Seven winter markets, two truffle infused days and ice rink in Glebe Park – here’s how to spend this winter weekend

Posted on 5 July, 2024

We’re calling this – this weekend is the seasonal celebration of winter we needed.

Wholesome, cosy and packed full of fun (who doesn’t love a winter-themed market and ice-skating in Glebe Park?) here’s how you can spend your Saturday and Sunday in Canberra.

Special Events and Festivals

Roller Disco

Skate classes, roller dance classes, themed rink sessions, and roller discos. Is this one of the coolest events in Canberra? Perfect for all experiences and age levels, expect a candy bar, great music and disco lights, comfy seating, warm drinks and good old retro vibes.

Just a warning: many tickets have now sold out so grab your tickets soon to avoid disappointment!

Friday 5 and Saturday 6 July | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book 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.

Saturday 6 until Sunday 21 July | Canberra City Centre, City Centre, Canberra | Book here.

Little Burley Markets Winter Wonderland

Free and family-friendly, this is a cosy community event that will get everyone into the winter spirit.

Taking place on Saturday 6 July, Canberra’s favourite lakeside market is putting on a wee winter warmer with gorgeous market stalls, glittering goodies and food and drink from the diverse cultures. From free local entertainment to drumming and dance groups, free kids’ arts and crafts, marshmallows for toasting, and more, there’s plenty for everyone to do.

Saturday 6 July, 9 am – 2 pm | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | More information 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

Hartley Hall Markets

This fine family-friendly market is fun for everyone! Head along to explore over 200 stalls offering a variety of products including food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts and more.

And if that’s not enough, stay for lunch and enjoy the live entertainment and children’s activities.

Sunday 7 July, 10 am – 3 pm | Hall Showground, Hall Street, Hall | More information here.

Canberra Fashion Market

Local and interstate designers, books, records, jewellery, vintage, denim and more! This is a shopping lovers dream.

You’ll find big-brand labels and some great buys – think: clothing, jewellery, boots, shoes, bags, accessories and more.

Sunday 7 July | Fitter’s Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | Book 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

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

Red Wine Tasting

Consider yourself a red wine connoisseur? This is for you. The Winederlust podcast is hosting a wine tasting where you can enjoy red Italian varieties at the beautiful Main Hall at Gorman House.

With five wines to try (all Italian varieties produced by Aussie wineries featured on the Winederlust Podcast) as well as an Italian Chianti and a savoury bite to eat by Nibble and Nourish, you’ll have a great time.

Saturday 6 July, 4 pm – 6 pm | Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Main Hall, Braddon | Book here.

Urban Cocktail Trail

This is a self-guided experience where you decide to stop and sip is completely up to you!

Celebrating all the art, craftsmanship and fun a beautifully made cocktail has to offer, all you need to do is rally your friends together and get ready for some fun. Start the afternoon with a bite to eat and a cocktail before making your way around the trail to redeem your cocktail vouchers. How fun does that sound?

Sunday 6 July, 1 pm – 5 pm | Various locations | 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.

Tipsy Sundaze

At “Tipsy Sundaze” the weekend doesn’t have to end on a flat note.

Come together with friends and elevate your Sunday at Amici. Unwind, sip, and savour while experiencing the very best Canberra’s music scene has to offer.

Every Sunday from 2.30-5.30 pm | Amici, Northbourne Avenue, City | Find out more here

Stage and Screen

Dig Deeper

This special NAIDOC Week Screening follows the lives and creative practice of four ground-breaking First Nations artists: Blak Douglas, Maree Clarke, Penny Evans and Ben McKeown.

Exploring commonalities across their art and their Aboriginality, from personal struggles and relationship to Country, to both engaging with and critiquing the establishment, Dig Deeper doesn’t shy away from challenging questions. Don’t miss out.

Saturday 6 July, 2 pm – 3:15 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.

Music

Beethoven – Missa Solemnis

Under the baton of Louis Sharpe, with Dan Walker CCS Music Director as Chorus Master, this concert is a beautiful performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s magnificent and moving Missa Solemnis.

Presented by the Canberra Choral Society, the National Capital Orchestra and the choristers from The Llewellyn Choir, it will do justice to Beethoven’s brilliant vision and the work he once described as his finest.

Saturday 6 July, 3 pm – 5 pm | Llewellyn Hall, ANU, William Herbert Place, City | Book here.

Exhibitions

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sport

Canberra Bravehearts 777 Marathon

The Bravehearts 777 Marathon is back for its 10th year with a mission to encourage more Australians to take on the physical challenge and fundraise to prevent child sexual abuse.

Registrations are now open for individuals or teams to run or walk the 7km, 14km, 21.1km, or 42.2km distances. Sign up to this iconic endurance event for a good cause.

Saturday 6 July, 7 am – 1:30 pm | Bowen Park, Bowen Drive, Barton | More information here.

Kanga Cup

This is an unrivalled week of football and fun!

The Kanga Cup is the largest International Youth Football Tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. Held annually in Canberra, expect busy days of football partnered by a great social program including a massive Opening Ceremony, and a variety of optional events for teams to participate in throughout the week!

Sunday 7 until Friday 12 July | Multiple locations | More information here.

Raiders v Knights

Cheer on the Canberra Raiders as they take on the Newcastle Knights. Get there early to watch the Raiders Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup teams in action before NRL kicks off! It’ll be fun for the whole family.

Sunday 7 July, 4 pm – 6 pm | GIO Stadium Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.

Workshops, Tours and Talks

Jim Moginie in Conversation with Catherine McGregor AM

Celebrate the commencement of NAIDOC Week 2024 for a Welcome to Country, followed by an unforgettable evening with Jim Moginie.

A founding member of the legendary band Midnight Oil, hear about Jim’s collaborations with First Nations Communities as he shares stories and songs related to his time with the band, reflecting on his personal journey detailed in his book ‘The Silver River’. Jim will be joined by Catherine McGregor AM, who will facilitate an audience Q&A, as they share their personal stories of searching for identity.

Sunday 7 July, 3 pm – 6 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | 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.