Come and celebrate a free day of festivities at the Museum with performances, demonstrations, conversation and craft.
Or, check out the online calendar for the full range of fun activities for families and children.
The 1913 Country Fair celebrated the Glorious Days: Australia 1913 exhibition. More than 2400 people came along to see a range of performers and activities typical of a country fair from 100 years ago. Highlights included performances from the Sydney detachment of the Royal Australian Navy, the Tango Social Club of Canberra and the Tángalo Quintet band, the Canberra Chordsmen, the Canberra carousel organ, the Gramophone Man, Canberra Roller Derby, wood chopping from the South East Axemen’s Association and shearing demonstrations by world champion shearer Ian Elkins. Task Force 72 sailed model ships from the 1913-era around the Museum's water feature and another big hit were the performances from Warehouse Circus and puppet shows by PuppetOOdle. The ladies from the Australian Costumers Guild and gents from the Great War Association all in immaculate costumes contributed greatly to the atmosphere.
Throughout the day, children and adults took part in workshops, exhibition tours and watched demonstrations in tango dancing, hat making (with milliner Christine Waring), knitting, crochet, lacemaking (from the Canberra Lacemakers Association) and woodcraft (from the ACT Woodcraft Guild). Additionally, carousel rides, traditional kids games, 1913-inspired craft activities, a photo and cartooning booth and a farmyard petting zoo ensured there was something for everyone. The array of market stallholders included the ACT Beekeepers Association, Mimosa Interiors, Melissa Dede with homemade produce, and lollies from Sweet Temptations. Additionally, the Canberra Branch of the CWA served complimentary tea and scones and drew big crowds all day.
Favourable weather and an enthusiastic group of participants contributed to a positive, enjoyable and glorious experience for all, bringing to life the National Museum of Australia’s Garden of Australian Dreams.
View photos from the 1913 Country Fair on Flickr
Museum on the move
26 January 2013Inspired by the planes, trains and automobiles and Big objects on show in the Hall, we celebrated the ‘Museum on the move’, with live performances, demonstrations and fun craft activities themed around the different kinds of transport people have used to travel around Australia.
NAIDOC on the Peninsula
1 July 2012
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and the National Museum of Australia hosted NAIDOC on the Peninsula. It was a great day of music, performances and stalls to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Silk Road
15 April 2012
A great day of festivities to officially open the Travelling the Silk Road exhibition. Visitors enjoyed an exciting day of cultural performances, belly dancing workshops, camel rides, pattern printmaking activities, puppet shows, sand animation and more.
Chinese Lucky Dragon
26 January 2012The National Museum's Lucky Dragon family festival was a huge success on Australia day with almost 4000 people in attendance. The day celebrated the success of
Future Gen
3 October 2011This festival was inspired by the Museum's Kspace futuristic 3D virtual reality theatre and took place in the Museum's Hall. Visitors enjoyed art, craft, transport and entertainment with a futuristic twist. Kids made vehicles of tomorrow and repurposed recyclables to make jewellery and accessories to take home.
