Hello May, our last chance to soak up some warmth before the chilly Canberra winter sets in.
The region is packed with events to get you out in the daytime soon and keep you cosy during the chilly evenings.
Special days this month include May the Fourth (4 May), Motherโs Day (12 May) and the Million Paws Walk (26 May).
Gardens of Spain: Soprano Sarahloise and pianist Natalia Tkachenko perform popular classical and lesser-known Spanish tunes. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 1 May 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Film Night: The Australia China friendship Society screens the 2015 documentary The Dalfram Dispute 1938. Southern Cross Club Jamison, 1 May 7:30pm; acfs.org.au
Humans 2.0: The next chapter of Circaโs acclaimed Human presents a tightly woven choreography of bodies, pulsing with music and lighting. Canberra Theatre Centre, 2-4 May; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Photo Access: Presents Navigating Histories and exhibition that weaves together historical narratives and their contemporary reverberations by Ren Gregorฤiฤ, Phuong Le, Chris Siu and Estelle Yoon. 2 May- 1 June; photoaccess.org.au
The Actress: The curtain is ready to fall on Lydiaโs final performance but first friends, family, rivals and colleagues visit her in her dressing room in this witty, funny production. Canberra Rep Theatre, 2-18 May; canberrarep.org.au
School of Art and Design Gallery: Presents A Proposition towards A Praxis of Treaty with International Country | Portals out of The Garden of Non by Jonathon Kimberley. ANU, 2-23 May; soad.cass.anu.edu.au
Beaver Galleries: Showcases two exhibitions- Our Beautiful Art Room by Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Noctilucent by Kirrily Hammond. Beaver Galleries, Deakin, 2-18 May; beavergalleries.com.au
Warped and Twisted: Those amazing Canberra Spinners, Weavers, Knitters, Basket makers and Crocheters have so much to show you at our Exhibition this year. Thereโll be warm, woolie garments and headgear, elegant home furnishing items, accessories, toys and lots more in our Gallery and Shop. Come along and see us in action. Canberra Textile Works, Chifley, 3-11 May; https://www.canberraspinnersandweavers.org.au
Vinyl Lounge: The monthly vinyl listening party returns, bring your favourite records and music stories and support the development of the national sound collection. National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 3 May 5.30pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
Dawn French: The Queen of British comedy returns to the stage with her one-woman play Dawn French is a Huge Twat. National Convention Centre, Friday 3 May 7:30pm; nccc.com.au
Jessica Mauboy: A coming home, the beloved Aussi artist is returning to her roots musically and geographically in the Yours Truly Tour. Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 3 May 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Market Day: The Museumโs Gandel Atrium is transformed into a shopperโs paradise with an art and design market hosting more than 40 stalls selling jewellery, ceramics, homewares and more. National Museum of Australia, 4-5 May; nma.gov.au
The Wright Place & The Enchanted Garden: The Wright Place features front garden terraces, a diversity of garden rooms, many container plants and tank irrigation. The Enchanted Garden is a waterwise garden offering a maze of mosaic and pottery art amid native and exotic plants. Refreshments available. Free for members, $10 entry for over 18s. Kambah, 4-5 May 10am-4pm; opengardenscanberra.org.au
Inhabited: An exhibition featuring textiles, painting, woodwork, mixed media, assemblage and more from eight artist from around the Gungahlin region. Studio Studio, 4-12 May; belcoarts.com.au
All My Memories are Mistranslations: The romanticism of Malaysian heritage, the gritty reality of New York City and Aussie tongue-in-cheek become one in Omar Musaโs solo exhibition. Crafting with nostalgic design principles like woodblock prints, cast glass and cyanotype photography, Musa highlights shocking pollution and ecological crises in modern-day Malaysia. Humble House Gallery, Fyshwick, 4 May- 2 June; humblehouse.com.au
Weโre Home: Warehouse Circus presents a circus show full of comedy, acrobatics, aerial feats, original live music and much more. Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, 4-5 May; warehousecircus.org.au
Steampunk @ Altitude Festival 2024: Come one, come all to Nimmitabelโs Steampunk @ Altitude Festival, family fun for everyone! Explore Steampunk curiosities, oddities, games, markets, laughter and high jinks in historic Nimmitabel. Two days of promenading, perusing, performing, photographing and generally having a fantastical Steampunk experience. Come and have a go! Nimmitabel, 4-5 May; steampunk.in
May the Fourth Fete: A special Star Wars edition, purchase merchandise- some still in its box, join cake decorating and enjoy the band. There will also be carnival rides, showbags, clothes, plant and good stalls, photobooth, craft and so much more. St Anthonyโs Primary School, Saturday 4 May 10am-3pm.
Questacon Sci(fi) Night: Celebrate May the Fourth at Canberraโs home of science. Dr Scar upgrades humans to cyborgs, Dr Brad Tucker talks aliens, teleportation and monsters while you can choose the light or dark side in a saber battle. Questacon, Saturday 4 May 6pm; ticketek.com.au
Brumbies vs Fijian Drua:Fresh off a win over the top-placed Hurricanes, the Brumbies will be looing to continue their winning ways when they take on the Fijian Drua on Saturday.GIO Stadium, Saturday 4 May, 7:35pm; ticketek.com.au
Bjorn Again: Celebrate ABBAโs Eurovision victory in 1974 with the Waterloo Anniversary Tour, upbeat and fun and with all your favourite hits. Canberra Theatre Centre, Saturday 4 May 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Billy Elliot the Musical: Inspired by the movie of the same name, an 11-year-old boy dreams of dancing and breaking free of what life has in store for him. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, until 5 May; theq.net.au
Kyeema Art Gallery: Presents What you see, What I see? An exhibition from Marie Carver and Natalie Will. Capital Wines, until 5 May; capitalwines.com.au
Moraig McKenna: Explores the surface effects of texture, glaze, salt and as on clay in Surfacing at Canberra Potters Gallery, Watson, until 5 May; canberrapotters.com.au
The World of Musicals in Concert: A show for the whole family, enjoy your favourite tunes on stage from The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables to Guys & Dolls and South Pacific and many more. Canberra Theatre Centre, Sunday 5 May 6pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Trust Me: Local artist Toni Hassan presents a multimedia exploration of her life-altering experience of cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2023. CCAS Manuka, until 5 May; ccas.com.au
Canberra International Music Festival: Celebrate 30 years of the beloved event featuring 60 world class artists, 20 spectacular concerts in 11 magnificent venues. Until 5 May, full program; cimf.org.au
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress: Five bridesmaids avoid the wedding reception happening below, a fun irreverent celebration of womenโs spirit. ACT Hub, 8-18 May; acthub.com.au
Colours of the Organ: Callum Tolhurst-Close performs works by Thalben Ball, Charles Hylton Stewart and Saint-Saens. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 8 May 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Provocations: Arguing about History: Professor Frank Bongiorno and Professor Peter Stanley discuss where Australian history is now and where it is going in a conversation moderated by Dr Anne-Marie Schwirtlich. National Library of Australia, 8 May 6pm; nla.gov.au
Fourteen: Shannon Molloy, a year 9 student at an all boy rugby mad catholic school in regional Queensland is keeping a big secret, Shannon is gay. The true story is set to a nostalgic mixtape of 90s hits. Canberra Theatre Centre, 9-11 May; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Instant Comedy!: Delight in the quick wit and creativity of improvised comedy masterminds; all inspired by a single word from the audience. Combining the wit of stand-up and the intimacy of live theatre, Lightbulb creates memorable stories, colourful characters, enchanting songs and plenty of laughs. Tickets $15 online or at the door. Smithโs Alternative, Thursday 9 May 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Napier Waller Art Prize 2024: Featuring 17 highly commended entries by Australian Defence Force veterans, this powerful exhibition opens to the public at Australian Parliament House on Friday 10 May and continues until 13 October. The public can vote in the Peopleโs Choice Award via the online exhibition, featuring the works of 29 finalists, at awm.gov.au on 13 Mayโ13 October. More info: awm.gov.au/napier-waller-art-prize-hub
A Taste of Ireland: The Irish music and dance sensation returnswith its incredible stage show rich in Irish culture. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Friday 10 May 7:30pm; theq.net.au
Nick Cave: The singer-songwriter has added additional shows to his sold-out solo tour including a stop at the National Convention Centre, Friday 10 May 8pm; nickcave.com
Eric Clapton: A Tribute: Two hours of timeless music performed by an 8-piece band featuring Chris Harland. Chris has performed at festivals around Australia and supported Eric Burdon and the Animals and guitar virtuoso Matt Schofield. โClose your eyes and youโd swear it was Eric Clapton playingโ – John Spencer (Canberra Blues Society). Harmonie German Club, Friday 10 May 8pm; humanitix.com/slowhand-eric-clapton-a-tribute
Whalebone: Step into the magical world of the Depository, a mysterious agency that safeguards human memories in this fun family show. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Saturday 11 May 11am & 1pm; theq.net.au
Eurovision Special Event: Get ready for Eurovision with a live recording of Aussievision podcast, followed by live performances by Alfie Arcuri and Canberra indie rock party people ARCHIE. National Film and Sound Archive, Saturday 11 May 6pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
ANCA Gallery: Michele England explores the lessons learned from a suburban garden about natureโs systems, resilience and vulnerabilities in Il faut cultiver notre jardin. ANCA Gallery, Dickson, until 12 May; anca.net.au
Canberra Symphony Orchestra: Presents a program that pairs Classical icon Joseph Haydn with Norwegian Romantic composer Edward Grieg on Reverie. Albert Hall, Sunday 12 May 2pm; cso.org.au
Eurovision Grand Final: Catch all the performances on the big screen, with guest hosts Venus Mantrap and Guy Alias. Celebrate in glorious camp style with bingo, bubbles and prizes! National Film and Sound Archive, Sunday 12 May 6pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
The Trojan War: The third installment of the sexy fun works, The Trojan War tells the tale of the fall of Troy. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 14-15 May; theq.net.au
Joyce Yang: The Korean piano sensation brings here flawless playing to Canberra in Kaleidoscopic Colours at Snow Concert Hall, Tuesday 14 May 7pm; snowconcerthall.com
Gaslight: The psychological thriller masterpiece of stage and screen follows a woman who feels as though she is losing her mind, but is all as it seems? Canberra Theatre Centre 15-19 May; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
ANCA Gallery: Artists Sally Clarke and Brenda Factor present Surface Tension an exploration of connecting ideas and collecting from nature. ANCA Dickson, 15 May- 2 June; anca.net.au
Bella Partita: Austral Harmony performs dance movements from Bach and Bellinzani. Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 15 May 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Book launch: Join members of Margaret Tucker’s family for a celebration of Margaret’s life and work, and to mark the release of the new edition of her autobiography, If Everyone Cared Enough. National Library of Australia, 15 May 6pm; nla.gov.au
QL2 Dance: Three dynamic new works explore the human relationship to change as 26 young Canberra artists take the stage in Subject to Change. Canberra Theatre Centre, 16-18 May; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Canberra Symphony Orchestra: Invited audiences to engage their minds and hearts and explore joy, love, loss and longing in the Heart-Space concert. National Museum of Australia, Thursday 16 May 6:30pm; nma.gov.au
Jayne Denham: The five-time Golden Guitar nominee brings the Moonshine- Risk It All Tour to Canberra. Harmonie German Club, Friday 17 May 7pm; events.humanitix.com
Canberra Wool Expo: Step into an incredible world of woolly goodness with spinning demonstrations, weaving, hand felting and many stallholders selling wool and wares. Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston 18-19 May; obdm.com.au
Men in Love: In Conversation with Barry Charles & Samuel Leighton-Dore: A conversation exploring activism, legislative change, and transformations in how gender and sexuality are understood. National Film and Sound Archive, Saturday 18 May 2.30pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
Brumbies vs Crusaders: As part of this match, the Brumbies will celebrate 20 years since they beat the Crusaders in the 2004 Super Rugby Final. GIO Stadium, Saturday 18 May, 2:35pm kick off; ticketek.com.au
Deep Inside My Heart: Bringing together sculptures, drawings and other works from the national collection by female artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. National Gallery of Australia, until 19 May; nga.gov.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Showcases 6 exhibitions; Lee Crisp Life Drawing; Emergence of Materials and Self by Natalie Hall; Hold III group exhibition; The Bone People by Brenda Runnegar; Place by Alexander Thatcher; Dog by Lisa Jose. Until 19 May; belcoarts.com.au
Book Club at the NFSA: Little Women: Gillian Armstrongโs take on Louisa May Alcottโs classic novel captures the tribulations of four young women during the American Civil War. National Film and Sound Archive, Sunday 19 May 1pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
The Dollop: The American history podcast in which comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds focus on a peculiar person or event from history. Canberra Theatre Centre, Monday 20 May 7:30; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Duke Speaks: Violinist/Violist and Viola dโamore player, John Ma presents a program that demonstrates the beautiful cords of his Baroque violin made by Richard Duke in London around 1770. Welsey Music Centre, Wednesday 22 May 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
Geoffery Roberston AO, KC: Providing an insight to his life and famous cases, this new show also grapples with How to Fix a Turbulent World. Canberra Theatre Centre, Wednesday 22 May 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Eric Bibb: The fiery bluesman brings his iconic mix of soul-folk-blues tunes to The Street Theatre, City West, Thursday 23 May 7:30pm; thestreet.org.au
Eric Bogle: The highly respected songwriter shares tunes from his nearly 40-year-long career. Canberra Theatre Centre, Thursday 23 May 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Beauty and the Beast: The Victorian State Ballet performs one of the world most loved fairy tales in a showcase of beauty and talent. Canberra Theatre Centre, 24-25 May; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Whisky Live: Canberraโs premiere whisky sampling event showcasing high-quality whiskies with short classes, samples, food and more. University of Canberra, 24-25 May; eventbrite.com.au
Kaz & Judeโs Menopausal Night Out: Kaz Cooke and Judith Lucy chat about perimenopause and what comes next in this hilarious and honest evening out. Canberra Theatre Centre, Friday 24 May 6:30pm & 8:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Bron Lewis: The award-winning comedy is sure to have the audiences in stitches with her newest show – Obviously. The Street Theatre, City West, Friday 24 May 7:30pm; thestreet.org.au
Brumbies vs Rebels: The Brumbies host the Rebels at GIO Stadium on Friday 24 May at 7:35pm; ticketek.com.au
Australian Chamber Orchestra: A beautiful concert starring Stuart Skeleton and Catherine Carby as they explore Mahlerโs Song of the Earth. Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Friday 24 May 8pm; aco.com.au
In Good Company: Darren Coggan and Damien Leith reunite to share some of the songs that shook the world from artists like Roy Orbison, Cat Stevens, Elvis and more. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 24 May 8pm; theq.net.au
Queanbeyan-Palerang Heritage Festival: Learn about the history of the region and get connected where you live with workshops, exhibitions and events. Various locations, until 25 May; qprc.nsw.gov.au
Rusten House Art Centre: Showcases three new exhibitions- Highlights of the QPRC Art Collection, A Stitch in Time – Quilt Exhibition and Community Connects – A Portrait Story. Until 25 May; qprc.nsw.gov.au
Bricks @ Woden School: Bricks upon bricks as more than 100 Lego displays as set up alongside competitions, raffles, BBQ and more to help raise funds to support students with special needs. The Woden School, 25-26 May; trybooking.com
For King + Country: The brother duo returns to their roots with The Homecoming Tour stopping in at National Convention Centre on Saturday 25 May 7pm; nccc.com.au
Raiders vs Roosters: Canberra take on the Roosters in their only home game during May. Saturday 25 May at GIO Stadium, 3pm kick off; ticketek.com.au
Choirboys: Run to Paradise: Part story, part song, this spilling of the beans relives some of the wildest, most risquรฉ, outrageous and hilarious stories of Australian Rock as the iconic band recalls it. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Saturday 25 May 8pm; theq.net.au
Ari Shaffir: The American standup comedian finally brings his dirty, nasty and hilarious show Wrong Side of History to Australia. Canberra Theatre Centre, 25 May 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Thank God Itโs Friday: An exhibition from Canberra artist Collective Hall Artists, brings together works from different career stages and influences. The Link, Ginninderry, until 26 May; ginninderry.com
Book Club at the NFSA: Little Women: Greta Gerwig brings the March sisters to life for a new generation. Includes a post-screening discussion with special guests Gillian Armstrong AM and Dr James McNamara.National Film and Sound Archive, Sunday 26 May 1pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
Million Paws Walk: Grab your pooch and hit the pavement to support animals in need with the team from RSPCA. Patrick White Lawns, Parkes, Sunday 26 May 9am-2pm; millionpawswalk.com.au
Ralph Heimans: Portraiture. Power. Influence.: Portraits on loan from private and public collections from around the world show some of the artist’s most significant works. National Portrait Gallery, until 27 May; portrait.gov.au
The Guilty Feminist: Part comedy, part deep-dive discussion and part activism, Deborah Francis-White brings her podcast to the stage with a selection of special guests. Canberra Theatre Centre, Tuesday 28 May 7:30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Wesley Music Centre: Talented Students from the Studio of Elena Nikulina perform works by de Falla, Bartok, Chopin, Glinka and Chaminde. Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 29 May 12:40pm; wesleymusiccanberra.org
The River That Ran Uphill: In the eye of the storm with rising water, a tiny girl tries to find the strength to survive in this family show about community cooperation and resilience. Canberra Theatre Centre 30 May – 1 June; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Tom Gleeson: The beloved TV personality and Gold Logie Winner puts down the question cards and returns to stand-up in Gear. Canberra Theatre Centre, 30-31 May; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Art of Disruption: Rebus Theatre presents a show that steps behind the curtain of activist theatre where the struggles of everyday life collide with the magic of storytelling. ACT Hub, 30 May – 1 June; acthub.com.au
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap: Rosemaryโs Baby: A stylish and darkly comic exploration of an expectant mother’s grave fears around the unusual occupants in her apartment building. National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 31 May 8pm; nfsa.gov.au/events
Continuing
Tuggeranong Arts Centre: Showcases three exhibitions: Sitting Standing Turning by Robbie Karmel; Abode; and I Know My Age and I Act Like It by Louis Grant. Until 8 June; tuggeranongarts.com
Focus: Australian Government Photographers: Undertake a journey spanning six decades of Australian life with works from some of the government photographers working between 1939 and 1996. National Archives of Australia, until 10 June; naa.gov.au
Places and Spaces: A group exhibition in which artists explore the places and spaces around them through installation, sculpture, painting and augmented reality. CCAS Lakeside, until 29 June; ccas.com.au
Vincent Namatjira: Australia in colour: The first survey exhibition of the Western Aranda artist, showcasing paintings, works on paper and moving images from worldwide collections. National Gallery of Australia, until 21 July; nga.gov.au
Jordan Wolfson: Body Sculpture: A commissioned piece that evokes emotional and physical responses from the viewer through the movements of an animatronic sculpture, contains mature themes. National Gallery of Australia, until 28 July; nga.gov.au
Change: Stories from your pocket: The Royal Australian Mint curates an exhibition exploring the stories our coins tell about our history. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 31 August; cmag.com.au
Discovering Ancient Egypt: On loan from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities is a deep dive into the culture of the ancient society with more than 220 objects, spanning more than 3,000 years. National Museum of Australia, until 8 September; nma.gov.au
Materialityโฆbut not as we know it: Ten artists and designers with Canberra connections explore the ideas around truth to materials and functionality and design. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 20 October; cmag.com.au
Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People: Discover the story of Canberra as the place where nationhood found a home โ the people, places and history that make up this city and region. Canberra Museum and Gallery, ongoing; cmag.com.au
MoAD: Home to a host of exhibitions, such as Behind the Lines 2023, Blueprint andStatement: Jack Greenโs Paintings at Old Parliament House, free entry; bookings encouraged.
Recurring
Behind-the-Scenes History Tour: Go behind the scenes of Canberraโs oldest public building and see its evolution. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, every Wednesday and Friday 10:30am-2pm; canberraglassworks.com
Mt Ainslie Music Club: The community ensemble meets for improvisation every first Thursday of the month 8-10pm, Ainslie Arts Centre; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Smithโs Alternative: Irish Jam each Friday from 4pm; Comedy Open Mic, first Sunday of the month 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Night Markets: The community-run event runs every Friday 4-8pm at Anketell Street, Tuggeranong.
Capital Region Farmers Market: Fresh seasonal produce and gourmet goods at EPIC, Saturdays 7-11:30am; capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
The Little Burley Market: Bringing gourmet food and artisan handicrafts lakeside each week. Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Saturday 9am-1:30pm; thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Trash and Treasure: Hunt for second-hand goods, fresh produce and homewares every Sunday at the Jamison Centre, 7am-12:30pm; trashandtreasuremarketjamison.com.au
Bric-a-Brac Rummage: Hunt for second-hand treasure in front of South.Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm.
Old Bus Depot Markets: The much-loved markets continue at the Old Bus Depot in Kingston, Sundays 9:30 am-2:30pm; obdm.com.au
Lunchulele: Every Monday 12:30- 1:30pm, ukulele players perform at Smithโs Alternative; smithsalternative.com
Kippax Marketplace: Indoor market at Kippax Uniting Church Community Centre on the 3rd Saturday of the month 8am-12pm; free entry.
Community Market: Monthly market at Calwell shopping centre on the 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-3pm and Queanbeyan Park on the 3rd Sunday 9am-2pm.
