Fireworks, festivals, films and feasting is our kind of weekend!

Canberra Balloon Spectacular – Fri 15 – Sunday 17 March

Wake up to the view of hot air balloons floating across the city during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. This mesmerising view is best appreciated from the lawns of Old Parliament House. Held over nine days, the Canberra skyline will be full of hot air balloons from across the globe. Each day from 6:15am pilots will begin inflating their balloons on the lawns of Old Parliament House before ascending into the sky and creating a picturesque backdrop for Canberra’s national attractions. Passengers can experience the thrill of hot air ballooning over Canberra at sunrise while spectators on the ground are treated to an experience of the senses. Flurries of colour, sound and movement complemented by live music, hot drinks and a delicious breakfast available for purchase from the Belconnen Lions Club or one of our tempting food trucks will make your morning one to remember. For more info, visit their website. 

Romantic Comedy night at French Film Festival- Fri 15 March

You’re bound to fall in love with the French Film Festival. Join for their special Romantic Comedy Night at Palace Cinemas to see the movie Rolling to You. This hilarious movie is starring French humourist Franck Dubosc, who plays a womaniser and a serial liar, as well as Alexandra Lamy. The screening will be preceded by a reception at 6.30pm with food and drinks. For more information and ticketing, visit their website.

Tell us your best Dad joke at First Edition Friday 15th – 25th March 

 Paying tribute to the iconic Canberra Comedy Festival, First Edition have gone ahead and created their very own Canberra Theatre stage within the foyer of the Hotel, where you can live a moment in the life of a comedian.  From Friday the 15 to Monday 25 of March, all First Edition & Novotel Canberra guests are encouraged to film their best ‘dad’ joke on the First Edition’s stage and post to social media tagging @novotelcanberra. The winner of the best and most original Dad joke will win one nights accomodation at ANY Accor property around Australia with breakfast included for two. Who knows, you might realise that your life long goal is to be a comedian, and leave the desk job behind!

Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival- Sat 16 March

The 12th Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival is set to be the biggest ever held, with a record number of exhibitors expected for the event. The Festival will be staged on the Batman Street and in the car park of Mercure Canberra from 11am – 6pm and will feature breweries from across Australia along with live bands, food, entertainment and a wide range of kids’ activities. The Festival is ideal for all beer and cider enthusiasts – from beginners to budding craft brewers. Over 200 beers and ciders will be available for tasting and visitors will be able to take part in beer/cider food matching sessions, hear guest speakers, and meet the brewers. Tickets are $18 online and $25 at the door. You can purchase them here. 

Garden Series- with an ensemble of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra- Sat 16 March

Enjoy the sound of music in a perfect garden setting! The Quadrangle Garden is a great space to spend a whole afternoon with the family. Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy listening to some light Jazz. Refreshing drinks and snacks are available at our pop up bar. Tickets will be limited and need to be pre-booked. $35.00 per person. Additional drinks can be purchased from the pop up bar. Arrive from 1:30pm with a 2:00pm start. Book your tickets here: [email protected].

Hit 104.7 Skyfire- Sat 16 March

Canberra lights up from the shores of Lake Burley Griffin as HIT 104.7 SKYFIRE returns for its 31st year. Look to the sky to take in a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics and spectacular fireworks set to a soundtrack simultaneously broadcast on HIT 104.7. See great free live entertainment at Regatta Point before the explosively magical fireworks display. Delicious food and drink will add to the festival atmosphere. The event will run 6pm until late. Cost is free so bring the whole family along!

Sparks Fly Skyfire event at Bad Betti’s- Sat 16 March

Betti doesn’t sweat, she sparkles and you can too! Bypass the hustle and bustle at the lake and watch the night sky light up for Skyfire 2019 from the comfort and convenience of Betti’s. No need to bring a blanket and radio as they’re recreating Skyfire with picnic blankets, decorations, sparklers and live DJ entertainment! They’ve got a mouthwatering Burger Banquet where no one will go home hungry (or thirsty). It includes, popcorn jerk chicken, guac corn chips, cured kingfish, sweet potato fries, signature sliders with SPARKLERS, Churros and their Skyfire inspired SPARKS FLY cocktail! Cost is $49pp. For tickets call 6295 7000 or email: [email protected].

Craft Beer and Cider Festival Pop-up- Sat 16 March

East Hotel will be hosting local brewers including Capital Brewing Co, Pact and Bentspoke in the hotel lobby. From 5pm – 8pm, make your way through a series of pop-up stalls and try some of the best brews around. Your ticket gives you the opportunity to try six of the best local brews. Entry is only $15pp. Click here to secure your tickets. 

Chocolate Oyster Screening and Q&A at Dendy Cinemas- Sat 16 March

A film screening that will answer all your questions- from 7pm at Dendy, director of film Steve Jaggi will answer all questions! Chocolate Oyster is an Australian experimental, observational comedy about young people in Sydney struggling to get ahead in love and their careers. Chocolate Oyster follows twenty-somethings Ellie and Taylor, who live in Bondi apartments they can’t really afford, and purse their dreams in a city that seems intent on thwarting them. Taylor chase a dance career by day and works as a waitress at night, while supporting her new boyfriend Henry, an aspiring playwright. Tired of being with a dependent and juvenile boyfriend, Ellie ends her relationship and begins to see Craig, a chef who dreams of creating a signature dish that will make his name. With the story workshopped between actors and director, and a great deal of improvisation, the monochrome Chocolate Oyster has a breezy quality that reflects both the beauty and difficulty of life. You can purchase tickets here.

Art Not Apart- Sat 16 Mar

Art, Not Apart is a free annual festival showcasing contemporary artists from Canberra and beyond.
The festival returns at the NewActon Precinct from 1pm – 7pm for a curated outburst of exhibitions, multiple music stages, performance art, interactive installations, film works, art and wine markets, poetry and prose, delicious street food and cocktail bars, and a wild afterparty. The immense program of events will be spread across NewActon Precinct, The Shine Dome, QT Hotel and NFSA. This year’s theme is ‘SOUL AND MORTAR’ – a call to action for artists to take arms and create works which build the soul of our city and country. Art which combats indifference and inaction. United through art. No-one’s apart.

Monster’s Afternoon Delight- Sun 17 Mar

Presenting a new Sunday afternoon blend, Monster Kitchen and Bar is adding a little extra flavour to your signature lazy day with our very own High Tea… Amidst the hand-crafted furniture, bespoke artwork, and ambient lighting you will find the familiar flavours you have come to appreciate from the team at Monster with a range of exclusive tea flavours by Tea Garden co, tea inspired cocktails, Champagne all complemented by black and gold fixtures. Choose from three exotic ticket choices. Bookings are essential, jump-in early to secure a great spot and be a part of the next big thing. Tickets and menu information available here.