25+ ways to fill your wet weekend in Canberra
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Looking to escape the rain this weekend? We have 25+ suggestions to beat the wet weather boredom.
From last-minute ideas on how to spoil the mum in your life to Chilli Week at Verity Lane Market (pictured at top), here are some ways to fill your weekend.
Special Events and Festivals
ALLBIDS Appraisal Day
On Saturday 11 May, ALLBIDS is holding an Appraisal Day in their Fyshwick showroom, where you’ll be able to have a free, no obligation one-on-one chat with an ALLBIDS expert to appraise your treasures and finally find out what they’re really worth.
Completely free to take part in and with no appointment needed, the event will take place at ALLBIDS Auction Rooms at 7 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick between 12 pm and 2 pm.
There will be live music and free parking as well as toasted sandwiches from neighbour Melted and artisanal baked goods from Crust Bakery as well as coffee and more in the styled vintage lounge.
Saturday 11 May from 12 pm to 2 pm | ALLBIDS, 7 Wiluna St, Fyshwick | allbids.com.au/h/for-seller/discover-hidden-treasures-at-allbids-appraisal-day-257
Peak Women Launch Party
Peak Women has designed the Confidence Blazer that supports women to be more confident, empowered and to stand out for all of the right reasons in the work place.
They are launching their first range of Women’s Suits, in bold colours with functional and empowering design aspects. Party goers will have the opportunity to hear from the CEO & Founder of the brand, check out the designs and clink drinks with like-minded women.
Saturday 11 May 3-5 pm | Luna Bar, 99 London Cct, City Canberra | Buy tickets here.
Chilli Week
It’s time to spice up your life: Chilli Week is back at Verity Lane Market. Offering a diverse and delicious lineup of spicy dishes across all six of their pop-up vendors, you can sink your teeth into crunchy crumbed jalapeno poppers with risotto and cheese, a spicy fried chilli chicken burger, Amatriciana pizza with spicy nduja sauce and more.
Until Saturday 18 May | Verity Lane Market, Sydney Building, London Circuit | More information here.
Temple at the NFSA
Created by Australian artists Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban, this contemplative artwork celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of native cockatoos.
Temple invites us to reflect on the wonder of nature and our place within it.
Open until 30 June | NFSA Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Journey back in time to discover the wonders of ancient Egypt in this must-see exhibition featuring over 220 objects from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden). You’ll learn all about the lifestyles of the ancient Egyptians, their religion and society, their creativity and their belief in an afterlife where they hoped to live for eternity.
Until September 2024 | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Markets
Little Burley Markets
Offering a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisanal bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats, and much more, you’ll be able to find plenty of goodies at this bespoke lakeside market
8 am – 1 pm Saturdays | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Haig Park Markets
Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.
8.30 am – 2 pm Sundays | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t).
Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta and pet treats.
Sundays from 7 am – 11.30 am | Canberra College, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | Facebook
Food + Wine
High Tea at Louis
While Louis is closed on Sundays, why not take the mum in your life out to Louis’ new High Tea experience on Saturday 11 May?
What sounds better than nibbling on freshly baked scones accompanied by clotted cream and preserves, and an exquisite selection of pastries in the warm embrace of a classic European-inspired bistro?
Canberra’s newest sophisticated high tea experience can now be found, home of some of our favourite French and European-inspired cuisine from award-winning Chef Ben Willis – and the menu sounds opulent.
Saturdays 11 May| Ground Floor/18 National Circuit, Barton | louisdining.com.au
Louis Mother’s Day Lunch
Spoil Mum with a three-course lunch curated by Culinary Director Ben willis. Relax in Louis intimate dining room, garden room or among the lush greenery of the Terrace. Private dining rooms are available.
Sunday 12 May from 12 – 3 pm | $105 per person, with a wine pairing for $65 per person. Children $45 per person | Louis, 18 National Circuit, Barton | Book here
Leyla Champagne Party
Perched on the rooftop of the elegant Burbury Hotel, Leyla is sure to impress any mum, with expansive views across Canberra.
Why not spend an indulgent afternoon sipping free-flowing Borgo San Pietro Asolo Prosecco alongside an elegent buffet selection of savoury canapes and sweet treats, accompanied by live jazz.
Sunday 12 May from 2 – 4 pm | Leyla Bar, Level 7, 1 Burbury Close, Barton | $120 per person | Book here
Mother’s Day in the Tea Lounge at Hyatt Hotel Canberra
An established tradition at the heritage-listed Hyatt Hotel, why not experience their famous High Tea this Mother’s Day?
With two sittings at 11 am and 2 pm, enjoy an array of savouries (including finger sandwiches) and sweets (think: freshly baked scones, jam and cream and a selection of tempting cakes) for $95 per adult (including a glass of sparkling on arrival) and $55 per child.
The only question is, jam before cream or cream before jam?
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May with two seatings at 11 am and 2 pm | 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
Mother’s Day High Tea at natural nine
What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a fancy High Tea at natural nine?
Spoil your Mum or loved one with a menu that includes delicious sweet and savoury options like twice-cooked pork belly steam bun and Nutella rice balls that can be washed down with a large selection of tea for just $50 per person.
There is also a tea cocktail menu available so make sure you book to secure your place, but please be aware that natural nine is an 18+ venue.
Sunday 12 May from 12-3 pm | natural nine, inside Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | casinocanberra.com.au/event/mothers-day-high-tea
Mother’s Day Med Banquet
Take your mum to the Mediterranean this Mother’s Day with a buffet of Italian, Greek and Turkish delights at Med. Feast on a variety of pide, dips and meze along with grilled meats and vegetables. Please note a la carte options won’t be available on the night.
Sunday 12 May from 5.30 pm | Med, 1 Burbury Close, Barton | $85 per person | Book here
The Alby Mother’s Day Brunch
If your mum is an early bird, why not seize the day with a special Mother’s Day brunch at The Alby? Choose from a special a la carte brunch menu, with all mums receiving a complimentary glass of sparkling.
Sunday 12 May from 10 am | The Alby, 45 Furzer Street, Phillip | Book here
Mother’s Day at Old Parliament House
Spoil Mum however she likes at Old Parliament House.
Mum’s Afternoon Tea
Served in the opulent Member’s Dining Rooms at 2 pm. Mum will love a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by Canberra acoustic musician Renae Stone. Bookings essential
Lunch
Two course or Three course Lunch served in the Courtyard Café at 11.30 am and 1 pm. Bookings essential
Breakfast
Served in the Courtyard Café at 8.30 am and 9.30 am. Bookings essential
Picnic Boxes
For collection from the Courtyard Café on Mother’s Day to enjoy wherever Mum fancies. Pre-order online or a limited number will be available on the day.
If she wants that slightly more exceptional experience there is also the opportunity to book a First Women in Parliament tour as part of her afternoon tea so she can walk in the footsteps of the inspirational Dorothy Tangney & Enid Lyons.
And for that little bit of extra spontaneous family fun head to the House of Representatives Courtyard where everyone can enjoy lawn games, bubbles, music, and a range of hot and cold food and beverages al fresco.
Sunday 12 May from 8 am – 4 pm | Old Parliament House | Tickets + more info via Humanitix
Tipsy Sundaze
At “Tipsy Sundaze” the weekend doesn’t have to end on a flat note.
Come together with friends and elevate your Sunday at Amici. Unwind, sip, and savour while experiencing the very best Canberra’s music scene has to offer.
Every Sunday from 2.30-5.30 pm | Amici, Northbourne Avenue, City | Find out more here
Stage and Screen
Fourteen
Fourteen addresses the trials and tribulations of growing up with honesty, humour, and heart.
Equal parts uplifting and heart-wrenching, we follow young boy Shannon in a year of self-discovery. Set to a nostalgic mixtape of 90s bangers from all your faves, from Shania Twain to The Spice Girls, this is not to be missed.
Until Saturday 11 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Buy tickets here.
Things My Mother Made
Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of music and memories as National Opera proudly presents “Things My Mother Made” – a heartfelt tribute to the guiding lights in our lives, our beloved mothers.
Make this Mother’s Day truly special by treating your mother to an afternoon of sublime music and heartfelt emotion. Whether you’re celebrating with your mum, remembering her fondly, or simply honouring the maternal figures in your life, this concert is a fitting tribute to the incredible women who shape our world. Ticket Cost: $30-40.
Sunday 12 May from 2.30 pm | Ainslie All Saints Church | TryBooking
Five Women Wearing The Same Dress
A hilarious and heartfelt comedy from renowned playwright Alan Ball. Meet five very different women who joyously discover a common bond – despite their differences, they have much more in common than we think.
Featuring a talented ensemble of female and non-binary performers. This show is bound to be queer-friendly and fun.
Until Saturday 18 May | ACT Hub, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | Buy tickets here.
The Actress
The curtain is ready to rise on Lydia Martin’s final performance before retirement. As Lydia prepares to farewell the stage her family, friends, rivals, and colleagues descend upon her dressing room to deliver gracious goodbyes and settle past scores.
There’s as much drama and comedy backstage as there is onstage in this witty, smart, and emotional tribute to the power of leading ladies everywhere.
Until Saturday 18 May | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Ln, Acton | Buy tickets here.
Circus Spectacular & Infamous Cabaret
Two great shows – Infamous Cararet and Circus Spectacular – under one roof until 18 May!
Whether you’re looking to entertain the family this school holidays, or for a fun date night, it’s all on offer in the big top at Majura Park until 18 May!
Tickets start from $16 for Circus Spectacular and $62 for Infamous Cabaret.
Daily shows until Saturday 18 May | Majura Park | Infamous Cabaret | Circus Spectacular
Exhibitions
ABODE Exhibition
This exhibition uses sculptural and visual responses to explore what it means to have a roof over your head, and the continuous quest to make a place to habitually return too.
The artists ask: what does abode mean to us? Is it a place of comfort and pleasure, or fear and isolation? Is it a space of escape and refuge or a sense of belonging? Is it a physical manifestation representing us or is it a purely internal dwelling space within an environment of impermanence and transience?
Where is your refuge, your true abode? Is it where the mind and body settle?
Abode will provide the opportunity for community engagement where the public can contribute their personal ideas about Abode. Visitors are invited to write their thoughts on Abode and places where people live and add them to an installation as part of the exhibition.
Make a Paper Based Dwelling with ABODE. Take inspiration from the exhibition and experiment with the ABODE artists in this paper- based construction workshop. Discuss exhibition concepts and develop your own ideas of abode and what it means to you. You may learn some origami or you might prefer to use other paper based methods to make a house. Visit the website to book.
Until Saturday 8 June 2024 | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway | Book your free ticket here.
Place
In this playful exhibition, Alexander Thatcher pays homage to two things: his love for creating tiny ceramic architecture and his passion for clay.
It’s his hope that when you explore this exhibition of tiny buildings (or take one home), they ignite your imagination and fill your heart with wonder.
Until Sunday 19 May | The Nook, Belconnen Arts Centre | Find out more here.
Ralph Heimans: Portraiture. Power. Influence
This is the first major exhibition of the Sydney-born artist’s work in his home country. Featuring some of the most significant portraits in the artist’s career to date (from early major works such as his painting of HM Queen Mary of Denmark through to his most recent paintings), you’ll see some amazing works that have cemented Ralph Heimans as a internationally sought-after portraitist known for his meticulously realised paintings.
Until Monday 27 May | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Vincent Namatjira: Australia in Colour
This exhibition of acclaimed Western Aranda artist Vincent Namatjira, Vincent Namatjira: Australia in Colour, charts the artist’s career, revealing the power of his painting and the potency of his words. Showcasing Namatjira’s burgeoning artistic practice, this major exhibition brings together paintings, works on paper and moving image from public and private collections nationwide, the exhibition will also feature a selection of watercolours from the national collection by the artist’s great-grandfather and critically acclaimed Western Arranda artist, Albert Namatjira.
Until Sunday 21 July | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Sport
Lomachenko V Kombosos Boxing at ONYX Lounge Casino Canberra
Aussie fighting typhoon and former champion, Kambosos is determined to reclaim his belt but so is Ukranian legend Lomachenko, the three-division champ. Both want to add to their collection of trophies and won’t give up easily, making this fight sure to be a gruelling one.
Don’t miss a second of the entertainment on the big screen at the ONYX Lounge and Bar! Have a drink, eat some food, and let them do the rest.
Sunday 12 May | Casino Canberra 21 Binara Street, Canberra City, | More information here
Feature image: Ben Calvert.
