There's still not a lot happening around Canberra at the moment but the city's slowly starting to wake up. If you're at home with the kids on school holidays (hang in there, only three weeks left) or have some spare time yourself, here's a few ideas to fill in time this week.
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Strictly Starstruck
Love is in the air at the National Portrait Gallery on Friday January 12 as the Starstruck Summer Nights program takes the floor. There's a 3pm screening of Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom at the National Film and Sound Archive and then tango over to the NPG at 5pm for an after-dark tour and a party inspired by all things Baz. There will be live ballroom dancing, a special performance, and a soundtrack to tempt you to move your feet. There's bar service and snacks available from Broadbean Catering.
Friday, January 12, from 5pm-8pm. National Portrait Gallery, Parkes. Exhibition ticket required for tour element only.
Arboretum after dark
Make the most of the summer evenings by heading up to the National Aboretum on Friday evenings to enjoy not only the views but food, wine and music. The Curatoreum Shop, National Bonsai and Penjing Collection and Pod Playground will be open until 9pm. Free guided forest walks leave at 6pm and 6.30pm. Free entry and parking. No bookings required. On Friday January 12, hear the Leisa Keen Trio play well-known jazz and pop hits and on Friday January 19, enjoy listening to Mitch Campas play contemporary Top 40, rock, retro and dance music.
Friday nights, January 12 and 19, 5pm-9pm, National Aboretum, Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway.
Yoga by the lake
Head down to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin on Tuesday nights (weather permitting) for Yoga by the Lake with Kayla Bonney. The class is run in Bowen Park on the Kingston foreshore and is perfect for all levels. The class goes for 60 minutes with 10 minutes of meditation at the end of the class. The class is perfect for beginners and more advanced students as there are lots of posture adjustments offered to suit all needs. The class usually begins slow building to some more dynamic sequences in the middle and stretching to conclude. The class is on a donation basis but there is no pressure for anyone to pay, says Bonney, she just wants everyone to enjoy Yoga. More details on Facebook @yogawithkayla or on Instagram @inspiredphysiology_and_yoga
Tuesday nights, 6pm, Bowen Park.
Movie nights
The Openair Cinema on the Patrick White Lawns by the National Library kicks off this week. Opening night is Thursday January 11, with a screening of Wonder (bring tissues) and live music by Amy Jenkins from 7pm before the film. It's a great program of films until the end of February, from Star Wars: The Last Jedi to Dirty Dancing. With live music on Saturday and Sunday nights, Friday Sessions and OZHarvest Soul Sundays, there's something for everyone. A great way to see out summer.
Openair Cinemas, Patrick White Lawns by the National Library of Australia, January 11 to February 25, gates open at 6pm. Tickets from $20. Star Lounge $40 tickets include a reserved bean lounger, warm blanket hire, wait service and a glass of wine.
Speak up
I'm sure the kids have voiced their opinion consistently over the holidays so take them along to the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House to check out the revamped PlayUp space. Recently transformed the exhibition now focuses on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child in a playful way. From listening pods and a roleplay Kindness Café to a fuzzy felt wall and craft activities, the creative exhibition space celebrates the role of children in our community and provides a welcoming environment for families to engage in the rights and responsibilities of children through imagination and play.
Free after admission, MOAD, Parkes, open daily from 9am-4pm.
