It’s all about food, flowers and festivals this weekend!

Night Fest Pop-up at Highroad – Fri 20 September

Join the Highroad crew as they team up with Floriade, Australia’s largest celebration of spring to bring you a NightFest pop-up at Highroad cafe. This pop-up will give you a taste of NightFest, Floriade’s dark side – a night-time celebration of flowers, culture and all things Canberra. Enjoy a cocktail (or mocktail), explore a pop-up flower market, paint your own garden gnome to take home and enjoy the live music! Ticket prices includes the cost of one cocktail, a garden gnome and paint. Walk-ins, children and dogs are welcome! Additional gnomes will be available for separate purchase on the night. Buy tickets here. 

Equine by Grace Costa Exhibition Opening at QT Canberra – Fri 20 September

Join QT Canberra for the launch party of EQUINE with drinks and nibbles from 6pm. The Exhibition is showing in the QT Canberra lobby space from September 14th to October the 5th. Canberra born, Grace Costa has spent the past 18-years building her career as a commercial photographer most of that time as a photographer for the Department of Defence, and most recently, a photo-based artist. She has built a multi-award-winning portfolio in this time most notably in 2014 Grace was a finalist in the National Photographic Portrait Prize and featured in the touring exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. RSVP here.

Sweet Dreams Music Festival – Sat 21 September

Canberra’s brand new festival, Sweet Dreams won’t be playing your average bedtime lullabies. With an incredible line up of international, national and local artists mixing R&B, hip hop and EDM as well as a mini food festival offering some of the best artisanal food and drink offerings Canberra has to offer. Don’t forget the glow-in-the-dark ball pit, surreal giant neon animals and hidden light up bars. The festival will run from 12 – 11 pm at The Truffle Farm Canberra, Majura. See sweetdreamsfestival.com.au for more information.

As Nature Intended Opening Party – Sat 21 September

After 19 years of serving locals at the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets – As Nature Intended – has moved into its new digs at Dairy Road.  The popular community oasis is back in Fyshwick’s hottest precinct and it’s fresher than ever. The organic wholefood café and grocer is celebrating its new home with a ‘Happy Opening’ event with live entertainment, African dancers, mulled wine, chai tea, nibbles, special discounts (and good vibes guaranteed) from 1pm – 3pm at 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick.

Thai Food and Culture Festival – Sunday 22 September

For one day only, the Thai Embassy in Canberra will open its doors to an incredible all-day event. Throughout the day from 10.30am – 5pm, jump between delicious Thai food vendors and discover the diversities of food. Pop in to see the traditional hand-crafted arts stalls and purchase any little gems you fall in love with. The vendors are from all different Thai communities across Australia, and local Thai restaurants are contributing to the day and sharing street food tastes with visitors. As far as entertainment goes, there will never be a dull moment! Thai traditional dancers will flaunt the space while Muay Thai technique will be marvelled at when the professionals take centre stage. You’ll have a minute to wind down relaxing with Thai massage along with a glass of Thai local beer, going home feeling refreshed and energised!

Your Local Wedding Guide – Sunday 22 September

As the only major wedding expo in Canberra catering exclusively to couples planning their wedding, let them help you to create your perfect wedding day! By bringing together the best and most diverse wedding industry suppliers in your local area, the expo gives you the opportunity to meet with a variety of leading wedding professionals to ensure you find the right team for your special day. Held at Exhibition Park in Canberra from 10:00am-3:00pm with fashion parades from 11:00am, 12:30pm & 2:00pm. This is a free event. Register here.

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.