The Million Paws Walk, CraftAlive Canberra, markets and more: 40+ things to do this weekend
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Not sure what to do this weekend? Here’s your curated guide to what’s on in Canberra.
From The Million Paws Walk to CraftAlive Canberra, markets and so much more, here are 40+ ways to fill your days.
Special Events and Festivals
CraftAlive Canberra
CraftAlive is in Canberra for four big days! Featuring both local and interstate craft experts, the show is packed full of the latest craft supplies, kits and equipment. You’ll also get the chance to learn from world class specialists with interactive classes across all four days.
Until Sunday 26 May | EPIC, Flemington Road, Mitchell | More information here.
Sydney Writers Festival Livestreamed to Libraries ACT
The literary world is buzzing as the Sydney Writers Festival gears up for its much-anticipated event ‘Live and Local’ but you don’t need to miss out. The exciting lineup of renowned authors, journalists, and thought leaders, is being streamed live through select Libraries ACT venues so you can watch discussions on topics such as dystopian futures, the craft of storytelling, and the power of historical fiction.
Notable speakers and featured authors include Trent Dalton, Celeste NG, Leigh ales and Lisa Millar. It promises to be an unmissable event for literature enthusiasts and curious minds alike!
Until Sunday 26 May | Libraries ACT, Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | More information here.
Million Paws Walk
It’s the 30th birthday of the Million Paws Walk! Join them in making history as they celebrate 30 years of compassion, friendship, and the incredible bond between humans and animals. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or a first timer, the RSPCA Million Paws Walk is an event like no other. Just grab your furry friend and go!
Sunday 26 May | Patrick White Lawns, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2024
Officially opening on Saturday 25 May, Little Darlings is an exhibition of finalists works from the Gallery’s annual Youth Portrait Prize. First launched in 2022, Little Darlings is a competition for primary and secondary students, with four separate age categories across Kindergarten to Year 12.
Fashion Pop-Up – Meta Design @ GOST
This is the first ever fashion pop-up at the Gallery of Small Things (GOST)! Kathy Seton from Meta Design will be showcasing their Autumn/Winter range and to make it even more exciting, it’s a first to display handmade women’s clothing in the gallery.
Curator and Owner of GOST Anne Masters will select accessories and artwork to match with Kathy Seton’s styles and colours. For three days only, visitors will find Meta’s trademark wide leg andhigh-waist pants, fabulous tops/dresses & fun tunics. All made from quality trans-seasonal fabrics (including some fun Marimekko prints), perfect for the changing seasons and layering in winter.
Saturday 25 until Monday 27 May | Gallery of Small Things (GOST), 27 Wade Street, Watson | More information here.
Canberra Winter Gemcraft and Mineral Show
It’s back again! Featuring minerals, fossils, opals, rough and cut gemstones and jewellery, head along to browse and to see fascinating demonstrations. There will also be plenty of food and drinks available.
Saturday 25 until Sunday 26 May | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Federal Highway, Mallee Pavilion, Watson | More information 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.
Bricks @ Woden School
The Woden School will be celebrating its 50 Year anniversary with a huge display of LEGO creations and family friendly fete activities across the weekend! Together with the Canberra LEGO User Group (CLUG) the annual event will be one of the biggest yet with over 60 local exhibitors and displays from students of The Woden School.
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May | The Woden School, 127 Denison Street, Deakin | Book here.
Fundraising Market Stall for Rio Grande Do Sul
As you may have seen, the south of Brazil has been inundated by devastating floods and many residents are without shelter and basic necessities. Many more have lost their homes, businesses, pets and even loved ones.
To raise money for those who have lost everything, the Brazilian community of Canberra are holding several fundraising stalls at the Jamison Trash N Treasure Market across Sunday 19 and 26 May from 7am until 2pm.
The stalls will sell clothes, accessories, utensils, delicious Brazilian food and more, with all funds being sent to the south of Brazil.
Sunday 26 May from 7 am – 2 pm | Trash N Treasure Market, Jamison Shopping Centre, Macquarie
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
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
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
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
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.
Until Saturday 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.
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
Beauty and The Beast
Following Australian nationwide sell-out seasons, the Victorian Ballet is bringing Beauty and the Beast to stage in Canberra. A must see stunning full length classical ballet production of the traditional fairy-tale story, it promises to be an inspiring, impacting, entertaining and memorable experience for the whole family!
Friday 24 until Saturday 25 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Ari Shaffir: The Wrong Side of History
American standup comedian Ari Shaffir is finally bringing his ‘Wrong Side of History’ tour this May, but just a warning: this is a dirty show. It’s not completely offensive but definitely some parts are offensive. So don’t bring that one friend in your friend group who makes that tsk noise a lot. Don’t say we didn’t tell you…
Saturday 25 May | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Book Club at The NFSA – Little Women (2019) & Discussion
Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival, this special screening of Gerwig’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Little Women will be followed by a discussion of Louisa May Alcott’s novel and the film adaptations directed by Gillian Armstrong (1994) and Greta Gerwig (2019) with special guests Gillian Armstrong AM and Dr James McNamara.
Sunday 26 May | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Music
Dept of Rock All Stars – Cruisin’ Division
In 2023, Dept of Rock launched Canberra’s inaugural public sector battle of the bands competition. To further showcase and encourage musical creatives in government, Dept of Rock has invited bands back to Smiths Alternative to play some special ‘All Star’ gigs.
Cruisin’ Division will feature five great bands full of public servant rock stars playing a mix of laid back and upbeat covers and originals. Get ready to rock, Canberra!
Saturday 25 May | Smith’s Alternative, Melbourne Building, 76 Alinga Street, City | Book tickets here.
Maruki Community Orchestra Concert ‘Heartbeats’
Maruki Community Orchestra presents ‘Heartbeats’ with a program comprised of La Gazza Ladra Overture (The Thieving Magpie) by Gioachino Rossini, Karelia Suite, Op. 11 by Jean Sibelius, Finlandia, Op. 26 by Jean Sibelius and Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90 by Johannes Brahms.
Head along to see an innovative community symphony orchestra devoted to all musicians in Canberra region – regardless of age, experience and skill level.
Sunday 26 May | Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue, City | Book tickets here.
Dear Seattle ‘IDC’ Regional Tour
Packed with fuzzy guitars, nostalgic rock nods and catchy melodics for days, Dear Seattle is coming to Canberra to play their new modern-day grunge single. Supported by special guests Late 90’s and Deadshowws, expect a criminally catchy chorus primed for group singalongs.
Sunday 26 May | UC Hub, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | Book here.
Exhibitions
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.
Golden Hour
Sophie Ryan is an emerging artist originally from Bathurst, New South Wales, driven by a deep connection to her surroundings and a desire to convey the vitality and movement of the world around her.
Currently looking into different ways of representing landscapes through gesture, embodiment, emotion and memory while combining elements of drawing and painting, this solo exhibition will feature a series of landscapes and other depicted moments to respond to feelings of growth, and what it means to live in a new place but yearn for the grounding of familiarity and comforts.
Until Sunday 16 June | Strathnairn Arts Association, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information here.
Joan McKay: Touched By Fauna
In this exhbition at the Strathnairn Arts Association, artist Joan McKay uses hyperrealism to invite the viewer to connect with the beauty, gentleness and vulnerability of local animals and birds. Presenting a new body of work using scratchboards, you’ll see everything from red-necked wallabies to swamp wallabies, peewees, magpies and more.
Until Sunday 16 June | Strathnairn Arts Association, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information here.
Sequence of Variables
Created by artist Estelle Briedis ‘Sequence of Variables’ presents a series of functional design objects and textiles based on original pattern designs emerging from a digital pattern generator. The work reflects on how generated patterns can be transformed into repeatable pattern designs, using a blend of traditional screen-printing techniques and contemporary design applications.
Through her work, Briedis aims to contribute to discussions on the integration of digital tools in design and the potential of pattern in enhancing surfaces and spaces.
Until Saturday 6 July | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here.
The Edge Between
‘The Edge Between’ showcases a series of ceramic works responding creatively to the principles of the regenerative earth care system of permaculture. Each piece draws on one of the 12 permaculture principles to create a collection of new ceramic works that contain a positive, non-judgmental message about how each of us can choose to change our behaviour to make a difference.
Until Saturday 6 July | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here.
Light Ripples
‘Light Ripples’ by artist Hannah Gason explores subtle changes and rhythms Gason experiences in her everyday surroundings. Each series of light works, and wall panels offer a curiosity of space and perspective through shifting layers of form, colour, tone and transparency.
Until Saturday 6 July | Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here.
Light and Substance by Robyn Campbell & Kirstin Guenther
Robyn Campbell and Kirstin Guenther have a three-decade connection as artists, bound by similar conceptual approaches and aesthetic sensibilities. Kirstin uses transparent silk fabric, translucent kozo paper, heavy watercolour paper and plywood with a combination of ink, watercolour, oil pastels and acrylic paints, whereas Robyn trained as a glass artist.
Whilst Kirstin’s and Robyn’s work contrast materially, technically and in their approach; the interplay between light and substance, translucence and density, unites their work.
Until Friday 7 July | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Almost Always by Isobel Rayson & Nick Stranks
Isobel Rayson and Nick Stranks contemplate ideas of memory and narrative in their joint exhibition, Almost Always. With consideration to time, identity, and history, their works intersect with a shared interest of material investigation and process-driven methodologies.
Until Friday 7 July | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Yazelations: Upcycling Industrial Waste by Yasmin Idriss
Yasmin is an artist and photographer based in Canberra. Yasmin’s creative pursuits encompass portraiture, documentary photography, and the captivating world of floral imagery. Her passion lies in storytelling through photography, particularly through documentary projects within the community.
Her artistic repertoire extends to creating photobooks, writing poetry, batik silk painting, printmaking and sculptures. Through diverse mediums, she explores the multifaceted nature of creativity and human expression.
Until Friday 7 July | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Awaken by Elizabeth Ficken
Elizabeth is a Canberra-based artist, working in sculpture. She creates work with a variety of material that relates to the conceived idea. The environment plays a vital role in Elizabeth’s making process. Observing how living systems adapt, co-exist and survive manifests an awareness to connect more greatly with nature.
Until Friday 7 July | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Gold To Blue by Sarah Earle
Sarah Earle is a visual artist based in Canberra, Australia. After graduating from the Canberra Institute of Technology in 2019 with a Diploma of Visual Arts, she continues to enjoy learning new techniques and experimenting with new mediums. Her works are expressed through painting, drawing, collage and mixed media to communicate memory, reflection or contemplation on landscape and human nature.
Until Friday 7 July | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Monuments
‘Monuments’ is a body of work that investigates and celebrates the forms found within our landscape. Created by Emma Pattenden, it reinterprets the rock forms found in different parts of the Australian landscape to express the monumental value of these forms and places, inviting you on a transformative journey through the sculptural wonders of our Australian landscape.
Until Sunday 9 June| M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Field Of Vision
‘Field of Vision’ a solo exhibition by Lee Leibrandt. It presents a collection of woven tapestries that reflect the connection between the natural landscape and personal experience of place.
In combining the traditional medium of tapestry weaving with modern design elements of mixed-media collage and mark making, Leibrandt aims to make pattern and colour manifest as dream-like representations via a meditative and intentional practice.
Until Sunday 9 June | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Creating Apart, Together
M16 Artspace Gallery in Canberra is where the exhibition Creating Apart, Together is on show from 16 May to 9 June, with an opening on 16 May at 6 pm. It brings together 21 local visual, fibre and textile artists from Networks Australia (@networks_australia_artists), and proposes an alternative to the privilege of visiting artists’ studios.
The visitor is offered three perspectives – the works themselves (painting, machine and hand-stitching, tapestry, weaving etc); a ‘concept board’ for each artist and photographs by Networks member, Fiona Bowring. The artists are brought together in a bank of portraits of each in their studios.
Free entry.
Until Sunday 9 June | M16 Artspace Gallery, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here
Sport
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
Neon Sign Making Experience at Canberra Glassworks
Heat and stretch your very own authentic neon sign in this one-of-a-kind weekend class! Ideal for people aged 16 and over, Neon Beginners is a 2-day workshop where participants will learn how to stretch, heat, and shape glass tubes into basic curves and forms.
This experience will introduce the basic principles of neon production and demonstrate each of the processes of Neon required to leave with a finished neon sign or design to take home.
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | Book here.
Breathwork and Sound Healing Journey
Experience a transcendental healing journey with this soul nourishing session. Melting away any tension, stress or fatigue, it will fully harmonise you by re-calibrating your frequencies.
The session starts with 15 min of relaxing breath-work to tune the body into a meditative state, using ancients and modern techniques, followed by the sound healing journey. Bring your mat, blanket, pillow and anything you need to be super comfy during the session.
Sunday 26 May | Weston Community Hub, Weston | Book here.
