Sci Fi, a Suitcase Rummage and Brolga: What’s on this week
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Outside it might be fresh but Canberra is just warming up.
Special Events and Festivals
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
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
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
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.
Tuesday 30 April until Sunday 5 May | Various locations | Book here.
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 11am – 3 pm | Haig Park | More information here
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
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
A night of glamour, sustainability and vintage style on Friday May 3. There’ll be champagne, a fabulous catwalk, stylists and photographers as well as local wineries, and food trucks.
This is the night to celebrate creativity and eco-consciousness in the Canberra fashion industry. The show will have a strong emphasis on sustainability, upcycling, and aims to support and showcase Canberra’s local up and coming fashion designers.
You’ll even be able to purchase and take home the designs after the show.
$38 to be seated, $27 standing.
Friday 3 May from 6.15 pm – 9 pm | Get your ticket here
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.
Brolga: A Queer Koori Wonderland
Go find your costume box and get ready to shake your tail feathers at Brolga, this year’s iteration of the National Portrait Gallery’s 18+ late-night event!
First staged at Melbourne Fringe, Brolga is a collective takeover of the Gallery curated by Wiradjuri man and multidisciplinary artist Joel Bray, featuring First Nations and Queer DJs and performing artists. The Gallery will transform into an explorative wonderland of dance, art, film and performance, inspired by First Nations stories of the dancing brolga.
As the night progresses, interactive spaces and corners will be activated. Delve into the depths of Bray’s much-loved Considerable Sexual License performance, channel your creativity at our brolga-inspired craft station, and dance the night away in the glow of a disco ball.
If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, gather and feast on a mouthwatering line-up of food stall offerings, or grab a drink at one of our bars.
Friday 3 May from 6.30 – 12 am | National Portrait Gallery | More info here
French-Australian Preschool Open Day
Pop along to the French-Australian Preschool (FAPS) Open Day to say ”bonjour” at any time between 9 am and 12 pm on Saturday 4 May.
The FAPS management team, teachers and some parents will be there to answer any questions on the Preschool’s approach to bilingual education. Children are welcome to attend.
You can also browse a range of French books at Le Van du Livre.
Attendance is free, but registrations are encouraged at TryBooking.
Saturday 4 May 2024 from 9 am until midday | Astrolabe Street, Red Hill | frenchaustralianpreschool.com.au
Ladies of Strength
Ladies of Strength will be held this year on Sunday 5 May at Burley Strength. It is a Strongman event catered for those who identify as Women or non-binary.
There are no weight classes, no podiums and it is open for Newcomers, Novice, Advance, Juniors and Masters. It is a go at your own pace day so even if you’ve never touched any strongman implements before you will be able to learn from all the other Athletes and coaches there.
The day is organised by Capital Strongman Incorporated who are a not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to promoting and developing Strongman in the ACT.
Ladies of Strength this year is also sponsored by Kaos Strength, Roskr, Suk Workwear, Yoni, NXT Journey, Empress Athletica, Strongwoman Australia, and Mongo enterprise.
Sunday 5 May | Burley Strength, 1/45 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick | See Eventbrite for more information
Canberra Friends of Dili fundraiser dinner – scholarships for women
Canberra Friends of Dili supports friendship relationships between the people of Canberra and Timor-Leste.
On Sunday 5 May there will be a dinner fundraiser the proceeds of which will provide scholarships for women to enable them to complete secondary education.
Tickets: $62, altamr@bigpond.com
Saturday 5 May 2024 from 5.30 pm for 6 pm | Australian Croatian Club 68 McCaughey Street, Turner
MS Walk, Run and Roll
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic and often debilitating disease of the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). It is the most common neurological condition in young adults, and often attacks people at the time of their lives when they are planning families and building a career.
There are over 33,300 people living with MS in Australia, and 1 in 3 of us will be directly impacted through a diagnosed family member, friend or colleague.
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong disease for which there is no known cure…yet. This is why funding for support and services is so vital while the search for a cure continues.
Celebrate the resilience and diversity of our amazing MS community – whether you’re moving on your feet, using a wheelchair, or pushing a pram. Sign up solo, with a mate, bring your dog or get the team together.
Sunday 5 May | Rond Terrace, Acton | mswalk.org.au/event/canberra
Food + Wine
Taste Local
Discover a weekend market and workshops with local artisans. Returning for its fourth year the popular Taste Local Festival will run across 3 to 5 May.
Canberrans can explore a weekend market and workshops featuring local producers and creators, all in the heart of the city. Enjoy a delicious new favourite drink, discover artisan creations perfect for gifting, and secure your spot at a creative workshop.
3-5 May | Canberra Centre | More info here
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
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
Stage and Screen
Humans 2.0
A symphony of acrobatics, sound and light, this is next level circus by Circa.
Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme. Can we ever find a perfect balance or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?
This next chapter of Circa’s internationally acclaimed Humans is a tightly woven choreography of bodies, pulsing with music by composer Ori Lichtik and revealed in Paul Jackson’s dramatic lighting. Created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, Humans 2.0 is intimate, primal and deeply engaged with the challenge of being human.
2-4 May | Canberra Theatre Centre | Find out more 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 18 May | Majura Park | Infamous Cabaret | Circus Spectacular
Billy Elliot the Musical
Billy Elliot the Musical is a breathtaking production that tells the story of a young boy who finds his passion for dance in the midst of the 1984 miners’ strike in northern England. With music by Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall, this musical is a must-see for anyone who loves theatre.
Until 5 May | The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre | Book here
Music
Omar Musa Album Launch with Lucy Sugerman
Omar will be launching his new full-length album of poetry and music “The Fullness” — created in joy and polished with grief.
“The Fullness” is a lyrical and eclectic hip-hop album, where Omar poetically explores themes such as environmental destruction, addiction, grief, grappling with identity in a post-9/11 world and ultimately, rejuvenation. He will be playing the album in full.
Friday 3 May | Sideway | Tickets via Humanitix
Jessica Mauboy: Yours Forever Tour
Delivering a tour that’s as grounded as it is spectacular, Mauboy’s new album, Yours Forever, is a testament to her authenticity. Showcasing her powerhouse vocals and deeply personal storytelling, this is the Mauboy we’ve come to adore: a proud Kuku Yalanji and Wakaman woman, whose soulful songs and stirring voice never fail to give everyone goosebumps.
Friday 3 May from 7.30 – 10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre | Tickets here
Tuggeranong Arts Centre and The Jazz Haus Canberra present the Trish Delaney-Brown Quintet
ARIA award winner Trish Delaney-Brown and her quintet will perform in Canberra this Saturday 4 May. This small, tight ensemble will be performing arrangements of favourite jazz standards and Trish’s award-winning original material – including songs from her upcoming EP and her 2017 ARIA shortlisted album “The Game.”
You can also catch the Master class: Performance Magic – Behind the Curtain with Trish Delaney-Brown on Saturday afternoon. Find out more here.
Saturday 4 May, from 7 pm – 9:30 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre | Book here
Exhibitions
Open Garden – The Wright Place
The front garden includes four terraces with a gabion wall at the bottom and the top influenced by the owners’ travels in Asia.
Of note are the Torii gate, spill bowl and 15 Japanese maples, which turn to splendid reds and oranges in autumn. The back garden consists of a series of outdoor rooms – a deck with spa, an entertainment area, a lawn with dry stone creek and green wall, a Mediterranean-style courtyard, a Silver Birch forest and a Fernery. There are over 200 containers of plants, around the property, 92 trees and 7 water features.
Garden entry is free for members of Open Gardens Canberra and $10 for non-members aged 18 and over. Tickets available at the gardens – bookings not required.
4 – 5 May |10 am – 4 pm | 58 Faithfull Circuit, Kambah | opengardenscanberra.org.au/event/the-wright-place-2024
Open Garden – An Enchanted Forest
Adults and children alike will be enchanted by this delightful garden. The owner, a successful potter and mosaicker, as well as a skilled gardener, has created a garden with surprises and beauty at every turn.
This no-lawn and waterwise garden, which has evolved over more than twenty years, combines both natives and exotics to pleasing effect. There will be demonstrations of basketry and string bag making on Saturday between 2 pm and 4 pm.
Garden entry is free for members of Open Gardens Canberra and $10 for non-members aged 18 and over. Tickets available at the gardens – bookings not required.
4 – 5 May from 10 am – 4 pm | 4 Paull Place, Kambah | opengardenscanberra.org.au/event/an-enchanted-garden-2024
The Grove Art Show
The Grove Retirement Village is again exhibiting and selling some wonderful paintings by our Friday Art Group.
This year we have also included some very creative local Canberra artists to join us. Our Social Committee will be providing tea/coffee and cake throughout the day for $5. Lucky door prizes will be drawn at 11am and 1pm.
Entry is free, so come along and join us and enjoy the beautiful art as well as a cuppa.
Saturday 4 May from 9 am to 3 pm | 1 Monty Place, Ngunnawal (Across the road from John Paul College)
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.
5 April – 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 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
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies v Fijian Drua
May the Fourth be with you when the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies take on the Fijian Drua at GIO Stadium.
Drua are firing after a strong 2023 season following their first Quarter Finals appearance, and this is sure to be an exciting match up.
Saturday 4 May | GIO Stadium, Bruce | Tickets here
Workshops
Masterclass: With Trish Delaney-Brown
Performance Magic: Behind the Curtain – Building authenticity and confidence in performance.
Come behind the curtain with award winning songwriter and performer Trish Delaney-Brown as she unpacks how to find your authentic voice, make friends with vulnerability, build connection with your audience and free your artistic expression. With practical exercises and valuable information to help tackle the challenges of performing, this workshop will explore ways of increasing your confidence, authenticity, and creativity in performance.
There will also be the opportunity for a small number of attendees to perform and receive feedback from a highly respected and experienced performer and vocal coach.
Saturday 4 May from 10 am – 12 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre | More info
Feature image: Photo by David Kelly
