About the Festival

The Compassionate Stakes has grown. What began as Canberra's cruelty-free race day is now a full festival of kind living, and it's not like any market or fair you've been to.

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Yes, there's incredible plant-based food, Dino races and performances. But this is a festival you are immersed into, not one to just wander through.

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Bring some clothes you're done with to swap for new favourites at the clothing swap. Get hands-on at workshops and learn-to stations. Send the kids to a Kids Zone that runs games and races all day. Have a crack at something new on the Have-a-Go Lawn. And every hour or so, stop everything to cheer a field of giant inflatable T-Rexes and unicorns thundering down the race track.

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Every stall, station and performance connects to one of four pillars: Food (eat kindly), Fibre (wear kindly), Fun (play kindly) and Footprint (tread kindly). Together they're the launch of Compassion 2 Action Month, a month of inspiration for kinder living. You'll taste, wear, play and walk your way through all four, and you'll leave with a full belly and at least one new skill.

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What:

T-Rex & Unicorn Novelty Races 
The Compassionate Stakes features compassionate Canberrans racing in giant inflatable T-Rex and Unicorn costumes to make cruelty ancient history! Races and Dance-offs for grown ups and kids can sign up to race in dedicated kids events too! Information about horses and animal racing will be available.

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The Kids Corner

Little racers are sorted all day. Face painting, book readings, colouring in and dino themed kids races, with more being added all the time. Plus there's performances, plenty of amazing food, and honestly, watching a field of grown adults race in inflatable T-Rex costumes might be the most kid-friendly entertainment ever invented. One of the best free family days out in Canberra all year.

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Showstopping Performances

Performances all day between the races, with acts being announced soon. Follow along on our socials to see who's joining the lineup.

Animal Advocacy and Sanctuary Stalls

Meet organisations doing great work for animals and the planet, including fellow sanctuaries, advocacy groups and the Little Oak team ourselves. Come say hi, grab some merch and learn how the day supports the animals.

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Amazing Food

Amazing food spanning Au Lac Vietnamese Street food, delicious sweet treats by Dessert Quartets, a vegan sausage sizzle and much more will be available. Prizes and entertainment abound.

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The Have-a-Go Lawn

A big open lawn full of games that are kind to everyone. Have a crack at badminton, giant jenga, frisbee and more. No bookings, no skill required, just wander up and play.

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Where: Glebe Park (down near the Rotunda)

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When: Sunday 1st November 10 am - 3 pm

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RACE PROGRAM 

10:30am – The Big Bang ($20)
10:55am – Tiny Titan Trot (Kids, $15)
11:45am – Enchanted Escape ($20)
12:35pm – Reptilian Relay (Teams of 2, $40 per team)
1:00pm – Baby Dino Bounce (Kids, $15)
1:45pm – Mythical Mayhem ($20)
2:10pm – Dino Dance Off ($20)
2:30pm – The Compassionate Stakes Grand Final

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Why: Having fun shouldn't involve cruelty
Each year in Australia, more and more people are deciding that entertainment that relies on others having a bad time are no fun. Say Nup to the Cup! We all enjoy getting dressed up and having a good time with friends, but watching animals suffering is no-one's cup of tea. At Little Oak Sanctuary we currently care for three horses rescued from the racing industry, you can read their stories by clicking below.