55+ things to do, see and eat this May in Canberra
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Autumn has settled in and rumour has it, winter is coming.
So get out and soak up Canberra’s autumnal beauty with markets, festivals, expos, launch parties, fashion shows and more.
Don’t miss…
Play Outside Ngala Day
Canberra, it’s time for a Play Outside Ngala Day! Celebrate the beauty of nature this season in Haig Park.
Join a day packed with diverse activities suitable for all ages and interests:
- Escape From Plastika Performance: A dynamic and interactive way for kids to learn more about sustainability.
- Fairy Tea Party: Enjoy the enchanting new fairy tea party tree seating.
- Charcoal Drawing: Express your creativity by charcoal drawing on the trees.
- Suitcase Rummage: find hidden treasures!
And when it’s time to relax, there will be cosy hammocks for you! Come out, play, and enjoy autumn in Canberra.
Saturday 4 May from 11 am until 3 pm | Haig Park, Braddon | Free | More information here
Market Day at the Museum
See the region’s talented makers and creators as they showcase their wares at the National Museum of Australia on 4–5 May. Browse more than 40 market stalls featuring locally crafted products, including ceramics, candles, spirits and artworks, as well as much-loved Aussie labels at The Museum Shop.
Soak up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy great music, food and drink while you hunt for that unique gift. Perfect for Mother’s Day shopping!
Saturday 4 May and Sunday 5 May, 9 am–3 pm| National Museum of Australia | Free entry | nma.gov.au/whats-on/market-day
Boho Luxe Market
Those who like their market stalls with a side of aura photos and vegan chocolate need to clear their diaries from 18-19 May, because the Boho Luxe Market is back.
Offering an exciting and diverse range of small businesses the chance to connect with Canberra audiences across two days in a relaxed market environment, the Boho Luxe Market is your chance to open your mind and heart – and indulge in some completely delicious vegan fare.
Taking place in the Budawang Pavilion at Exhibition Park, there will be a huge variety of eco-conscious and artisanal stalls to browse and shop. You can also expect immersive free workshops all weekend, including free sound healings, free aura photos from 10 am until 11 am each day, the Boho Bar, free psychic stage shows, psychic readers, live muic, vegan food samples and gin tastings. There will even be a dedicated Boho Bride section!
Speaking of vegan food, your Boho Luxe Market ticket will also give you entry to The Vegan Market, with the two events running alongside each other and offering a plethora of vegan goodness including food from Lord of the Fries, Bao Melbourne, Australian Cookie Empire, Dessert Quartets / Vegan Tasty, Hare Krishna Food for Life Inc, Rodu Bodu, Mim’s Vegan Treats and Oh My Doner.
Saturday 18 May from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 19 May from 10 am – 4 pm | Budawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra | boholuxemarket.com
Gaslight
Young, trusting, and fragile – Bella Manningham thinks she’s losing her mind. In the evenings, she hears strange noises. The sitting-room gas lamps dim for no apparent reason. Is Bella’s loving relationship with her partner Jack all that it seems?
With all the hallmarks of Victorian Gothic, refreshed with intriguing new insights, Gaslight is a thrilling theatrical experience.
15 – 19 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Buy tickets here.
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
Suitcase Rummage
Suitcase Rummage is your local community market, without the hassle! Pack your suitcase with your pre-loved wares and/or handmade creations and sell straight out of your suitcase. It’s as easy as that!
There are no tents, no tables, no racks, no overheads and most importantly, no elitism.
Saturday 4 May from 11 am – 3 pm | Haig Park | More information here
Sci(Fi) Night
Leave the Ewoks at home and journey to a gallery far far away for the ultimate Sci(Fi)Night as Questacon’s annual evening of adults-only entertainment ventures beyond the known universe.
Saturday 4 May from 6-9 pm | Questacon | Tickets via Ticketek
The Dirty Janes Fashion Runway Show
Enjoy a night of glamour, sustainability and vintage style. There’ll be champagne, a fabulous catwalk, stylists and photographers as well as local wineries, and some wonderful food trucks. What a great night to celebrate creativity and eco-consciousness in the Canberra fashion industry.
Friday 3 May 6.15 – 9 pm | Dirty Jane, 80 B Collie Street, Fyshwick | See information here
The Guilty Feminist: Live
Less of a podcast and more of a global phenomenon, The Guilty Feminist is part comedy, part deep-dive discussion and part activism.
Returning to Australia and New Zealand after her last successful tour, host Deborah Frances-White and a different array of world-class guests each night will examine our noble goals as 21st century feminists – and our hypocrisies and insecurities that undermine those goals.
With over 150 million downloads in eight years, this is the show that proves you don’t have to be perfect to be a force for meaningful change.
With special co-host Kirsty Webeck, poetry by Hangama Obaidullah and guest speakers Lauren Beckman and Dr Elise Stephenson.
Tuesday 28 May from 7.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/the-guilty-feminist-live-2024
Dance Week 2024
Did you know that ACT hosts the largest Australian Dance Week program in Australia?
This year, The Dance Week 2024 lineup is extraordinary and highlights the growing strength of dance, both professional and community, in Canberra and surrounds.
Australian Dance Week provides the opportunity for to turn the spotlight on Canberra’s incredible local dance scene. This is the time to get out and try a new dance experience, see a show, take a class and celebrate dance.
See the full lineup of events here.
29 April – 5 May | Various venues across Canberra | ausdanceact.org.au/australian-dance-week
Let’s talk about Ethics
This conversation explores historical collecting practices, evolving approaches to interpretation and display, the ethics of archaeology and repatriation with researchers, museum professionals and the curators of the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition.
Featuring Egyptologist Dr Melanie Pitkin, bioarchaeologist Professor Ronika Power, Egyptologist and exhibition curator Dr Daniel Soliman in conversation with National Museum of Australia senior curator Craig Middleton.
Thursday 9 May from 6-7.30 pm | National Museum of Australia | Tickets via Eventbrite
Talk about menopause
An opportunity for the women of Canberra to access insights into the identification of perimenopause, management of menopause transition symptoms, and how to navigate access to care locally. Bringing together a menopause doctor, pelvic floor physiotherapist and clinical psychologist, this session will empower women by explaining the physiology behind their symptoms and offer tips to transition with confidence.
Hosted by Nurse Katie, from Cosmetic Skin Therapies, who advocates for women experiencing symptoms but have difficulties accessing care.
All proceeds go to YWCA Canberra.
Wednesday 8 May 6 pm | Ainslie Football and Social Club, 52 Wakefield Ave, Ainslie | Buy tickets here.
The CBR Small Business Expo
The CBR Small Business Expo is an opportunity for Canberra businesses to network, learn and connect with other business, industry and government.
The Expo will feature a range of: exhibitor stalls to support businesses in anything from accounting to marketing, panel discussions on topics such as cyber and recruiting staff, keynote speakers from industry and government and information sessions to help your business grow.
Whether you’re just starting out or taking an existing company to new heights, the CBR Small Business Expo can help.
Thursday 9 May, 10 am – 4 pm | Budawang Pavilion, EPIC | act.gov.au
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.
Walk-W-Me (WWM)
Walk-W-Me is swapping out their activewear and sneakers for suits and dresses at their first Walk-W-Me Gala. Tickets include a 3-course meal, open bar, entertainment and a lucky door prize.
With a mission to improve mental health through community, laughs and an uplifting atmosphere.
Saturday 25 May | Hotel Realm, National Ballroom, 18 National Circuit, Barton | Buy tickets here.
The Trojan War
Following the success of Don Juan and Jekyll & Hyde, A Slightly Isolated Dog brings you the third instalment in the trilogy of very sexy works: The Trojan War!
This explosive and hilarious work uses a cast of faux-French performers to create a joyful, interactive celebration. Theatrical magic, wicked pop songs and fierce wit are combined to create a delightful romp through this classic twisted tale.
14-15 May | The Q | theq.net.au/whats-on/the-trojan-war
Food and Wine
Urban Wine Walk Canberra
The streets and laneways of Canberra will come alive this Autumn as a line-up of the best venues transform into an Urban Cellar Door for you to visit on a self-guided trail.
Simply decide which venue you’d like to start from and you’re off. Choose your own adventure as you and your friends move from venue to venue tasting delicious wines thanks to the incredible line-up of Australian winemakers.
Guaranteed to sell out, the Urban Wine Walk promises a fun and unique self-guided wine-tasting experience that you and your friends won’t want to miss.
Saturday 4 May | Across multiple venues in Canberra | See information here.
Whisky Live Canberra 2024
Whisky Live is Australia’s premiere whisky sampling event, showcasing high-quality whiskies to taste and are held in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Perth.
Explore different brands and styles of whisky – Scotch, Irish, Australian, Japanese, peated, non-peated, sherry cask aged and more.
24-25 May | University of Canberra | Tickets here
Mexican Fiesta at Midnight
A month long Mexican Fiesta celebration? Hold my sombrero. Until Friday 31 May, Midnight Bar is hosting a mouth-watering celebration of all things Mexican and delicious, from opportunities to try some Mexican-inspired food and cocktails, to sipping on custom-crafted cocktails from our build-your-own margarita menu.
Transport your taste buds south of the border and nab your seat by booking ahead, or simply walk in.
Until Friday 31 May, from 3 pm until late | Midnight Bar, Braddon | More information here.
Tequila Masterclass at Midnight
Calling all seasoned tequila drinkers and novices. To further celebrate Mexican Fiesta Month, join Midnight Bar for an exclusive Tequila Masterclass that will have you discovering the secrets of tequila craftsmanship.
For one night only, you will be guided in an exclusive tequila tasting and learn what it takes to master your very own buzzy cocktail, all while grazing upon Mexican-inspired bites to share.
With a margarita on arrival, and delicious snacks to be enjoyed, be sure to secure your ticket.
Saturday 25 May from 6-8 pm | Midnight Bar, Braddon | Tickets here
Markets
Capital Region Farmers Market
Fresh produce, flowers and the ready-to-eat food and coffee. What more could you need? The Capital Region Farmers Market has everything you need.
7 am – 11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Old Well Station Road, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
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 Saturday | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.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.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
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
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.
Every Sunday | 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Hartley Hall Markets
This fine family-friendly market is proudly organised and operated by Hartley Lifecare, and it promises to be a lovely day out. Explore over 200 stalls offering a variety of products including food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts and more and make the most of the live entertainment and children’s activities!
Sunday 5 May | Hall Showground, Hall Street, Hall | More information here.
Theatre and Music
Billy Elliot
Nothing was quite the same after Jamie Bell put on those ballet slippers for the first time in the 2000 film Billy Elliot – but did you know it was originally a musical?
Now Free-Rain Theatre Company is bringing the magic of this iconic story of struggle, class, freedom and the love of dance to The Q from 9 April until 5 May – plenty of time to let original songs by Elton John let you forget about our impending Canberra winter.
Until Sunday 5 May | The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre | theq.net.au/whats-on/billy-elliot-the-musical
Canberra International Music Festival
Witness a remarkable lineup of international, national and First Nations artists converge on the nation’s capital to bring vibrant life to an unmissable 2024 Festival program! You’ll see 60 world-class artists, 20 spectacular concerts, 11 magnificent venues, over five glorious days, and it sounds amazing.
Until Sunday 5 May | Various locations | Book here.
Humans 2.0
A symphony of acrobatics, sound and light, this is next level circus by Circa. Created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, Humans 2.0 is intimate, primal and deeply engaged with the challenge of being human.
2 – 4 May 2024 | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | 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.
3 – 18 May 2024 | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Ln, Acton | Buy tickets here.
Jessica Mauboy’s Yours Forever Tour
A proud Kuku Yalanji and Wakaman woman, whose soulful songs and stirring voice never fail to give everyone goosebumps.
Expect an unforgettable journey through her classics and new hits. Prepare to be blown away by her soaring vocals and incredible live band.
Friday 3 May 2024 | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Buy tickets here.
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.
8 – 18 May 2024 | 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.
3 – 18 May 2024 | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Ln, Acton | Buy tickets here.
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.
9 – 11 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Buy tickets here.
Canberra Flickerfest
Celebrating its 33rd year, Flickerfest, Australia’s only Academy® Qualifying and BAFTA-recognised short film festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screens the best of short films from Australia and around the globe. Everyone’s invited!
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Buy tickets here.
QL2 Dance – Subject To Change
With 26 young Canberran dance artists at the forefront, Subject to Change is a triple bill of new dance works created by renowned Australian choreographers Alisdair Macindoe (Naarm/Melbourne), Gabrielle Nankivell (Meanjin/Brisbane) and Artistic Director of QL2 Dance, Ruth Osborne OAM (Kamberri/Canberra).
16 – 18 May 2024 | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Buy tickets here.
Bron Lewis: Obviously
From joining a mother’s group and sitting next to the patchouli mum to being held hostage in Africa by a man with a plastic police badge, Bron is no stranger to pretending everything is under control. Because obviously it is. Join Lewis for an hour of laughs because this is a show you don’t want to miss.
Friday 24 May 2024 | The Street,15 Childers St, City West | Buy tickets here.
Exhibitions
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
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 April – 19 May | The Nook, Belconnen Arts Centre | Find out more here.
Belco Arts – Exhibitions Now Showing – PLACE
“There are many things in life I have immense gratitude for. In this playful exhibition, I hold homage to two: my love for creating tiny ceramic architecture and my passion for clay.”
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.
2023 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition
This spectacular exhibition showcases the work of Julie Bradley and Holly Grace. Completed as part of the annual Craft + Design Canberra Artist-in-Residence program at Gudgenby Ready-Cut Cottage in the Namadgi National Park. Following a two-week research component at the National Portrait Gallery of Australia.
Until 11 May 2024 | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here.
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.
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 8 June 2024 | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway | Book your free ticket here.
Behind The Lines 2023
Celebrating the best of the year’s political cartoons, Behind The Lines is back again to help us look back on 2023. This year, the exhibition theme is ‘All Fun and Games’, reflecting on a year when political party games were being played in parliament and featured in Australia’s daily news. Head along to see the witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings, paintings, GIFs and sculptures for yourself.
Running until late 2024 | Museum Of Australian Democracy, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Focus: Australian government photographers
Focus: Australian government photographers brings Australia’s government photographers out of the darkroom and into the spotlight.
Between 1939 and 1996, dozens of photographers were employed by government agencies to capture Australian life. This fascinating exhibition delves deep into the lives and work of these talented individuals who helped to preserve our rich visual heritage, including Harry Frauca, Max Dupain, Mervyn Bishop and many more. Focus invites visitors on a journey spanning six decades of Australian life.
Explore a diverse selection of work that includes intimate nature photography, striking architectural shots and images that capture everyday memories from Australia’s past. Step into our virtual darkroom and experience the magic of photography by watching pictures develop before your eyes. Experience the power of photography to shape perceptions, ignite conversation and preserve memories.
Showing until 10 June 2024 | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Dark Silhouette | Helen Heslop
‘Dark Silhouette‘ is a solo exhibition by Helen Heslop.
Exploring the ‘abuse cycle’ in intimate partner relationships, Helen Heslop’s artworks employ quilting language and paint swatches. They illuminate women’s experiences of coercive control, with ‘Dark Silhouette’ invoking a charcoal-grey house-paint, evoking a feeling of being watched and surrounded by menace.
Until 12 May 2024 | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book your free ticket here
Assembly
An ‘assembly’ can be a temporary collective with a shared sense of purpose, or a creative, resilient (and sometimes precarious) construction. Assembly brings together eight Hong Kong-born artists from different generations of the diaspora. Amid the current wave of migration, this exhibition explores the act of ‘making sense’ of layers and fragments, of memories and stories, told or untold. Assembly embraces the resonance and dissonance between the diverse creative practices of these artists, questioning readymade notions of diasporic identity.
Until 24 May 2024 | Australian Centre on China in the World (CIW)
The Australian National University 188 Fellows Lane, Acton | Book your free ticket here.
Democracy. Are You In?
Democracy. Are You In? is a contemporary exhibition that aims to encourage visitors to recognise that their freedoms and way of life are built on the foundation of democracy.
The exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House explores powerful stories of democracy in action through a series of photographs, objects and audiovisual displays.
Until 2 May 2025 | Museum of Australian Democracy, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | More information here
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Journey to the land of the pyramids 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).
From early exploration to cutting-edge modern research, this exhibition unveils 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 8 September 2024 | National Museum of Australia Lawson Crescent, Acton | Purchase tickets here
Jordan Wolfson: Body Sculpture
This is the first solo presentation of Wolfson’s work in Australia and will feature the world premiere of Body Sculpture – so you don’t want to miss this exhbition. Using animatronic sculptures to reflect the socio-political currents of the United States today, Body Sculpture will be shown alongside a selection of earlier works, offering Australian audiences a full expression of Wolfson’s innovative vision.
Until 28 July | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here
Duntoon Estate: Work With All Your Might
Nearly 200 years ago, merchant, philanthropist and politician Robert Campbell was granted 4,000 acres of land – advised by James Ainslie, he established a sheep station on the banks of the Molonglo River. Now, you can see never-before-seen objects and images from the house, families, woolshed and dairy that made up this extensive early estate thanks to this amazing exhibition.
Until Sunday 21 July | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Civic Square | More information here.
Nature’s Way
Featuring new work by Liz Hanna, Catherine Ellerton, and Janine Gould, Strathnairn Arts is the place to be. Exploring the participating artists’ solostagia and will act as a witness to the current anthropogenic environmental degradation, their aim is aim to share the message with viewers that landscapes, waterways, oceans, birds, insects, animals and plant life must be protected at all costs.
Until Sunday 19 May | Strathnairn Arts Association, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information 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.
A Century of Quilts
This exhibition showcases an often-overlooked art form made almost exclusively by women. Head along to see the National Gallery’s most requested work of art, The Rajah quilt 1841, and other exceptional examples of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century quilts. The exhibition also includes key examples of possum skin cloak designs by leading First Nations artists whose work has revitalised this historically important cultural and artistic tradition.
Until Sunday 25 August | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Backyard Archaeology
This exhibition at Canberra Museum + Gallery tells the story of thousands of small objects that Steve Brown collected from around an ordinary suburban house and garden. Exploring the history of his property and local area, the exhibition shows how a person can become deeply connected to found objects and how everyday encounters with lost and forgotten things can shape us and give us a ‘sense of place’.
Until early September | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Civic Square | More information here.
Materiality…But Not As We Know It
Featuring new and recent works by ten artists and designers, who each have an association with the Canberra region, this exhibition explores what happens when ancient geology becomes a wall treatment – when acid transforms smooth shiny copper into organic dripping furniture – and when rich coloured glass formed into a coolamon holds the cultural knowledge of the flow of water on this Country.
Until late October | Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Civic Square | More information here.
Sport
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Fijian Drua
May the Fourth be with you when the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies take on the Fijian Drua at GIO Stadium.
Don’t miss any of the action, visit the website and book your tickets now!
Saturday 4 May | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
UFC 301 at ONYX Lounge Casino Canberra
Defending Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is going toe-to-toe with Aussie fighter Stephen Erceg. Who will win, the champ or the underdog?
Join in Live & Loud on the big screen at the ONYX Lounge and Bar with one of the biggest screens in Canberra and find out for yourself!
Sunday 5 May | Casino Canberra 21 Binara Street, Canberra City, | More information here
2024 Canberra MS Walk, Run and Roll
Whether you’re moving on your feet, using a wheelchair, or pushing a pram. Come celebrate the resilience and diversity of Canberra’s amazing MS community – Sign up and participate in the 5-kilometre or 10-kilometre course, with staggered start times for Walk, Run or Roll.
Sunday 5 May | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Register or donate here
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
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Crusaders
Be a part of this iconic match as the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies host the 2023 Champions the Crusaders.
Take a trip down memory lane with the Brumbies celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the 2004 Championship.
Saturday 18 May | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Canberra Runners Half Marathon
Take that run club to the next level and show off those skills at the annual Canberra Runners Half Marathon.
Sunday 19 May | Lennox Garden, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla | Register here.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Melbourne Rebels
Get behind your team, as The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies play their final regular season home game against the Melbourne Rebels.
Friday 24 May | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Raiders vs Roosters – Round 12
Cheer on the Canberra Raiders as they take on the Sydney Roosters in NRL Indigenous Round.
Spend your Saturday right with an afternoon of footy fun for the whole family!
Saturday 25 May | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Volunteering Expo
The Volunteering Expo is held every year to connect the Canberra community to volunteering opportunities and volunteer involving organisations in the Canberra Region. There are a range of sectors represented, including environment, sport, education, science, arts, tourism, emergency response and more!
This is an excellent opportunity to see the wide variety of volunteering options in Canberra and find the perfect role for you!
The Expo is a wonderful place to start your volunteering journey and to learn more about how you can get involved in supporting the community.
There will be music, food vans, coffee, face-painting and a smoking ceremony.
Entry is free for visitors! Visit the Facebook event here to RSVP.
Saturday 18 May 2024 from 10 am – 4 pm | UC Refectory, 11 Kirinari St, Bruce | volunteeringact.org.au/event/volunteering-expo-2024
Volunteering Conference
The Volunteering Conference is held annually during National Volunteer Week to build capability, professional development, connection and skills within the Canberra Region volunteering ecosystem. Register now to learn about inclusion and cultural competency in volunteering, background checks, status of the ACT Volunteering Strategy, national standards and more! Access the full event program here.
A limited number of scholarships are available for volunteers wishing to attend the Volunteering Conference. Each scholarship covers the cost of attending the conference.
To apply, fill in the Volunteer Scholarship application form.
The Conference is a fully accessible event with auslan interpreters for the entire day.
Online ($50), Members ($100), Non-Members ($170) – Register here.
Tuesday 21 May from 9 am – 5 pm | Ann Harding Conference Centre, 24 University Dr S, Bruce | volunteeringact.org.au/event/volunteering-conference-2024
