Thursday 11th September

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It's Thursday, 11 September.

🌧️ Weather: 14° and showers. 80% chance of rain, most likely in the early morning.

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🍽️ Canberra Eats

Your helping of foodie news this week:

Paranormal Spring Menu: Paranormal in Campbell is welcoming guest chef Matthew Reade, formerly of the Michelin-starred Lyle's in London and Embla in Melbourne, for a three-week kitchen takeover. His springtime menu will be available from today until 28 September. Details here.

Johnny Gios: The first Johnny Gios takeaway pizza restaurant has opened on Lonsdale Street in Braddon. The Sydney-born brand offers crispy brick oven pizza—but will it top the popular Pizza Gusto a bit further up the street? Details here.

Munchies: NY-style cookies are having something of a moment in Canberra. Munchies is a new cookie delivery service offering indulgent flavours like pistachio, Oreo cheesecake, Kinder Bueno and more. Details here.

Asian Fusion Brunch: Enjoy brunch with an Asian twist. Asian Pot House in Bruce has teamed up with Bite and Savor bakery in Civic. Think roast pork congee with Chinese doughnut, char siu egg Hong Kong roll, Thai basil pork toast with eggs, Thai tea and pandan French toast and much more! Details here.

Canberra Wine Masterclass: Dive into what makes our backyard one of Australia's most exciting cool-climate wine regions in this masterclass held by Canberra Cellar Door. Details here.

Flowers and Vino: Such and Such in the city is hosting a flower and wine workshop led by Gracias Flower Studio, with wine by Vino Friendo. Details here.

Cinnascroll: Get your fix of cinnamon buns at Cinnascroll, now open on the ground floor of the Canberra Centre near the LEGO store.

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Further Afield: 🌷 Tulip Top Gardens

The picturesque Tulip Top Gardens is opening this Saturday. Located near Sutton, Tulip Top features acres of stunning world-class gardens providing the backdrop for nearly a million tulips, daffodils and other flowers creatively planted. Details here.

Tulip Top has partnered with Contentious Character to offer picnic hampers. Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy cheese, charcuterie, house-made focaccia, crackers, seasonal fruits, pickles, dips and more. Hampers can be ordered from the Contentious Character website and collected from the pop-up bar in the Gardens—along with wine. Details here.

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Further Afield: 🥐 Sutton

This weekend, the Sutton Village Country Markets is celebrating its third birthday! At the markets you'll find market stalls selling locally made and grown goods in picturesque country grounds. And while you're in Sutton, it's worth stopping by the Little Sutton Bakehouse for brunch. Sutton is just a 20-minute drive from the city. Details here.

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This Weekend: 🇹🇭 Thai Festival 2025

This Sunday, the Royal Thai Embassy will open its doors for a day of culture, food and entertainment. There will be traditional dances, Muay Thai demonstrations, authentic Thai street food and fruits (including durian), plus plenty of activities for kids with face painting and Thai costume dress-ups. Details here.

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Coming Up: 🎓 UC Open Day Fest

UC is going big with its Open Day this year, putting on a family-friendly event that blends a traditional university open day with a full-scale festival. Expect hands-on faculty showcases, sporting activities with UC Capitals, Brumbies and Canberra United, and interactive hubs like the Mega Lab, Politics & Government Hub and UCFM Radio Station. Families will love the Kids Zone with jumping castles, face painting, balloon artists and reptiles, while adults can relax at the UCX Bar or explore the Adult Learning Hub next door. There's also Drag Story Time, Slam! Pro Wrestling and the UC Fest Quest scavenger hunt. But I'm most excited for the free blue doughnuts! It's happening next Saturday. Details here.

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Classifieds

🎶 Vinyl Records Sale! Sunday 14 September from 9am to 1pm at the Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah, as part of German Market Day. There will be 15 crates of choice LP records, new and used, with retro music from the 1930s to 1980s including pop, rock, jazz, soul, funk, blues, RnB and more. A bonanza of bargains and rarities, the sale is inside next to the rear bar with plenty of food and drinks available.

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Classifieds support Canberra Digest

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🎥 Talks, Screenings, Workshops and More

Down Mugga Lane: Join local historian Nick Swain for the launch of his newest book, Down Mugga Lane: Lost Stories and Endangered Rural Heritage, and hear about the rich and complex history of this sometimes-forgotten area—including Mugga Lane, Narrabundah Lane, neighbouring properties and nature reserves. Details here.

In Conversation with eX De Medici: The SpringOUT Pride Festival is coming up later this year. As part of the festival, artist eX De Medici will be in conversation at the Shine Dome, sharing her incredible story. Details here.

My Neighbour Totoro: Enjoy some magic from Studio Ghibli this Sunday when the NFSA screens My Neighbour Totoro. Details here.

Women's Justice Network: The Women's Justice Network has arrived in the ACT with a mentoring program to support women and girls rebuilding their lives after prison. The program is being launched today. Details here.