February 12

Hello Canberra,

Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: What’s Happening During Enlighten + Origami Workshops.

⛅️ Weather: 29° and partly cloudy. 30% chance of rain later in the day.

Looking Ahead: 6 Events Happening During Enlighten

The Enlighten Festival begins in just over 2 weeks' time. In addition to the illuminations, there is a packed program of events happening around Canberra. Here are a few of the highlights I think you'll find interesting:

Reflect and Connect: Enjoy a picnic and relax with live acoustic music as the sun goes down in the Botanic Gardens and when night falls, take a stroll through the illuminated Rainforest Gully. Bring your own picnic or preorder a hamper from Pollen Cafe that includes cheeses, charcuterie, dips, olives, crackers and bread from Three Mills. Details here.

Enlighten the skies: Head to Mount Stromlo for stargazing with the Canberra Astronomical Society and see projections and installations created by the ANU School of Art and Design, exploring our connection to the skies. Details here.

A Night with Brickman: Meet Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught, LEGO Certified Professional and star judge of the hit TV show LEGO Masters Australia, on March 1 at Questacon. Details here.

The Unconformity Geology Tour: Head beneath Parliament House and go on a tour with geologists from Geoscience Australia and discover the phenomenon called an 'unconformity'. Do not miss this rare opportunity to see this geological formation where two rock masses, made millions of years apart, joined. Details here.

Drinks at Parliament House: Before heading out to see the illuminations, enjoy drinks at the Queen's Terrace as DJ Sue spins some laid-back tracks. Details here.

Stories from the Archives Head to the National Archives to see a stunning collage of nostalgic snapshots—who might you recognise? Then, take a guided tour that uncovers the complex stories shaping our nation and finish with a delightful spirits-tasting experience. Details here.

Something to do: 🦆 World Wetlands Day

Celebrate World Wetlands Day this weekend at Jerrabomberra Wetlands with a family-friendly outdoor movie night of short films, guided walks, and community stalls. Details here.

Something to do: 🧘 Yoga at the Farm

Westwood Farm in Kambah (home of the Lions Youth Haven) hosts a fortnightly Sunday morning outdoor yoga session held in the beautiful surrounds of the farm with views over the Brindabella mountain ranges. All levels are welcome, so whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you'll feel right at home. Details here.

Something to do: 📃 Origami Workshops

Focus Folding and the Old Bus Depot Markets are holding a monthly origami workshop series that will take you on a journey from the basics to more intricate creations. The first session is this Sunday. The cost is a gold coin donation. Details here.

Classifieds:

🎨 studioMAP Art Classes for Children & Teens Painting, drawing & illustration. After school and Saturday classes. Various classes suitable for 6-18 years olds. Term spaces & try-outs available see : studiomap.com.au

studioMAP, established in 1995, is a fully equipped and professionally staffed art studio located in Studio 3, M16 Artspace / Community Visual Arts Centre, Blaxland Griffith ACT.

--

Classifieds support Canberra Digest

Tidbits

Alinga Street Upgrades: The City Renewal Authority is seeking feedback on a concept master plan for upgrading the public spaces on Alinga Street in City West. The design features new gardens, expanded pathways, raised pedestrian crossings, and more trees and seating areas. Details here.

Lake Tuggeranong Reopens: Following a clean-up last week and the recent rain, test results show that the lake is now safe for recreational activities. The contamination was caused by a cracked pipe at South.Point shopping centre.

Live Music This Weekend

Thursday

• Sam Wrangle (indie/pop) @ Dissent

Friday

• Babe Rainbow (alternative/indie) @ Live at the Polo
• Frostbite / The Genevieves (indie/rock) @ Dissent
• Keli Holiday (indie) @ The Baso
• The Ritzy Kids (punk) @ The Baso
• Fred Smith (folk) @ Smith’s Alternative
• The Art of Tango (Tango showcase) @ Smith’s Alternative
• The Lonely Fates @ Irish Club
• JD Band (blues/roots) @ Old Canberra Inn
• Flynn Marcus Quartet (jazz) @ Dickson Taphouse

Saturday

• Day Four (music festival) @ GangGang
• Beverage / Karani / Tsotsi @ Shadows
• Coda Chroma (folk) @ Smith’s Alternative
• Dulcimer Connections @ Smith’s Alternative
• Lounge Baby @ Ainslie Football Club
• 5150 (covers) @ Rose Cottage
• The Crossbenchers (blues/lounge) @ Old Canberra Inn
• Leo Joseph (blues) @ Smith’s Alternative

Sunday

• Monthly Pro Blues Jam @ Harmonie Club
• Six of the Best @ Smith’s Alternative
• Baxter De Wahl (jazz) @ Dickson Taphouse
• Moondog (blues) @ Old Canberra Inn