Canberra and region this weekend, from backyard beekeeping to public crying events. It’s also your last chance to see Floriade for 2016. Enjoy the sun!
Japanese Film Festival 2016
When: 14-23 October | Where: Capitol Cinemas Manuka
The Japanese Film Festival returns to Canberra for its 20th anniversary. The Canberra leg of the national festival has a huge program that aims to shine a spotlight on the best of Japanese culture. Curated by Sydney’s Japan Foundation, Sydney, the festival presents exciting new films straight from Japan, including comedy, samurai and yakuza action, manga adaptations and high school romance.
Canberra Light the Night
When: 5.30pm to 8.30pm, Friday | Where: Kingston Foreshore
Every day 35 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer. You can bring a little light into their lives by supporting the Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night walk in Canberra. Funds raised will help more Australians beat blood cancer through research and support.
Let it out – public crying event
When: 6.30pm to 9.30pm, Friday | Where: Scarth room, University House, ANU
It’s not yet exam season, but that’s no reason to keep your emotions in check. The Australian Association of Chinese PhD Students and Young Scholars and the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University are inviting university students aged 18 to 30 to participate in a special (bizarre?) movie event. You will be given the opportunity to cry at a movie with other attendees. Tissues and light refreshments provided.
ACT Election 2016
When: 8am to 6pm, Saturday | Where: Find your nearest polling place
The countdown to the ACT election is underway. Don’t miss your chance to have your say (and enjoy a sausage!) this weekend. All ACT polling places are open from 8am to 6pm.
Canberra International Riesling Challenge consumer tasting
When: 11am to 3pm, Saturday | Where: Albert Hall
Fancy a drink after this year’s election drama? You’ll be in good company at the Canberra International Riesling Challenge’s consumer tasting event. $45 per person, with tickets available at the door. Includes a souvenir Riedel tasting glass and a copy of the official results catalogue.
The Bee Friendly Garden with Doug Purdie
When: 2pm, Saturday | Where: National Library of Australia
Hear from self-professed ‘beevangelist,’ and co-founder of The Urban Beehive Doug Purdie as he guides gardeners to transform backyards into bug nirvanas, helping save bees one plant at a time. Tickets are $10, which includes book signing and refreshments.
Jack Colwell at Smith’s Alternative
When: Doors open 6.30pm, Saturday | Where: Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Civic
Sydney singer/composer Jack Colwell is coming to Canberra for an early show at Smith’s Alternative. Jack was last in Canberra in April as Sarah Blasko’s special guest, and this is his first headline show in the capital. During this show, he will be in acoustic mode with piano, violin, and guitar, reconfiguring his dramatic confessional songs specially for Smith’s.
What are your plans this weekend? Let us know in the comments.