40+ ways to spend your weekend in Canberra
Posted on
You won’t have time for the Sunday scaries to set in this weekend with more than 40 events to keep you busy.
Whether you’re after truffles, music or just general winter revelry, Canberra has you set with a range of festivals and activities to carry you through this weekend.
Festival Launch Dinner: The Truffle Festival
A chance to get fancy and enjoy fancy food is here! Truffle season is now upon us and what better way to enjoy it than a multi-course festival launch dinner at Canberra’s five-star Hotel Realm. Meet truffle growers, winemakers and food producers and enjoy all-local produce, including truffle dishes paired with premium wines. This is just one part of an action-packed calendar for the truffle season, you can also go hunting with truffle dogs, head along to cooking demonstrations, growing and storing workshops, signature lunches and dinners, truffle tastings and more.
Friday 1 July |Hotel Realm, Barton | TruffleFestival.com
Winter in the City
Skate into the school holidays when Civic Square is converted into an ice skating rink for Winter in the City. A perfect activity for the young (and young of heart) you’ll be racing to lace up your skates and hit the ice. For those looking for something a bit more chill head along to the Winter dRINKs Bar at Canberra Theatre Centre Terrace or get cosy around some fireplaces, while you enjoy some gourmet hot chocolate and toast your own marshmallows. Learn more about this winter fun here.
Friday 1 July – Sunday 17 July | Civic Square | winterinthecity.com
Abortion Rights Rally
Women, pro-choice, and LGBTI activists in Canberra will take to the streets on Saturday July 2 in the wake of the US Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe vs Wade. Organised by Equal Love Canberra, the protest is part of nation-wide rallies happening this week to stand in solidarity with protesters in the US and demand greater access to abortion care in Australia. Protesters will be gathering in Garema Place at 12 pm for speeches before marching through Civic.
Saturday 2 July, 12 pm | Garema Place, Civic | facebook.com/equallovecanberra
Verity Lane Market’s Truffle Week
I’m sorry, did you say truffles and some very strong drinks? Verity Lane’s Truffle Week is back! This year it will see vendors showcase a week of exclusive truffle-infused dishes across all four kitchens including potato, truffle, and prosciutto pizza from Pizza Artigiana, truffled spaghetti carbonara from Pasta Artigiana, shoyu truffle ramen from Ramen Daddy and so much more.
Run, don’t walk.
Until Saturday 2 July | 50 Northbourne Ave, Canberra | veritylanemarket.com.au
PopUp Raclette Melted Cheese Igloo Village
You can bet any night which features nearly two kilos of cheese, along with a mountain of ham, salami and pickles is guaranteed to be a success. Grab some friends and head on down to your own personal igloo where you can leave your thermals at home as you drink mulled wine and toast marshmallows over a fire pit. Read more about this cool (sorry!) experience here.
Until Sunday 3 July | Parkes Place lawns off King Edward Terrace | For bookings, go to christmasinjuly.com.au
Christmas in July Festival
Igloos and melted cheese aren’t the only things up for grabs, they are a part of the Christmas in July festival. Time for those ugly Christmas sweaters to actually make a weather-appropriate showcase. Across four days, sing along to Christmas carols, warm your hands over a fire and take a stroll through the Mulled Wine Gardens as you make memories and snap one heck of a selfie for the ‘gram in this European-style Christmas market. Find out more here!
Until Sunday 3 July | Parkes Place lawns off King Edward Terrace | For bookings, go to christmasinjuly.com.au
Paste Your Place
Team Paste Your Place (Kate Matthews and Fred McGrath Weber) are charging their cameras and stirring the glue for a fantastic free community event visualising the public spaces of the future Kingston Arts Precinct and its surrounds!
On Saturday 2 July, locals will photograph what they love about their public spaces, and then create a collaged photographic mural of their neighbourhood. Then, on Sunday3 July, Kate and Fred will set up a portraiture booth at the Old Bus Depot Markets, inviting passers-by to join in the fun and add their faces to the mural. Why don’t you come down and make your mark? It’s free!
Registrations are essential.
Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 July | Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | Register here.
Changemakers
A new exhibition at the Australian Museum of Democracy (MoAD) is celebrating the female torchbearers who have played a pivotal role in shaping Australian society, who rallied against limitations, forging new paths, and changing policy, laws, and opinions.
Changemakers will focus on 54 Australian women and shine a light on how the politicians, artists, activists, and sportswomen have shifted the national conversation and changed the future.
From Ash Barty and Chanel Contos to Rosie Batty, Barbara Cummings, and Louisa Lawsone, Changemakers will give a voice to the women via a series of images, objects, and videos while leading visitors through themes of equality, financial independence, birth and care roles, the challenges of gender and race, and more.
Now showing | 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | moadoph.gov.au
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever
If Kate Bush wasn’t already on your radar then I’m sure you’ve heard of her recently as she soared back up the charts thanks to Stranger Things, but you’ll be running up a hill to another of her hits at The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever. Performing Kate Bush’s iconic interpretive dance and singing along to the Emily Brontë-inspired song, it is celebrating its sixth year of raising funds for Domestic Violence Crisis Service in the capital. Learn more about this chance to don your brightest red dress here.
Saturday 2 July | National Portrait Gallery | facebook.com
Canberra Metal Festival
Good music for a good cause Canberra Metal Fest will showcase over 30 of Australia’s finest metal bands across 2 huge stages! This is a benefit concert so your tickets will go towards raising funds for Headspace Canberra.
Friday 1 July – Saturday 2 July | The Basement, Belconnen | Tickets here.
Interactive Cocktail Class at High Jinks
Get behind the bar in this two-hour-long interactive class at the local award-winning bar High Jinks. You’ll get to sip on some beer, wine or bubbles on arrival, as you snack on an antipasto platter to share for two and learn about bartending fundamentals, spirit, liqueurs, flavours and other trade secrets. Learn how to whip three of High Jink’s signature cocktails (which you’ll then taste for yourself) and jump behind the bar to shake and make your own cocktail.
Saturday 2 July | High Jinks, City | Tickets via Eventbrite.
Los Chavos + The Decideds
Make sure you bring your dancing shoes to this performance by two bands that know how to get you up and out of your seat. Come along to a night featuring original music blending Latin, Gypsy, Disco and Swing you’ll be dancing the night away.
Saturday 2 July | Live at the Polo | facebook.com
Roger Knox with Jerikye Williams
A dream duo is coming to Queanbeyan, Uncle Roger Knox has uplifted and entertained audiences from across the world with his beautiful honeyed voice for more than four decades. Whilst Jerikye Williams is newer to the scene at just 20 years old he is an entertaining and enthralling performer that crosses all age groups and genres. Watch this dynamic pair at their free performance at the B in Queanbeyan.
Saturday 2 July | Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre | theq.net.au
Arsenic and Old Lace
Even the nicest people can have the darkest of secrets which is explored in a performance of murder, mystery and mayhem by the Canberra REP Theatre in their latest performance, Arsenic and Old Lace. Murder comedies are not something you see every day and this is a performance not to be missed. Come along and watch this classic Broadway play to enjoy a contemporary reading of family dynamics…and bodies piling up in the cellar.
Until Saturday 2 July | Naoné Carrel Auditorium | canberrarep.org.au/content/arsenic-old-lace
Decadence and Debauchery Canberra
Vintage striptease, circus performances, fan dancing, live music, comedy and more: Canberra’s favourite variety show is back!
The incredible and eclectic cast supports diversity in the burlesque world by bringing together women of colour, queer performers as well as intergenerational and intercultural artists in a high-quality, professional production. Audiences can expect a night of sideshow acts, comedy, drinks, and the art of tease all in the one place with powerhouse interstate headliners in all shapes and sizes. See you there?
Saturday 2 July | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed St N, Greenway | Tickets here.
Bravehearts 777 Marathon
Encouraging locals to take on the physical challenge in a bid to prevent child sexual abuse, the iconic Bravehearts 777 Marathon is back for its eighth year. Join Bravehearts’ 777 Marathon when it lands in Canberra on Saturday, 2nd July! Registrations are now open for individuals or teams to run or walk the 7km, 14km, 21.1km, or 42.2km distances.
Saturday 2 July | On the lake at Rond Terrace, Parks Way, Acton | bravehearts.org.au
‘Paste Your Place’ pop-up placemaking event at Kingston Arts Precinct
Team Paste Your Place (Kate Matthews and Fred McGrath Weber) are charging their cameras and stirring the glue for a fantastic free community event visualising the public spaces of the future Kingston Arts Precinct and its surrounds.
During a free Saturday workshop, locals will photograph what they love about their public spaces, and then create a collaged photographic mural of the neighbourhood. This is a free event, with no required knowledge, anyone is welcome. Registrations are essential here.
On Sunday, at the famous Old Bus Depot Markets, Kate and Fred will set up a portraiture booth, inviting passers-by to join in the fun and add their faces to the mural. Why don’t you come down and make your mark? It’s free, no need to register!
11 am – 3 pm Saturday 2 July and 9.30 am – 3 pm Sunday | Former Transport Depot, Wentworth Avenue, Kingston |
MEGAFauna afterDARK
Experience a night like no other in an immersive, illuminated and cultural event that offers a rare opportunity to see the Botanic Gardens after dark.
Be enchanted with a local Gurulidj (Bunyip) story and song by a First Nations storyteller and enjoy a light supper of damper-style roll with pumpkin soup by Pollen as you meet the megafauna.
Saturday 2 July – Saturday 9 July | Australian National Botanic Gardens | parksaustralia.gov.au
NAIDOC in the North
A celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture through story, song, art dance and ceremony, NAIDOC in the North welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to learn from our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community through workshops, performances, activities and entertainment.
Saturday 2 July – Saturday 9 July | Multiple locations | belcoarts.com.au
A sonnet for Sondheim
Enjoy an evening of the highest highs and the lowest lows with an exploration of poetry by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson alongside the music of Sondheim thanks to the team that brought you Songs & Sonnets.
A sumptuous evening of Sondheim songs in a tribute to language and lyrics, enjoy sounds in poetic and sung form.
Until Saturday 2 July | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre | belcoarts.com.au/sonnet-sondheim
Decadence and Debauchery, a Burlesque Variety Night
Get ready for a night of sideshow acts, comedy, drinks, and the art of tease all in the one place with powerhouse interstate headliners in all shapes and sizes seen, cheered in a gaudy display of body positivity!
Saturday 2 July | Tuggeranong Arts Centre | tickets via Humanitix
Hand to Earth
Telling stories of the stars, fire and cooling rain, join Yolnu songman Daniel Wilfred and Korean jazz vocalist Sunny Kim in an Australian Art Orchestra musical collaboration. Performing for one night only, Hand to Earth is a beautiful invitation to share culture and learn from each other.
Sunday 3 July | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au
Bottomless Brunch
Love a cheeky morning mimosa and bottomless brunch? Head to Pialligo Estate to enjoy dizzying array of your breakfast favourites including farm fresh eggs and Australia’s best bacon, freshly baked pastries and pancakes, the entire range of Pialligo Estate Smokehouse meats, fresh fruit, granola and plenty more.
Sunday 3 July | 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | thepialligoestate.com.au
American Independence Day celebration
Uncle Sam Wants YOU to celebrate American Independence Day with an Aussie twist! The Australian American Association (Canberra Division) is presenting its annual American Independence Day celebration at King O’Malley’s Irish Pub on Sunday 3 July 2022 from midday!
King O’Malley’s will have specials on all your favourite American-style food including burgers, pizza, buffalo wings and beer and there will be a special food stall in the beer garden serving up the Banana Split Bubble Waffle delights.
Plus enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere, meet new friends and there will also be a few special guests popping in for fun photo opportunities! The little ones can enjoy FREE crafts too.
All are welcome to come along and join in the fun – especially our mates from the multicultural community!
12 noon – 4 pm, Sunday 3 July | King O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 131 City Walk, Civic | events.humanitix.com
The Sound Of Music
Can you hear that? That’s right, the hills are alive again in Canberra. Set against the historical backdrop of the Nazis’ rise to power and ultimate occupation of Austria, The Sound Of Music is a time-honoured story of love and patriotism, not to mention a soundtrack filled with all the classics. We won’t blame you if you are tempted to burst into song next time you are up on Mount Ainslie.
Until Sunday 3 July | The Queanbeyan Arts Centre | theq.net.au
Every voice counts: Suffrage in Australia Exhibition
Ever wanted to know more about suffrage in Australia? In celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902, Parliament House is proud to present the Every voice counts: suffrage in Australia exhibition. You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the trailblazers who forged new pathways for women’s political participation at the amazing exhibition.
Until Sunday 6 November | Parliament House | aph.gov.au
The Alice – An Immersive Cocktail Experience
Fall down the rabbit hole and come along on a 90-minute topsy-turvy journey into the magical realm of Wonderland. Brought to you by the interactive team behind The Wizard’s Den, Beyond Cinema, and A.K Wregg, this immersive cocktail adventure is the tea party to end all tea parties.
Join them for a theatrical, alternate reality experience that will take you down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass! Across 90 minutes, you will create two bespoke Wonderland cocktails, solve riddles and challenges just like Alice, devour “Eat Me” cakes and cookies, paint the roses red, and much more.
Until Saturday 31 Dec | Zoo Bar, London Circuit | Tickets $49.50pp via explorehidden.com
Connection
Yes, that’s right, the creators and producers of the multi-sensory spectacular that was Van Gough alive are back and back with a vengeance. Connection is reinventing visual storytelling, giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists a voice through 360-degree, large-scale projections and cutting-edge light and sound technology. A powerful and captivating exhibition that seeks to bind together spiritual connections to land, water, sea and sky through a vibrant and multi-sensory symphony of sound, light, and colour. It’s an important and much-needed tonal shift that we all should be popping on the top of our must-see June lists.
Until Sunday 9 October | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au/whats-on/connection
The Darling Portrait Prize and National Photographic Portrait Prize
Head along to the National Portrait Gallery of Australia to view the 2022 Darling Portrait Prize and the National Photographic Portrait Prize. Your ticket gets you into both, so what are you waiting for?
Until Sunday 9 Oct | National Portrait Gallery | portrait.gov.au
Reception this way: motels – a sentimental journey with Tim Ross
Travel around Australia revisiting your memories of the classic Aussie motel, from family holidays and long road trips to continental breakfasts and mid-century mod-cons.
In a land where the car has provided us with the ultimate freedom to hit the road and explore, it is no surprise that Australians wholeheartedly embraced the American concept of the motel. When motels began springing up in the 1950s, they represented a new, stylish and sophisticated way to travel.
Join National Archives and Tim Ross on a driving holiday through the quintessential Australian experience of staying in a motel. And find out why these images are part of the National Archives’ collection.
This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.
Until Sunday 4 Sep 2022 | National Archives of Australia | naa.gov.au
While You Were Sleeping Volume 2
Back for its second instalment While You Were Sleeping Volume 2 brings together a showcase of contemporary First Nations artists from multi-disciplinary backgrounds including street art, fine art, photography, illustration, digital, sculpture, film and more. The art explores the joys and despair of the quest to secure recognition, equality and respect for the First Nations culture, heritage and people.
Until Sunday 31 July | Kambri Precinct ANU | ambushgallery.com
On Stage: Spotlight On our Performing Arts
This exhibition brings Australia’s performing arts history into the limelight, also providing a backstage pass to the action behind the scenes, showcasing perspectives on stage direction, costume design, scripts, contracts and musical scores used by performers.
Presented together for the first time and drawing exclusively from the collections of the National Library, the exhibition features items that have never before been on display. Other highlights include the earliest surviving Australian printed document, selections from the JC Williamson theatre archives, and other contemporary live music and theatre posters.
Until 7 August | National Library of Australia | nla.gov.au
Shakespeare to Winehouse: Icons from the National Portrait Gallery, London
From Shakespeare to Winehouse, Darwin to Dickens, the Beatles, Brontë sisters and Beckham, the National Portrait Gallery London holds the world’s most extensive collection of portraits. While they undergo the largest renovation of their building in 125 years, more than 80 treasures from their collection are on show in Canberra for this exclusive exhibition.
Until 17 July | National Portrait Gallery | portrait.gov.au
Fourth National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony
Ceremony remains central to the creative practice of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. From the intimate and personal to the collective and collaborative, ceremonies manifest through visual art, film, music and dance. This immersive exhibition and program of events will challenge and unsettle; animate and heal.
Through the work of 35 artists from around Australia, Ceremony reveals how the practice of ceremony is at the nexus of Country, culture and community.
Until 31 July | National Gallery of Australia | nga.gov.au
Catherine Rogers: Evidence and the Visible
Curiosity, humour, erudition and strong aesthetic motivations: these are the things that make Catherine Rogers’s photographs so iconic. Beginning her photographic practice in the 1970s, her copious yet relatively little-known body of work is surveyed at Drill Hall Gallery for the first time.
Until Sunday 14 August | Drill Hall Gallery | dhg.anu.edu.au
The Modern Object: Tapio Wirkkala for Venini.
Explore 26 modernist, handcrafted pieces of glass objects from the works of Wirkkala. The range showcases the engraved pieces produced for Iittala in the 1950s, to the later incalmo and filigrana works undertaken by the master glassmakers at Venini in the 1960s and 1970s. Explore the divine and vibrant collection at the exhibition.
Until Sunday 24 July | 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick | @the_modern_object
Kate Nixon: On Reflection
Your rubbish bin won’t look the same after experiencing Kate Nixon’s latest installation in the Smokestack Gallery. This talented artist’s creativity is firing on every cylinder, working on multiple fields of experimentation at once. Fascinated by the physical experience and repetitive nature of mosaic and utilising the transformative properties of glass, mirror and light, Kates’s act of covering every visible surface of garbage bins with mirror mosaic challenges our preconceived notions of preciousness, domestic obligations and arts and crafts in the home. Experience it this weekend and give a moment of humble adoration for your household bin.
Until Monday 15 August | Canberra Glassworks | canberraglassworks.com
Annette Blair: Quietly Spoken
Exploring our perception and relationship with everyday objects and how they can hold memories and meaning beyond their function. Annette Blair’s new exhibition at the Canberra Glassworks tells a unique visual story. Working with hot glass and enamels to recreate familiar everyday things (like hand tools, used spray cans, knitting needles and paintbrushes), her complex installations encourages us to look closely at each object amongst the mass and to think about the things we collect and keep and the stories they tell.
Until Sunday 14 August | Canberra Glassworks | canberraglassworks.com
And then of course there are the markets…
Old Bus Depot Markets
With more than 100 stalls (including your old favourites), you’ll have the chance to shop for a brilliant variety of Australian-made, handcrafted and premium products. Sneak a walk around the foreshore while you’re down there.
9.30 am – 2.30 pm Sunday | Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Haig Park Village Markets
Taking place every Sunday rain, hail or shine, the Haig Park Village Markets has fresh produce, beautiful flowers, artisan breads, meats, treats and more. You can even enjoy a picnic in the park before grabbing your essentials for the week!
9 am–2 pm Sunday | Haig Park, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Capital Region Farmers Markets
With more than 100 stallholders each week, the Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC Park has endless options when it comes to freshly picked, grown and handcrafted produce.
Fill the garden using their great selection of native and landscape plants, fruit trees, seedlings and shrubs or fill your stomach with freshly baked bread, cakes, macarons and croissants.
7 am–11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta and pet treats.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
Dairy Road Market
The Dairy Road Market brings together wine tastings by Cellar Door, a selection of art and crafts by CraftACT, local produce, handmade objects, second-hand clothing, live music and Play Dairy Road facilitated by Green Hat Workshop.
Entry is free or $12 with a Cellar Door wine glass which includes wine tasting.
11 am – 3 pm Sunday 3 July | Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Humanitix.com
Feature image supplied by Paste Your Place.
