Truffles, ice skating in the city, and a visit to Questacon after dark—what’s on this week in Canberra
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A cool night at Questacon, ice skating in the city, and the Verity Lane Market Truffle Week! With 45+ events, it’s another fun-filled wintery week in Canberra.
Here’s your guide to what’s on. Truffle Negroni anyone?
Special Events and Festivals
Winter in the City
Snow is forecast in the city centre this winter with the return of the fun-filled Winter in the City. From ice skating to live entertainment, food, drinks, activities, and more (including an eight-meter tobogganing slide), it’s the perfect way to level up your winter experience. Race you to the bottom?
Until Sunday 16 July | Civic Square and Ainslie Place, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City | winter.inthecity.com.au
Mid-Winter Nights at Questacon
Full of wintery fun, Questacon is once again unlocking the doors after hours for an unforgettable family-friendly experience. We’re talking a fire show, live DJs, and snowball fights! Taking place for four nights only, don’t miss out—this is snow-ordinary winter event!
Wednesday 5 until Saturday 8 July | King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Uncharted Territory
Meet Canberra’s new arts and innovation festival celebrating creativity, experimentation and ground-breaking ideas. Held across 10 days, the festival showcases some of Canberra’s most formidable minds and talents, as artists, entrepreneurs and researchers push the boundaries of what is possible. Interested? Check out the full program of 50+ events (both free and ticketed)!
Friday 7 until Sunday 16 July | Kambri, 154 University Avenue, Acton | unchartedterritory.com.au
NAIDOC Week: Illumination
In this free event, be spell bound by the shapes, colours and landscapes of Central Australia featured in ‘Illuminations of Country” which is based on the series of artworks by local Luritja artist Kayannie Denigan entitled ‘My Country’.
Thursday 6 until Saturday 8 July | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra City | aph.gov.au
Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Artist Demonstration with Kayannie Denigan
Join emerging Australian Aboriginal artist, Kayannie Denigan at Parliament House as she demonstrates her art practice. The free demonstration is an opportunity to hear from Kayannie as she explores the inspiration for her art, the meaning behind it, the connection to nature and her culture as it applies to her art practice.
Friday 7 July | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra City | aph.gov.au
Storytelling at the House
Join Wiradjuri man, Larry Brandy, in a participatory First Nations storytelling activity for children where they will learn about traditional Wiradjuri culture as they become kangaroos, emus and hunters.
Friday 7 until Sunday 9 July | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra City | Book here.
Verity Lane Market Truffle Week
Last year they brought us potato, truffle, and prosciutto pizza, shoyu truffle ramen and truffle bao buns so we’re very excited to announce that Truffle Week will return to Verity Lane Market. Running from Thursday 29 June until Saturday 8 July, you’ll be able to indulge in truffle-infused dishes from Italy, Asia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Read more here.
Until Saturday 8 July | 50 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City | Book here.
NAIDOC in the North
Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture through story, song, art dance and ceremony, this is an event for everyone. Think: free fun for the whole family, workshops, performances and exhibitions from some of Canberra’s finest First Nations artists and performers. There will also be community sausage sizzle and coffee van, perfect for lunch by the fire as you soak up the views of beautiful Lake Ginninderra!
Saturday 8 July | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Art workshop and talk with Natalie Bateman
Here exhibiting Yuin artist Natalie Bateman will introduce you to working with earth pigments and paint markers as you work intuitively to find your own patterns and meaning and hear about her journey as an artist. Self-taught, Natalie has developed her own visual language and style, which is informed by her relationships with family and her connections to Country. Natalie’s talk will be accompanied by images of her artwork, her family and you will hear stories connecting them all together!
Saturday 8 July | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Hyperspectral23
An exciting initiative by PhotoAccess (Canberra’s hub for contemporary photography, film, and multimedia) will transform the Manuka Arts Centre gardens into a vibrant display of dynamic digital and sound artworks for one night only. Featuring local, national, and international artists working at the forefront of emergent technologies (and celebrating the fusion of creativity, experimentation, art, and science) this year will explore the theme of “Rebirth” at the intersection of creative experimentation, technology, and new media.
Saturday 8 July | 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Canberra Stamp Show
Collect coins or stamps? Browse a wide range of Stamp and Coin dealers plus attend special presentations during this show. You’ll find special treasures, and meet up with other members of the collecting community.
Saturday 8 July | Kingston Baptist Hall, 11 Currie Crescent, Kingston | canberrastamps.org
Three Sixty Fashion Market
Get ready to uncover some intriguing fashion and great buys! On this super shopping day out find genuine, quality vintage, retro and pre-loved fashion (including big-name labels like Gucci, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Guess, Decjuba, Kookai and Country Road). Just grab a coffee and explore!
Sunday 9 July | Fitters Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston | canberramarkets.net.au
Constitution Open Day
With hands-on children’s activities, engaging talks, exhibition tours, a quiz on the Constitution and a real-life look at the at the original Australian Constitution, at this special event find out what the Constitution is and what does it mean for you. Suitable for all ages, booking are required.
Sunday 9 July | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
Poetic City
A poetry festival taking place until Friday 14 July, Poetic City will encompass a wide variety of poetry-centric events and I invite you to come along and find out what poetry might mean for you. From workshops to drop-in writing sessions, listening to performance or slam or taking the kids to school holiday workshops and activities, get ready for a serious, fanciful, sly, fun, witty, elaborate, blunt, silly entertaining, dark and hilarious time.
Until Friday 14 July | Various locations | poeticcitycbr.com
Fungi Feastival
The inaugural Fungi Feastival is a series of events celebrating the science, food and art of fungi. Head along to enjoy science events such as mushroom growing workshops, and truffle hunts, food events (including fungi-themed dinners) and even a fungi cooking class at Eastwoods in Bermagui! If that’s not enough fungi art includes fungi photography workshops and fungi movies at Narooma Kinema.
Until Sunday 16 July | Location varies for each event from Batemans Bay to Eden | Book here.
Warm Trees
See the forests come alive with colour this July with Warm Trees as the National Arboretum Canberra is decorated with colourful scarves and themed decorations. Made possible by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, it’s a heart warming annual installation.
Until Monday 31 July | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Commissioning the Forecourt mosaic
The Forecourt mosaic at Parliament House is a symbolic reminder of the 65,000+ years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ presence in this country. At the display you’ll discover the work of five Aboriginal artists who were invited to submit designs for the mosaic in 1985 and discover who the artists played an important role in their communities, using their art to share their cultural knowledge with non-Indigenous peoples across the world.
Until Monday 14 August | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra City | aph.gov.au
Food and Wine
Winter Dining Dome Experience at Water’s Edge
It’s time to dine on Lake Burley Griffin. Book in to dine in style and comfort in your private, exclusive and warm Dining Dome where you can enjoy the winter sun, enjoy a beautiful Canberra sunset or watch the stars. Romantic dinner for two, anyone?
Until Saturday 22 July | Dining Domes at Waters Edge Canberra, 40 Parkes Place East, Parkes | Book here.
Stage and screen
HSBC Spanish Film Festival
Here to spice up winter with award wining films, the HSBC is kicking off in June. Showcasing comedies, thrillers, documentaries and more, it’s the ultimate celebration of film and culture from Spain and Latin America.
Until Wednesday 5 July | Palace Electric Cinema, 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra City | Book here.
A Little Bit of Blue Puppet Show
Unravel a mystery in this interactive detective show as you learn about the habits of the Australian Satin Bowerbird, and why they are so fascinated by the colour blue. Beginning with strange disappearances from Mrs Mavis Hooley’s home, it’s full of fun for the whole family!
Thursday 6 until Friday 7 July | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Heist! An Original Comedy Play
The Capella Brothers are the most notorious criminal gang in the world. For over 40 years they have stolen from some of the richest people in the world, and have never been caught. However, when one heist goes wrong, the criminals find they’ve accidentally kidnapped a famous billionaire. The three thieves must try and extort money from his family, get assistance from a flamboyant would-be kidnapper and negotiate with an assassin, all while avoiding arrest from a clumsy police constable. Heist! is a family-friendly comedy that goes to show you should never underestimate anyone.
Thursday 6 until Sunday 9 July | Belconnen Theatre, 23 Swanson Circuit, Belconnen | Book here.
Jennifer Wong Has No Peripheral Vision
Jennifer Wong has no peripheral vision. Fortunately, Jennifer Wong has a fully functioning neck. Bringing her new stand up show to Muse in Griffith for one night only, expect observational comedy that’s cornea than any other (get it?).
Saturday 8 July | 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | Book here.
Come From Away
The worldwide smash hit, Tony and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away, is coming to Canberra. Sharing the remarkable true story of the small town that welcomed the world, Come From Away follows the incredible real-life journey of 7,000 air passengers who became grounded in Gander, Newfoundland in Canada in the wake of the September 11 tragedy. Telling a story of unity and kindness in adversity, capturing the generosity and hospitality of the small community of Gander, who invited the “come from aways’” into their homes, this musical is not to be missed.
Until Sunday 9 July | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Music
Hekka
Drawing from their collective love of electronic, jazz, classical and rock music, the innovative trio of Hekka is touring to Canberra. Supporting the release of their debut LP titled ‘Everywhere I Go My Body Goes With Me’, expect a sound that is iconoclastic and unpredictable.
Thursday 6 July | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra City | Book here.
Ainslie Salon: Midpoint
Two days of live music anyone? Featuring artists who currently reside on Ngunnawal Country or have spent a number of formative years here, Ainslie Salon: Midpoint celebrates the growth of experimental music practices in the ACT. Expect to hear everything from dubby pop minimalism from YL Hooi to contemplative electronic-jazz hybrids created by Tangents.
Friday 7 until Saturday 8 July | Ainslie Arts Centre, Elouera Street, Braddon | Book here.
Robyn Archer: An Australian Songbook
Renowned as an icon and pioneer of the Australian stage, Robyn Archer is bringing her formidable talents to Canberra to uncover the hidden gems of Australian music. From convict lament to Bon Scott, Kate Miller Heidke and First Nations songwriters, Robyn will explore and celebrate the many rhythms and voices that are woven into the unique sonic fabric of this country.
Friday 7 and Saturday 8 July | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
Burntout Turns Two!
Join Burntout Bookings as they enter their terrible twos and party it up at The Polo! They’re bringing Suzi, Box Dye, Bad Lunar and Goon Gremlins along to join in party festivities. Melbourne via Mornington Peninsula storyteller Suzi spins aching vulnerability into indie rock gold. Box Dye are a three-piece writing and creating on Ngunnawal country with anthems that get the crowd screaming every time. Bad Lunar is a four-piece alternative rock band with attitude. Goon Gremlins are a Indie/Garage Rock band based in mid north coast NSW, bringing heavy guitar and emotionally charged lyricism.
Saturday 8 July | 38 David Street, Turner | Book here.
Exhibitions
UNCOMMON
With a mixture of older and new work, this exhibition presents Eliza-Jane Gilchrist’s ongoing practice of making abstract sculptures based on plant/seed forms using cardboard. Expect to see works that are unusual, accessible and thought-provoking created through the combined techniques of paper-cutting, folding, paper-engineering, papier Mache, and pattern-making with non-traditional materials.
Thursday 6 July until Saturday 26 August | 180 London Circuit, North Building, Level 1, Canberra City | craftact.org.au
Show Offs
Show Offs challenges the conventional notion that displaying one’s abilities is boastful, instead emphasizing the importance of sharing authentic ideas and the creative process behind them. Check out M16 Artspace studio artists exhibition to gain insight the artists journeys, and experience the power of art as a visual language.
Thursday 6 until Sunday 30 July | 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
Still Life
What comes to mind when you think of ‘still life’? Fruits, wine, cut flowers, household objects of practical and decorative use? This exhibition at the Canberra Art Workshop would like to extend the conception of what ‘still life’, defining it as ‘anything you want it to be’—it’s an exercise of interpretation.
Thursday 6 until Sunday 30 July | 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
Out Of The Window
Founded in 1996, Hands On Studio has provided a safe environment for artists with a disability to create and develop friendships. In this exhibition, the collective of artists who practice from Hands On Studio have created a series of dioramas which reflect upon each of their lives using a wide range of materials.
Friday 7 until Sunday 30 July | 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | m16artspace.com.au
Resonate Exhibition by Julie Bradley
What originally started out as an exploration by Julie Bradley, into the effects of music on image making, became a deeper reflection on how music like visual art, is also a language. The images in this exhibition explore seeing music as a visual expression and are a depiction of the resonance between colours and shapes, sounds and images and between artists. And that’s just the beginning. Head along to see it for yourself.
Friday 7 July until Sunday 20 August | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Inherited by Rebekah Lane
Inherited is Rebekah Lane’s first exhibition. Closely tied to her personal journey of identity, and what she describes as filling in big ‘holes’ inside, the works in Inherited represent the peace she has found knowing exactly who she is, and the incredible beauty of the ACT where she found that solace.
Friday 7 July until Sunday 20 August | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Reflections of Country by Kayannie Denigan
Inspired by Kayannie’s dual connections to Central Australia and Cape York, this vibrant and colouful collection explores the rainforest, beaches and rivers of Far North Queensland and the stunning deserts of her Luritja heritage. Through new mediums (including sand collected at Coloured Sands, driftwood, and drone photography) she reflects on Country, family, distance and connection.
Friday 7 July until Sunday 20 August | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Nan Goldin
A sequence of 126 Cibachrome photographs by revolutionary American photographer Nan Goldin between 1973 and 1986, The Ballad of Sexual Dependency is Goldin’s most famous work (and one of the cornerstones of contemporary photography). Decades-long in the making, The Ballad is a rare acquisition for the NGA and a must-see for anyone interested in people and their social and cultural context.
Saturday 8 July until Sunday 28 January 2024 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
CMAG’s Press Photography Collection
On display for the first time, this remarkable collection of over 3,500 press photographs captures the essence of Canberra, its people, and the events that shaped both the city and the nation. Expect to see everything from serious and historic to thought-provoking, artistic, funny, and touching as you explore the stories behind the images that have graced the front pages of renowned newspapers like The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Saturday 8 July until Sunday 15 October | Canberra Museum and GalleryCnr London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City | cmag.com.au
Sea Poems
Including two styles of Jane Millington’s artwork, this exhibition is a must see. The first part of the exhibition focuses on soft blending to create the liquid undulations of the ocean while the second is more linear, using strong lines that run off the canvas edge to create a sense of boundlessness. Freeform and curved lines lead through both these styles, communicating the flow and direction of both the water and our emotional response to it.
Until Sunday 9 July | Aarwun Gallery, Shop 11, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls | aarwungallery.com.au
Del Amor Y Los Animales
The artworks in this exhibition have been chosen by artist Carlos Barrios, who was studio assistant to the late artist John Olsen for many years. Reminding us to be present in the moment, this exhibition explores the feeling of loving another, expressions of love for animals and nature. These works are offerings and studies of moments where people, places and animals coexist.
Until Sunday 9 July | Aarwun Gallery, Shop 11, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls | aarwungallery.com.au
Our Coloured Earth – Abstract Impressions
The first solo exhibition in Canberra of New Zealand born artist Lisa Taylor King, in this exhibition you will feel the pull, the sense of awe and power, in our landscape and nature. We won’t say anymore—you’ll have to go see if for yourself.
Until Sunday 9 July | Aarwun Gallery, Shop 11, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls | aarwungallery.com.au
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023
The National Photographic Portrait Prize is back for 2023. Selected from a national field of entries, the exhibition reflects the distinctive vision of Australia’s aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.
Until Monday 2 October | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
How Cities Work
From sewers to skyscrapers, this interactive family exhibition reveals the secret workings of our busy urban centres. Bringing to life the best-selling book of the same name, visitors big and small will be able to traverse a spectacular cityscape full of tactile and sensory activities, including a lively hands-on construction site, a futuristic design station and a towering two-metre-high cityscape.
Until Sunday 8 October | Canberra Museum and Gallery, Corner London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City | Book here.
Workshops, webinars and more
Magic Camp School Holiday Program
In this school holiday program the kids will take an amazing adventure into the exciting world of magic as they learn incredible magic tricks, play awesome games, and make friends! Running for a week, Magic Campers will participate in a full agenda of fun and inventive activities, including their “trick of the day.” If that’s not enough, campers will also be exposed to outdoor activities, secrets to illusions, improvisation, magic performances and a variety of games!
Monday 3 until Friday 7 July | Canberra Girls Grammar Junior School Hall, Grey Street, Deakin | Book here.
Monologues: Page to Stage one-day workshop
Preparing for an audition or want to be more confident on the stage? This workshop will build your confidence and love of performing solo as you develop acting techniques through practical exercises and apply them to a monologue script, building physical and vocal skills.
Tuesday 4 July | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Puppet Construction Workshop
In honour of the visiting Megafauna puppets, this workshop will delve into a world of creature design and puppet construction a fun and hands-on experience. Participants will be invited to travel back to the Pleistocene era to design and create their own ancient inspired puppet character. Suitable for ages 8 to 18, students will also be introduced to the hierarchy of manipulation and learn the three principles of puppetry to bring their character to life.
Tuesday 4 July | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Crosbie Morrison Building, Acton | Book here.
Australia Property and Education Expo
Want to learn more about property? This expo is full of experts in property investment, property management and education. Explore over 70 exhibitors, watch the live seminar section and keep en eye out for plenty of prizes to be won.
Friday 7 July | National Convention Centre, 31 Constitution Ave, Canberra City | cbrexpo.com
Megafauna
Visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens to see life-size diprotodons by award-winning design-led theatre masterminds Dead Puppet Society. Roving the Gardens during the day near the Friends Lawn and Pollen Café and exploring during the night at all MEGAfauna afterDARK sessions, this is a rare opportunity to come face to face with these ancient giants as they stop to feed and interact with passers-by.
Until Friday 7 July | Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Book here.
Design Challenge School Holiday Program
At the National Museum of Australia, step into a world of innovation inspired by the captivating new exhibition, Material World. In this program, the kids will get hands-on with a variety of unique materials as they explore their properties and experience process of design thinking—from brainstorming to building and tackling real-world problems along the way.
Friday 7 until Friday 14 July | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Art Steps for Haegue Yang
Have you seen the Haegue Yang: Changing From From To From exhibition? In this workshop your children can create abstract sculptures inspired by Haegue Yang’s artistic approach, playing with movement, colour and sound. Places are limited and booking is encouraged!
Until Sunday 16 July | National Gallery, Parkes Place East, Parkes | Book here.
Diprotodon Insights
Join children’s author Bronwyn Saunders (of Diprotodon: A megafauna journey) at the Paperbark Garden to hear all about the largest marsupial to ever have lived. Take the kids along to this special event to learn all about the Diprotodon’s quirks, behaviour and diet; and the environment megafauna lived in.
Until Saturday 29 July | Paperbark Garden, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Book here.
Feature image: Ben Calvert Photography.
