Five things to do in Canberra this weekend, February 15-17

This big one's on the list just for the visitors and the Canberra newbies. A local staple since 1996, the National Multicultral Festival is three summer days of diversity, cultural performance, live music, and food. Last year's festival drew more than 148,000 people. In 2019, ready yourself for musical performances by Christine Anu and Isaiah, as well as a cooking demonstration by Aussie chef Mark Olive. City Walk, Civic. Friday from 4pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am. More info via multiculturalfestival.com.au. Free entry.

Dip out of the raging Civic streets and have a breather in Kingston. This Saturday night, Green Square will be filled with vegan versions of your favourite Japanese foods: takoyaki, crepes, kushiage, and onigiri. Treats are $8 each and proceeds go towards no-kill sanctuary A Poultry Place. Green Square, Kingston. Saturday, 5-9pm. More details via Facebook. Free entry. 

BlocHaus is kind of a cult round these parts. Since opening their gym in 2017, they've drawn many Canberrans to the bouldering faith. This Saturday, bring along the kids to the opening party for FamilyHaus, a new space dedicated to kids learning to climb. As it's a party, you can bet there will be a lucky door prize, a sack race, a mat-stacking competition, and face painting. Blochaus, Fyshwick. Saturday, 11am-3pm. More info via Facebook. $16-20. 

Explore one of Canberra's oldest public buildings on a free guided tour. The Kingston Powerhouse - which now houses Canberra Glassworks - generated the first power to Canberra in 1915, and is said to have influenced the architectural style of other 20th century Canberra buildings. 104 years later, you can finally have a proper sticky beak of its historic features and modern glass finishings. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston. Saturday, 11am-12pm. Register at Eventbrite. Free. 

In a few days, the RUC will morph into a somewhat turfy time machine. Enjoy a beer and round of summer lawn bowls as Liquid Sunshine Sound System spins groovy tunes of the funk and disco persuasion. It's a Sunday session to send you back to a simpler time. The RUC, Turner. Sunday, 2-6pm. More info via Facebook.