A giant tent, cakes of giant things, and giant pumpkins - here's our pick of what to do this weekend in Canberra.
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1. PANDSI CAKE OFF
First they had all 107 cakes from the Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cakes cookbook baked and displayed in one room. The next year it was Canberra-themed cakes. This year, the cake versions of the Big Pineapple, the Big Banana, the Big Merino and more than 50 other iconic Aussie 'big things' have been baked for the PANDSI Cake Off. On Sunday from 2-4pm, all of the cakes will be on display at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra's Ballroom. You can just go for a sticky-beak, or cakes will be available to purchase via live and silent auctions. Entry is $10 and all money raised goes to PANDSI, which supports families in Canberra affected by perinatal depression and anxiety. Book your tickets at pandsi.org/cake-off.html.
2. PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
For the past 15 years, the town of Collector has gone pumpkin crazy for one day in May at the Collector Village Pumpkin Festival. This year's event is on this Sunday from 10am-4pm, with pumpkin themed stalls, food, activities and competitions. Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 15 and under are free. See pumpkinfestival.com.au.
3. SPIEGELTENT
Festivities at the Spiegeltent, sitting in Civic Square outside Canberra Theatre, are in full swing. As well as the spectacular (and very adults-only) Blanc de Blanc, which runs until May 20, this weekend you can also see musician Gawurra, cabaret 'performance anarchist' Yana Alana, or Michael Griffiths and Amelia Ryan singing the songs of Aussie icons Olivia Newton-John and Peter Allen. Tickets at canberratheatrecentre.com.au.
4. HANDMADE MARKET
Still on the hunt for a gift for mum for Mother's Day? Handmade Canberra is on all weekend, with 260 stalls selling handmade homewares, furniture, fashion, jewellery, art, children’s products, beauty and edible gifts. This market also has a pop-up champagne bar, floral workshops, and a flower shop. It's on Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm at EPIC. Entry is by charity gold coin donation. Also take along any spare clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to donate to the St Vincent De Paul’s Blanket Drive.
5. CSO AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Parliament House is turning 30 this year, and they're starting the celebrations this Saturday. Journalist and presenter Barrie Cassidy will lead a panel of special guests from 10.30am as they reflect on the architectural, social, historical, political and cultural legacy of Australian Parliament House over the last 30 years. Then at 2pm the Canberra Symphony Orchestra will perform in the Great Hall, playing music from celebrated Australian composers plus the premiere of a work by award-winning Canberra composer and pianist Sally Greenaway. Entry is free, no bookings required. See aph.gov.au/30th.
