Five quirky events to fill your weekend | HerCanberra

Posted on 23 August, 2023 We love to be across all the things happening around Canberra—so when these five quirky events popped up, we knew that we had to share them with you.

From wine tasting in the city to a Barbie-themed burlesque brunch and a book-themed dog party (yes, really and it sounds absolutely adorable) here are five things to do this weekend that are the opposite of boring.

Read on and have fun!

ABC Canberra’s Open House

Ever wanted to see behind the scenes of ABC Canberra? Australia’s most iconic broadcasting institution is opening its doors for an unforgettable look inside where all the action happens. From exciting outside activations and activities to live broadcasts by the ABC Radio Canberra team, you’ll have the chance to meet some of your favourite TV personalities, attend studio tours, and more. And for the younger ABC viewers, the Play School set including some of the beloved stuffed animal toys will be on show!

Saturday 26 August | Corner of Northbourne and Wakefield Avenue, Dickson | More information here.

Rutherglen in the City

Taste, sip, and discover 15 of the Rutherglen wine region’s most sought-after wines in this delicious event. This year there are two tasting sessions throughout the day, with festival-goers receiving a premium take-home Plumm glass, and unlimited wine tastings from across the 15 pop-up ‘cellar doors.’ With live music, a range of gourmet food options and award-winning wines available for purchase by the glass, it’s a great way to spend an lazy Saturday afternoon.

Saturday 26 August | Nation Convention Center Canberra, 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra City | Book here.

The Rainbow Holstein Book Club Q&A with sydney khoo

Love books? Canberra’s newest queer book club is back with another session and the Book Cow is udderly (pun-intended) thrilled to announce that sydney khoo (a non-binary author, who’s weaving their way through identity, diversity, and pure enchantment in their debut YA novel, The Spider and Her Demons) will be their special guest.

Coming to town for a special Q&A, at this event you’ll find out how sydney dreamt up Zhi, a half-spider demon with more identity twists than a rollercoaster in a world where diversity, identity, and magic collide.

Saturday 26 August | The Book Cow Bookshop, Jardine Street, Kingston | Tickets here.

Paws Party: Free Dog Party in the Park 

Love dogs? Love books? Do we have an event for you! Haig Park is hosting a special Book Week celebration and yes—it involves dressing up dogs as a book character. To celebrate the power of storytelling, you’re invited to dress up your four-legged friend as your favourite book character and enter them into the Tails & Tales parade. There will also be plenty of free treats for your canine companions, live music, and the Haig Park Village Markets will be on at the same time!

Sunday 27 August | Haig Park, top of Mort Street, Braddon | facebook.com

Barbie Burlesque Brunch

Come on Barbie, let’s go brunching! This sparkly, pink, and very delicious brunch will see a whole range of burlesque Barbies entertaining you during a meal you won’t forget. There will be lots of singing and dancing as well as sweet and savoury treats, tea, drinks, and more (including a best-dressed competition). Bring along your best Barbies and get ready to party!

Sunday 27 August | Flazeda Hub, Unit 4/68 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here. 

Feature image via social media.