Things to do in Canberra this week (30 May - 5 June)

One of the best things about Canberra is that there is a little bit of everything here, no matter what you love. It’s a centre of sport, art, family events, music and everything in between. Read on to see all the best of what’s happening in the capital.

For fans of the arts scene, we’ve got new exhibitions at the National Gallery that tell the often-neglected story of the relationship between Australian and European art and how this dialogue between artists changed the world of art forever.

Theatre buffs and bookworms will rejoice at the news that a stage adaptation of 1984 is coming to the Canberra Theatre Centre, telling the hopeful then harrowing story of a man’s struggle for freedom and beauty in a totalitarian world.

But if you’re looking for a bit of action, Canberra is a serious sporting town and there’s a lot to get keen for in the coming days. The Canberra Brave ice hockey team are butting heads with the Adelaide Adrenaline at the new AIS rink over a two-day contest you’ll never forget.

On the footy field, the final round of Super Rugby Pacific sets the ACT Brumbies against the Crusaders. The stakes are high and the contest is hot, so get to GIO Stadium and make some noise.

All this and more in this week’s event guide.

Multiple Days

Cézanne to Giacometti – Exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia

When: 31 May to 5 June, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes
Cost: Adult tickets $25 | Concession and student tickets $22 | Gallery member $20 | Child (0 – 17) Free. Bookings required.

Bringing together more than 80 works from the Museum Berggruen in Berlin and over 75 works from the NGA’s collection, this exhibition examines the moments in art history when European artists and their counterparts in Australia made contact and inspired each other.

Marking the first time such works will be seen in Australia, this celebration of the internationalism of art brings together the stories of Matisse, Cézanne, Picasso with Australians such as Russell Drysdale, Grace Cossington Smith, John Passmore and Dorrit Black.

For those looking to expand their knowledge of art or better understand Australia’s artistic place in the world, this is an unparalleled opportunity to see the joint story of how Europe and Australia changed art in perspective, colour, material and subject matter.

This week at the NFSA

When: 30 May to 5 June
Where: Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: From $8 to $20. Book tickets online.

This week’s packed NFSA schedule includes old Hollywood epics, a modern classic from Scorsese and a sci-fi dystopic cult hit.

On Friday, a young boy befriends a pelican in the 1976 Australian classic, Storm Boy. Then on Saturday, prepare for a double-feature of larger-than-life stories with Ben Hur, the drama that set the standard for historical epics, followed by Martin Scorsese’s tale of greed and hubris in The Wolf of Wall Street.

Sunday continues the NFSA’s David Gulpilil retrospective with Satellite Boy, about a First Nations Elder and his grandson on a trek to the city to save their home from a mining company trying to bulldoze it.

Then on Wednesday, Children of Men shows a bleak reality where complete human infertility wreaks havoc on every facet of human life. Disillusioned main character Theo finds new purpose upon discovering a pregnant woman, the first human pregnancy in 18 years.

Canberra Brave v Adelaide Adrenaline

When: 31 May 5 pm and 1 June at 2 pm
Where: AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier St, Bruce
Cost: Tickets from $30 to $50. Book game one here. Book game two here.

The rink is cold, but the rivalry is red hot as the Canberra Brave butts heads and clashes sticks with the Adelaide Adrenaline over two epic days.

Friday

French Plated at Canberra Southern Cross Club, Jamison

When: 30 May, 6:30 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, Cnr Catchpole & Bowman St, Macquarie
Cost: $70 per person (matched wines available for $40). Tickets are available via Canberra Southern Cross Club.

Step into the warmth and charm of the French countryside for one unforgettable evening of fine food, flowing conversation and timeless flavours.

Join the Canberra Southern Cross Club for a beautifully curated four-course menu celebrating classic French cuisine from delicate salmon rillettes to rich, slow-braised Bœuf Bourguignon. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to capture the essence of traditional French dining.

Super Rugby Pacific ACT Brumbies v Crusaders

When: 30 May, 7:35 pm
Where: GIO Stadium, Battye St, Bruce
Cost: Tickets from $25 to $65. Book online.

It is the final round of Super Rugby Pacific, and the Brumbies are playing for a home final against the Crusaders. It’s a top-of-the-table clash between the two teams, and there’s a lot on the line.

Saturday

Canberra Youth Concert Band Open Day

When: 31 May, 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera St, Braddon
Cost: Free. Book online.

Children from grades six to 12 who play an instrument are welcome to the Youth Concert Band Open Day.

A fun and inclusive group of young musicians, the Youth Concert brings together woodwind, brass and percussion players from across the capital. From new learners to more seasoned players, if your kid is looking to join a band and understand what it means to play in concert, learn in a team, and refine their skills with other talented young people, this is a great way to do just that.

The morning includes a full rehearsal, demonstrations with different instruments and time dedicated to asking questions. Parents and teachers are invited to an info session at 11 am with the conductor and artistic director of the band.

You are encouraged to bring your instrument as well as a music stand.

Dragon Boat Festival

When: 31 May, 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Function Room, The Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 180 London Circuit, 180 London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Free.

The Federation of Chinese Associations of ACT is celebrating the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, an important tradition in Chinese culture.

Embodying the ancient Chinese wish for a good harvest, as well as general good luck, this festival at the Multicultural Centre will be centred around traditional art performances and the food most associated with the festival, Zongzi, a type of sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves.

The ABBA Dining Experience

When: 31 May, 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Templo Theatre, 19 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT
Cost: Tickets are $104.68. Book online.

Templo Theatre is putting on a glittering dining experience for all ABBA aficionados.

You’re invited to a two-course feast served alongside a performance of all your favourite ABBA hits like Dancing Queen, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and Super Trouper.

Presented in Canberra’s most immersive dining and theatrical venue, the Templo Theatre, it’s the perfect spot to see dazzling performers put on their best for your entertainment.

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour 2025

When: 31 May, 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Cct, Canberra
Cost: $30.00 – 38.00, plus transaction fee. Tickets available from Canberra Theatre Centre.

The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour will be hitting the highways of Australia. Boasting a line-up of festival favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure entertainment is bringing the best of the fest direct to you!

Expertly curated and lovingly presented, the Showcase will feature some of the festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter.

Murray the Red Wiggle DJs at The Cube

When: 31 May, 10 pm to 5 am
Where: The Cube, 33 Petrie Plaza, Canberra, ACT
Cost: Tickets are $20. Book online.

The first red Wiggle is this Saturday’s central act at the Cube as he takes party-goers on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. DJ Murray will be spinning childhood classics as well as club tunes, rocking the house down.

Sunday

Tipsy Tea at the Yacht Club

When: 1 June, 3:00 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club, Mariner Pl, Yarralumla
Cost: $95 (Member Price) | $115 (Non-Member Price). Tickets are available via Canberra Southern Cross Club.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the lake with bottomless prosecco and three signature cocktails paired with a grazing station of traditional finger sandwiches and a selection of desserts.

Thursday

Comedy for a Cause

When: 6 June, 5 pm to 10 pm
Where: Building 4, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick ACT
Cost: $99 per person. Purchase tickets at the Women Building Change fundraising page (details below).

Come along to night filled of laughter, great company and powerful purpose. Comedy for a Cause is featuring the hilarious Caitlin “Sparkles” Maggs and guests.

Not only will you enjoy great entertainment, but your ticket is also a donation directly supporting the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout – helping combat homelessness across our community.

Come laugh, sip and support a meaningful cause.

To purchase tickets simply head to Women Building Change fundraising page and:

• Enter a donation amount for the number of tickets you want ($99 for one ticket, $198 for two tickets etc)
• Add your details
• In the message section, write “Comedy for a Cause and [number of tickets]”

1984 at the Canberra Theatre Centre

When: 5 June 7:30 pm, 6 June 11 am and 7:30 pm, 7 June 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Cct, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $45 to $75, plus transaction fee. Tickets available from Canberra Theatre Centre.

In a world of total surveillance, Winston Smith starts to think for himself, a dangerous decision. With a diary and a pen, he sets himself on a collision course with The Party, led by the ever-watchful BIG BROTHER.

Captured, broken, and thrust into the terrifying depths of the Ministry of Love, Winston fights for freedom in a world where even love is a crime. But can the human spirit truly survive in the face of absolute control? And what horrors lurk in the infamous Room 101?

Upcoming events

• A traveller’s guide to the world’s greatest libraries at the National Library – 11 June
• Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks – 50 Years of Hits Tour – 12 June
• Carmen – The Australian Ballet – 20 June.

Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly events guide.