Five things to do this Canberra Day long weekend, March 5 to 8, 2021

We have lift off! Canberra Balloon Spectacular makes its return this weekend. While registrations to be at the launch site are booked out, there are still spots at Monday's Breakfast with the Balloons at John Dunmore Lang Place. There are also plenty of spots around Canberra where you can see the balloons float across the city, without registering. Among this year's flotilla is the 2021 special guest, Allycorn - a bright pink unicorn-shaped hot air balloon, designed by brothers Todd and Scott Monahan. Saturday to Monday, 5.45am. Continues until March 14. Go to Ticketek to register for Breakfast with the Balloons.

It's a big weekend for Katie Noonan fans, with not one but two chances to see the Aussie singer. On Saturday, Noonan will be joined by her brother Tyrone at the National Film and Sound Archive, to delve into the creation of Polyserena, the 2002 debut album of their band - george. Saturday, 7pm. Tickets are $25 from nfsa.gov.au. Noonan will also be at The Street on Sunday for an intimate solo show, giving fans a chance to see just what makes the singer one of Australia's most versatile vocalists. Sunday, 4pm. Tickets are $49 from thestreet.org.au.

READ MORE: Looking back on Polyserena, 20 years on

Fresh from gaining the number two spot in the triple J Hottest 100, Spacey Jane hits the Canberra Theatre Centre this weekend for the Sunlight Australia Tour. The show will feature music from the band's debut album, including songs such as Booster Seat, Skin, Straightfaced and Weightless, all of which placed in the Hottest 100. Saturday, 5pm and 8.30pm. Canberra Theatre Centre. Tickets are $69.15 from canberratheatrecentre.com.au.

There's no denying that there are plenty of good places to eat in Braddon - so much so, it can sometimes be hard to choose. So why not have a little bit of everything? Eat Canberra's Taste of Braddon food tour is on this weekend, to take the capital's foodies on a culinary adventure filled with craft beer, gastropubs, cafes, food trucks, fine-dining restaurants, bakeries, artisan chocolate, incredible ice-cream and more. Saturday, 1pm. Tickets are $145 from eatcanberra.com.au.

The 1980s saw many things, including the emergence of The Gadflys. The Canberra pub band had people dancing the night away back then, and now, in 2021, they plan on doing the same thing. The fourpiece have once again loaded the car with the double bass and drums and filled a suitcase with their latest album, Love and Despair, to head out on tour. Saturday, 7pm and 9pm. Smith's Alternative. Tickets from $35 from smithsalternative.com.

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