10) World Bee Day
Plenty of celebrations happening around the capital for World Bee Day! The official opening kicks off at the Slovenian Embassy at 10am Sunday. The Embassy of Sweden buzzes from 1-4pm with fun activities like Swedish Folk Dancing and honey tasting. Parliament House chefs have been busy baking treats made with honey from their hives for the afternoon tea from 2:30pm. The Embassy of Switzerland will screen the prize-winning documentary “More than Honey” at 5pm at the ANU’s Coombs Theatre, followed by a panel discussion on honeybee health issues. Win’s Creak Meadery at Murrumbateman’s holding a delicious Beekeeper’s Breakfast from 9am and a lunch from 11am!
Sunday May 20
Various locations around the region
https://actbeekeepers.asn.au/event/un-world-bee-day/
Cost: check each event for details
9) Canberra Wool Expo
Wool is not just for the nannas! A great weekend to meet wool producers, craftspeople and artists, view hand spinning, learn about hand felting and watch weaving. There’ll also be crochet and knitting workshops! If it can be created in wool – it’s likely you’ll find it at the markets! Browse and buy designer knitwear, millinery, weavings, beanies and farm label knitwear. Also check out the vast array of yarns!
May 19 & 20, 10am – 4pm
Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston
Cost: free!
8) Royal Wedding celebrations
Royal wedding fever will fill the living rooms of many Canberra homes this weekend as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot! Several Canberra venues are broadcasting the much-anticipated royal wedding with plenty of bubbles and cake to get viewers in the spirit. Among them – the George Harcourt Inn, Young and Frisky, Hale + Mary and The District.
May 19 from 6pm
Various Canberra venues – check their Facebook pages for details
7) World Nordic Walking Day
Why just walk when you can Nordic Walk! Help make history at Australia’s first ever Nordic Walking Race! Join Canberra’s growing community of Nordic Walkers and learn why they have taken up one of the world’s fastest growing and easy to learn health activities! Take part in the 7km Invitation Challenge or the leisurely Social Nordic Walk. Non-pole users also welcome! A fun-filled morning with loads of prizes and delicious Finnish food! Feel how Nordic walking uses over 90{574d531d5fc467f25e34179971194f57f82ed0fcc8bb5ce3f07badc5570e102e} of your muscles – much more than regular walking, running and cycling!
May 19, 9am – 12pm
Embassy of Finland, 12 Darwin Ave, Yarralumla
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/world-nordic-walking-day-canberra-tickets-45155712953
Cost: free!
6) Radford Art Show
More than 300 beautiful works including paintings, ceramics, glass, sculpture and woodwork will be on display and for sale at the 34th Annual Radford P&F Art Show! This year’s first prize, sponsored by the Radford Collegians, will be named in honour of Jonquil Mackey, Radford’s much-loved media and photography teacher who recently died. Those attending can vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ award, to be announced just before the show closes on Sunday.
May 19 & May 20, 10am – 4pm
Radford College, TB Millar Hall, 1 College St, Bruce
https://www.radford.act.edu.au/community/p-and-f/art-show/
Cost: gold coin entry
5) Battle of the States – ACT vs NSW Weightlifting
Enjoy a fun-filled family day out and watch over 40 of the best weightlifters in the ACT and NSW go head to head at the state championships here in Canberra! Expect to see plenty of personal bests and standing records smashed in a range of categories. There’ll also be special guest appearances by Commonwealth Games VIP’s and ex athletes! Which state will get the ultimate bragging rights?
May 19, 8am – 5pm
Charlesworth Theatrette, AIS, Leverrier St, Bruce
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/act-v-nsw-battle-of-the-states-tickets-45221736431
Cost: free!
4) Autumn Revel Festival
Revel in art, dance, performance, music, local food, design and Autumn! Check out Canberra’s free family festival featuring live bands, public art, kids dance classes, food stalls, makers market, art exhibitions, scavenger hunt, instrument making and more! Plenty of local food, wine and beer on offer too.
May 19, 11am – 4pm
Gorman Arts Centre, Ainslie Ave, Braddon
http://www.agac.com.au/event/autumn-revel/
Cost: free
3) Cartier exhibition
It’s all glitz and glamour at the National Gallery’s Cartier Exhibition. Check out the 300+ pieces, including the famous tiara Kate Middleton wore at her wedding, Grace Kelly’s engagement ring and Elizabeth Taylor’s ruby and diamond necklace! It’s the most significant jewellery collection to ever visit Australia.
March 30 – July 22
National Gallery of Australia
Cost: Adult $27 (check website for full range of prices)
2) Canberra MS 24 Hour Mega Swim
This fantastic event is celebrating it’s 10-year anniversary! Over the years, it’s seen thousands of people participate and fundraise $788,266 for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Canberrans are still as motivated as ever, especially one man! 17-year-old David Allen will swim the entire 24 hours solo – an event normally swum in teams!
May 19 from 12pm through to May 20 at 12pm
AIS, Leverrier St, Bruce
https://www.msmegaswim.org.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=539
Cost: Adult $45, Junior $35
1) Million Paws Walk
There’s heaps to see and do at the Million Paws Walk this year! Take part in the Guinness World Record attempt for the largest gathering of people dressed as dogs! The main walk and Mini Paws Walk kick off at 11am. There’ll be retail stores selling pet friendly items, delicious food, dog-friendly activities, live music and a ‘dress like your dog’ dress up competition! Have fun while helping raise much needed funds for the RSPCA.
May 20 from 9am
Patrick White Lawns, Parkes
https://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/ACT/home
Cost: check website for details
