Things to do in Canberra this week (12 to 18 May)

Warm up for a very important Sunday by attending a one-day mini-Olympics, the Tapestry of Cultures Family Festival at the National Museum or a Canberran-directed doco screening.

On Mother’s Day (Sunday), Hyatt Hotel Canberra hosts a wellness weekend, plus take a look at Region’s dedicated list of Things to do in Canberra this Mother’s Day for more ideas.

Also for your calendars this coming week, there’s a Eurovision screening hosted by drag performers, a meditation day retreat, a stargazing evening at Mulligans Flat and more!

Friday

Terralympics

When: Friday 12 May, from 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Canberra Deakin Football Club, 3 Grose Street, Deakin
Cost: From $24.49; book here.

This one-day mini Olympics hosted by Terracon Legal will pit local athletes against each other in horizontal bungee, tug-o-war, a hot dog eating competition, inflatable soccer, a relay and more. Sign up with a team of six or come along and spectate, with proceeds going to Roundabout Canberra, a charity that provides safe and clean baby and children’s items to families in need.

Because We Have Each Other Screening

When: Friday 12 May, from 6 pm
Where: Arc Cinema, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: $10 to $12; book here.

Directed by Canberran Sari Braithwaite, the documentary Because We Have Each Other returns to the capital from Hot Docs film festival in Canada to kickstart its Australian tour with a screening and Q&A with the director. Filmed over five years, the documentary delves into the lives of a neurodiverse, blended family from the working-class City of Logan on the outskirts of Brisbane.

Saturday

Tapestry of Cultures Family Festival

When: Saturday 13 May, from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
Cost: Costs apply for some activities; book here.

More than 15 unique cultures and communities from around the world will be celebrated this Saturday. Expect market and food stalls, diverse music and dance performances and family-friendly activities and workshops, including a storytelling session from Biripi man and debut author Adam Duncan, who will be reading his new children’s book, The Bunyip and the Stars.

Saturday and Sunday

Mother’s Day Wellness Weekend

When: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May; various times
Where: Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra
Cost: Free; book here.

Hyatt has invited mums to join a free wellness journey this Mother’s Day weekend hosted by Lululemon fitness ambassadors. The weekend begins with a morning run and boot camp on Saturday to get you moving in preparation for the big day. A flow yoga class follows these events on Sunday to help you settle into moments of calm inside the warmth of the Hyatt Hotel.

Sunday

Eurovision Song Contest 2023

When: Sunday 14 May, from 7 pm
Where: Arc Cinema, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: $20 to $25; book here.

Eurovision will be shown on the big screen in Arc Cinema, with the evening hosted by drag performers Venus Mantrap and Guy Alias. Attendees are invited to get a team together and represent their chosen country with their best outfits. Expect a complimentary glass of bubbles, bingo, wind machines, insane props, wild outfits and awards for the best-dressed team of the night.

Declutter Your Mind – Meditation Day Retreat

When: Sunday 14 May, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon
Cost: $65 for non-members, free for members; book here.

Everyone from beginners through to experienced meditators are invited to take a day to give their mind a real break and learn meditation techniques. The retreat will be guided by resident teacher and Buddhist nun Kelsang Dana, who has taught Buddhist meditation for the last 10 years. Morning tea on the lawn and a vegetarian lunch are also included in the ticket price.

Tuesday

Wildbark – Night Ark

When: Tuesday 16 May, 6 pm to 10 pm
Where: Wildbark at Mulligans Flat, Canberra
Cost: $10 to $27.50; book here.

Immerse yourself in the night environment of the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary on Canberra’s outskirts and hear about our cultural connections with the night sky. Family-friendly activities include stargazing, expert speakers, a photo exhibition and guided tours set to the backdrop of acoustic music, a fire pit and food and drink options from the Wildbark Kitchen.

Thursday

QL2 Dance – Communicate

When: Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 May, various times
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: $38 plus transaction fee; book here.

The Quantum Leap ensemble brings to life a triple bill created by a diverse team of three choreographers from Melbourne, Townsville and Bangkok. The performance explores through the language of dance what it means to communicate in the context of information overload, miscommunication and misunderstandings from cultural, socioeconomic and gender differences.

Speculation Nation: Making Utopia | CO: LAB Exhibition Opening

When: Thursday 18 May, 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Free; book here.

Craft ACT will open two exhibitions on Thursday, Speculation Nation: Making Utopia and CO: LAB. The first presents the work of seven artists who explore the theme of utopia in the Australian context, while the second exhibition showcases the culmination of a year-long professional development and exchange program intended to forge new directions in the creative industries.