August 8

Hello Canberra,

Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It’s Thursday 8th August.

⛅️ Weather: 15° and mostly sunny. A low of 3° tonight.

100 Years of Manuka Oval

Manuka Oval is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Since hosting its first game of Aussie Rules between Canberra and Duntroon in 1924, Manuka Oval has hosted a variety of sports and events including rugby, hockey, boxing, wrestling, soccer, a visit from Queen Elizabeth, and, of course, cricket.

As part of the anniversary, the Canberra community is invited to share memories and stories of the oval. You can submit stories, images and footage through this website.

Have you heard the local legend that Canberrans pronounce Manuka as 'MA-nu-ka' because Queen Elizabeth mispronounced it during her visit in 1954? It's a charming story, but the truth is the amplification system broke at the oval, and she spoke into a dead microphone. No one would have heard her, even if she had used the word 'Manuka’.

This Weekend: 🪙 Antiques

Lovers of antiques and collectibles rejoice; there are two events happening this weekend for you:

Winter Antique and Collectible Fair

The winter edition of the Antique and Collectible Fair is happening this weekend at Albert Hall. There will be up to 30 local and interstate dealers presenting a blend of antiques, old world nostalgia, books, jewellery, everyday older items and collectables. Details here.

Portobello Road at The Old Bus Depot Markets

The Portobello Road market brings a great range of antique jewellery, china, glass art, silver, linens, restored pieces, cutlery and crockery to the markets. Details here.

Reminder: 🚌 Register Your MyWay Cards

Canberra's new public transport ticketing system, MyWay+ will be introduced later this year. The new system will allow you to tap on (and off) using a credit/debit card as well as smart phones and watches. There will also be an option to use a physical MyWay+ card.

The old MyWay cards will no longer work, and all existing balances can be transferred or refunded when the switch occurs. This will only be possible if your MyWay card is registered. Seniors MyWay cards are already registered. Details here.

This weekend: 🇲🇽 Lucha Fantastica Mexican Wrestling

The spectacle of Mexican wrestling is coming to Canberra this weekend. Lucha Fantastica is a combination of entertainment, sport and storytelling. There are two shows happening this Saturday. A 4pm family show and a 7pm adults-only show. Details here.

Coming Up: 🩰 Ballet International Gala

The critically acclaimed Ballet International Gala is happening at Canberra Theatre on Monday 19th August. Witness classical ballet at its best as some of the world's most renowned dancers perform some of ballet's most iconic repertoires. Details here.

Comedy: 😂 Romesh Ranganathan

British comedian Romesh Ranganathan is returning to Australia for the first time since his sell-out 2022 tour. His brand-new show examines the human condition... are people inherently good? Is charity always a positive thing? Is hustling the key to success? Or is all this a load of rubbish we've made up to keep people working hard for no reason. Join Romesh as he examines all of these issues and more while providing no real answers. Romesh is in Canberra for one night only in October. Details here.

Something to Do: 🌹 Volunteer at Floriade

Floriade is currently looking for volunteers interested in bringing Floriade 2024 to life. Details here.

Live Music This Week

Today

• Leisa and the Keen Kats (Jazz) @ Molly

Friday

• James Van Cooper (country) @ Fun Time Pony
• Simple Stone + Space on Fire @ Pot Belly Bar
• Winter Series Act 6 @ Squeaky Clean (free)
• Complexant (metal) @ The Baso
• Blue Room Sessions @ ANU School of Music

Saturday

• The Crooked Fiddle Band (folk) @ Smith’s Alternative
• Felicity Dowd @ Smith’s Alternative
• Legacy of the Beast (Iron Maiden tribute) @ The Baso

Sunday

• Ava Martina (singer/songwriter) @ Dickson Taphouse