From the last days of Winter in the City to a Christmas In July cruise, here’s what you can do this weekend

Posted on 19 July, 2024

Your weekend itinerary? Sorted.

Whether you’re looking for some family-friendly activities, craving some seasonal culinary delights, or just looking for something different to do, here’s the inside scoop on everything that’s happening in Canberra this weekend.

Read on!

Special Events and Festivals

Horizon

From two of the world’s great First Nations comes a brand-new work: Horizon. It’s the place where sea meets sky, the horizon you look to, the compass that guides you home.

In Bangarra’s first mainstage cross-cultural collaboration, leading Māori choreographer and Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson joins beloved Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown, to present stories that honour their mother countries and the spirit that calls them home.

Until Saturday 20 July | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.

44 Sex Acts in One Week

This is David Finnegan’s slippery and subversive take on a classic radio play 44 Sex Acts in One Week – and it will have you howling with laughter. Described as a ‘sexcom’, the premise is simple: Girl meets boy. Girl hates boy. Girl f**s boy 44 times. World collapses.

A bit horny and unhinged, for 80 minutes you can sit back and watch as Celina, a journalist stuck writing clickbait for a lifestyle blog, is challenged to road-test a new book, The 44 Sex Acts that Will Change your Life. All she has to do is experience 44 different kinds of sex, across the full spectrum of kink by Friday. The problem is: she needs a partner. And the only person available is her nemesis, brooding animal activist/office mail boy Alab Delusa.

Given one week to explore the endlessly undulating terrain of sex, from BDSM to role-play, from polyamory to exhibitionism (and with no time to recover), this show might just be the perfect way to heat up your winter.

Until Saturday 20 July | Get tickets here.

ACT 2024 Veteran’s and Families’ Expo

This is  a day of filled with family fun, food and fantastic company to empower and support veterans and ex-service people throughout the ACT region.

Bringing together a range of stallholders providing information, advice and referrals on a range of support and programs available in the Canberra region, you’ll also enjoy informative presentations, a designated quiet space, activities for kids and families (including face painting and balloons!), a sausage sizzle by the Hughes Community Shed and a designated coffee van. Entry is free!

Saturday 20 July, 10 am – 3 pm | Hughes Community Hall, 2 Wisdom Street, Hughes | More information here.

Winter In The City

Winter is here, but Canberra City Centre is about to become the hottest spot in town, with a cool twist.

From the icy thrill of the ice rink in Glebe Park to the mesmerising warmth of fire performances at Garema Place and the return of hot business offers, there’s plenty to light up your winter evenings.

Until Sunday 21 July | Canberra City Centre, City Centre, Canberra | Book here.

Christmas In July Cruise

Step aboard this festive Christmas in July Cruise for two hours of merriment on Lake Burley Griffin!

Indulge in the festive spirit, enjoy the stunning views, and snuggle up under the heaters. BYO your own food and drinks or add on a Christmas in July Grazing Box (which includes a selection of cheeses paired with gourmet crackers, gingerbread men and more.

Sunday 21 July, 2 pm – 4 pm | Canberra Cruises and Parties, 8 Trevillian Quay, Jetty 4, Kingston | Book here.

Warm Trees

Winter is here and that means one of our favourite installations is back: Warm Trees.

See the forests at the National Arboretum come alive with colour this July with hundreds of hand knitted and crocheted colourful scarves and created themed decorations.

Until Wednesday 31 July | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | More information here.

Markets

The Beautique Flea Market

Transforming the beautiful Franklin studio into a pre-loved flea market, this Sunday you need to head to The Beautique. Expect to see lot of items in excellent condition including clothing suitable for all genders and sizes, kids clothing plus jewellery, shoes, accessories, homewares, art, crystals, nick knacks, plants and more.

They’ll also be serving up New York style chunky cookies from Nickys Dickson and Redbrick coffee. Head along to grab yourself a bargain!

Sunday 21, 10 am – 2 pm | Unit 97/235 Flemington Road, Franklin | More information here.

Capital Region Farmers Market

Fresh produce, flowers and the ready-to-eat food and coffee. What more could you need? The Capital Region Farmers Market has everything you need.

7 am – 11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Old Well Station Road, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au

Little Burley Markets

Offering a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisanal bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats, and much more, you’ll be able to find plenty of goodies at this bespoke lakeside market

8 am – 1 pm Saturday | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.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

Haig Park Markets

Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.

8.30 am – 2 pm Sundays | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au

Old Bus Depot Markets

Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.

Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.

Every Sunday | 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | obdm.com.au

Food and Wine

The Whisky Show

They had us at over 60 whiskies to taste. Australia’s favourite Whisky Festival is coming to Canberra for one day only, and this is your chance to to sample different whiskies from all over the world including Scotland, USA, Australia and World Whiskies.

Each session is three hours long, with plenty of time to browse each exhibitor, learn about each distillery and try their whiskies. Along with new, exclusive and limited edition whiskies available to taste, there will also be a pop-up bottle shop at every show, so you can purchase any favourite whiskies!

Saturday 20 July, 1 pm – 2 pm | The Fitter’s Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | Book here.

Truffle Infused Weekends at Mount Majura Vineyard

It’s finally truffle season and that means it’s time to book your favourite truffle and wine experience.

Enjoy truffle infused triple-cream brie-style cheese with a flight of three 80ml glasses that have been perfectly matched for $40 per person. With sessions available all day Saturday and Sunday, online bookings close the day prior.

Every weekend until Sunday 1 September, 10 am – 5 pm | Mount Majura Vineyard, 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | Book here.

Stage and Screen

Antarctica The Giant Awakens Documentary

This is a special screening of new groundbreaking documentary by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Liz Courtney as she sheds light on the looming threat of sea level rise.

The documentary follows a team of climate scientists as they embark on a mission to Antarctica, to conduct innovative scientific research, including sampling airborne molecules, to provide critical insights into the pace of Antarctica’s transformation, the impact of atmospheric river systems, and the rapid changes occurring in glacier melt, from warming oceans and changing environmental conditions.

Saturday 20 July, 4 pm – 6 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.

The Girl Who Glows by Zeeko and Jo Turner

This is an awesome musical adventure about a girl who glows. It’s magical, joy-filled, playful and just a little bit scary.

Told by three incredible musician/singer/actor/puppeteers called Zeeko, this is a show that the whole family can enjoy. Expect plenty of twists and turns and songs and jokes, as this part pop concert, part theatre show, part foley studio and part audio-visual playground, takes you on a journey with Luna, girl who glows a bit more brightly than anyone else.

until Sunday 21 July, 6 pm – 7 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.

The National Arboretum Canberra – A twenty-year story

This is a free 30-minute film that traces the development of the National Arboretum from its initial concept to its status as one of the most popular destinations in the ACT.

Head along to watch both historical footage and personal accounts from those involved in the Arboretum’s establishment!

Sunday 21 July, 10 am – 2 pm | National Arboretum, Forest Drive, Canberra | For further information, email contact@friendsarboretumcanberra.org.au

Music

Wonderful World

This is an immersive “concert-show”, imagined and created by French star cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca.

Created as part of his commitment to raising public awareness about saving the planet as well as issues of protecting the environment, Wonderful World questions the current global situation, and the climate emergency and outlines prospects for ecological conversion and has themes that speak about nature, cities, animals, endangered species, climate change.

Saturday 20 July, 7 pm – 9 pm | Snow Concert Hall, Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.

Chase The Sun

This is a show not to be missed by lovers of loud guitar blues and blazing hard funk played with a cranking 70’s southern rock feel.

Presently proudly by the Canberra Blues Society, Chase The Sun is coming to the Harmonie German Club to play some new music that combines elements of acoustic blues, stoner rock, Psychedelia and Stevie Ray Vaughn boogie into a unique and unforgettable sound. 

Saturday 20 July, 8 pm – 10:30 pm | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.

Los Chavos

Canberra locals Los Chavos are back with a bang thanks to Belco Arts and Smith’s Alternative.

Their vibrant live sound was captured in their first EP in 2008, showcasing their unique artistic vision that blended ska, Latin rock and Andean rhythms. Don’t miss them live at Belconnen Arts – with another new album is in the works, expect some songs that have been tried and tested and some newbies!

Saturday 20 July, 7 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.

Stuart Long: Variations

Calling all music lovers, accomplished Canberra pianist Stuart Long is presenting four wonderful works for solo piano by Haydn, Longo, Rachmaninov and Muczynski.

The pieces explore the enormous range of possibilities offered by the variations form. Stick around for complimentary refreshments afterwards!

Sunday 21 July, 3 pm – 4 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Entrance via Fitzroy Street, Forrest | Book here.

Exhibitions

July Exhibitions Opening

Aarwun Gallery is hosting five amazing exhibitions this winter, and they’ll be sure to intrigue and impress.

Head along to see works by Sandra Hendy, John A Rowe, Peter Yu, Alice Pulvers, and Joseph Rolella as they are unveiled for the first time at the grand opening.

Saturday 20 July, 2 pm – 4 pm | Aarwun Gallery, O’Hanlon Place, Federation Square, Nicholls | More information here.

Joseph Rolella – Colours In Motion

This is an exhibition work based on Joseph Rolella’s observations on and around Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.

John describes himself as a bird watcher or trainspotter, following the nuances and beauty of each mercurial glimmer, so you can expect some stunning artworks based on nature.

Saturday 20 July until Sunday 4 August| Aarwun Gallery, O’Hanlon Place, Federation Square, Nicholls | More information here.

John A Rowe – Whimsy & Woe: A Brush With Contrasts

Portraying the whimsical side of woe is a well established form of self-analysis and expression for many artists, past and present and John A Rowe is no different.

Described as “abstract mark-making combined with figurative story-telling”, varying degrees of emotional memories and imagined comical scenarios are expressed imaginatively through Rowe’s usual intertwined British sense of humour, thrown in with a more than generous helping of nervous anxiety.

Saturday 20 July until Sunday 4 August | Aarwun Gallery, O’Hanlon Place, Federation Square, Nicholls | More information here.

Peter Yu – Nature’s Palette: A Journey Through Landscapes

This is an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the masterful oil paintings of artist Peter Yu. Through a meticulous blend of colour, light, and texture, Yu invites you to embark on a visual odyssey through the beauty of natural landscapes.

From the mist-shrouded peaks that whisper ancient tales to the sun-dappled meadows that evoke a sense of peace, whether portraying the grandeur of untouched wilderness or the quiet solitude of a secluded beach, each painting resonates with a deep reverence for the earth’s diverse landscapes.

Saturday 20 July until Sunday 4 August | Aarwun Gallery, O’Hanlon Place, Federation Square, Nicholls | More information here.

Sandra Hendy – Favourite Places & Spaces

This exhibition by watercolour artist Sandra Hendy is contemporary in nature, stylish and sophisticated in approach, and creative and imaginary in execution.

Eye catching cloisonné paint, paper collage, watercolour and pen work are signature markings of Sandra’s paintings, transforming them from one of general interest to greater scrutiny.

Saturday 20 July until Sunday 4 August | Aarwun Gallery, O’Hanlon Place, Federation Square, Nicholls | More information here.

Alice Pulvers – Imagine

Bringing together recent paintings by Alice Pulvers (many of which are sometimes intensely energetic and always colourful), this exhibition combines striking realism with vivid imagined landscapes.

Alice began painting and drawing from a very young age and because her childhood was spent in Japan, all her original aesthetic sensibility was developed there. Alice inter-mixes realism and ‘unrealism’ in her own particular way.

Saturday 20 July until Sunday 4 August | Aarwun Gallery, O’Hanlon Place, Federation Square, Nicholls | More information here.

Chinoiserie – Jennifer Manning and The Thursday Group

Have no idea what Chinoiserie is? It’s a western decorative style in art, furniture and architecture characterized by the use of Chinese motifs and techniques.

Working with 15 students to explore Chinese decoration, Jenny Manning (a multimedia artist, who paints, prints, draws, knits and makes baskets) has created an exhbition celebrating their colourful works.

Saturday 20 July until Sunday 18 August | Humble House Gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | More information here.

Exhibition with Work by Marian Drew

Held ay the ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, this  exhibition features three-dimensional photographic artworks by Marian Drew. 

Aiming to disrupt historical perspectives of the lithic as a stable backdrop, Marian’s work is held in national and international collections including the John Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles; Fonds National D’Art Contemporain (FNAC), Museum of Photographic Art, San Diego, National Gallery of Australia; Art Gallery of South Australia; National Gallery of Victoria, and Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art.

Until Thursday 25 July | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Corner Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton | More information here.

The Painted Double by Shanti Shea An

The works in The Painted Double address this duality through the formal qualities of mirroring, symmetry, and folding.

Developed out of Shanti Shea An’s interest in the relationship between painting and textual experience, the project attends to the complex sense of twofoldness by interrogating how painted images place us at a threshold between looking and reading.

Until Thursday 25 July | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Corner Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton | More information here.

Resonance

Opening on Thursday 18 July, this is an immersive exhibition by Canberra based artist, Hannah Quinlivan.

Hannah’s practice is multi-disciplinary and includes installation, painting and sculpture. Resonance is uses the threads of her spacial drawings to examine the convergence of a sense of time and place with material and sensory elements. Inviting the audience into a dialogue on mediation and individual experience, this show will be the first time Hannah has shown commercially in Canberra since her graduation from the ANU School of Art in 2013, with works available for sale to a local audience.

From Thursday 18 July | Building 3.3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | More information here.

Sisters Interwoven

From Wiradjuri artist Rechelle Turner and Ngunnawal Wiradjuri artist Megan Daley comes Sisters Interwoven, a new exhbition exploring their culture and connection to Country.

Created using a variety of media, these works were produced during Megan Rechelle’s residency at Megalo Print Studios

Until Saturday 10 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | More information here.

All Guns Blazing

All Guns Blazing is a body of work of artist Jamie-Lea Trindall, a Wiradjuri woman who explores the ancient traditions of carving and string making.

Described as “a voyage of discovery”, the exhbition uncovers the depths of intrinsic connections, where generations of brave trailblazers have carved winding paths through the outback country and how deeply connected her own bold life experiences are to the stories.

Until Saturday 10 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | More information here.

Breaking Ground

In Breaking Ground, Michele England and Heidi Smith have responded to significant Tuggeranong Valley sites by creating experimental mixed media artworks highlighting changes to urban and natural spaces.

Place, material, and contemplative conversations transform the mundane into the unexpected in this collaboration by incorporating found objects, creating pigments, using drawing apparatus and repurposing discarded items to create Breaking Ground: Chaos Theory and the Valley.

Until Saturday 10 August | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | More information here.

AIM Annual Group Exhibition, Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre

A.I.M Canberra (Art in Miniature Group) is pleased to present their 24th Annual Group Exhibition at Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre, officially opened by Anne Masters, Director, Gallery of Small Things.

This exhibition will include 105 miniature works from 15 artists created in a range of styles inspired by landscapes through to contemporary still life.

Exhibiting artists include Margaret Bice, Sharon Buckland, Margaret Carr, Lyn Cottingham, Claire Cusack, Sue Ford, Jocelyne Godber, Eva Henry, Janet Hicks, Sandra House, Val Johnson, Michaela Laurie, Stuart Marshall, Isla Patterson, Heather Prickett, Neil Renfree, Camelia Smith and Arlene Willams.

Entry is free

Showing until 18 August, Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre, Gallery open Wednesday to Sunday, 9-11 Lambie St, Cooma | raglangallerycooma.com

Self Portrait in the Anthropocene

Presented by artist Rebecca Selleck, Self Portrait in the Anthropocene combines curved stainless-steel furniture with intricate bronze work, blown glass, living plants and bodily upholsteries.

This exhibition is a showcase of the artists creation of dissonant spaces that explore our increasing destruction of natural environments and the inherent hypocrisies of being human.

Until Saturday 24 August | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, 1, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here

Five Dresses for a Wari Goddess

This exhibition explores colour, materiality and iconography in fashion through an Andean lens.

Artist Ximena Briceño has created five dresses crafted from titanium, aluminum and cardboard using camelids as a main form of decoration, showcasing Trans-Pacific craft and skill.

Until Saturday 24 August | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, 1, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here.

Chasing Clouds

Jonathon Zalakos is a contemporary jewellery and object maker based in Canberra. In this exhibition he employs motifs of cloud-like abstraction, utilising silver inlay on steel to create representational relief work as externalised models of the unconscious in a modern context.

Until Saturday 24 August | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, 1, 180 London Circuit, City | More information here.

Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao

This is a rare opportunity to experience the enduring art of French Post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin. Featuring some of his most recognised masterpieces, many of which were created in the Pacific region, the exhibition offers new perspectives on Gauguin’s life and work, his artistic influences and networks, as well as his historical impact and contemporary legacies.

Keep an eye out for talks, public programs, a podcast series and films at the National Gallery that will also explore Gauguin’s life, art and controversial legacy.

Until Monday 7 October | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.

SaVĀge K’lub

SaVĀge K’lub is a multi-disciplinary vehicle to explore ideas of hospitality, culture and identity. Presented alongside Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao it celebrates all forms of art and culture, collaborating to acti.VĀ.te people and things.

First conceived by artist and scholar Rosanna Raymond in 2010, The SaVĀge K’lub have participated in large-scale research-based art projects in Australia, Aotearoa NZ, UK and Hawaii working with Queensland Museum, QAGOMA, Auckland Museum, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongawera, the Bishop Museum and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Until Monday 7 October | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.

Darling Portrait Prize

The biennial event honours the legacy of Mr L Gordon Darling AC CMG who was instrumental in establishing the National Portrait Gallery of Australia – and nurtures the art of Australian portrait painting.

The Darling Portrait Prize offers a generous $75,000 cash prize for the winner, in addition to Highly Commended, Art Handlers’ Award and People’s Choice award. Head along to see the finalists, this is one not to miss!

Until Sunday 13 October | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.

National Photographic Portrait Prize

This is one of the most popular photographic competitions in the country. Since its establishment in 2007, the much-anticipated annual event offers substantial cash and equipment prizes for professional, amateur and aspiring Australian photographers.

Celebrating established and emerging artistic talent from across the country, the works by the 34 selected finalists provide a powerful visual record of the year, reflecting a particular time in Australian culture, both socially and artistically.

Until Sunday 13 October | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.

Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize

This exhibition invites audiences to be inspired by beautiful and profound nature-themed works of art.

Since 2002, the South Australian Museum’s Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize has called for established and emerging artists to turn their gaze to the natural world. Named after the South Australian Museum’s first curator, Frederick George Waterhouse, this is the only opportunity to view the artworks outside of South Australia. Explore a compelling display of art and science seen through the eyes illustrators, sculptors and contemporary artists. Every day at 11 am, they also offer a free object talk, inviting visitors to learn more about the artworks in this exhibition.

Until Sunday 27 October | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | More information here.

Workshops, Tours and Talks

Crazy Rich Asians + Discussion with Mimi Kwa and Qin Qin

A cultural phenomenon, Kevin Kwan’s 2013 satirical bestseller Crazy Rich Asians garnered international accolades – including breaking new ground in the romantic comedy film genre, soaring at the box office to become one of the highest-grossing rom-coms of all time.

Head along to see this special screening, which will be followed by a discussion of the film and the novel with special guest Mimi Kwa, in conversation with Qin Qin.

Sunday 21 July, 1 pm – 3:30 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.

Magnificent MEGAfauna: Hide and Seek

Take the kids to the National Botanic Gardens for a fun filled hide and seek session!

They’ll meet the magnificent MEGAfauna that roamed Australia more than 20,000 years ago, discover ‘living plant fossils’ and investigate the landscapes of Australia’s past. It’s a great opportunity to explore the gardens.

Until Wednesday 31 July | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | More information here.

Workshops and Classes at Tuggeranong Arts Centre

Refine technical abilities, expand theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and try new things in Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s Winter season of short courses!

Designed for curious adults who are keen to extend their creative art practice, these six-week classes are an opportunity to explore new techniques without having to purchase expensive materials and equipment. Weekly classes are scheduled from 6 pm to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. It costs $250 to attend and all materials are provided!

Running until September | Tuggeranong Art Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Book here.