Wednesday 2nd April

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: Easter Buffets + An iconic Dickson icon closes.

☀️ Weather: 24° and sunny.

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Looking Ahead: 🐰 Easter Eats

Looking for a special meal this Easter? Here are a couple of options happening around Canberra:

Easter Sunday Buffet at the Hyatt: Enjoy a long lunch at the Promenade Cafe featuring fresh seafood, live grill stations, a carvery, a selection of hearty, warm dishes, and an abundant spread of house-made desserts. Details here.

Easter Saturday Seafood High Tea: Hotel Kurrajong is hosting a Seafood High Tea on Easter Saturday featuring treats like blue swimmer crab meat finger sandwiches, pulled butter-poached lobster sliders, tempura prawns, oysters Rockefeller, and plenty of decadent desserts. Details here.

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Tidbits:

The Garden in Dickson Closes: After nearly 50 years in operation, The Gardennursery in Dickson is closing. The difficult decision to close was made due to rising operational costs. The store will shut its doors on Sunday, May 4. More.

2025 Prescribed Burn Season Commences: The 2025 prescribed burn program has begun and will run until the end of winter. You can find out about upcoming hazard reduction and ecological burns on the Parks ACT website. Details here.

Autumn Leaves Map: Last year, I asked readers which season was Canberra's best—and autumn won by a landslide with 75% of the votes. It's no surprise, given how stunning Canberra's leafy streets become this time of year. If you're keen to explore the best spots to soak in the autumn colour, City Services has an interactive map with user-submitted photos. Details here.

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Sport: 🏟️ GWS Giants v Bulldogs

The GWS Giants are playing the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval on Saturday, April 26. All previous GWS games at Manuka have sold out, so book soon if you're planning to go. Details here.

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🍿 Canberra Flicks

Some film events coming up:

Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap: Arc Cinema at the NFSA presents a series of irreverent Friday night filmic feasts, curated and hosted by drag artist and culture warrior Venus Mantrap. Details here.

Verity Lane Movie Nights: Verity Lane Market is hosting a free movie screening on the first Thursday of every month. Each month features a fan-favourite film, along with fresh buttered popcorn and candy. This week, it's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Tickets can be booked through the Verity Lane reservation page. Details here.

Queer Flicks at Elsie's: Pop-up cinema Elsie's runs a monthly Queer Flicks movie night. Tonight (apologies for the late notice) Paris is Burning is screening. Details here.

French Film Festival: The French Film Festival wraps up next Wednesday. Closing Night features the hilarious submarine-based romantic comedy In the Sub for Love. Tickets include a glass of wine and snacks on arrival. Details here.

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This Weekend: 🤠 Keepin' It Country

The Weston Creek Community Council and Country Music Association Canberra are hosting an open-mic event at Cooleman Court this Saturday. Young musicians (ages 16–25) can showcase their skills in the Musical Youth Round-Up, with prizes up for grabs. Bands Little Riverina Band and The Lovelies will be performing, and there'll be a community market too. Details here.

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Live Music This Week

Thursday

• You Am I (rock) @ UC Refectory
• Spike F*ck / Kilroy / Lily Morris Band (pop/punk) @ Shadows
• Pierce Brothers (indie/folk) @ UC Hub
• Kim Churchill (indie/folk) @ Smith’s Alternative

Friday

• Darude (dance) @ Fiction
• BootlegRascal (reggae) @ The Baso
• We Mavericks (folk) @ Smith’s Alternative
• The Pragmatics @ Smith’s Alternative
• Wrack & Ruin @ Smith’s Alternative
• Lounge Baby @ Cypher Brewing
• The Crossbenchers @ Canberra Irish Club

Saturday

• Damien Leith (pop) @ Llewellyn Hall
• Ess-Em / Doxxed / A Commoner's Revolt @ Dissent
• Great White Dogs / Non Binary Code / Marlten @ The Baso
• Emo & Pop Punk Night @ The Baso
• Spouse / Gush @ Dissent
• Lucie Thorne (pop) @ Smith’s Alternative
• Raising Ravens (punk/rock) @ Smith’s Alternative

Sunday

• Midnight Chicken (bluegrass/country) @ Smith’s Alternative
• Jazz in the City (big band) @ Live at the Polo
• Lounge Baby @ Canberra Bowling Club