Who says that winter is boring? Here are Canberra’s hottest cold weather events
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The temperature might be dropping, but things are heating up as Canberra’s event calendar fills up with things to do.
From intimate indoor experiences to epic outdoor celebrations, here are eight events that will have you embracing the chill.
Christmas in July
Grab your Santa hats and start practicing those Christmas carols, because this is the perfect way to celebrate winter in Canberra. Taking place in a brand-new lakeside location, the Christmas in July Festival is back for another year to transform Patrick White Terrace into a winter wonderland.
Promising a magical escape from a grey winter in the city, Canberra’s lakefront will turn into a sparkling alpine village filled with authentic wooden chalets, towering nutcrackers, and over 40 real pine trees. But if that’s not enough, this year will also see over 20 pop-up restaurants serving an irresistible array of French and European winter cuisine. And have we mentioned entry will be free?
Thursday 3 until Sunday 6 July | Patrick White Terrace, National Triangle | More information here.
Macabre Dreams
Celebrating the winter solstice, this free event will enchant and mesmerise you. Bringing together local writers, musicians and other artists of “beautiful, strange and dark” works, Macabre Dreams promises one unforgettable night for those interested in the unusual.
Disturbing and delighting with music and readings, Phoebe Lupton and Ben O’Mara will read new writing from Lost Souls Magazine (which will also be launched on the night), while Ellie Malbon shares poetry of love, hardship and horror and Red Saunders tells tales of a capital vibrating from its punk, indie and experimental sounds. And if that’s not enough, Gia Ransome will hypnotise with music of dark dramatic energy and Megan Cook of The Sacred, will celebrate the magic of ritual. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?
Wednesday 18 June, 6.30 pm – 9 pm | Gang Gang Café and Bar, Shop4/2 Frencham Place, Downer | Book here.
Midnight Mass
Get ready for a Winter Solstice celebration like no other, where the fires burn bright, the beers pour dark, and the party goes well past witching hour. On Saturday 21 June, Capital Brewing is hosting a free event that will go all day and deep into the early house of the next morning. Expect a live soundtrack of raw, raucous energy from The Empty Threats, Sleepazoid, and Bad Patella, interactive performances from Jazida, and epic DJ set from DJ Robot Citizen as well as a BBQ pit stoked to the heavens and plenty of brews flowing all night long.
Saturday 21 June, 11.30 am | Building 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | facebook.com
The Winter German Market
Weins, biers, and schnapps are on the menu at the German Market this winter, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Europe. Taking over the Harmonie German Club on Sunday 22 June, you can eat and drink your way through fresh German sausages, homemade cakes and more. Add in community stallholders and a free jumping castle for the kids, and it’ll be a fun day out for the whole family.
Sunday 22 June, 9 am – 1 pm | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | More information here.
Winter in the City
The city centre is igniting with 15 days of free entertainment as Winter in the City returns for another year! Promising to be bigger, brighter, and more exciting than ever before, from free daytime family entertainment to nightly fire performances, mark it in your calendar so you don’t forget.
Saturday 5 until Saturday 19 July | Canberra City | More information here.
The Forage
This winter is heating up with the announcement that The Forage is back – but this year, it goes beyond street food and drinks. Bringing dynamic theatre in the heart of the city – think choreographed fire shows and crowd-thrilling pyrotechnics alongside family-friendly entertainment and live music – it promises to be a fun filled winter wonderland. Keep an eye out, because there are more details to come!
Saturday 19 July, 12 pm – 8 pm | Canberra City | More information here.
Winter Schnappsfest
Say ‘cheers’ to the cold weather with this beerhall-style celebration with schnapps, beers, wines, spirits, German social games and more! Offering a true taste of Germany in Canberra, this is the ultimate “schnappsparty”, complete with warming winter foods and entertainment by the famous Sydney German Showband. Including a complimentary glass of schnapps on arrival, don das dirndl und die lederhosen and go warm your cockles.
Saturday 19 July, 6 pm – 11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Capital Region Winter Festival
What better way to celebrate winter than with a three-day festival? Hosting a series of events that pay tribute to all things cool climate, from embracing the cold during the Bonfire Night to shopping the Winter Market and getting your hands dirty on a truffle hunt, there will be plenty to see, do and eat! Working with truffle growers, chefs, accommodation providers, wineries and cooking schools to put a spotlight on Canberra’s fabulous winter food culture, pop this event into your diary.
Friday 25 until Sunday 27 July | The Vault at Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | More information here.
Feature image: Christmas in July Festival. Supplied.
