5 May 2022

Things to do in Canberra this week (6 - 12 May)

| Ben Arnedo
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Steven knows how to work a crowd. Image: Supplied.

Mother’s Day is approaching, and what better way to express how much we appreciate our mothers than by taking them to a techno party, a footy game, or a comedy show. Mothers will certainly appreciate the gift of an unforgettable experience. OK, maybe that’s not their ‘thing’, so for mothers who prefer simple pleasures, we’ve compiled some ideas for places where you can take her for tea and pastries.

We recommend visiting the official websites and event pages for the most current information regarding ticket availability and any changes to the events’ schedules as they are sure to be popular (and you should have booked before now!)

Bigger And Blacker featuring Steven Oliver and Michael Griffiths

When: Thursday 5 May, Friday 6 May and Saturday 7 May, 8 pm
Where: Belco Arts
Cost: $40/$45. Get your tickets here.

Steven Oliver is probably best known for his role on ABC’s Black Comedy. He also hosted SBS’s Faboriginal. During ‘Bigger and Blacker’, you will hear some rap, some singing, some tapping and see a lot of shaking. ‘Bigger and Blacker’ is a comedy cabaret described as a ‘tour de force’ that will get you laughing, thinking and shimmying in your seat. With his friend Michael Griffiths on keys and harmonies, Steven makes his Canberra debut with this show that has wowed audiences all around.

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Raiders’ history will also be celebrated in the match as the annual Forever Green match commemorates the club’s 40th anniversary. Image: Supplied.

NRL: Raiders V Bulldogs

When: Friday 6 May, 6 pm
Where: GIO Stadium
Cost: $35/$30. Get your tickets here.

A revamped Bulldogs team will take on the Raiders, with the Canterbury boys playing their first match here since 2020. In addition to celebrating Raiders’ history, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Forever Green match. Start your weekend off with a high-quality game of rugby league at GIO Stadium, kicking off at 6 pm.

Lots of young cyclists

Many schools take kids to the event as a reward as part of a school MTB program. Photo: Rocky Trail Entertainment.

Rocky Trail Academy Canberra MTB Comp

When: Friday 6 May, 8 am
Where: Stromlo Forest Park
Cost: $50 per rider. Register here.

The race is geared towards secondary school students to promote healthy social activities and active recreation, nurture an appreciation for nature and the environment, and self-reliance, self-learning, and independence, all in the context of riding a bike outdoors. As a result, this program is also engaging and educating teachers and parents. Students of all abilities are encouraged to come race with their mates in a safe, social environment.

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Aunty Donna is an Australian absurdist comedy group formed in Melbourne in 2011. Image: Supplied

Aunty Donna – The Magical Dead Cat Tour

When: Thursday 5 May, Friday 6 May, Saturday 7 May, 8 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Cost: $55/$95. Get your tickets here.

Known for Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun, this comedy trio promises two hours of all original sketches and fan favourites. It is teased in the original synopsis of the show that if Broden, Zach and Mark can deliver an entertaining performance, there will be a big surprise at the end.

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ONE22 will feature many Djs doing back-to-back sets. Image: Loky Watt.

CHS Takeover

When: Friday 6 May, 8 pm
Where: ONE22
Cost: Free. More information here.

Coming from Adelaide, Mr John will play his signature heavy house music with a tempo that lifts you up back-to-back with The Skorpion King, known for serving up energy at underground raves. Together they will unleash the beast through their genre-bending arsenal. Joining this exciting lineup will be Tachérie. CHS’ Gate Five and Carlyle will be trying their hardest to hold the party together as we navigate through disco, house, techno and beyond into an evening of crazed back-to-backs. This is an inclusive, queer-friendly event. One22 is not wheelchair accessible; some flashing lights but no strobes will be used.

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Play Outside Day will Celebrate Tree Week with Suitcase Rummage and Live Music. Image: Supplied.

Tree week Play Outside Day + Suitcase Rummage

When: Saturday 7 May, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Haig Park
Cost: Free. Register here.

Discover the park and nature from a unique perspective on an Oddworld Nature Tour or be a part of the construction of a giant nest. All ages are welcome to enjoy a day of free tree activities, workshops, music, entertainment and more. Learn how to care for your favourite tree, and most importantly, give your tree a hug! Suitcase Rummage will also be a part of this edition of Play Outside Day. It’s a mini scaled market with giant rewards; it promises to be everything that is a market without the hassle. Come for a bargain, a swap, or an old fashioned haggle.

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Come on a voyage of discovery with NASA JPL’s Larry James and Suzanne Dodd. Image: Supplied.

Exploring Space – The Earth, Solar System And Beyond + Voyager At 45

When: Tuesday 10 May, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Where: Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre
Cost: Free. Register here.

Two great presenters equal two great talks suitable for audiences of all ages. Larry D. James – JPL Deputy Director will highlight the latest accomplishments and results of NASA’s missions orbiting the earth and exploring Mars, Jupiter, the asteroids and interstellar space. Suzanne Dodd – Director, Interplanetary Network Directorate, will talk about the Voyager’s epic mission and what we are learning about the region of space beyond the Sun’s magnetosphere and our galactic neighbourhood.

Man sitting in front of taxidermy animals

The Shadow Whose Prey The Hunter Becomes is coming to the Canberra Theatre from 11 to 13 May. Photo: Jeff Busby.

The Shadow Whose Prey The Hunter Becomes

When: Wednesday 11 May to Friday 13 May, various times
Where: The Playhouse at Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square London Circuit
Cost: $60 plus transaction fee. Tickets at Canberra Theatre Centre.

Weaving a narrative through human rights, sexual politics, and the projected dominance of artificial intelligence, The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes is a sly theatrical revelation inspired by mistakes, misreadings, and misunderstandings. Shadow reminds us that none of us is self-sufficient and all of us are responsible.

READ ALSO Revelations emerge from The Shadow at Canberra Theatre Centre

Women behind bars

CCF: Schapelle Schapelle is a brilliant piece of high-energy, high intelligence musical theatre. Photo: Supplied.

CCF: Schapelle Schapelle – The Musical

When: Wednesday 11 May, 7:30 pm
Where: The Street Theatre
Cost: $50. Get your tickets here

After a sell-out season at the 2021 Sydney Comedy Festival, the smash-hit Schapelle Schapelle – The Musical makes its Canberra Comedy Festival debut! Through the story of Schapelle Corby’s arrest for drug smuggling in Bali in 2005, this fast-paced musical comedy explores Australia’s weakness for media sensationalism. Fictionalised, but filled with real events, Schapelle Schapelle tells a story of absurdity, opportunism, loneliness and redemption.

Mother’s Day Special

Line drawing of a band

Olive Trio will be playing live at the Larry Sitsky Recital Room. Image: Zoë Loxley Slump.

Mother’s Day Concert

When: Saturday 7 May, 6:30 pm
Where: Larry Sitsky Recital Room – Building 100
Cost: $25. More information here.

The Olive Trio presents an intimate evening of beautiful music. The perfect gift for a special woman in your life.

High tea

Spend a perfect day with Mum at Old Parliament House. Photo: Supplied.

Mothers Day High Tea at the Old Parliament House

When: Sunday 8 May, from 11:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Old Parliament House
Cost: $33 / $73. Book here.

Spoil Mum at the newly opened Courtyard Cafe. Enjoy a traditional high tea with finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet pastries and cakes. A glass of bubbles will be served on arrival with tea and coffee at the end. There are two sittings, one at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Mother’s Day at Walt & Burley

When: Sunday 8 May, from 8 am
Where: Walt & Burley, Kingston
Cost: $75. Book here.

A picturesque lakeside location is the perfect place for a French-style brunch. Enjoy a French-inspired breakfast or choose from one of their curated dinner or lunch menus. High tea selection includes pastries, finger sandwiches, and sweets with bottomless bubbles.

High tea

Experience a decadent High Tea in the luxe National Ballroom of Hotel Realm. Photo: Supplied.

Mother’s Day @ Hotel Realm

When: Sunday 8 May, from 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit
Cost: $95. Book a table here.

Spoil your mother with a decadent High Tea in the National Ballroom of the Hotel Realm. Enjoy sparkling wine on arrival, with the option to upgrade to a champagne package, high tea buffet, and live music.

Mother’s Day Buffet Breakfast

When: Sunday 8 May, 8 am to 10:30 am
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, Cnr Catchpole & Bowman St, Macquarie
Cost: $39 or $16 for kids up to 12 years old. Tickets available from Canberra Southern Cross Club.

Mother’s Day is a time to spoil the leading lady in your life. Treat Mum to all her breakfast buffet favourites like scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries and golden hash browns at Jamison this year.

Festa della Mamma at Amelia Next Door

When: Sunday 8 May, 12 pm
Where: Amelia Next Door, Belconnen Markets
Cost: $49 per person. Book here.

Let’s celebrate this Mother’s Day. They have put together a special lunch with free drinks in honour of Mumma. Primo: Antipasto Misto. Secondo: Risotto di Mare. Dolce: Sfogliatella Ricca. If you have an Italian mother, this is definitely the place to take her.

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