20+ ways to spend this weekend in Canberra

Posted on 27 May, 2022

From the ACT’s largest Home Design, Build, Garden & Lifestyle Show to bottomless brunch, there’s plenty to do this weekend in Canberra.

What are you waiting for?

The ShowRoom Canberra

The ACT’s largest Home Design, Build, Garden & Lifestyle Show. The two-day event brings together Canberra’s most creative, innovative and informative industry professionals all under the one roof in the Budawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra.

Whether you’re looking to design your home, build your home, remake your home, decorate, furnish, cool or heat, buy, sell, enjoy or discover new and exciting ideas for your home and garden—you’ll find all the inspiration you need right here for one weekend only!

28–29 May | Budawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | theshowroomcanberra.com.au

Taste Local Workshops with Underground Spirits Canberra

Discover local produce and enjoy unique experiences of tasting adventures and masterclasses at Canberra Centre’s Taste Local Festival – a month-long celebration of local producers and talents.

Underground Spirits is a boutique distillery that makes award willing premium spirits that are anything but typical. When it comes to taste, think the unexpected.

On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May, Underground Spirit’s head mixologist will guide you to make two cocktails which will be sure to impress your next cocktail party guests. You’ll be given the opportunity to learn and create whilst enjoying some fresh treats from Betty’s Burgers!

Book your spot to one of the four 60-minute workshops available over the weekend:

• 1 pm Saturday 28 May
• 3 pm Saturday 28 May
• 1 pm Sunday 29 May
• 3 pm Sunday 29 May

Please note: This workshop is ideal for pairs as you will be seated at tables of two.

28–29 May | Located inside the doors of City Walk, Canberra Centre | Tickets are $20pp via Eventbrite

21 Forster St

A patch of land. A stretch of sky. Bricks, beams; an open door. What makes a house a home? How can a space hold the stories of so many and do those echoes remain once they are gone?

21 Forster St is a new multidisciplinary theatre work from award-winning company Steps & Holes. Part of The Q’s new Q The Locals program, a new initiative that gives opportunities to artists and theatre makers from the surrounding regions, 21 Forster St focuses on creator Kate Walder’s own relationship with the house, which was owned by her father until his recent passing.

Joining Kate on the creative team is John Shortis OAM, Bungendore local and one-half of the iconic Simpson and Shortis, as well as a host of other Canberra region creatives to bring this hyper-local production to life. This locally inspired story explores our universal relationships to the places we call home.

26 May – 4 June | The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre | theq.net.au

Reception this way: motels – a sentimental journey with Tim Ross

Travel around Australia revisiting your memories of the classic Aussie motel, from family holidays and long road trips to continental breakfasts and mid-century mod-cons.

In a land where the car has provided us with the ultimate freedom to hit the road and explore, it is no surprise that Australians wholeheartedly embraced the American concept of the motel. When motels began springing up in the 1950s, they represented a new, stylish and sophisticated way to travel.

Join National Archives and Tim Ross on a driving holiday through the quintessential Australian experience of staying in a motel. And find out why these images are part of the National Archives’ collection.

This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.

27 May – 4 Sep 2022 | National Archives of Australia | naa.gov.au

German Film Festival 2022

“Herzlich willkommen” movie goers, film aficionados and anyone in Canberra who loves Kino with a German flavour! The German Film Festival is back for 2022 to showcase the best of contemporary German cinema (direct from major festivals in Europe) plus a selection from its German-speaking neighbours, Austria and Switzerland. From comedy to drama, there’s something for everyone.

Get your ticket, take your seats and enjoy the show…

25 May – 19 June | Place Electric Cinema | germanfilmfestival.com.au

Liars + Bree van Reyk at Ainslie Salon

Abstract electronic rock in the Ainslie Salon from the critically acclaimed Liars.

Liars are back with The Apple Drop. This mixing of raw, organic live instrumentation in the studio, along with solo tinkering, results in an album that blurs boundaries between the archetypal band structure and experimental electronics.

“Momentum and revolution were themes I wanted to explore, to give the listener this sense of transformation and to feel like you were being transported through the wormhole,” Angus from Liars explains.

Bree van Reyk is a drummer, percussionist, composer, sound artist and occasional maker of unkempt musical instruments. Bree has forged a unique career playing and recording with artists including Gurrumul, Emma Donovan, Paul Kelly, Holly Throsby, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) and Mike Patton. Her debut album, Superclusters, was released in Autumn 2022 through Hobbledehoy Records.

Saturday 28 May | 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | Tickets are $20-$30pp via Humanitix

Terra Firma

Three works, three perspectives—QL2 Dance explores the diverse ways we perceive our changing world.

Melanie Lane explores the relationship between body, objects, and our built environment. Within a world in which we navigate excess, constructs and algorithms, her work Metal Park contemplates how we have become a part of the material world in which we operate and questions our desire for material necessity. Traversing through a choreography of meditation, resistance and collision, Metal Park unfolds the ways in which we both harness and negotiate our constructed habitat.

In Tides of Time, Steve & Lilah Gow (Synergy Styles) investigate our relationship with time in an era of constant change; how we project ourselves in the future or live in the past, exploring ways to remain in the present, onto solid ground, to fulfill our lives.

Cadi McCarthy’s Shifting Ground explores the physicality of solid versus shifting ground as concepts, embodying the strength and connection that holds us to our world in these uncertain times.

Saturday 28 May | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Annalouise Paul: Flamenco For Everybody

Flamenco for Everybody builds lasting memories and deep respect for the art form.

The audience is invited to learn about the poetry, language and social, historical, and cultural events that have shaped Flamenco over time, encountering a living tradition of Andalusian, Romani, Sephardi, Arabic and Moorish cultures.

Flamenco for Everybody grew organically out of the 2020 lockdowns when Annalouise Paul decided to go outdoors to a community veranda to dance flamenco for the year. The connection with locals was strong. She met walkers, boaties, dogs and children and one little boy on a scooter who specifically asked,

“Are you making a show? For everybody?” The show opens with Annalouise sharing her story, using contemporary dance, sound design and video installation. This unfolds into a full live performance of flamenco dance with poetry, percussion, flamenco guitar and songs. By the end, we invite the audience to learn some rhythms and get up to dance!

Saturday 28 May | Tuggeranong Arts Centre | events.humanitix.com/flamenco

Urzila Carlson: It’s Personal

Welcome to the days of mind your own business and don’t comment on others’ business. Not their gender, sexuality, body, hair, education or career. Also, welcome to the days of total oversharing on social media, but STILL, mind your own business. We want to talk about things and want everyone to know IT’S PERSONAL!

This is a show about keeping your cards close to your chest but walking around naked, from one of the biggest names in comedy in Australia and New Zealand. Can we have it all? Yes, but also bloody no but also it’s none of your business because IT’S PERSONAL.

Saturday 28 May | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Gunning Station Open Day

A family open day to explore the newly restored Gunning Train Station with exhibitions, live music, creative activities and more.

Transport for NSW and Southern Tablelands Arts is hosting a family open day to explore the newly restored Gunning Train Station. The event starts with an Opening Ceremony at 11 am, followed by a variety of creative making activities, live music and displays.

Transport for NSW is leading the project to restore the historic Railway Station buildings in Gunning. The Open day is the first opportunity for the public to explore the major restoration as it nears completion.

Saturday 28 May from 11 am to 2 pm | Gunning Railway Station | southerntablelandsarts.com.au

UBX Open Day Launch

On Saturday 28 May between 7am to 10 am, the newly rebanded UBX Belconnen is inviting all locals to experience their workouts for free.

With loads of giveaways, prizes and free food and goodies, as well as special sessions for one-on-one experiences with the coaches—it comes back to their mission of ensuring boxing is inclusive for anyone of any age and ability.

Saturday 28 May from 7 am | UBX: Boxing + Strength, 2/102 Emu Bank Belconnen | For more information visit ubxtraining.com

Brumbies v Blues

Round 12 of the NRL premiership will be used to celebrate Indigenous culture in the game, with the annual NRL Indigenous round. The Raiders take on the sleek Parramatta Eels, who once again look like the team to beat in 2022.

Sunday 29 May | GIO Stadium | brumbies.rugby

Canberra MS Walk Run + Roll

Celebrate the resilience and diversity of the amazing MS community with their  latest Fun Run experience, the MS Walk Run + Roll! Whether you’re moving on your feet, using a wheelchair, or pushing a pram, go along to support Australians living with this devastating neurological condition.

Sunday 29 May | Rond Terrace, Parkes Way, Acton | mswalk.org.au/event/canberra 

Roger Beale AO: The Magic of Light, a Solo Exhibition [Final days!]

Entranced by the way light, especially warm slanting light, brings flowers, landscapes and people to life, Beale’s Solo Exhibition of over sixty works include large-scale oil paintings of flowers amongst powerful and nostalgic landscapes, portrait sketches and detailed pen and ink drawings.

Your last chance to enjoy the revel of glorious blooms from one of Canberra’s better-known artists, head along now.

28 and 29 May | Humble House gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | humblehouse.com.au.

Reconciliation Week at the National Film and Sound Archive

This week, the National Film and Sound Archive is screening three contemporary documentaries to explore this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme: Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change.

• Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow – 27 May, 7 pm
• The Lake of Scars – 28 May, 2 pm
• Mabo Day 30th Anniversary – Mabo: Life on an Island Man – 3 June, 6 pm

27 May–3 June | National Film and Sound Archive | nfsa.gov.au/events/national-reconciliation-week-2022

Bottomless Brunch

Sundays were made for two things; friends and bottomless brunch.

Grab your friends, it’s time to bring Sunday Brunch back into your lives. Indulge in all your favourites including farm fresh eggs and Australia’s best bacon, freshly baked pastries and pancakes, the complete range of seductive Pialligo Estate Smokehouse meats, fresh fruit and granola.

Relax in the Estate Glasshouse and soak in the iconic views of the Molonglo River, the mountains and out across the skyline of Canberra. The city view looks different from over here. Sip on bottomless mimosas and reconnect with loved ones over this bottomless feast.

Everything has been taken care of, you just need to decide what to have first.

Bookings are essential. No refunds are available after purchase. Please advise of dietary requirements when booking and we will do our best to accommodate. (Limited Vegan and Gluten-free options are available).

Sunday 29 May | Pialligo Estate | Tickets are $79pp via thepialligoestate.com.au/bottomless-brunch

Marymead’s ‘Italy from the Heart’ Concert

Marymead is delighted to announce ‘Italy from the Heart’, an afternoon concert of great Italian songs.

Featuring arias of Puccini, Rossini, Verdi, and others. Solos and duets will be performed by Denis O’Brien, tenor, and Heather Keens, soprano, supported by brilliantly talented pianist, Linus Lee Hanul. Linus and will also perform a solo piece by Franz Liszt.

Come along and let the spirit of Italian romance and passion fill your soul!

The concert will take place at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, at 108 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. This fundraiser will go towards supporting Marymead’s work with children and families in the ACT and surrounding regional areas of NSW.

Sunday 29 May | 108 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa | revenue-aus.keela.co/italy-from-the-heart-2022

Reconciliation Day Eve 2022

The Australian Capital Territory observes Reconciliation Day, a public holiday marking the start of National Reconciliation Week. And on the eve of Reconciliation Day, Canberra Theatre Centre is the place where some of the strongest voices in the country unite.

Featuring the extraordinary talent of powerhouse rapper Briggs, soulful electronic music duo Electric Fields and the award-winning singer Christine Anu, this is an event not to be missed for those who love Australian music and believe in its power to change the country for the better.

Sunday 29 May | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au

And then of course there’s the markets…

Old Bus Depot Markets

With more than 100 stalls (including your old favourites), you’ll have the chance to shop for a brilliant variety of Australian-made, handcrafted and premium products. And this week it’s Canberra Wool Expo, where you can meet and speak with wool producers, craftspeople and artists. See demonstrations from hand-spinning to weaving.

Watch shearing demonstrations and learn about the process of collecting wool from the sheep. There will be four shearing demonstrations each hour from 10:30am on both Saturday and Sunday.

9.30 am – 2.30 pm Sunday | Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au

Haig Park Village Markets

Taking place every Sunday rain, hail or shine, the Haig Park Village Markets has fresh produce, beautiful flowers, artisan breads, meats, treats and more. You can even enjoy a picnic in the park before grabbing your essentials for the week!

9 am–2 pm Sunday | Haig Park, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au

Capital Region Farmers Markets

With more than 100 stallholders each week, the Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC Park has endless options when it comes to freshly picked, grown and handcrafted produce.

Fill the garden using their great selection of natives and landscape plants, fruit trees, seedlings and shrubs or fill your stomach with freshly baked bread, cakes, macarons and croissants.

7 am–11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra | capitalregionfarmersmarket.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

Feature image: Ben Calvert.