Lots of wine and a very good time: 40+ things to do this week in Canberra

Posted on 8 July, 2024

From NADIOC Week celebrations to several wine-focused events, our picks for what to do in Canberra have never sounded so good.

Here’s a guide to what’s on in the city for the next seven days. See you around town?

Special Events and Festivals

Banging Beats and Bubbles

Three hours of banging beats will be sprinkled with a balloon drop, beach balls, bubbles, interactive activities, a soft baby area, a cosy wood fire and a real bar (that will also slinging red cordial and skittles), this event is designed for little ones and their parents who miss a dance!

Timed between two big parties in the warehouse, this fun celebration uses world-class projectors, lighting and sound systems (with little ears in mind) for families to have a rare collision of big drops with innocent joy. Ideal for ages 10 and under and their parents, who doesn’t love a gentle but  outrageous party?

Saturday 13 July, 2 pm – 5 pm | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.

NAIDOC In The North

This free, family friendly event is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture through story, song, art dance and ceremony.

Welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to learn from the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community through workshops, performances, activities and entertainment, head along to Belco Arts on the shores of Lake Ginninderra for a few hours of educational fun.

Saturday 13 July, 11 am – 2 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Creative Fibre

Calling all creatives! The region’s most talented textile artists will be showcasing and selling their work at the annual Creative Fibre event.

See products, learn about the processes involved and explore a large range of handcrafted homewares, clothing and textiles!

Sunday 14 July, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | Book here.

Winter Wonderland at the Haig Park Village Markets

Is this Canberra’s cosiest event? Braddon’s Haig Park Village Market will be transformed into a winter wonderland this July and there will be plenty for you to see and do.

From enjoying twinkling lights and spices in the air, to tasting marshmallows and strolling the stalls of bakers, makers, creators, and producers, the event is free to attend. Plus there will also be free live entertainment from the Burns Club Pipe Band, choirs, dancing and drumming groups!

Sunday 14 July, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Braddon | 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.

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

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

Speakeasy Soiree

Wine and burlesque? Say less. Lake George Winery is hosting a Cabaret Weekend and you’re invited!

On Friday 12 July step into a world of vintage glamour and modern flair with “deLightfully Scarlet: A Vintage Affair”, a dazzling show featuring the dynamic duo of Scarlet Tinkabelle and Sophie deLightful. Best enjoyed with a cocktail and some nibbles, of course.

Friday 12 July, from 6:30 pm | 171 The Vineyards Road, Lake George | Book here.

Just The Tipple – A Wine Tasting Cabaret 

Featuring a sumptuous five-course degustation menu, expertly paired with Lake George Winery’s award-winning wines and a spectacular lineup of performances, this is not to be missed.

Head along to see Sophie deLightful and her talented team perform a diverse array of acts ranging from cabaret and burlesque to circus and comedy. It promises to be the perfect blend of culinary excellence and top-notch entertainment.

Saturday 13 July, from 5:30 pm | 171 The Vineyards Road, Lake George | 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

The Woman In Black

Unexplained noises. Chilling events. A woman in black. This is a theatrical haunting live on stage – and it’s not for the faint-hearted.

After three decades in the West End, Stephen Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adaptation of The Woman in Black is coming to the Canberra Theatre Centre from Tuesday 9 until Sunday 14 July for six terrifying nights that will leave audience members on the edge of their seat. The second longest-running play in the West End after Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, you might not believe in ghost stories, but for two hours, you’ll be in one.

Tuesday 9 until Sunday 14 July | Canberra Theatre Centre | Book here. 

Canberra Gang Show “Are We There Yet?”

This is an original show tracking a pack of misfit Scouts and Guides on a road trip across Australia, stopping off at numerous iconic and ironic tourist attractions.

Written by, directed and starring Canberra’s youth members of Scouts and Guides with over 50 cast members on stage, it’s full of popular and classic songs, amazing dancing and laugh out loud sketches.

Wednesday 10 until Saturday 13 July | Erindale Theatre, 121 McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa | Book here.

The Australian Dream

When AFL star and Australian of the Year Adam Goodes called out the racism he experienced on and off the field, it became a lightning rod for the national conversation about racism and culture in Australia.  From there, this critically acclaimed documentary was created.

Written by prominent journalist and author and Wiradjuri man Stan Grant, and developed in close consultation with Goodes, The Australian Dream offers a powerful portrait of a champion forced to confront the ugliness of racism and his desire to see a better Australia. Including archival footage and interviews with a range of politicians, sportspeople and media personalities, see it at the NFSA.

Thursday 11 July, 6 pm – 7:45 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.

The Nutcracker In July

Love Christmas? You can’t miss this ballet full of magic, mystery and the Christmas spirit.

Whisky away the winter blues and head along to see a beautiful performance the whole family will enjoy.

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July, 1 pm – 2:30 pm | Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | Book here.

The Grandparents Club – A Comedy Musical

Written by comedy legend Wendy Harmer with toe-tapping, sing-a-long music from John Field, this is a show that understands how truly Grand life can be (get it?).

Ninety minutes of pure joy, join Lynne McGranger (whom you might recognise from Home and Away), Laurence Coy, Andrew James and Meredith O’Reilly for a whirl of stand up, send-up and song as they share their hearts, stories and mishaps over coffee…or was that a gin…in the famous Grandparents Club.

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July, 3 pm – 4 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.

Music

Jinbo Huang Piano Studio

The Wesley Music Centre is welcoming the talented young pianists from the studio of Jinbo Huang to perform a delightful selection of music for piano solo and piano duet.  Composers featured include J.S. Bach, J.C. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Burgmüller, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev, Miriam Hyde and Peter Sculthorpe.

Wednesday 10 July, 12:40 pm – 1:20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.

Macy Gray – 25th Anniversary Tour

This concert is a celebration of the 25th Anniversary since Gray broke into the music scene in 1999 with the release of her debut, triple-platinum album, On How Life Is.

It turned her into a powerhouse of R&B and Soul and for one night only, you can sing and dance along to a live performance of this wonderful album performed plus all her hits across her career.

Thursday 11 June, 8 pm – 9:30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.

Jewels In The Crown

This is a glittering program of gems! Selby & Friends are presenting glorious chamber music by Bartók, Beethoven and Brahm for one night only at the National Gallery of Australia. 

Expect four works showcasing the clarinet, the violin and the piano at their most subtle, sublime and virtuosic.

Friday 12 July, 7 pm | James Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia | Book here.

Decibel Creative and Stay On Sight present Skin On Skin

An Australian-based DJ and producer from South Sudan, Skin on Skin is known for his unique music style of tech house and techno.

Taking the electronic dance scene by storm; book your tickets now to hear his unique sound for yourself.

Friday 12 and Saturday 13 July | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.

Escape Ferocity presenting Max Cooper

This is a dance part from the future with a bit of a audio-visual twist.

Witness one of the world’s leading audio-visual artists as the centrepiece of an epic warehouse party crossing house, techno, drum, bass and immersive projections, you’ll enjoy a four hour set with multi-layered central and peripheral projections. See you there?

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.

Exhibitions

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.

Thursday 11 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.

Thursday 11 until Thursday 25 July | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Corner Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton | More information here.

Winter Feast

Featuring sixteen artists from Canberra and interstate, this month’s group show at Grainger Gallery is all about indulging an in a decadent Winter Feast.

Enjoy tasty morsels of oysters and dragonfruit by Garth Nicholl and Vanessa stockard, ontbijtjes (Dutch breakfast paintings) by Fiona Cotton and Matilda Michel, bodegones by Lauren Starr, contemporary fusion by Naomi Zouwer, Lucilla Zwentner and Bethany Saab, or some more refined natura morta by Gatya Kelly and Anne Smerdon. The menu is sure to delight, a feast for the eyes where, in the words of Cezanne, it is about the artists “realising one’s sensations.”

Until Sunday 14 July | Address Bldg 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | More information here.

NYARU

This is an exhibition of new works in glass by Yankunytjatjara / Western Arrernte artist, Robert Fielding. Co-curated by Erin Vink and Aimee Frodsham, the works challenges the perception of Central Desert artwork in the medium of glass with the artist combining strong cultural roots with contemporary views on the tensions between community life and global concerns.

Until Sunday 21 July | 11 Wentworth Avenue Kingston | 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

Aboriginal Plant Use Walks

Join Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp this NAIDOC Week for an educational walk through the Australian National Botanic Gardens, where you’ll learn about a range of important native plants found across Australia.

You’ll have an opportunity to smell, feel, and taste, inspiring a deeper understanding of native plants and plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way!

Wednesday 10 July, 9:30 am – 1 pm | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Book here.

Turner & Daley: Lino and Ink Printmaking

Learn to use lino and block inks to create your own Expressions of Country themed print to take home.

Ngunnawal Wiradjuri artist Rechelle and Wiradjuri artist Megan invite you to play in the free art workshop with simple, accessible printmaking. Participants are asked to bring images of Country (birds, animals, trees, insects, flowers etc) to use for inspiration.

Saturday 13 July, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Book here.

Libraries ACT Author Talk: Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir with Sandie Docker

Author Sandie Docker will be discussing her latest book ‘Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir’, an empowering and hopeful look at how sometimes owning up to the secrets you tell yourself can help to find your way back home.

Set between 1973 and the present day, Sandie expertly interweaves the stories of three women to confront the very real issues many face in modern-Australia every day from homelessness to the unhealed scars of historic forced adoption. Joined with romance fiction author Abra Pressler, author of ‘More and Love Other Scores’, head along to learn all about it.

Saturday 13 July, 2 pm – 3 pm | Libraries ACT, Antill Street, Dickson | Book here.

Mel Brown In Conversation with Dianne Collins

Visit the National Archives of Australia during NAIDOC week (7 – 14 July) to celebrate with Mel Brown, as she launches her new book, Shades of Me, through story and song, and conversation.

Growing up white, Mel always felt that there was another shade to her soul. Shades of Me follows Mel’s journey as she redefines who she is and how she sees her place in the world. The event will include a Q&A, book sale and signing opportunity.

Saturday 13 July, 3 pm – 6 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.

Maralinga Tjarutja + Q&A with Larissa Behrendt

Written and directed by Larissa Behrendt, this award-winning documentary celebrates the tenacity, strength and achievements of the Maralinga people, who fought for the clean-up of radioactive and other contamination, for compensation, and for the handback in 2009 of the Maralinga Village and test sites.

Screening as part of NAIDOC Week, stay for a Q&A with the film’s director, Euaheleyai/Gamullaroi woman Professor Larissa Behrendt AO, an award-winning filmmaker, author and legal academic.

Saturday 13 July, 1 pm – 2:30 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.

Making Bitjuru with Krystal Hurst

In this workshop you’ll be guided on how to thread reed bead necklaces together with shells and other natural materials.

Coinciding with the Murrook exhibition, the workshop is hosted by Krystal Hurst, a Worimi and queer woman from Taree and Forster. A multi-disciplinary artist exploring adornment, weaving and watercolour, Krystal’s practice derives from her Worimi culture, interwoven with her identity, memory and experiences.

Sunday 14 June, 1 pm – 2:30 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | 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!

August – September | Tuggeranong Art Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Book here.