The well-needed long weekend is finally here and the weather is looking a treat.

Floriade Nightfest – 3 – 6 October

Our weekend begins on Thursday with the return of Nighfest! When the sun goes down, NightFest comes to life for all those who dare to dabble in Floriade’s dark side. Experience magical nights as this floral feast is transformed into an illuminated playground. Thursday to Saturday nights feature live music, while Sunday night will see side splittingly funny comedians take to the stage. Explore all the after-dark magic as this year’s Floriade theme, World in Bloom, infiltrates all aspects of the festival from pop-up performances through to foodie experiences and interactive displays. Lighting up each night from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, tickets are available from Ticketek and start at $31.95 per person, visit floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest.

School holidays at Marketplace Gungahlin – All weekend

Get the kids out of the house these School Holidays at our fun and free kids activity hub! From 10.30am – 1.30pm every weekday there are plenty of activities featuring mindfulness, sensory and skilled base play! On Friday, bring the kids for some fun Wooden Spinning top decorating. This is a free event and all activities take place directly outside Big W. See more event details here.

Twilight Zone at OPH – Fri 4 Oct

Sign off from your working week before you dip into the weekend, in a transformed space of both reality and dreams. Discover the new Old Parliament House with a reanimating flair, that occurs at that moment when day blends with night. Kicking off Friday 4 October at 5pm, Canberrans are invited to embrace that golden hour of an afternoon, where for some unexplained reason drinks taste better, stars sparkle brighter and conversions flow freely. OPH has partnered with some exciting drink partners to get every Friday off to a buzzing start. The courtyard will be activated with music, snack-y foods and crisp drinks.

Prosecco and Co. at Walt and Burley – Fri 4 Oct

For the love of Prosecco every Friday from 5pm Walt and Burley will be serving up a brand-new punchy Prosecco menu that bursts with Summer flavours. Wind down at the end of the week the bubbliest way how on the Foreshore. Book now on 6239 6648.

Spring takeover: The Martini Whisperer at Lucky’s – Fri 4 Oct

Lovers of Martinis, craft spirits and classic cocktails rejoice for Lucky’s is coming alive with mixology magic. Enjoy the first night in a series of Spring Takeovers as Canberra’s iconic Phillip Jones, a.k.a The Martini Whisperer takes reign over Lucky’s bar for one night only. Meet the man behind the legend in an intimate opportunity to learn about cocktail history and observe how the perfect martini is made. The evening’s menu will feature specially crafted classics each with a Martini Whisperer twist. This is a free event from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

Windows to the World – Sat 5 Oct

Windows to the World provides the rare opportunity to see behind the gates of the capital’s embassies and high commissions. See, taste and experience cultures from across the globe, whilst enjoying the beautiful gardens and intricate architecture of some of Canberra’s most iconic buildings. During Floriade, visitors can also experience a taste of Windows to the World, with a selection of embassies exhibiting onsite at the flower festival on 5 October. While admission is free to the embassies and high commissions, prices for events vary from free to $15. For entry to the majority of the embassies you will need to book and comply with the security conditions. Visit the website for details about individual events. At many of the Open Day events food and drink will be available for sale. Cash only, as there will be no EFTPOS or ATM facilities available.

Meet and Greet Shani Grimmond – Sat 5 Oct

Visit Canberra Centre on 5th October from 12 – 12.45pm to meet social media sensation and beauty lover Shani Grimmond. With nearly 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube and over 1.4 million followers on Instagram, Shani is one of Australia’s leading social media personalities. Her vlogs and posts regularly include tips on makeup and the latest beauty trends, along with personal & lifestyle advice. It’s time to make those Instagram stories a reality, as we give you the opportunity to meet her in person! Book your spot now https://cc.sproutix.com.au/event/

Spring Racing Carnival at The Duxton – Sat 5 Oct

Join The Duxton for all your Spring Racing Carnival action. They have got TAB facilities for the punters along with plenty of screens to catch all the action. Everyone is a winner with the ‘Losing Ticket’ raffle at 1pm – $25 Duxton Gift Voucher, 3pm – $25 Duxton Gift Voucher, and 5pm – a $250 Duxton Gift Voucher. This weekend’s edition is Turnbull Stakes Day!

NightFest Dusk High Tea at Burbury Hotel Sat 5 – Sun 6 Oct

The Burbury Terrace has partnered with Floriade NightFest to offer a special Dusk High Tea from 3.30pm – 6pm. Enjoy the sun set over Canberra as you indulge in a selection of finely made French cakes & tarts, delicate savouries, traditional scones, glass of sparkling and ticket to Floriade NightFest. Once the sun goes down experience Floriade’s dark side at NightFest. Explore all the after-dark magic as this year’s Floriade theme, World in Bloom, infiltrates all aspects of the festival from pop-up performances through to more foodie experiences and interactive displays. Saturday night will feature live music while Sunday night will see comedians take to the stage. $75 for high tea and ticket to Nightfest. For bookings please call 6163 1802 or email [email protected]

Sunseeker Sunday’s at Walt and Burley – Sun 6 Oct

A new Summer Sunday sesh has arrived in town! Say hello to those golden rays with Walt and Burley’s Sunseeker Sundays: Pimm’s Edition. Sit by the waters edge with refreshing Pimm’s Pop-up Bars, fresh seafood bars, live acoustic tunes and chilled lake vibes. Try the Paddles and Boards weekend special where you can select a premium beer paddle with any grazing board for just $50 (wine flight option +$10). Relax at Walt and Burley all Sunday, every Sunday from 11am, just as the Foreshoreans do. Book now on 6239 6648.

Raiders Grand Final Ultimate Supporters Package – Sun 6 Oct

Catch every minute of the 2019 NRL Grand Final on Sunday 6 October at The Duxton. No better way to watch the Grand Final than with pizza and beer! Die-hard Canberra Raiders fans look no further than our footy supporters’ package. Join from 6pm kick-off from 7:30pm and enjoy all you can eat pizza with a 4-hour beer package thanks to Carlton Draught. Grab your mates, don your best supporter gear and catch all the action of the grand final live and loud. Tickets are $65 per person + booking fee. Book your spot online now.

Grand Final + Bringing it Back Party – Sun 6 Oct

This Sunday, join Hopscotch to watch the big game from 6.30pm in their traditional Bringing it Back long weekend party style. All the action will be covered inside on the big screen and outside with two big screens set up in the beer garden. They’ll be serving up 50c wings, special Canberra Raiders inspired cocktails, happy hour between 3 and 5, bringing it back DJ’s and extended trading hours! Call 02 6107 3030 or email [email protected] and book your table in now.

Floriade – all weekend

Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, returns to Commonwealth Park from Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October 2019. With over one million blooms on display and free entry, Floriade is the perfect place to experience the beauty of spring. With a diverse and ever expanding program of music, cultural celebrations, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market traders, artistic displays, entertainment, recreational activities and more, you’ll find something for everyone. Celebrate this year’s theme, World in Bloom daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Visit the website for more information.

Story Time at National Library of Australia – All Weekend

Story Time: Australian Children’s Literature is an exhibition of much-loved children’s books from the colonial period through to the present day that will appeal to anyone who has experienced the magic of stories. This exhibition will reacquaint you with old friends and introduce you to new ones. It will take you on a nostalgic tour through childhood, looking at the works of great Australian authors and illustrators including Bronwyn Bancroft, Mem Fox, May Gibbs, Bob Graham, Emily Rodda, Ivan Southall, Shaun Tan and Ethel Turner. A must-see exhibition, Story Time explores the rich history of Australian children’s literature and takes you on a journey across time and place—real and imagined. Families can also have fun in the dedicated kids section, Playtime. Presented in association with the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature.