70+ things to do in Canberra this May
Posted on
You’re going to need more days—because if you thought you’d have the time to hibernate this May, you’d be sorely mistaken.
From markets to art fairs, exhibitions, beauty workshops, wine tasting, and more, we’ve found over 70 events to keep you so busy this May, you’ll forget winter is coming.
Read on for your curated guide to what’s happening in Canberra.
Special Events and Festivals
Dracula’s: The Resurrection Tour
Billed as The Gold Coast’s ultimate nightlife experience, Dracula’s Cabaret is making its way south this May and we’re bloody (sorry) excited. With a warning on the website that this is a “Live stage show experience featuring adult themes, partial nudity and coarse language” this show isn’t for the young or fang-hearted. While the show’s description is a bit crypt-ic, what we can surmise is it’ll be burlesque meets comedy meets rock music meets cabaret meets dancing meets…Dracula.
Thursday 4 until Saturday 6 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
The Apprentease ACT 2023
Get ready for plenty of fun as fabulous Apprenteasers vie for the title of The Apprentease ACT 2023! This open level contest welcomes performers from all backgrounds as they compete to win the Burlesque Excellence Award, mentorship and sponsored prizes. Oh, and there are dinner show tickets available so you can skip the restaurant queue and be served right at your table!
Friday 5 May | 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Autumn Courtyards of Parliament House
Visit Australian Parliament House to experience the courtyard gardens bursting with autumn colours. This private walking tour is designed to help you discover the approach to garden management, the species selection, and the role that the landscaping team play in communicating the architect’s vision for the precinct—perfect for anyone interested in gardens and gardening.
Friday 5 until Sunday 7 May | 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra City | Book here.
Pawtraits: A Celebration of Australia’s Dogs
So…someone let the dogs out at the National Library of Australia. The National Library of Australia are celebrating the launch of NLA Publishing’s new book, Australia’s Dogs with free outdoor ‘pawtrait’ sessions at the Library. Bring along your furry best friend and strike a pose—you’ll be able to take home a printed copy of your photograph.
Library staff will also be giving out doggy treats and Bookshop discount vouchers on the day!
Saturday 6 May | Parkes Place West, Parkes | nla.gov.au
SteamPunk@Altitude Festival 2023
Music, a little bit of mayhem and magical costumes are all in store for those who travel to the gorgeous Nimmitabel village. Because less than two hours’ drive from Canberra, you’ll be transported to a world where the Victorian Steam Era and the American Wild West are blended and sprinkled with a touch of punk at the SteamPunk@Altitude Festival.
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May | Nimmitabel, New South Wales | steampunk.in
German Film Festival 2023
This May, the 2023 German Film Festival presented by Palace, in association with German Films, showcases the best contemporary German cinema direct from major festivals in Europe plus a selection from its German-speaking neighbours, Austria and Switzerland.
This year has a stunning line-up of 33 films including key selections direct from the Berlinale, a music-focused retrospective, a focus on female filmmakers and the popular sidebar Kino for Kids, presented by the Goethe-Institut.
3 – 24 May | Palace Electric | germanfilmfestival.com.au
Autumn Art Fair at the Little Burley Markets
At this entirely free event you’ll be able to see the work of local artists, photographers, ceramicists, sculptors and makers, as they showcase their work alongside the water. Pack a picnic basket and make a morning of it!
Saturday 6 May | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
European Festival
Can’t book a holiday to Europe this winter? Head along to the European Festival to taste some delicious delicacies from Europe, watch some traditional dancing and listen to beautiful songs from Poland, France, Germany and many more! And the best part is you won’t even need a passport.
Sunday 7 May | 66 McCaughey Street, Turner | afcanberra.com.au
In Conversation with Dame Quentin Bryce and Kassidy Waters
Book in for high tea and an afternoon with Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO and Bangarra dance artist Kassidy Waters. In a conversation with Walkley award-winning journalist Emma Macdonald, they’ll share reflections on the Feared and Revered: Feminine Power though the Ages exhibition and inspirational moments in their lives. See you there?
Sunday 7 May | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Ausdance ACT presents Australian Dance Week
Throwing the spotlight on Canberra’s thriving and diverse local dance scene (from studio classes, workshops and activities for many ages with loads of free classes and events) Australian Dance Week is back. Get ready for plenty of high quality professional performance, community events and workshops. It’s time to immerse yourself in dance!
Until Sunday 7 May | Various venues | ausdanceact.org.au
Mumfest at Haig Park Village Markets
Say ‘cheers’ to all mums this Mother’s Day with a free cocktail making course, a pamper palace with mini manicures and mini makeovers, delicious sweet and savoury treats, loads of fabulous market stalls and more all at the fabulous Haig Park!
Sunday 14 May | Haig Park, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Declutter Your Mind: A Meditation Day Retreat
Take a day to relax and refresh your mind with this Meditation Day Retreat. Designed for everyone (from beginners to experienced meditators), in this session you’ll learn meditation techniques that will dissolve turbulence and mental tightness, enjoy morning tea on the lawn, and be served a delicious vegetarian lunch—and leave feeling cherished, refreshed and mentally lighter.
Sunday 14 May | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | Book here.
Say hello again to ‘70s beauty
If you’re looking to rekindle your love for beauty looks inspired by the decades, the Sephora 70s Make Up Masterclass will see you shopping this season’s top beauty buys while learning from the best in business. In this special hour-long session, Sephora Collection’s own makeup artist will be demonstrating how to integrate the 70s retro make-up styles into today’s most up-to-date look.
You better prepare to walk away inspired to change up your makeup routine (after trying the cocktails and ‘70s nibble of course).
Saturday 20 May, 1 pm – 2 pm | Canberra Centre, Level 1, Monaro Mall (Near David Jones) | Book here.
Canberra Wool Expo
Love wool? Head along to the Canberra Wool Expo to meet and speak with wool producers, craftspeople and artists, see demonstrations—from hand-spinning to weaving—and watch shearing demonstrations. And if it can be created in wool, you may just find it at the markets.
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Canberra Winter Gemcraft and Mineral Show
The Canberra Lapidary Club Winter Show is back! Featuring minerals, fossils, opals, rough and cut gemstones and jewellery. There will also be plenty of food and drinks available.
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May | EPIC Park, Federal Highway, Mallee Pavilion, Watson | canberralapidary.org.au
Festival of Everyday Art
Watch as the kids transform the streets into a giant outdoor art gallery! In this free festival they can discover countless, overlooked urban treasures and experience Canberra City with fresh eyes. There will be workshops treasure hunts and self-guided trails through the city.
Saturday 20 May until Sunday 16 July | Multiple locations | facebook.com/PeopleLabCBR
Reconciliation Day
Head along to the National Arboretum to enjoy a family-friendly program designed to promote conversations and foster a deeper understanding of our national story and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievement, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Monday 29 May | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | More information here.
Food and Wine
10 Year Celebration Dinner
Hungry? Designed by Janet Jeffs, acclaimed chef and owner of The Ginger Group, (and paired with local wines) the National Arboretum Canberra is celebrating 10 years in 2023 and they invite you to celebrate at dinner with them! The bespoke menu features the freshest local produce from regional farmers and producers and to top it off Aria Award winner and 2023 Queensland Australian of the Year, William Barton will be performing along with the ANU classical string quartet (featuring renowned jazz pianist Wayne Kelly on grand piano).
Friday 5 May | Village Centre, National Arboretum Canberra | Book here.
Introductory wine appreciation with Pique Nique
Learn some basics of wine in a fun, friendly environment! You’ll discover the essential elements of wine, how wine is made, and food and wine pairing—and you get to do all this by tasting through a hand-picked selection of quality Canberra wines. It sounds like a wine-terful time.
Saturday 6 May | Canberra Visitors Centre, Regatta Point, Parkes | Book here.
Mother’s Day at the National Arboretum
Celebrate mum like she deserves this Mother’s Day. Our suggestion? Take her to a special lunch in the restaurant, high tea in the Village Centre or a relaxing picnic in the forests and gardens….there’s the perfect option for every mum at the National Arboretum.
Sunday 14 May | Village Centre, National Arboretum Canberra | Book here.
The Dancing Queen Dining Experience
Ever been raging with jealousy whilst watching Donna and the gang sing and dance whilst on a heavenly Greek island? Well, rage no more, the Dancing Queen Dining Experience is back for an evening of dancing, dining and jiving. Because whilst being served a mouth-watering dinner in Niko’s Tavern, you will be serenaded by performers and leave begging for a man after midnight! See you there?
Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May | 21 London Circuit, Level 1, Canberra City | Book here.
Stage and screen
Sara Pascoe: Success Story
Multi award-winning comedian Sara Pascoe is coming to Canberra with her brand-new live tour, Success Story. Head along to join her for celebrity gossip, hilarious oversharing and an examination of why anyone would want to be famous.
Tuesday 2 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
The Tap Pack
Picking up where the Rat Pack left off, The Tap Pack conjure up a modern twist to the crooners and artists from the ‘50s through to the noughties! Following sold out houses and rave reviews on London’s West End, at Sydney Opera House and in the USA, they will be coming to Canberra to sing, dance and joke along to songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr to Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé, Beyoncé and more.
Saturday 6 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Reasons To Be Pretty by Neil Labute
This bristling comic drama from American playwright Neil LaBute focuses on modern day obsession with physical appearance, centering around four friends and lover who become increasingly dissatisfied. It’s sure to make you laugh—and make you question what really matters in life.
Until Saturday 6 May | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Building 3.3, Fyshwick | Book here.
An Afternoon At The Proms – A Musical Spectacular
Did someone say ‘an afternoon of magnificent entertainment’? Bring your flags and your noise-makers to join the fun and frivolity an exciting concert. Saluting the famous BBC Proms Concerts of London’s Royal Albert Hall, you’ll hear all of the well-known favourites including ‘Rule Britannia’ ‘Jerusalem’, and ‘Pomp and Circumstance: Land of Hope and Glory’.
Sunday 7 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Briefs: Dirty Laundry
The Briefs boys are back with their hills hoist poised ready to air their Dirty Laundry in this brand-new party cabaret you don’t want to miss out on. Featuring a line-up of classic Briefs boys as well as some shiny new boys and toys, expect glitter stains, ballsy attitudes and more as they give you a night of intoxifying physicality, gob-smacking comedy, unapologetic truths, and ridiculous showmanship.
Wednesday 10 until Saturday 13 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
The longest-running West End show, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is touring! For 70 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats. This genre-defining murder mystery features a brilliant surprise finish, so expect the unexpected.
Thursday 11 until Sunday 21 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Reuben Solo: Palindrome
This is an ill-fated evening of off-beat stand-up. In this performance there will be jokes about paradoxes and parachutes and One Direction. See you there?
Friday 12 May | The Street Theatre15 Childers St, Canberra City | Book here.
Crimes of the Heart
In this award-winning black comedy, the three MaGrath sisters are together in their hometown of Hazelhurst, Mississippi, for the first time in a decade. Without giving too much away, all we’ll tell you is that even crimes of the heart have consequences…
Until Saturday 13 May | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | Book here.
Communicate by the Quantum Leap Ensemble
A triple bill created by choreographers Alice Lee Holland (Townsville), Kyall Shanks (Melbourne) and Lordfai Navinda Pachimsawat (Bangkok) with Communicate, enter the communication world of the next generation. Exploring the language of dance—a language that is felt in the body and soul a lot more than it is understood with the head—this promises to be a unique performance for dance lovers.
Thursday 18 until Saturday 20 May | The Playhouse Theatre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
The Trials
First performed at the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus in January 2022, followed by a West End run at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in August, Canberra Youth Theatre will stage the Australian premiere of one of the most urgent and galvanising plays of our time.
Confronting, shocking, and searingly relevant, The Trials grapples with the burning questions of our age – what kind of planet are we leaving for our children? Will they condemn us for not taking action when we had the chance? And will they be justified?
Friday 19 until Sunday 28 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Grand Kyiv Ballet : Forest Song & Don Quixote
From the trauma and heartbreak of war in their home country, to the major cities of USA and Europe, the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine is taking the stage in Canberra. In Act One, they will be performing Forest Song (a magical love story, full of mysticism alongside the conflict between the human world and nature) for the first time in Australia and in Act Two they will perform Don Quixote— a much-loved romantic comedy.
Sunday 21 until Tuesday 23 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Sammy J: Good Hustle
After five years, 200 episodes and countless legal threats Sammy J is stepping away from his weekly ABC TV spot—but not before throwing a giant farewell party. And you’re invited. Be prepared for a good time.
Friday 26 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Kitty Flanagan Live!
You’ve seen her on Fisk, Utopia and Have You Been Paying Attention, but did you know she’s coming to Canberra? Kitty Flanagan Live! is Kitty’s brand new show full of hard laughs, good times, handy hints and a catchy little tune about underpants. Sounds like a good time to us.
Tuesday 30 May until Sunday 4 June | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Music
2023 Canberra International Music Festival
Forget booking a flight overseas in 2023—the Canberra International Music Festival is back to transport you around the world. From Britain and France to Ukraine, West Africa, and (of course) Australia, the Canberra International Music Festival (CIMF) will be filling the city with a colourful and diverse selection of music as 28 concerts—and 150 international and Australian musicians—bring a kaleidoscope of powerful performances to the nation’s capital!
Until Sunday 7 May | Various locations | Book here.
Tommy Emmanuel
Internationally acclaimed acoustic guitar icon Tommy Emmanuel CGP is returning to Australia for the first time in four years! Bringing the power and dynamism of a full band to his solo acoustic playing, with incredible charisma, stunning speed and dexterity and unerring command of melody, you won’t want to miss this.
Sunday 7 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
The Necks: Travel Album Launch
Don’t miss this chance to see these legends weave their magic. Chris Abrahams, Tony Buck and Lloyd Swanton will take the stage to conjure wondrous, luminous soundscapes with their bare hands.
Sunday 7 May | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers St, Canberra City | thestreet.org.au
Among the Birds and Trees: Musica Viva Australia
Sometimes a concert can be like a walk through a beautiful garden, with gorgeous blooms, intriguingly patterned ferns, and now and then a dramatic grass tree shooting skywards. The rather unusual line-up of instruments for this program offers just such an experience for the listener: a world of glowing sounds, with something entrancing around every corner of a gently twisting path.
Thursday 11 May | Llewellyn Hall, ANU, William Herbert Place, Building 100 | Book here.
Ruth O’Brien: Songs for Abby EP Launch
Canberra singer-songwriter, Ruth O’Brien is getting ready for the launch of her second EP, Songs for Abby. Written to and about Ruth’s cats, Abby and Monti (also known as Kitmas and Chicken), the concept is to capture both the tension and the pure joy that can arise when cohabiting with furry lounge lions. It promises to be the prrrr-fect evening for cat and music lovers.
Saturday 13 May | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra City | Book here.
The Turner Brown Band featuring Nikki D Brown and Dom Turner
It’s the ultimate joint Australia/USA musical collaboration! Seeing Australian slide guitarist and music producer Dom Turner (of awarded blues act Backsliders) and Ohio-based ‘Sacred Steel’ lap-slide guitar as well as vocal sensation Nikki D Brown come together, expect an eclectic and uplifting gospel-blues musical feast.
Saturday 13 May | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
The Australian String Quartet presents Utopias
Enter worlds of fantastical visions, intimate revelation, and quiet hope for the spirit of mankind as the original string soundscape from Thomas Adès, Mozart’s String Quartet in D minor and Dimitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No.9 is played in this concert.
Sunday 14 May | Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | Book here.
Ana de la Vega and the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
It’s promising to bring world-class performances to Canberra—and now Red Hill’s newest concert hall is finally open to the wider community. Named the ‘The New Wonder-Flautist’ by Germany’s leading newspapers, Ana is thrilled to be kicking off the International Series with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra on Saturday 20 May, promising that audiences can expect to see a series of performances that will enrich not only Canberra but the surrounding region.
Saturday 20 May | Canberra Grammar School, Snow Concert Hall, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.
Australian Chamber Orchestra: A Clockwork Orange and Beyond
A fan of cult films? Richard Tognetti and the Orchestra will be exploring trailblazing music from ‘A Clockwork Orange’, ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Chariots of Fire’, ‘Interstellar’, ‘Solaris’ and ‘Doctor Who’.
Tuesday 23 May | Llewellyn Hall, William Herbert Place, Canberra City | Book here.
ANU Orchestra in Concert
Romeo and Juliet by Hector Berlioz, Blue Mountains by Sally Greenaway and Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39 by Jean Sibelius—conducted by Max McBride, if you’re a classical music lover this free concert is not to be missed.
Thursday 25 May | William Herbert Pl, 100, Canberra City | Book here.
Pictures at an exHERbition
Sally Whitwell’s song cycle Pictures at an exHERbition is a creative redress, a rebalancing of the history books. Presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia, this performance features the world premiere of several newly commissioned songs in the Pictures at an exHERbition cycle. Performed by Luminescence Chamber Singers and Luminescence Children’s Choir with the composer herself at the piano, this is a rebalancing of the history books.
Sunday 28 May | 30 Parkes Place East, Parkes | Book here.
Chopin in Transcription
Join the Friends of Chopin Australia for a beautiful evening of exquisite music with Alexander Yau (piano) and Rachel Siu (cello) performing Chopin’s music for the incomparable combination of piano and cello. After the performance make sure to make time for some complimentary refreshments and the chance to meet the performers!
Sunday 28 May | 15 Cowper Street, Ainslie | Book here.
Exhibitions
Jessica Murtagh: Collective Histories in Blue
Have you heard of Jessica Murtagh? Creating the most stunning glass amphoras inspired by antiquities from past societies such as the ancient Athenians, her work explores what future artefacts could be, and to question what our contemporary culture will one day leave behind.
She has won numerous prizes, including Highly Commended in the Waterhouse Natural Science prize 2021, the Vicki Torr Emerging Artist Prize, and most recently, the Helpmann Post Grad Prize 2023. Her amphoras have been collected by the National Gallery of Victoria, the Powerhouse Museum, Parliament House Collection and the Hamilton Art Gallery—and now she’s presenting her first solo exhibition at Granger Gallery.
Until Sunday 7 May | Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Chiaroscuro
Mixing street edge with technical calibre, Chiaroscuro explores the inspirations of tattooist and emerging visual artist Bella Black. Electric, vibrant and visceral, the collection draws a line from her lighter early work in digital hyper-realism to a recent focus on darker contemporary impressionistic portraiture. Exploring the journey of feminine form and energy with recurring themes of agency, transcendence, and control, don’t miss this.
Until Sunday 7 May | Strathnairn Arts, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | strathnairn.com.au
Shift
Materials and processes are integral to Joanne Searle’s practise. This new body of work makes visible the material explorations that come about during making—explorations which are often ephemeral, fragile and are overlooked.
Until Sunday 7 May | Strathnairn Arts, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | strathnairn.com.au
From The Series ‘Light Jelly Sweet’
An showcasing new work by Henry Hu, this exhibition features animation, paintings, and photographs that spotlights the artist’s continued interest in abstraction, as a force that might signify life without directly defining it. What arises from Light Jelly Sweet, whether on canvas, board, or paper, are testaments of existence as remembered, imagined, invented, and observed.
Until Sunday 7 May | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Cres, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
Dialogue
Saskia, Nicola, Jonathon and Cathy met in the ANU’s Gold & Silversmithing workshop in 2018. After leaving the workshop behind—and missing the camaraderie, inspiration and influence that is a feature of a shared space—they decided to challenge each other to extend their practices. This is the result.
Until Sunday 7 May | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Cres, Griffith | m16artspace.com
Homage
The 2022 Indigenous Artist-in-residence exhibition is back at Craft ACT! The program facilitates access for the artist to national cultural, tertiary and research institutions and their collections, curators and researchers. This group exhibition of new work by each artist is held annually, and a catalogue produced about the program is disseminated internationally. Don’t miss out.
Until Saturday 13 May | Craft ACT, North Building, 1, 180 London Cct | craftact.org.au
Two-Tone
Two-Tone is a collaborative exhibition featuring two contemporary artists, Louis Grant and Madisyn Zabel, who primarily work within a glass discipline. Head along to see the stunning work that opens up a discourse around dualities, contrasts and material in person.
Until Saturday 13 May | Craft ACT, North Building, 1, 180 London Cct | craftact.org.au
Boundaries
Showing the works of artists Julie Ryder, Mel Robson and Bev Hogg, this is another Artist-in-Residence exhibition that you shouldn’t miss.
Until Saturday 13 May | Craft ACT, North Building, 1, 180 London Cct | craftact.org.au
You Are Here presents Cahoots Lab
Dance, music, glass, cinema, theatre, interactive art, workshops, sculpture, sound, projection, digital art, poetry, and more—this is for everyone who loves art. Inviting the local community to a unique showcase of experimental artworks, Canberra’s very own experimental and interdisciplinary art festival is back for 2023.
Cahoots Lab consists of events featuring works from 19 exciting Canberra artists working in diverse art forms including dance, music, glass, cinema, visual art, theatre, interactive art, sculpture, projection, digital art, poetry, and more!
Until Sunday 14 May | Various locations | youareherecanberra.com.au
CO: LAB
CO: LAB is a culmination of a year-long Craft ACT professional development and exchange program that forges new directions in the creative industries. Embracing the spirit of collaboration, artists’ Lisa Cahill and Peter Bollington have worked across disciplines and have gained exposure to commercial environments with other designers and clients. Head along to see their work.
Thursday 18 May until Saturday 1 July | 80 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, Canberra City | craftact.org.au
Speculation Nation: Making Utopia
Speculation Nation: Making Utopia presents the work of crafts practitioners across Australia to ruminate on the thought of a future that see’s Australia as an a diverse, inclusive nation with a First Nations treaty, sustained action on climate change and a thriving green economy. Creating a material response, artists might explore how we can reach this utopia or reflect on these ideas more generally.
Thursday 18 May until Saturday 1 July | 80 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, Canberra City | hcraftact.org.au
The Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers
The Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers is an uplifting initiative matching teenage artists with western Australia’s most senior citizens. See what 100 years of life looks like in this unique art exhibition and discover how each artist captures a moment of a 100-year life.
Friday 19 May until Sunday 2 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Haegue Yang: Changing From From To From
This exhibition features recent works by the Seoul and Berlin-based artist that explore interconnectivity and movement. Haegue Yang’s immersive multimedia environments combine diverse materials and cultural traditions with references ranging from science and art history to political events.
Using a range of industrial objects and intensive, craft-based techniques, her works make connections between divergent worlds of contemporary mass production, ancient tradition, and natural phenomena.
Saturday 27 May until Sunday 24 September | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
War in Cities
War in Cities is an exhibition presented by the International Committee of the Red Cross that explores the devastating impact on civilians when wars are fought in urban landscapes. Objects collected from battlefields, historical and contemporary audiovisual materials will tell a story about the staggering toll of urban warfare on people, the humanitarian needs that arise, and also people’s resilience.
Wednesday 31 May until Tuesday 6 June | Gorman Arts Centre, F Block 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | icrc.org
The Grand Scheme
Focusing on one of the world’s engineering wonders and its impact on various aspects of life in the surrounding Snowy Mountain Region of NSW, The Grand Scheme by Chris Round presents a contemporary documentation of the Snowy Hydro Scheme, exploring the delicate relationship between nature and our intervention upon.
Until Saturday 10 June | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | gallery.photoaccess.org.au
Huon
This exhibition explores the conflict between environmental preservation and industrial development on the southwest coast of Tasmania. Through the use of medium format film, Noah Thompson highlights how such apparent dichotomies affect the state’s socio-political and physical landscapes.
Until Saturday 10 June | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | gallery.photoaccess.org.au
Between Presumption and Melancholy
Between presumption and melancholy by Toni Hassan presents a series of video works that show conversations between women in the capital region about their experience of Australia’s Black Summer. The idea is the artist opens space for an embodied and cathartic experience around climate grief and negotiates what people bring to this unfolding reality within their own bodies.
Until Saturday 10 June | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | gallery.photoaccess.org.au
Sport
Giants v Western Bulldogs
The Giants are taking on the Western Bulldogs in a blockbuster Saturday night match at Manuka Oval. Head along to enjoy this clash for the ages.
Saturday 6 May | Manuka Oval, Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Raiders v Eels
Cheer on the Raiders in their first Saturday night home game of the season as the Canberra Raiders host the Parramatta Eels.
Saturday 13 May | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
ACT Brumbies v Highlanders
See you at the Brumbies? This time they’ll be taking on the Highlanders.
Sunday 14 May | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Canberra Runners Half Marathon
The Canberra Half Marathon is back again. Kicking off at Flynn Drive in Yarralumla, the 21.1 km course follows the beautiful West Basin loop around Lake Burley Griffin. The finish line, in leafy Lennox Gardens, provides our runners with spectacular finish line photos.
Sunday 21 May | Lennox Gardens, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla | canberrarunners.org.au
Canberra MS Walk, Run + Roll
Walk, run or roll to ensure no one has to face MS alone. Head along to enjoy a spectacular day out at Lake Burley Griffin to support Australians living with multiple sclerosis. Sign up solo, with a mate, bring your dog or get your team!
Sunday 21 May | Rond Terrace, Parkes | mswalk.org.au
Raiders v Sea Eagles
Why not enjoy some Sunday afternoon footy at GIO Stadium as the Raiders take on the Sea Eagles?
Sunday 21 May | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
ACT Brumbies v Chiefs
The ACT Brumbies will be taking the Chiefs in Round 14 of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby! Head along to show your support.
Saturday 27 May | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Workshops, webinars and more
Curator Floor Talk: Disrupt, Persist, Invent
Join a National Archives curator for a rare insight into their exhibition, Disrupt, persist, invent: Australians in an ever-changing world. In this talk you’ll gain an understanding of the 27 stories behind the collection materials on display and take a deep dive in to the background of the exhibition.
Friday 5 May | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
High Tea and the CWA
Join the National Archives of Australia for a high tea and hear how the Country Women’s Association has pushed for social change in Australia. Exploring the ideas behind ‘more than tea and scones’, the morning will start with a tour of the exhibition, Disrupt, persist, invent: Australians in an ever-changing world, followed by tea and canapes in the café.
Saturday 13 May | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
Caddie Film Screening
Join the National Archives of Australia for a screening of the Australian film, Caddie. Following the story of one woman’s struggle against the social expectations of Australia in the early 1900s, it’s based on the classic novel by Helen Morse. Join a National Archives curator to explore the impact and relevance of this film and others in our temporary exhibition Disrupt, persist, invent: Australians in an ever-changing world.
Saturday 20 May | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
