The Canberra Short Film Festival

Goes To - Sophia - September 10, 2017

In its 22nd year, The Canberra Short Film Festival is back, running from 13-17 September across three Canberra locations (with a special Sneak Preview Night on 10 September which the So Frank team is excited to be attending!).

The Festival represents the best films from around Australia and the world through a variety of categories, in any genre, style and length of up to 20 minutes (some categories have shorter length requirements). This year, in addition to the all-time classic categories: National, International, Canberra Local, Schools and Under 18s, Documentary, and 2 Minute Films, the 2017 event will showcase a new category dedicated to Indigenous films and filmmakers.

The Canberra Short Film Festival program

The criteria for film makers is to create something beautiful, or strange, or scary, or happy. The aim is to affect audiences by films in the biggest way possible.

Find the full program & ticket information at https://www.csff.com.au

CIRCA: Landscape with Monsters

Goes To - Sophia - September 6, 2017

Not sure what it is like in your household at the moment but mine is in a bit of a lull – winter fatigue, coupled with a month of deadlines for the adults and assessments for the teen, the last few weeks of the school term are dragging!

In looking for a little inspiration to jolt us towards the school holidays, I thought the super human acrobatic efforts of Circa would do the trick.

Since 2004 Circa has been at the frontier of a new circus that pushes the boundaries and blurs the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus. We have seen their last two performances at Canberra Theatre Centre and were left literally breathless with anticipation during the performances.

Circa: Landscape with Monsters

The Show

This year, Circa is returning to Canberra with their much loved Landscape with Monsters show.

There are no traditional circus acts, no trapezes and not a red nose in sight. Instead, Landscape with Monsters tells the story of post-industrial cities now in decay. Metal and wooden objects intersect with fast-paced acrobatics.

The venue

On at the Playhouse – Canberra Theatre Centre from the 6th – 9th September.

The set is a plain black stage with the performers using simple wooden boxes, the hard floor and tall metal structures to bring the story to life.

The verdict

This intensely physical show is awe inspiring, seeing the performers skills and pure human strength up on stage with no distractions or fancy sets.

Circa: Landscape with Monsters

What you need to know

Circa Landscape with Monsters is on at the Playhouse – Canberra Theatre Centre from the 6th – 9th September.

Tickets available online – https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Family Night Out – Pizza & Skiing at Corin Forest

Goes To - Sophia - August 2, 2017

We skipped the weekly family movie night at home last Friday in favour of night skiing & pizza at Corin Forest.

It’s certainly something different to do on a week night, especially once we figured out that the teen in the house had never been skiing before! Plus there aren’t too many capital cities which offer skiing after dark, so it was great taking advantage of the perks of winter in the Canberra region.

Over winter Corin Forest transforms into a small rustic ski retreat, all just 45 minutes from Civic. It has long been known as a place for kids and first-timers to experience snow. This year, Corin Forest has introduced night ski and ride sessions for skiers and boarders. So we embraced the opportunity and as the sun was setting last Friday, we took the scenic drive from Canberra to Corin Forest arriving just as the the stars were coming out.

Ready for night skiing at Corin Forest

Being a household of novice skiers, we did not have any snow gear or equipment but Corin Forest had everything available to hire (from ski pants and jackets to skis and boots). Once correctly fitted, we emerged into the crisp air and crystal clear night sky of the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges for a mini lesson with one of the instructors before skiing up an appetite.

We headed to the warmth of the open fire and some wood fired pizzas for dinner at the cafe which also offers sweet treats, hot chocolate, coffee and giant marshmallows ideal for roasting.

Meat lovers pizza by the fire at Corin Forest

Corin Forrest was a perfect Friday night out with the family, we headed out after work and were back and tucked into bed before 10 o’clock and the teen ticked off two new activities – skiing and roasting marshmallows.

The lights shine bright every Wednesday to Saturday from 5:30pm to 9:30pm, with each night being a different theme:

Wednesday – Park Night

Thursday – Girls Night (girls bring a girlfriend for free and enjoy free coaching to improve skills)

Friday – Family Pizza Night (all wood fired pizzas are $10)

Saturday – All in!

Roasting marshmallows at Corin Forest

What you need to know:

Bookings for Corin Forest can be made online – http://www.corin.com.au

There are minimum age recommendations for access to the ski area and ski lessons – so this is a great activity for older children.

To maximise your time on the slopes arrive at least 30 minutes before your session to check in and be fitted for snow gear & equipment.

BYO sticks (for roasting marshmallows)

* Sophia and her family enjoyed the night ski session, rental hire and mini lesson as guests of Corin Forest but happily paid for the delicious pizzas and marshmallows at the cafe!

Family day out – Kingston Foreshore

Goes To, Lifestyle - Sophia - June 15, 2017

Looking for an activity to do with the teens? For the arty teen in your life, how about a day out in Kingston Foreshore?

Canberra’s only urban waterside community, hugging Lake Burley Griffin and Bowen park, Kingston Foreshore, or ‘the Foreshore’ as locals call it, is a growing and vibrant destination. With a busy boardwalk, multiple paths for lakeside walks and a plethora of eating and drinking options, it is a fabulous place to while away the day together.

Get Creative

The Kingston Arts Precinct centres around some of Canberra’s historic industrial buildings. Grab your camera to capture the architecture of the Fitters’ Workshop, Kingston Powerhouse and Former Transport Depot. Watch artists in action, visit the gallery spaces or book yourself and your teen into a class at The Canberra Glassworks or Megalo Print Studio + Gallery.

For us, we opted for a class at Canberra Glassworks led by the talented in-house artists. It was a great hands on experience and insight into the intricate and delicate world of glassmaking. We created a glass tile and came away with our very own souvenir to remind us of our experience.

Learning to cut glass

Canberra Glassworks offers weekend one-on-one ‘taster’ sessions, where you can make your own paperweight or tumbler, for anyone over 14 years. http://www.canberraglassworks.com/makeyourown/

Winter School holiday workshops – for ages 8 and up

http://www.canberraglassworks.com/education/holiday-classes/

Lunch

For lunch we stopped at Brodburger – a Canberra institution which started out as a beloved food truck parked off Wentworth Avenue and now has a beautiful home within the Canberra Glassworks building.

The fries and onion rings at Brodburger are delicious!

Tip – they do get busy, so go early or phone through your order, then take your burgers and eat by the lake. If you are headed there on a Sunday, place your order then wander through the Old Bus Depot Market while you wait.

Shopping

The Former Transport Depot is a hive of activity on Sundays when the Old Bus Depot Markets are on. A mix of food, produce, arts and antiques, it is easy to spend a few hours wandering through the stalls. They also have themed Sundays, from wool in winter, to Christmas in December.

Something Sweet

If you feel like something sweet, try the fresh waffles and ice-cream at Movenpick or visit Molto Italian for ‘Nonna Tosolini’s’ Tiramisu which is made on-site daily by Nonna herself.

‘Nonna Tosolini’s’ Tiramisu

The Southern Highlands celebrates humble Aussie tucker – the pie

Eats, Goes To - Fran - June 7, 2017

Winter time for me is all about warm hearty foods paired with red wines. The Southern Highlands seem to agree as they are holding their very first pie month – filled with activities, a weekend festival celebrating this Aussie tucker, and have even created a trail to sample the region’s signature pie dishes.

Situated just two hours from Canberra and one and a half hours from Sydney, the Southern Highlands region is easily accessible by car. If you are planning a day trip, we recommend having your trail mapped out as some places close early.

These are the ones we tried on our trip through the southern highlands.

Peppers Craigieburn, Centennial Road, Bowral NSW 2576

Local lamb, Tunnel Mushrooms & Red Wine

The peppery pie is paired with a glass of Tertini Shiraz 2015 and available as part of their bar snacks. It is served with truffle mash, green beans and a delicious and bright tomato relish with micro herbs. The pastry is flakey and tastes like it has been infused with rosemary. The truffle aroma hits your olfactory senses and complements the pie perfectly. Being part of the bar menu means that you can have an informal meal while sitting by the fire.

Local lamb, Tunnel Mushrooms & Red Wine

Southern Highland Wines, Oldbury Road, Sutton Forest NSW 2577

Duck ragú pie with a glass of Pinot

The pie is full of flavour. In addition to duck, the chef uses local mushrooms. I could taste shiitake, inoke, brown swiss and oyster mushrooms. I could also see peas and taste cheese. The pie comes with chips and is served with a glass of pinot (gris or noir).

The view at the winery is marvellous. If you can, sit by the window and admire the luscious green rolling hills.

Duck ragú pie with a glass of Pinot

Robertson Pie Shop, 4400 Illawarra Highway, Robertson NSW 2577

Chicken, leek and camembert

One of the local favourites and best selling pies, it is creamy and light. The cheese does not have an overpowering camembert flavour.

Chicken, leek and Camembert

Falls Cafe, 1301 Nowra Road, Fitzroy Falls NSW 2577

Falls Kangaroo pie

The meat is slow cooked in a smokey BBQ sauce with mushrooms and garlic. The pastry is flaky and the kangaroo tender. The pie is served with chips, salad and a ginger beer of your choice.

Falls Kangaroo Pie

Gumnut Patisserie Bowral, Grand Arcade, 7 Bong Bong Street, Bowral NSW 2575

Eden – smokey pulled BBQ Beef

The Gumnut Patisserie is a very popular spot with queues often out the door. We opted for a ‘take-away’ Eden pie, with a rich sweet smokey sauce, and finely pulled beef, mixed with corn. Great for lunch on the go.

Eden – smokey pulled BBQ Beef

Your Vintage Occasion Tea Salon, 15 Banyette Street, inside Dirty Janes Emporium, Bowral NSW 2576

Roast beef, stout and parsnip

A pot pie, with tender beef that pulls apart easily. It evokes memories of long winter nights sitting by the fire and drinking mulled wine. The pie is served with a wintery vegetable salad.

Roast beef, stout and parsnip

In addition to the pie, we couldn’t help but also order the Persian Love Cake; a gluten free and dairy free cake. Despite thinking that there was no way that the creamy filling was dairy free, I was surprised to learn that it was made with tahini.

Persian Love Cake

We didn’t just try savoury pies, we also tucked in some delicious sweet offerings.

Stumps Cafe (within Bradman Museum), St Judes Street, Bowral NSW 2576

Sweet Emily Pie

A sweet apple and fig pie with warm caramel sauce and either cream or ice cream. This – I could have eaten all on my own!

Sweet Emily Pie

Montrose Berry Farm, Ormond Street, Sutton Forest NSW 2577

Berry Pies

Montrose Berry Farm is not new to the world of pies, making tasty treats in mini and large varieties.

Berry pies are Montrose Berry Farm’s signature

Things to note

The social media hashtags for the festival are #Pietime and #VisitSouthernHighlands
If you are travelling with companions work out how many pies you can each eat and share them to try them all
Besides specialists activities, a pie festival will be held on the weekend of June 24-25 at Corbett Gardens, Bendooley Street, Bowral where you can taste the best of pies following their pie competition. Check their website for full details.
To win a pie lunch with chef Robin Murray and 10 friends, head over to www.pietime.com.au/eatandwin and share your pie experience in 25 words or less

*We were invited by Southern Highland Tourism to visit the region and to experience pie time. We travelled in a private vehicle at our own expense, and were not paid for this post. We ate at Peppers Craigieburn and Southern Highlands Winery as their guests.

Avenue Q : Adulthood through Puppets

Goes To, Lifestyle - Fran - April 28, 2017

I’ve been invited to see the rehearsal of Supa Productions Inc’s latest production Avenue Q, which is playing at the Queanbeyan Theatre from 28 April until May 13. As the cast begins to arrive, I find myself sensing something familiar about this play. It isn’t until I hear the piano playing and the puppets come to life that I recognise that this play is reminding me of my childhood.

Sesame Street had a significant impact in my life. I learnt to count, the alphabet and colours through the sketches and puppets of Sesame Street. Somehow seeing a colourful character made learning things and understanding concepts easier.

The Puppets have a familiar Sesame Street feel

This is not however, a children’s show. Avenue Q touches on topics that are still considered taboo in today’s society. It does so in an upfront manner, without providing excuses or asking for forgiveness – the adult way. The realities that the characters face in this play are exactly what the adult world forces us to deal with – the complications of relationships, ‘the grown-up’ world, homosexuality, and the expectations of marriage to name a few.

The puppeteers are an extension of the puppets

In Avenue Q, the puppeteers emulate the characters they play. Unlike the Sesame Street TV show, here you see the puppeteer; they are right there bringing the characters to life through their movements and their voices. After a while you forget that they are there though; their characters come to life fully as they interact with each other.

Not quite invisible

The play does make me wonder whether we are as tolerant today as we think we are. Has life changed that much since 2003? We spend almost every waking hour in front of a computer or on our phones, and our relationships sometimes sprout from those devices. The essence of what being an adult is, the challenges and obstacles that we encounter; that is still the same.

The play originally debuted in March 2003 off-Broadway, but its popularity pushed it to open on Broadway in July that year. It won 3 Tony Awards in 2003, and is the 24th longest running show in Broadway history (2534 performances), and from tonight’s rehearsal I am certainly looking forward to seeing the full play.

The cast is a mixture of Puppets, puppeteers and ‘humans’

What you need to know:

Avenue Q is playing at the The Q Performing Arts Centre (click here for map) from 28 April to 13 May 2017.
Tickets are available by calling The Q Performing Arts Centre on 02 6285 6290 or visiting their website
Prices range from $54 (concession) to $58. Please note that transaction fees may apply.

HYATT HOTEL CANBERRA: Autumn Delights

Eats, Goes To - Sophia - March 16, 2017

A seasonal change in Canberra for me, signifies a change not only in the temperature and the landscape of the city but in my habits as well. As the thermometer dips and the leaves begin to change into hues of gold, orange, red and brown, there is a change to my wardrobe, my routines and the food I crave and eat.

With the shift in weather, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra award winning team of chefs have today introduced a few new tempting dishes for Autumn at the Promenade Cafe that captures the best of the season:

Cured kingfish, smoked eggplant, black garlic salsa, soy
Sous vide of chicken, morels, steamed leeks, sauce morel
48hrs slow cooked wagyu, carrot and mustard grain, chargrilled brocollini, raw beetroot
Red velvet cake, maple walnut ice cream, berry agar pearls, citrus cream, pop rocks, hot flambéed raspberries

Cured kingfish, smoked eggplant, black garlic salsa, soy

The menu highlights for me was the cured kingfish prepared by Chef Shaji Veetil, the black garlic salsa gave it a warmth that was perfect for the chilly night outside. The dessert prepared by Chef Gerold Gstrein was PHENOMENAL, it looked, smelt and tasted like the season. When we poured the hot flambéed raspberries over the red velvet cake it not only filled the room with drama and the sweet smell of berries but revealed a layer of maple walnut ice cream.

Whether I pop in for a coffee, cocktail, indulgent afternoon tea or leisurely lunch, I always relish any trip to Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Before I walk in the door, the beauty, history & ambience of the building, has already begun working its magic on me. Then the food, drinks and service ensures a fabulous experience every time, including when I came in for the taste test and preview of the Autumn dishes! I am already planning my next visit, which will definitely include ordering the Red velvet cake dessert, and a taste of the autumn cocktails the Speakers Corner is concocting.

Speakers Corner Cocktails – Image by Avon Dissanayake

What you need to know:

Hyatt Hotel Canberra

120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra

For opening hours and bookings for The Promenade Cafe, call 02 6269 8810

http://canberra.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

*Sophia enjoyed the day as a guest of Hyatt Hotel Canberra

What’s on at Enlighten 2017 whatever your budget

Goes To - Fran - March 1, 2017

This year, Enlighten is set to transform the Parliamentary Triangle into a magnet for Canberrans and visitors alike. Between the 3rd and 12th of March, and offering activities to delight both young and old(er), Enlighten is an opportunity to see Canberra’s iconic buildings in a different light.

We picked our favourite activities to suit every budget and type of visitor.

Free

The Parliamentary Triangle

3-12 March, from 8PM, free

The main focus of Enlighten (besides having fun) is the projections that light up our National buildings. Take a stroll around the Parliamentary Triangle and be captivated by the feast for your eyes. There will be projections and installations throughout the area.

This year, we have been told that the National Portrait Gallery will have a photo booth to satisfy those that want to truly interact with the projections. Once your picture is taken, it will be projected onto the facade of the building to immortalise you as part of Enlighten. We imagine that this will be popular, so we recommend getting there early to ensure you don’t miss out.

We are looking forward to the Australian premiere of ‘On the wings of freedom’ (on the steps of Questacon) which features 180 colourful butterflies choreographed based on audience interaction. Also, an Australian first is ‘Cloud’ (Queen Elizabeth Terrace), featuring 6000 repurposed incandescent light bulbs and pull chain switches making you the performer, puppeteer and audience.

3, 4, 10 and 11 March, from 8PM, free

Hear some beats at the Enlighten Main Stage. Bring a picnic, sit back and relax with family and friends while listening to emerging and seasoned artists. The line up changes each day so make sure you check the details for when you plan to visit.

3, 4, 10 and 11 March, from 8PM (check the schedule for specific performances), free

Pack a picnic and watch performers at the various stages around the Parliamentary Triangle.

We are looking forward to being captivated by Atomic glow, Pedaleando Hacia el Cielo (Pedalling Towards the Sky) and the Illumination Stilt Series.

10 March, 7PM (films from 8PM), free

Enlighten is showing the top 12 Canberran short films from Lights! Canberra! Action! at the Senate Rose Gardens. The theme this year is ‘Right’ and the films portray twelve different views on what this means.

Lantern making at National Archives of Australia

3, 4, 10 and 11 March, 6 to 8PM, Free

Get the kids to build and decorate a lantern house before you head off to see the Enlighten projections and installations. The activity will provide entertainment for the little ones both during and afterwards, as they light the way around the streets.

For the Record at Museum of Australian Democracy

3, 4, 10 and 11 March, 6:30-10:30PM, free

Each year MoAD delights Enlighten visitors by having an interactive installation for young and old to participate in. This year, ‘For the Record’, captures significant moments in our nation’s history from the Hansard record. You can rearrange, remix and reframe words to create your very own record.

Under $20

The Night noodle Market at Reconciliation Place

3-12 March, open daily from 5PM (closing times vary depending on the day), free to enter

Grab a bite to eat or something to drink from the Night Noodle Markets. Some festival favourites will be returning this year as well as some new eateries to try. Check their menus for pricing. See the full list of stalls here.

Enjoy some Bao from Bao Stop

The popular pet show at National Portrait Gallery

3, 4, 10 and 11 March, 5 to 10PM, $8-$10

They say dogs are a man’s best friend, and in this exhibition, the NPG plays homage to our four legged, feathered and furry companions. The exhibition portrays the techniques that artists use to encapsulate the essence of animals and has a playful aspect to it.

Under $50

Neon Night at the Canberra Glassworks

3 March, 6 to 8PM, $15-$80

Prepare to be dazzled by the techniques of contemporary neon with artists Harriet Schwarzrock and Steven Cole. There will be light refreshments and games, as well as the opportunity to win a Beginner’s Course in Neon with Steven Cole.

Arboretum at Sunset

9 March, 5:30 to 8:30PM, $40-$45

See the sun set from Dairy Farmers Hill, and then return to the Village centre as you see the city come alive at night. There, you walk among the Bonsai while indulging in canapés and a drink. There will be a Japanese Shakuhachi flutist adding to the ambiance.

Luminous Botanicus III at the Australian National Botanic Gardens

2, 3, 9 & 10 March, 7:30 to 10PM, $21-$26

As night falls, the Australian National Botanical Gardens come alive with live music and performances along a 1.4 km walk. Lighting and performances have been set to match each landscape, from a choir in the rainforest, to flames in the Red Centre. The entry price also includes a complimentary beverage or desert, and there will be bar facilities, wood fired pizzas and kransky rolls available for purchase.

Image courtesy of the Australian National Botanic Gardens

$50 and over

Sunset on the roof at Australian Parliament House

3 & 11 March, 6 to 8 PM, $80 (18+ only)

Two hours atop our Nation’s most influential building, this is a unique experience. While seeing the sun set and Enlighten come alive, you will enjoy drinks and food from the APH Catering and Events team.

Sit back, relax and let the festivities begin

What you need to know

Check the full Enlighten festival schedule here
The Enlighten Noodle Market line up can be found here
Make sure that you plan your visit as parking will be limited during the festival with road closures
Please note that the ticketing agency responsible for each paid event may charge additional fees. Please check each event for these.

Exploring Versailles at the NGA

Goes To - Kaet - December 12, 2016

Marble statue of a woman holding a child

Versailles: Treasures from the Palace is an exhibition that makes you hold your breath, close your eyes and wish you could escape to another time – another place.

The National Gallery of Australia is the first gallery outside of France to ever host an exhibition from the Palace of Versailles.

As you enter the exhibition space, a custom scent by Master perfumer, Francis Kurkdjian fills the air. Inspired by King Louis XIV’s favourite flower, a type of orange blossom, the added element draws in all your senses as you come upon the Hall of Mirrors (a perfect opportunity for a quick selfie or two).

Unlock the golden gates and take a tour of Versailles.

Golden gild gates with marble statue in background

Unlock the golden gates to explore the world of Versailles

The exhibition is divided into ten rooms, exploring the lives of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, with each section painted to reflect the walls of Versailles.

Unlock the golden gates and take a virtual tour of Versailles. Take in the grandeur and expanse of the Palace and tour the magnificent gardens. The video lays the plans for what you are about to see inside the exhibition.

The first rooms take you through the period of Louis XIV, the Sun King, his vision for Versailles and the work of architect Louis Le Vau and showcasing the master craftsmanship and style of the French.

Large detailed floor carpet, and wall tapestry.

The craft of French style

A change of scenery for the reign of Louis XV, eggshell blue walls hunting desks and beautiful chairs. As a landlocked estate, the hydraulics and mechanics behind getting water to Versailles are explained. Then you enter the fountain room with the spectacular marble centrepiece – Latona and her children, by Gaspard and Balthazard Marsy.

A labyrinth maze, with a collection of garden animal statues, leads to fine paintings of the gardens of Versailles, and how they were used for hunting, theatre and lavish parties.

Pale blue room with wall paintings and harp.

The world of Queen Marie-Antoinette

The final rooms are from the reign of Louis XVI and his Queen Marie-Antoinette. The pieces are lighter, more delicate. The striking portrait of Marie-Antoinette by Louise Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun is in the centre of the room, with her gilded harp by her side.

The pieces displayed are exquisite, and showcase the royal courts support for French arts. From the fine workmanship of the tapestries, portraits of nobility, marble statues and decorative furniture, showcasing the luxurious lives of the French monarchy and the royal court.

The exhibition includes over 130 objects, allow time to take it all in. To enhance your visit, try one of the audio guides – there is an adult or child guide available in English or French; a music tour and Auslan tour.

The exhibition is very family friendly.

The family fun room is filled with activities for all ages.

The exhibition is very family friendly. The family fun room is filled with activities for all ages. Build topiary’s for the garden, play dress-ups. Unleash your creative side, add a decorative shard to the chandelier, make a wig to wear, a statue for the fountain or some additional lines to the tapestry weaving.

Located at the entrance to the gallery the family play room does not require an exhibition ticket for your child to immerse themselves in the grandness of 17th century France.

The gift shop is stocked with dress-ups to take home, a range of books for all ages, fine silk scarves to pop-culture inspired Marie-Antionette, her shoes and a pug. You can also fill your basket with items from the providore – champagne, jams, oils and baking essentials.

Versailles: Treasures from the Palace brings to Canberra the power and passion of French political history. While Australia’s history may not share the decadence of this period; we are similar, we both have cities that were both originally designed for the running of government – Versailles and Canberra.

Versailles: Treasures from the Palace will be on at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra until 17 April 2017 (closed Christmas Day).

See the National Gallery of Australia website for information about tickets to Versailles: Treasures from the Palace and details of special events throughout the exhibition.

On social:

Instagram: @NationalGalleryAus
Facebook: @NationalGalleryofAustralia
Twitter: @NatGalleryAus
Tag: #VersaillesNGA #NGAPlay

If you are visiting Canberra for the exhibition check out some of the accommodation options on Hotels Combined, and don’t forget to tag #SoFrankSocial during your trip, so we can share your Canberra region experience.

DESIGN CANBERRA FESTIVAL

Goes To - Sophia - October 23, 2016

Those of us who live in Canberra, already know that the region is brimming with creative minds and the annual DESIGN Canberra Festival celebrates and promotes Canberra as a global city of design.

Running over four weekends, 27 Oct – 25 Nov, the festival offers a little something for everyone and best of all most of its content is free.

The Design Canberra program includes events and exhibitions at art centres, museums, galleries, universities, design centres, studios and workshops covering landscape design, architecture, industrial design, graphic design, fashion, jewellery, homewares and more.

Here is some of our top festival picks:

Living Rooms

Get inside some of Canberra’s most architecturally beautiful and significant homes each Sunday afternoon throughout the festival. Each afternoon four houses will be open, representing the best in heritage renovations, modernist and contemporary style and ecological sustainability. Each home will feature a pop-up exhibition by a local craft and design artist.

Australian Institute of Architects Bus Tours

Landmark buildings, houses by emerging architects, foreign architects and even a trip to Willinga Park on the NSW South Coast are among the afternoon bus tours being offered by the ACT Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects on weekends during the festival.

Open Spaces

2016 International Festival of Landscape Architecture: Not in My Backyard

IFLA: Not In My Backyard is a special event for Canberra from 27-30 October connecting the public with landscape architects. With over thirty events developed by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and Festival Creative Director, Richard Weller (USA), the four-day program will include a Conference, National Landscape Architecture Awards, Festival Party and a host of public and industry tours, exhibitions, city activations, screenings and talks.

Graffiti Tour

Join renowned local graphic artist Byrd on a Tour of legal graffiti sites around Belconnen in the afternoon, then head to a Paste Up Showdown, an interactive evening of live art and paste ups at La De Da. Canberra street artists will be guiding the evening, performing live art and directing the production of a large temporary wall. Members of the audience are encouraged to produce their own paste up on the night. The following day, visit the Impact Comics Festival, a showcase of comic book inspired creativity in all forms. Discover zines, comics, graphic novels, artworks, jewellery, clothing, music and more, all featuring or inspired by comic books. Sat 19 & Sun 20 Nov

Markets

From 18 – 20 November the Undercurrent Design Markets will be in full swing at the National Portrait Gallery, an array of original, fresh and contemporary design across all mediums and work practices – from ceramics to jewellery, textiles to design co-ops.

Exhibitions

Robert Foster – image supplied by Design Canberra

Luminary: Remembering Robert Foster | ActewAGL foyer

A tribute to Canberra design legend Robert Foster of Fink & Co.

Studio CBR: In the Making | Canberra Region Visitors Centre

Stunning photographic portraits by Adam McGrath of Canberra designers in their studios.

Tangerine Gold | Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport

Monumental glass sculptures by Elizabeth Kelly in situ at Vibe Hotel

Keynote talk – Walter Burley Griffin’s in the Lobby at Vibe Hotel

Vibe Hotel this year won Australian Institute of Architecture awards for Interior and Commercial Architecture and Light in Architecture. Its design resounds with the circular motifs of Walter and Marion Griffin’s original design for Canberra’s city plan. Architect Philip Vivian of Bates Smart Architecture will give a special insight into the design in this keynote address.

Fri 28 Oct, 6.30 – 8pm