Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It’s Monday, 4 August.

☁️ Weather: 16° and cloudy

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📆 This Week in Canberra

Last week I was struggling to find events to include, as is the way, everyone seems to schedule things on the same week! So here’s a longer This Week in Canberra...

Bonfire Night: Fire, food and festivities at Dairy Road this Friday. Expect spit-roasted pork, vinyl DJs, wine by the glass, cocktails and more. Details here.

Viral Food Festival: Over 40 “viral” treats made famous on social media—Big Mac tacos, Dubai bubble waffles, rainbow toasties and Labubu bao. Plus rides, carnival games, roving performers and live music. Details here.

Winter Market: A showcase of cold-climate produce—truffles, wine, garlic, olives and more. There’s a Cellar Door wine market inside The Vault and farmers’ stalls outside. Details here.

Oz Comic-Con: Australia’s ultimate pop culture event—studio activations, comics, anime, cosplay and games. Details here.

Antiques & Collectables Fair: The winter edition returns to Albert Hall, with up to 30 local and interstate dealers offering antiques, nostalgia, books, jewellery and collectables. Details here.

Pizza & Pyjamas: Head to the NFSA this Friday night in your comfiest PJs, bring your favourite teddy or blanket, and enjoy a family screening of Lady and the Tramp—with pizza on arrival (included with your ticket). Details here.

Raiders: The Raiders play Manly this Friday night (bring a blanket!), and the NRLW team takes on the Broncos on Sunday. Details here.

GWS Giants vs North Melbourne: The Giants are back in Canberra this Sunday, with kick-off at 1:40pm. Details here.

Space & Science Film Festival: A celebration of films with a hopeful vision of the future—space exploration and science take centre stage. Details here.

Lucha Fantastica: Mexican wrestling returns to the Harmonie Club this Saturday—expect a wild mix of sport, storytelling and spectacle. Details here.

Sooshi Mango: Just a handful of tickets remain for Sooshi Mango’s comedy show at the Canberra Theatre this Sunday. Details here.

Frankie McNair: Canberra Comedy Club hosts Frankie McNair this Wednesday night. You might’ve seen her screaming on Thank God You’re Here, Just for Laughs Sydney or Aunty Donna’s Most Upsetting Guessing Game. Details here.

LOL Season: Comedy ACT’s LOL Season returns for 2025 with 10 shows packed into just three days. Details here.

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Sport: 🏏 Australia v India T20

The Australian Women’s Team will host India in Canberra for a T20 international in February. The men’s match against India has already sold out, but there are still tickets left to the women’s match. Details here.

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Something to do

A few picks for the curious:

Mr Squiggle and Norman Hetherington: At the National Museum’s Spotlight Conversation: Mr Squiggle and the Legacy of Norman Hetherington, join Norman’s daughter Rebecca and grandson Tom as they share stories of growing up with puppets and learning from a master. Details here.

The Science of Hot Glass: Science meets fire at the Glassworks—watch as expert glass artists shape glowing 1,100°C glass right before your eyes, exploring the physics, chemistry and transformation of materials in real time. It’s free! Details here.

Unconformity: Venture beneath Parliament House for a rare chance to see a geological formation where two rock masses—formed millions of years apart—have fused together over time. Details here.

Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour: This film tour features over two hours of inspiring, heartwarming and entertaining short films celebrating women in adventure—curated from independent filmmakers around the globe. Details here.

Premier League Trivia Night: How well do you know the Premier League and football? The Durham is hosting a Premier League-themed trivia night this Thursday evening. Details here.

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Tidbits and News

Reconciliation Mural: Year 6 student Noah Yong was selected to bring a bus shelter in O’Connor to life with a reconciliation mural, painted in collaboration with Wiradjuri artist Kalara Gilbert. More.

Sam Backo Dies Aged 64: Rugby league great Sam Backo has died aged 64. A Canberra Raiders and Maroons legend, Backo played 115 games for the Raiders and was affectionately known as “Slammin' Sam”. More.

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