![midnight oil](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/midnight-oil.jpeg)
After the working week it’s time to play and this weekend offers a host of activities, indoors and out, for Canberrans to enjoy their R and R. You can cycle the trails around Stromlo Forrest, get up close and personal with animals, or if you prefer to watch others at play, there’s plenty to see at the ACT Netball Centre, the National Museum of Australia and Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
ALL WEEKEND
When Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm | Where Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed St, Tuggeranong
The Making of Midnight Oil exhibition tells the story of one of Australia’s most loved rock bands and their impact on our social and cultural history over a 40-year period. Rare items, including stage props, instruments, protest banners, costumes and film footage, explore the band’s driving, politically edged brand of rock and strong social conscience, from their early days as Farm to their protest concert outside Exxon’s corporate headquarters in New York City.
![play school exhibition](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/play-school-exhibition.jpg)
When Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm | Where Studio Gallery, National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
Join Big Ted, Little Ted, Humpty and Jemima, lift off with the Rocket Clock and look through the windows to celebrate Australia’s longest-running children’s television program. The Happy Birthday Play School exhibition continues over the weekend, marking 50 years of the cherished ABC show. Cost: $8 adult, $6 concession, $4 child, under 5s free. Museum Friends half price and free for children on Friends full membership.
![Darters](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Darters-e1462952095157.jpeg)
Canberra Darters v Southern Force
When Saturday 6pm, Sunday noon| Where SolarHub ACT Netball Centre, Northbourne Avenue, Lyneham
The Darters continue their campaign for a maiden finals berth when they take on last season’s runners-up Southern Force in back-to-back Australian Netball League matches this weekend. The team has been bolstered by the addition of Scotland international captain Hayley Mulheron, who was snapped up by coach Melinda Clarke after remaining in Australia after last year’s Netball World Cup. Admission for each game costs $12 for adults and $9 for children.
FRIDAY
![night at the museum](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/night-at-the-museum.jpg)
When Friday, 6-9:30pm | Where National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton (free parking)
This latest Night at the Museum is based around the theme of passion. Attractions include a seductive performance and workshop by Miss Abel Fox, a dance lesson from Subsdance Dance Studio, strong woman Penelope Asterisk, the electric sounds of T string Mr Michael on the violin as T:Mo mixes the beats and a talk by world barista champion Sasa Sestic. Most performances are 10 to 15 minutes, and food and drinks available at the museum cafe.
SATURDAY
![cycle 2016 logo](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cycle-2016-logo.png)
When 7am- 2pm | Where Stromlo Forrest Park
You can support Canberra’s Ronald McDonald House by taking part in Cycle 2016, a non-competitive ride amid the beautiful surrounds of Stromlo Forrest Park. Peddlers can take part as an individual or as a group over a 50km course, or for the more hardy, a 135km trail. The registration cost is $100. The Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak is running the event to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children in Canberra Hospital, which offers 11 ensuite guest rooms for families.
![pegasus open day](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pegasus-open-day.jpg)
When 10am- 3pm | Where Pegasus Farm, 119 Drake Brockman Drive, Holt
Pegasus was established in 1973 to provide horse therapy programs and activities for people living with a disability. On Saturday Pegasus Riding for the Disabled ACT is holding its annual open day to recognise the support and contribution of its volunteers, sponsors, donors and riders. Attractions include horse demonstrations, parades and patting, a jumping castle, face painting, music and entertainment, plus food and other stalls.
SUNDAY
![little oak sanctuary](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/little-oak-sanctuary.jpg)
Winter open day at Little Oak Sanctuary
When 11am-3pm | Where Bungendore (meet at the Mick Sherd Oval carpark, corner Butmaroo St and Gibraltar St)
Come along and meet the residents, hear their stories and learn about the plight of their species. Staff will be offering soul warming, cruelty-free delicious winter soups for lunch. Entry to the sanctuary is via supplied transport from the Mick Sherd Oval in Bungendore, leaving at 11am sharp and returning at 2:30pm. Those with an SUV or 4WD with good ground clearance and who are happy to take their vehicle over a small creek can drive to the sanctuary but must choose the “own 4wd/SUV” ticket option.