Five autumnal events to add to your Canberra calendar
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There’s nothing like autumn in Canberra. From the golden light to the stunning hues of the leaves, it’s one of the most beautiful times in the nation’s capital.
Before the gorgeous autumn foliage begins to fall and the temperature drops even more, here are five autumnal events to make the most of the season. Add these to your calendar before winter sets in.
Autumn Courtyards Tour
Parliament House is spectacular in any season, but there’s something particularly satisfying about visiting it in autumn. And with the private courtyards glowing with rich reds, oranges and golds, this guided walking tour is the perfect way to make the most of it before the season changes.
Taking visitors through these remarkable spaces and sharing the stories behind the building’s extraordinary landscape design, the tours give the rare chance to see the iconic Budget Tree in person.
Add a scone and hot drink package for a truly civilised morning out.
Friday 1, Saturday 2, Friday 8, Saturday 9, Friday 15, Saturday 16, Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | parliamenthouse.respax.com
The Autumn Art Fair at The Little Burley Markets
What better way to celebrate one of the most beautiful times of the year than on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin?
The Autumn Art Fair is returning once more to transform Queen Elizabeth Terrace into a vibrant gathering of art and design stalls, delicious food and drink, live entertainment and hands-on workshops.
With the national cultural institutions just down the road and the lake shimmering under autumn light, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting backdrop for celebrating Canberra’s creative community.
Saturday 2 May | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Harvest Stall
Who can resist the taste of home-made jam, traditional chutneys and garden-fresh herbs? The National Arboretum’s Harvest Stall is an autumn ritual that deserves far more attention than it gets.
Here, every jar of jam, preserve and chutney on offer has been grown, harvested and made by Arboretum volunteers using seasonal organic produce from the Kitchen Garden and fruits from the forests – and the results are exactly as delicious as that sounds.
Seedlings are also available for those looking to take inspiration home to their own backyard, and with all proceeds supporting Friends of the Arboretum, this is a perfectly worthwhile way to spend a Saturday morning in Molonglo.
Saturday 2 May, 10 am–2 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Canberra Cheese Festival
There’s nothing better than a good cheese board and a glass of wine on a chilly autumn day, so Canberrans who take their cheese seriously will want to clear the diary for this.
This May, the Canberra Cheese Festival is bringing together Australia’s leading cheesemakers across six 2.5-hour sessions spread over three days, offering the chance to sample award-winning varieties alongside wines from the region. Make sure to try the raclette – this is a very delicious way to spend an autumn weekend.
Friday 8 until Sunday 10 May | Grainger Gallery, Fyshwick | events.humanitix.com
Canberra and Region Heritage Festival
It’s not autumn in Canberra unless you pay a visit to the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.
Celebrating the mid-century ideas that shaped Canberra into what it is today – along with our rich regional connections – across a packed programme running into May, the festival will see over 150 events take place across the ACT.
From walking tours to exhibitions and talks, there’s something to engage every kind of history enthusiast!
Until Sunday 10 May | Various locations, Canberra | environment.act.gov.au
Feature image: Little Burley Market. Credit: Shoelace Creative.
