A free makeup workshop, the Hartley Hall Markets, and Justine Clarke: your week in Canberra at a glance
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Somehow, it’s the last week of May. Where has the time gone?
This week in Canberra you can catch Thelma Plum and Justine Clarke on the stage, explore the Hartley Hall Markets and eat your way through a regional Italian lunch. And that’s just a few highlights. Read on for your ultimate guide.
Special Events and Festivals
Science, Country and Community: Indigenous Knowledges challenging the system
Join four brilliant emerging Indigenous scientists during National Reconciliation Week for a fascinating evening of conversation at the Shine Dome. This free event showcases innovative research including oyster reef restoration, coffee-enhanced concrete, and water decontamination using mining byproducts.
Hosted by Tiahni Adamson, 2024 SA Young Australian of the Year, featuring Dr Katrina Wruck (2025 Young Australian of the Year), Associate Professor Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch and Dr Mitchell Gibbs, joint recipients of the 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Scientist Award.
Wednesday 28 May, 5.30 pm–7.00 pm | The Shine Dome Canberra (also livestreamed) | Book here
Canberra Himalaya Day
Join the Australian Himalayan Foundation for an unforgettable evening celebrating the spirit of the Himalaya. Enjoy a feast of delicious Indian or Nepalese cuisine, win fantastic raffle prizes and test your knowledge with Himalayan trivia.
Thursday 29 May, 6:30 pm | 7 by the Lake, 143/41 Eastlake Parade, Kingston | events.humanitix.com
Canberra Art Gallery Opening Night
Join in for a landmark evening to celebrate the official opening of Canberra Art Gallery—a new space dedicated to showcasing the finest contemporary art from Australia and beyond. Nestled in the heart of Fyshwick, the gallery opens its doors with a night of art, conversation, and connection.
Friday 30 May | Canberra Art Gallery, 100 Barrier Street, Fyshwick | cag.art
1000 Voices for Reconciliation – A Yarning in Song
1000 Voices for Reconciliation – A Yarning in Songis a joint project of The OZY Youth Choir Honouring Defence Service and Making Peas/ce. This powerful initiative honours stories of service, survival, and strength in the transformative power of storytelling through music, floral tributes and pilgrimage.
This landmark event will be attended by the Governor General of Australia and bring together voices from across the nation, including The OZY Youth Choir Honouring Defence Service, community choirs, leaders, local elders and schools across Canberra, NSW, the Northern Territory and around the country, to share stories through song.
At its heart will be The Anthem of the Desert Pea, a deeply moving song that reflects resilience, remembrance, and the shared journey toward reconciliation. The event itself aims to honour the past, give voice to the present, and sing forward a more united future. 1000 Voices will be filmed and recorded for the music video and a single to be released later in the year.
Thursday 30 May, 12.30 pm – 2 pm | The Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra | Limited seats available here
60th Diamond Ball at St Clare’s College Canberra
St Clare’s College warmly invites alumni, past and present staff, and parents to join them in celebrating 60 years of excellence at their Diamond Ball. You’ll experience an evening of elegance, nostalgia, dancing, and connection as they honour their rich history and bright future. Your ticket will include a welcome drink on arrival, a three-course meal (alternate drop), and live entertainment!
Friday 30 May | Corina Ballroom, Canberra Southern Cross Club, 92-96 Corinna Street, Woden | trybooking.com
Wests Ladies Day
This is one of the most anticipated events on the Wests Social Calendar – a special day celebrating all the incredible women who support, shape and energise the local rugby community. Head along to enjoy a vibrant day of hospitality, entertainment and top-tier rugby. Highlights include grazing boards and finger food as well as a five-hour drink pack (including ginger beer on tap, bottomless mimosa’s and a variety of wines and non-alcoholic beverages). Plus, the day will feature raffles with fantastic prizes and vouchers and market stalls for all ages!
Wests Ladies Day is the perfect blend of sport, community and celebration – not to be missed!
Saturday 31 May | Jamison Oval, 1 Catchpole Street Macquarie | eventbrite.com
Party Makeup Session at The Tradies
For those looking to update their beauty routine, renowned makeup artist Florian Lau leads a Party Makeup Session on 31 May. This hands-on workshop focusses on achievable techniques that elevate everyday looks to special-occasion ready – perfect timing as Canberra’s social calendar begins filling with winter events and festivities.
The workshop is free for all Tradies members. Becoming a member is easy – find out more here.
Saturday 31 May | Dickson Tradies, 2 Badham Street, Dickson | Secure your place at Florian Lau’s Party Makeup Session here.
Markets
The Sly Fox Markets
Share the vibes, sell your wares, and connect with your people. The Sly Fox Markets celebrate the best of Canberra—local food, handmade arts and crafts, books, music, and everything in between. Whether you’re a maker, a mover, or just a lover of all things local, there’s a space for you.
Saturday 31 May, 10 am– 3pm | On the bike path between MacArthur Ave and David Street in O’Connor (search Sly Fox Coffee in Google Maps) | facebook.com
Hartley Hall Markets
Head along to the Hartley Hall Markets to browse food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts and more!
Stroll among the trees, stay for lunch and enjoy the fresh air, live entertainment and children’s activities.
Sunday 1 June | Hall Showground, Victoria Street, Hall | hartley.org.au
Capital Region Farmers Market
Sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra. Speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
Saturdays, 7 am-11:30 am | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Haig Park Village Markets
Browse delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
Sundays, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Food and Wine
Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast Tiara High Tea
Sip, savor and support girls’ education while indulging in an afternoon of elegance. Empowering young women through learning opportunities, make sure to dress to impress (tiaras are encouraged) and enjoy delicate pastries and premium teas.
Saturday 31 May | Canberra Bowling Club, 25 Hobart Avenue, Forrest | events.humanitix.com/tiara-high-tea-2025
Emilia Romagna – Regional Italian Lunch
This will be an unforgettable dining experience featuring authentic dishes from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, curated by talented Head Chef Federico Pitasi. Each dish showcases the finest ingredients, with a focus on simplicity that allows the unique flavours to shine.
Saturday 31 May | Restaurant Two14, 214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon | restauranttwo14.com.au
Margarita May
Midnight Bar is turning limes into good times this May, with a month-long celebration of everyone’s favourite cocktail – the margarita. And you can celebrate Margarita May by designing your own custom margarita! Simply choose your tequila, triple sec, citrus, sweetener and salt to create a cocktail that’s truly unique to you. Prefer to keep things simple? Sip your way through four limited-edition house margaritas, each with its own distinctive twist. And yes – frozen margs are also on the menu.
Here for a good time, not a long time – pop in for a cheeky marg, any day of the week from 3 pm ‘til late.
Until Saturday 31 May | Midnight Hotel, Ground Floor/1 Elouera Street, Braddon | midnightbar.com.au
Stage and Screen
Jen Brister – Reactive Australian Tour
Jen Brister is reactive, or so she’s been told. Finding herself in a constant state of exacerbation at the state of the world and people in general, Brister has been told she needs to chill the hell out. Join the critically acclaimed UK stand-up comedian and writer on her first tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Wednesday 28 May | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Shane Peters: Help yourself to a beautiful noise
Tom Jones and Neil Diamond are two of the world’s most revered performers ever to grace the stage. Highly acclaimed singer Shane Peters brings vocal prowess and stage presence in “Help Yourself to a Beautiful Noise,” encapsulating the six-decade-long career of both entertainers.
Friday 30 May | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | bit.ly
ATL Screening: This Much Is True
This story continues the tale of Lewis from Summer of the Aliens and Cosi, now older and living in an inner city suburb where he mixes with a core of unique customers at The Rising Sun hotel.
Friday 30 May | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | ticketing.humanitix.com
The Joe Cocker Express
“The Joe Cocker Express: Mad Dog vs. The Englishman” is an extraordinary tribute show that takes you on a journey through the legendary career of Joe Cocker, capturing the essence of two defining eras in his life.
Friday 30 May | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | harmonieclub.com.au
Mimi’s Symphony
Step into the enchanting world of Mimi’s Symphony. In the spirit of the classic Peter and The Wolf a new orchestral story is born, with music by George Ellis, created especially for a young Australian audience. Join writer and narrator Justine Clarke alongside the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
Saturday 31 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour will be tearing up the freeways of Australia. Boasting a line-up of festival favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure entertainment is bringing the best of the fest direct to you!
Saturday 31 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Alchemy Chorus Mid-Year Concert
A concert with songs from the ’60s folk era by over 70 choristers who will “Make the Rafters Ring”. The Alchemy Chorus, now in its 9th year, aims to bring joy to couples impacted by dementia through the medium of singing. There will be opportunities for everyone to sing together with the choir when invited by the conductor.
Donations accepted at the door with all proceeds to the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania.
Saturday 31 May, 2:30 pm | Weston Creek Uniting Church, 16 Parkinson Street, Weston
The Maids By Jean Genet & Translated by Martin Crimp
Loosely inspired by a famous double-murder case, this gripping psychological thriller explores power, identity, and rebellion. Jean Genet’s classic play has scandalised audiences since 1947, and Martin Crimp’s translation captures the brilliance and energy of his writing in what is one of the great plays of the 20th century.
Until Saturday 8 June | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Music
Lloyd Spiegel & Charlie A’Court – Keller Sessions
Canberra Blues Society proudly presents Lloyd Speigel and Charlie A’Court for a special Keller Sessions Show. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see these award-winning artists perform together for the first time in Canberra.
Wednesday 28 May | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | facebook.com
Cody Pennington Country Show
Grab your cowboy boots and your little black dress as Cody Pennington brings his country show to Australia in May 2025! After two incredible sold-out tours and over 50,000 tickets sold, Nashville native Cody Pennington is bringing his country show to Australia for the first time.
Wednesday 28 May | UC Refectory, 1 Kirinari Street, Bruce | ucx.canberra.edu.au
Snow Songs
The Wesley Lunchtime concert series is delighted to welcome the Canberra Community Chorale who will present two beautiful choral works in tune with the approaching winter: Snow Angel by Canadian composer Sarah Quartel and Edward Elgar’s gorgeous composition The Snow.
Wednesday 28 May | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | wesleycanberra.org.au
Come and Sing – Canberra Children’s Choir Open Day
Join the Canberra Children’s Choir Open Day and experience the joy of young people making music with highly accomplished conductors Greta Claringbould and Tobias Cole. This free event offers sessions for children aged five to 14, it’s a chance for them to explore their voices and connect through song. The sessions are 3.45 pm – 4.30 pm (ages five and six), 4.45 pm – 6 pm (ages seven to nine) and 5.30 pm – 7 pm (ages 10 to 14).
Thursday 29 May | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | musicforcanberra.org.au
Thelma Plum: “I’m Sorry, Where Is That?” Regional Tour
Thelma Plum takes her acclaimed “I’m Sorry, Now Say it Back” album countrywide! After a huge 2024 album launch tour selling out some of the country’s most prestigious rooms, Thelma Plum and her band hit regional Australia hard on the “Im Sorry, Where is That?” Tour.
Friday 30 May | UC Refectory, 1 Kirinari Street, Bruce | ucx.canberra.edu.au
Try It Out – Canberra Youth Concert Band Open Day
Curious about the new Canberra Youth Concert Band? Wind, brass, and percussion players in Years Six to Year 12 are invited to join this free Open Day. Go to play alongside others and explore what the ensemble has to offer. Bring your instrument and a music stand!
Saturday 31 May | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | musicforcanberra.org.au
Lior
This performance sees one of Australia’s most successful and respected singer/songwriters performing an intimate concert of songs drawn from his vast back catalogue of recordings. Performing in stripped-back trio mode with bass and piano, this performance will also include a selection of songs from Lior’s latest release ‘The Blue Parade’.
Saturday 31 May | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Exhibitions
Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie
This exhibition marks the first time works from this internationally significant collection will be seen in Australia. Bringing together over 80 works from the Berggruen collection with over 75 works from the National Gallery’s collection, the exhibition illustrates how social connection and networks acted as driving forces during the development of international and Australian Modernism.
Saturday 31 May until Saturday 21 December | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW!
Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW! is a hands-on exhibition, packed full of science, that invites visitors to explore the surprising science that powers our planet and makes things move.
Featuring 17 highly interactive exhibits, visitors will be able to explore the exciting world of electricity, machines, and motion. From electrical generators to gear-grinding machines and magnetics marvels, the exhibition is a celebration of science you can feel.
From Saturday 31 May | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Reflection: 50 Years of the Australian Honours System
Discover the remarkable story of Australia’s honours system through a fascinating exhibition at the Royal Australian Mint. “Reflection” celebrates five decades of recognizing extraordinary Australians, featuring original medal sketches by Stuart Devlin, finished medals, and commemorative coins from the National Coin Collection.
Explore the journey from design concept to final recognition, including the 2003 Volunteers Fine Silver Proof Set, Afghanistan Medal displays, and stunning wattle-themed collectibles. This free exhibition honors over 500,000 Australians who have contributed to our nation’s spirit.
Now open | Royal Australian Mint, Deakin | Free entry | ramint.gov.au
‘The Lost Sea’ by Lizzie Hall
The Lost Sea is an elegy to the artist’s late father and to the Aral Sea, a vast inland sea in Uzbekistan that has almost completely dried up due to Soviet mismanagement in the 1960s. Having worked with salinity in the Murray Darling Basin, Hall’s father was involved in attempts to remediate the Aral Sea.
Using imagery from photographs taken while visiting 20 years ago, Hall’s paintings speak to a sense of absence and the impossibility of return, both environmentally and temporally.
Friday 30 May until Sunday 8 June | 19 Furneaux Street, Manuka | canberracontemporary.com.au
Intersection: artist and art therapist
This exhibition brings together the creative and clinical practices of 10 Creative Arts Therapists, members of the ACT and surrounding NSW regional group. All registered with the peak professional body and regulator ANZACATA, this peer group ranges from that of trainees to seasoned professionals with combined experience spanning 70 years.
The group meets monthly to share clinical experiences, create together and provide peer support. This exhibition showcases the complex relationship between art and therapy, being creative and supporting others’ creativity.
Saturday 31 May until Saturday 21 June | Rusten House Art Centre, QPRC | qprc.nsw.gov.au
Djara
Djara reveals the profound connection between First Nations peoples, stars, sky, and Country. Through storytelling, dance, song, and a captivating audio-visual experience, this exhibition brings together leading artists, traditional custodians, and astrophysicists to share millennia-old knowledge.
Until 8 June | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
Beyond Measure: Expanding the Sky
Beyond Measure presents multidisciplinary artworks that challenge and expand perceptions of the cosmos. Featuring photography, installation, and digital technology, it explores our relationship with space, shaping our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
Until 8 June | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here
Megalo: 45 Years of Print
This year Megalo Print Studio proudly celebrates 45 years of printmaking. From its humble beginnings in a poorly ventilated tin shed in Ainslie, Megalo has grown into Australia’s largest open-access printmaking studio, expanding on 300-year-old traditions with a new generation of artists.
‘45 Years of Print’ is an exhibition featuring works drawn from Megalo’s archive. The show pays respect to Megalo’s roots as a collective of printmakers with a taste for political activism, while also documenting the studio’s evolution with works by renowned artists such as Rover Thomas, Judy Horacek, Richard Larter, Alison Alder, April Phillips, and Daniel Boyd.
Until Sunday 8 June | Megalo Print Studio, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | More info at megalo.org
Traced Life
Experience the poignant paintings of Racheal Bruhn and John Nelson in this moving exhibition exploring shadows and echoes of past stories.
Bruhn’s reflective watercolour installation uses leaves as motifs to grapple with grief and family history, creating a family tree with five hundred leaves representing years lived by her loved ones. Meanwhile, Nelson’s works emerge from observations of his surroundings—evening walks, gardens and overlooked objects—presenting diptychs that invite viewers to complete broken narratives. Together, they offer perspectives on time, place and fractured stories that resonate with us all.
Until Sunday 8 June | M16artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Find out more at m16artspace.com.au
SPLIT OPEN
Discover Natasha Tareen’s captivating debut solo exhibition, rooted in the mythological and folkloric elements of Central and South Asia. Through deeply personal and ancestral narratives, Tareen explores brown femininity, bodily autonomy and generational memory, drawing from her Afghan heritage.
Figures emerge from dreamlike spaces, hovering between presence and disappearance, while resisting colonial linear storytelling. Featuring large-scale, scroll-like pieces alongside reimagined objects and painted clothing, this multidisciplinary exhibition investigates what it means to hold trauma and resilience in the same space while reclaiming cultural legacy.
Until Sunday 8 June | M16artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Find out more at m16artspace.com.au
New Works: 3 Stories
Join printmakers Susan Morris, Caryn Giblin and Paula Watson as they present work emerging from their shared three-month artist residency at Hyphen Creative Studio, Wodonga. This thoughtful exhibition explores their experiences and relationships with the natural environment through visual stories about Fuzzy Blue Banded Bees, curated collections and misty memories of nature.
The Albury Wodonga artists have collaborated for over twenty years, sharing techniques and experimenting with different print mediums. Through prints, drawings and mixed media, they document their experience of nature, location and attachment while showcasing the endless possibilities of printmaking.
Until Sunday 8 June | M16artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Find out more at m16artspace.com.au
The Arrival
Visit CHUTESPACE to experience Brenda Runnegar’s intriguing installation featuring a room with a cocoon or pupa surrounded by insects, welcoming a new arrival emerging from the pupa. This evocative exhibition explores themes of transformation and new beginnings through delicate sculptural elements.
Until Sunday 8 June | M16artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Find out more at m16artspace.com.au
Lindy Lee
Lindy Lee is one of Australia’s most accomplished contemporary artists. This exhibition brings together highlights from across the artist’s career as well as a monumental new installation and works on paper.
Exploring themes of ancestry, spirituality, the environment, and the cosmos, this display of new and recent works will shed light on Lee’s ever-evolving and ambitious practice.
Until Tuesday 1 July | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
The beautiful place where we live by An Pan
Canberra based artist An Pan’s Australian landscape exhibition is a true record of the natural scenery of the cities and countryside he has lived and visited in the past 35 years. From these paintings you can see Australia’s unique natural scenery, historical buildings and human culture.
Until Sunday 6 July | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
GW Bot: Portrait of a landscape
For the past four decades artist GW Bot has been based in Canberra, specifically in Belconnen, and has worked in the surrounding landscape of the Monaro plateau, the remnant grasslands of Canberra and the Murrumbidgee River corridor. Her work views nature and landscape as active collaborators.
Until Sunday 6 July | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
GW Bot: Portrait of a landscape
For the past four decades artist GW Bot has been based in Canberra, specifically in Belconnen, and has worked in the surrounding landscape of the Monaro plateau, the remnant grasslands of Canberra and the Murrumbidgee River corridor. Her work views nature and landscape as active collaborators.
Until Sunday 6 July | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
HABITAT – An Open Printmaking Exhibition
Printmakers from throughout Australia are being invited to respond to the theme of what HABITAT means to them. Explore the beauty of these precious ecosystems, suburban, industrial, and other built landscapes. All finalist works will be eligible for selection in the AUD500 People’s Choice Award.
Until Sunday 6 July | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Rendering the Invisible by Igor Kochovski
The exhibition revolves around the themes of seeing and transforming – a certain fascination with the physical world in which the visible coexists and is in constant dialogue with the invisible, gave impetus to the works and formed the common thread between them.
Until Sunday 6 July | Window Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
The Lodge by Amala Groom
The Lodge is the third moving image work in Amala Groom’s Raised by Wolves series. Filmed on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, The Lodge engages with Groom’s history of direct action at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and ceremonial rites of passage within and without the halls of Parliament House spanning the past 20 years from activist to advocate to artist.
The work references David Lynch’s Twin Peaks and its White and Black Lodges, reinterpreting them as the indivisible duality of ‘light’ and ‘dark’—a dynamic embodied by Canberra’s historical and political landscape.
Until Saturday 12 July | 19 Furneaux Street, Manuka | canberracontemporary.com.au
KULATA TJUTA: TIRKILPA
Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa is the largest and most significant installation of the culturally important and visually spectacular Kulata Tjuta (Many Spears) Project.
Like others in the series, it is rooted in age-old traditions, knowledge and skills that are designed around keeping Country and culture strong. On show at the National Gallery of Australia head along to see the large-scale, multi-disciplinary installations that incorporate film, sound, live performance and other artistic collaborations.
Am I in your way by Racquel Ormella
Am I in your way? extends Raquel Ormella’s career-long focus on the visual cultures of protest and resistance. This exhibition takes as its starting point the position of Canberra Contemporary at the centre of the Parliamentary Triangle as a site to consider past and present formations of national identities.
In this current moment of charged international and national relationships through conflict and brinkmanship, the work looks at the ways political protestors use their bodies as direct forms of passive disruption. In an environment where attitudes towards legitimate disruption and protest are changing, Am I in your way? is a timely exploration of an emerging criminalisation of ‘inconvenience’.
Until Saturday 12 July | 19 Furneaux Street, Manuka | canberracontemporary.com.au
The Immersive World of Thom Roberts
This is the first solo exhibition for this multidisciplinary, contemporary Australian artist opens at the National Portrait Gallery. Showcasing over 100 works spanning his prolific, decade-long career, the exhibition features painting, installation and animation, as well as major new work, inviting audiences to consider the world through his eyes.
Until Sunday 20 July | National Portrait Gallery | portrait.gov.au
Ali Nasseri | Boredom Doesn’t Exist
Shot exclusively on medium format Kodak film, this exhibition reflects on the evolving nature of identity, displacement, and resilience. Born in Iran and was displaced at the age of seven, two years after the 1979 revolution, for over two decades, Ali Nasseri has worked exclusively with analogue film, building a practice rooted in honesty and reverence. He has exhibited widely, published monographs, and been recognised in contemporary photography prizes both in Australia and internationally. His work is held in the collections of several of Sydney’s most respected creative institutions.
Don’t miss this chance to see his works for yourself.
Until Sunday 15 June | Suki & Hugh Gallery, 38a Gibraltar Street, Bungendore| More information here.
Resonance – Art as the Voice of Nature
This exhibition at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) showcases art from the NatureArt Lab teaching team and community, nature journals and natural history objects collected over our eight years of operation.
Celebrating the richness of biodiversity and the deep connections between art and the natural world, the exhibition extends beyond visual art, incorporating community engagement, school programs, and international nature tours spanning Borneo, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Amazonian Ecuador, and Peru.
Until Sunday 27 July | 176 London Circuit, City | More information here
Outer Space: Stromlo to the Stars
Celebrating 100 years of Mount Stromlo Observatory, this interactive exhibition highlights groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and the vibrant community of scientists and families behind them. Features immersive installations, historical objects, and interactive activities perfect for all ages.
Until 16 November | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
A Total Work of Art: Sidney Nolan and the Stage
Celebrate 50 years of Nolan’s cultural legacy with the Canberra Museum and Gallery’s year-long program of exhibitions, concerts, talks, and a symposium. A Total Work of Art: Sidney Nolan and the Stage showcases Sidney Nolan’s dynamic stage designs for opera, ballet, and theatre. You’ll discover costumes, set designs, and the iconic “Lyrebird” costume from The Display, 1964.
Until 8 March 2026 | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | More information here.
Sport and Wellness
Yoga for Wellness & Joy: with Trish @ Sanctuary
Trish is committed to the collective wellbeing of all her clients and sharing the joy and benefits of Slow Flow Yoga. She is running classes at Sanctuary every Friday morning, followed by a cuppa!
No experience required. Wear loose comfortable clothing, bring a mat (if you have one), water, a small towel and a light blanket as the weather cools.
Every Friday, 7.45 am and 9.15 am | 17 Brockman St Narrabundah | Register by emailing trish@wisdominone.com.au
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Crusaders
The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies play their final regular season home game against the Crusaders at GIO Stadium. The Brumbies are in the home stretch to the finals and need a packed house at GIO Stadium, it’s time to ride with the team in 2025.
Friday 30 May | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | brumbies.rugby
Workshops and Programs
Professional Dance Workshop with Debora Di Centa
This workshop is intended as an experiential process where to deepen and explore aspects of Contact Improvisation through a Choreological Studies perspective (Laban Movement Analysis) and integrated by elements of experiential anatomy.
Until Monday 26 May | QL2 Dance Studio, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | events.humanitix.com
Life Behind the Lens at the National Library
Join veteran photojournalist Mike Bowers in conversation with two of Australia’s greatest photographers, Lorrie Graham, and Rick Stevens, as they lift the curtain on their profession at the National Library of Australia. Together, they will discuss the field of photojournalism, its past, present and future.
Tuesday 27 May | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
C41 Colour Film Developing Workshop
Curious about developing colour film yourself? This hands-on workshop is the perfect introduction to the C-41 colour developing process—designed especially for those who want to take their colour film journey beyond the lab and into their own hands – and homes!
Wednesday 28 May | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Canberra Milky Way Masterclass
Do you want to learn night photography to capture the beautiful Milky Way? Join multi-award-winning photographer David Magro for a night under the stars! Beginners and enthusiasts are welcome. The Masterclass is held in a classroom before going out into the night to photograph the stars.
Thursday 29 May | Eastlake Gunghalin, 51 Hinder St, Gungahlin | davidmagro.com
Painting a Cultural Artifact with Ross Spencer (Wiradjuri)
In this special workshop, participants can paint their own boomerangs with artist Ross Spencer (Wiradjuri), while learning about the meaning behind Aboriginal symbols and the cultural significance of these beautiful artifacts.
Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June | Ground Level, Near David Jones, Canberra Centre, City | eventbrite.com.au
Digital Photography Fundamentals – One Day Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, you will gain a practical understanding of your camera’s functions – aperture, shutter speed and ISO – together with manual focus techniques and the basics of creative composition. You’ll apply these practical techniques and newly established skills over the course of the day under the guidance of experienced photographer and tutor Julian Lumb.
Saturday 31 May | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Sensory friendly tours at Parliament House
Experience the history and heart of our Democracy with new sensory friendly tours now running at the Australian Parliament House. Perfect for those who wish to take their time to explore as much as possible of the iconic building, these tours will be un at a slower pace, allowing visitors the time to pause and soak in the experience, engage with the many unique, artworks and collections on display.
Sunday 1 June | Australian Parliament House | aph.gov.au
