26 May 2023

Things to do in Canberra this week (26 May to 1 June)

| Travis Radford
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man playing with a cute dog

Local pooches of all colours, shapes and sizes will be out and about in force on 28 May for the Million Paws Walk. Photo: RSPCA ACT.

Two of Australia’s top comedians will be performing at the Canberra Theatre Centre this week – Kitty Flanagan and Sammy J, plus, there’s lots to do this National Reconciliation Week.

For those who want to keep active, there’s also a parkrun (with a twist) and the 2023 Million Paws Walk so all the family can get out.

There’s also a late-night party at the National Portrait Gallery, Italian Day at the Fyshwick Markets and stacks more to get into.

Friday

fun run event poster

The University of Canberra and Indigenous Marathon Foundation invite Canberrans to their third annual fun run. Image: University of Canberra.

National Reconciliation Week Fun Run

When: Friday 26 May, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: University of Canberra, 1 Kirinari Street, Bruce
Cost: Free; book here.

Join the University of Canberra and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation on the eve of National Reconciliation Week for their third annual fun run (or walk!) to celebrate ongoing work to promote active and healthy lifestyles. The event will kick off from the Ngaladjima Gardens, with three lengths of tracks to choose from (2 km, 4.5 km and 10 km).

Radha La Bia

Diva from India Radha La Bia (Shahmen Suku) will host Alter Ego: An Evening of Other! Photo: Jess Gleeson.

Alter Ego: An Evening of Other!

When: Friday 26 May, 6:30 pm to 11:55 pm
Where: National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: $33 to $45; book here.

This 18+ late-night event curated and produced by Kat Dopper (read more about Kat here) celebrates and explores all things identity with acts by local and interstate performers, including event host Radha La Bia. Arrive early for an after-hours viewing of the Portrait23: Identity exhibition and to intensify your outfit (there’ll be a best-dressed prize for the most extravagant alter ego!)

Sammy J – Good Hustle

When: Friday 26 May, from 8 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit
Cost: $49.95 plus transaction fee; book here.

Comedian, writer, composer and broadcaster Sammy J is stepping away from his weekly ABC TV spot five years and 200 episodes later – but not before throwing a giant farewell party. Canberrans are invited to farewell Government Coach, Playground Politics, National Yoga, bush poet SJ Paterson, Hookturnistan and more in this one-night show.

Saturday

Finding Art Workshop #1 – Festival of Everyday Art

Join PeopleLab artists Pablo and Claire for a behind-the-scenes peek into their worlds. Photo: PeopleLab.

Finding Art Workshop – Festival of Everyday Art

When: Saturday 27 May, 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Canberra Museum & Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Free; book here.

Turn the city into an outdoor art gallery with PeopleLab artists Pablo and Claire, who make art gallery labels for interesting things, like a tree that looks like it’s dancing or a hilarious bin. In this behind-the-scenes workshop, you’ll explore the city and invent titles for everyday artworks. Afterwards, your discoveries will be made into physical labels for more events next week.

Medibank parkrun Road Trip

Curious about a parkrun? Try your hand (and legs) this Saturday and relax with a free massage and refreshments. Photo: Medibank.

National Parkrun Road Trip – Tuggeranong

When: Saturday 27 May, from 8 am
Where: Lake Tuggeranong, Bartlet Place, Greenway
Cost: Free; book here.

Medibank’s Live Better Lounge will pop up at this Saturday’s weekly 5 km parkrun in Tuggeranong. The outdoor lounge will let park runners relax and recuperate after their walk, jog or run with a free massage, a light brekkie and refreshments. There’ll be photo moments, giveaways, merchandise and more. The ACT is Medibank’s fourth-last stop on its 12-location national tour.

Sunday

Italian Day event poster

It’s Fyshwick Markets, but not as you know it – bring the family for a day of Italian fun and festivities. Image: Fyshwick Markets.

Italian Day at the Markets

When: Sunday 28 May, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, 36 Mildura Street, Fyshwick
Cost: Free; book here for kids’ activities.

Fyshwick Markets will be transformed for a day of Italian fun and festivities. Canberrans are invited to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, including fresh pasta, pizza, cured meats, cheeses and gelato. 2CC’s Stephen Cenatiempo will be running live cooking demonstrations, there’s free Italian Tile Painting in the Niche Markets for the young ones (bookings required) and Italian music to top the day off.

READ MORE ‘Perfect crunchy pizza’ and so much more, benvenuto to Italian Day at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

two woman holding little dogs

Support RSPCA ACT and raise funds for needy animals while spending quality time with your canine companions. Photo: RSPCA ACT.

Canberra Million Paws Walk

When: Sunday 28 May, 9 am to 2 pm (walk begins at 11 am)
Where: Patrick White Lawns, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Cost: $15 to $25 per person or $60 per family; book here.

Put on your walking shoes and bring your pups to Patrick White Lawns for a family-friendly walk to support RSPCA ACT and raise funds for animals in need.

“Every step taken at Million Paws Walk is a step towards fewer dogs in shelters,” RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson told Region. After the walk, stick around to enjoy food, music, retail stalls, prizes and more!

And if you’re looking for a best mate to take on next year’s walk, visit RSPCA ACT.

Tuesday onwards

Kitty Flanagan poster

Kitty Flanagan’s new stand-up show features a catchy little tune about underpants. Photo: Canberra Theatre Centre.

Kitty Flanagan Live!

When: Tuesday 30 May to Sunday 4 June, various times
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit
Cost: $69.90 to $79.90 plus booking fee; book here.

One of Australia’s best-known comedians, Kitty Flanagan, returns to the stage for a brand-new stand-up show which promises to be full of hard laughs, good times, handy hints and a catchy little tune about underpants. Can’t wait to see the show? Why not catch up on Kitty’s work, including Fisk, Utopia, Have You Been Paying Attention? and her best-selling book 488 Rules for Life?

Wednesday

An abandoned teddy bear

An abandoned teddy bear found by ICRC humanitarian workers in an apartment in Baiji, Iraq, in 2017. Photos: ICRC.

Opening Night: War in Cities Exhibition

When: Wednesday 31 May, 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon
Cost: Free; book here.

Join the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for drinks and an expert panel discussion to open the new War in Cities exhibition. The exhibition explores the devastating impact on civilians when wars are fought in urban landscapes through objects collected from destroyed buildings, streets and a school left in ruins in the war-torn cities of Baiji and Ramadi in Iraq.

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