Live music, cocktails and cinema classics – why the NFSA is Canberra’s hottest destination this summer

Posted on 20 December, 2024

Things are heating up at the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) with the announcement of a new program designed to complement the summer heat.

Starting from Friday 3 January and running until Saturday 1 February, those seeking something a little different to do as the sun goes down will be treated to summer nights filled with cinema classics, free live performances and DJ sets, an onsite café and bar and more.

From 6pm each evening, the NFSA heritage courtyard will come alive with music. Expect artists like Australian jazz sensation Emma Pask who will set the mood for Monroe classic Some Like It Hot, Rachael Thoms will treat you to live Bossa Nova renditions of Grease classics and local star Lucy Sugerman will capture the passion of Roman Holiday.

Taking place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and inspired by the vibrant intensity of summer heat, the Hot Summer Nights  film program will see a captivating blend of dramatic, romantic, and cinematic films shown at the iconic Arc Cinema – ranging from thought-provoking features to nostalgic classics.

And with free live performances and DJ sets from Australian artists – all hand-picked to complement the soundtracks and themes of each night’s film screening – this won’t be your typical night at the movies.

Sounds like fun, right? That’s just a taste of what’s happening. Because from 5.30 pm each night, the NSFA café and bar will also be open, serving cold drinks to help you cool off on a hot day. Think: a range of beers, wines, weekly speciality cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Want to take you night up a level? Charcuterie and Antipasto boxes will also be available for pre-order with any Hot Summer Nights cinema ticket.

We told you the NSFA was a hot destination this summer.

Make sure to check out the full program here to see what’s happening.

Feature image: Meg Houghton.