Friday 14th March

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today:This weekend in Canberra + Some Friday Freebies.

⛅️ Weather: 33° and mostly sunny. Possible fog in the morning.

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👉 This Weekend in Canberra

It's a big weekend in Canberra—Skyfire lights up the sky tomorrow night, the Balloon Spectacular lifts off in the morning, and there's a craft beer festival, plus much more.

Get the full rundown of weekend events.

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Something to do: 🪩 Retro Silent Disco

The Silent Disco returns to the National Museum this April! The atrium will be transformed into a giant dance floor, with three DJs spinning 80s, 90s, and 00s hits simultaneously. You can switch between the three sets using the wireless headphones. Details here.

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Kids: School Holiday Programs

The April school holidays are just four weeks away! Here are some of the programs happening around Canberra:

Adventures with Wildbark – Wildbark runs the Young Ranger school holiday programs at Mulligans Flat Sanctuary. Kids will go on expeditions, uncover local wildlife secrets, and explore habitats through hands-on activities. Details here.

The Red Shed – The Red Shed offers holiday programs that introduce students to rowing. Their three-day program is open to both beginners and experienced rowers in secondary school. Details here.

As part of their mission to make rowing accessible, they're giving away seven free spots in the holiday program. Details here.

Tuggeranong Arts – Tuggeranong Arts Centre's Art & Action program is a one-day creative experience with art classes, street-funk dance, and drama games. Details here.

Zoocation – The National Zoo & Aquarium's Zoocation is a full-day program packed with animal-themed activities, including up-close encounters with the animals. Details here.

I'll have more school holiday activities—including plenty of free options—closer to the break.

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Something to do: 🎈 See the Balloons at the Arboretum

The Arboretum offers some of the best vantage points for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. If the balloons are flying, a pop-up café will be serving brekkie snacks and hot drinks from 7am on weekends. The gates open at 6am. Details here.

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Friday Freebies

Free Mosaic Workshops – Create a unique mosaic sign to help beautify the gardens at the Whitlam Community Space. Details here.

Documentary Screenings at the NFSA – Every weekend, drop into the NFSA for free documentary screenings on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1:30pm. While you're there, check out the Constellations installation, which is also free! Details here.

Mint 60 Exhibition – Celebrating 60 years of The Mint, this exhibition showcases never-before-seen objects from the National Coin Collection, including Roxie, Australia's first coin-packing robot. Details here.

Origami Workshop – This one's not free, but it only costs a gold coin donation. The Old Bus Depot Markets hosts monthly origami workshops, and this Sunday's theme is origami action models. Details here.

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Classifieds:

🎶 Sleeping Stories: Canberra Symphony Orchestra's Sleeping Stories, a showcase of contemporary Australian music performed in the stunning surrounds of the Gandel Atrium at the National Museum of Australia. Compositions including Peggy Polias's 'Cameo' inspired by the blockbuster Pompeii exhibition. March 20, 6:30pm. Details here.

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Classifieds support Canberra Digest

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Something to do: 🎥 Classic Comedy Films

Pop-up cinema Elsie's Film House is screening classic comedy films during the Canberra Comedy Festival. Grab a $7 beer or $9 wine at the bar before the movie. It all kicks off this Friday evening with The Castle. Details here.