20 things to do this long weekend

Happy Birthday, Canberra! Thanks for being a great place to live, explore and discover. This weekend celebrate Canberra and what it means to be a Canberran with our list of the 20 best things to do over the long weekend.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular at The Lawns of Old Parliament House

All weekend

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is back again! The festival is set to fill the cityscape with an array of colours, as hot air balloons from across the globe take to the sky. Whether spotting them from afar or witnessing them take flight on the lawns of Parliament House, the annual Balloon Spectacular is something that inflates a little more fun into the Canberra atmosphere.

Lights! Canberra! Action! at the Senate Gardens

7pm Friday 10 March

Returning for its 14^th year in a row, this free Enlighten event never fails to draw a crowd. Lights! Canberra! Action! is the epicentre of emerging filmmakers to make an appearance and contestants continually stun viewers with what they can create in such a short amount of time.

Plus 500 Brumbies V Western Force at GIO Stadium

Kick off 7:45pm Friday 10 March

Tonight the Plus500 Brumbies are back at GIO Stadium in full force to take on the Western Force at GIO Stadium. Kick off is at 7:45pm Friday 10 March and the Western Force is sure to be out for revenge after suffering two losses to the Brumbies in 2016.

Dami Im Yesterday Once More encore show at Canberra Theatre Centre

8pm Saturday 11 March

Due to overwhelming demand, Dami Im is back at the Canberra Theatre Centre to perform her 2017 Yesterday Once More Encore Tour alongside a brand new show.

One Day Shop by Mr. Kitly at Hotel Hotel

10am Saturday 11 March

Melbourne’s Mr Kitly is holding a one-day object shop in our library on the ground floor of Hotel Hotel from 10am tomorrow. The pop up will be selling a thoughtful and considered collection of ceramic, wood and metal kitchen utensils, textiles, reading matter related to crafts, design and architecture; tea and tea accoutrements.

2017 Enlighten Night Noodle Markets at Commonwealth Park

From 5pm Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 March

As the lights go on across the Parliamentary Triangle this weekend Canberrans will dine on authentic Asian eats, from dumplings to dosa. Bars and music will add to the market atmosphere, making it an event for the whole family.

Symphony in the Park at Stage 88

6:30pm Sunday 12 March

The Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s annual performance at Commonwealth Park will not be your ordinary classical experience. Get ready to sit back and enjoy the orchestra bring the work of well-known band ABBA to life. ABBA tribute band, BABBA, will also perform iconic songs to transport you back to the 70’s.

Canberra Day at Commonwealth Park

2pm Monday 13 March

For Canberra’s 104^th birthday locals will celebrate with performances from Australia’s DJ Havana Brown and rock band, Hoodoo Gurus at Stage 88 at Commonwealth Park. Enjoy fun, food and festivities with the whole family and a great bunch Canberrans from 2pm-7pm.

Canberra Day 2 for 1 deal for Versailles: Treasures from the Palace at NGA

10am Monday 13 March

Just like Versailles, Canberra was built as a seat of power for the nation. On Canberra Day NGA is giving the power to the people with a 2 for 1 ticket offer. This is your last chance to see these magnificent treasures in Canberra. Visit now to enjoy this magical experience before it’s too late.

ACT Claycourt International at Canberra Tennis Centre

All weekend

A strong field has been announced for ACT Claycourt International event #1, including local tennis player James Frawley, aiming to win his way into the main draw through the qualifying round this weekend on home soil. Held at the Canberra Tennis Centre on the redeveloped European clay courts from 11-26 March 2017, the tournament is set to offer $50,000 in total prize money.

Also don’t miss…

The Bold Festival at The National Library of Australia – All weekend

Festival Muse Women of the Press Gallery at Muse Canberra – 6pm Friday 10 March

Giants V North Melbourne at Manuka Oval – Kick off 5pm Friday 10 March

Enlighten 2017 Pedaleando Hacia el Cielo at King Edward Terrace – 8:30pm Friday 10 March

Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC – 7:30am Saturday 11 March

Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium – Kick off 7:30pm Saturday 11 March

Alliance Française French Film Festival at Palace Electric – All weekend

Retro Depot in March at The Old Bus Depot Markets – 10am Sunday 12 March

Iconic Australian Houses at National Archives of Australia – Last weekend