From Bonfire Night to boozy hot chocolate: why Canberrans should embrace the cold at this year’s Winter Festival

Posted on 14 July, 2025

Winter in Canberra gets a bad rap. While other cities seem to bask in endless sunshine, we’re here rugging up and wondering if spring will ever arrive.

But what if we told you that our chilly season is actually when some of the region’s most incredible produce comes alive? The Southern Harvest Winter Festival is back to prove that winter eating in the capital is anything but boring.

Running from Friday 8 until Sunday 10 August at the Dairy Road precinct in Fyshwick, this three-day celebration challenges everything you thought you knew about local winter produce.

Building on the success of the Truffle Festival while including a broader range of local producers and introducing attendees to the joys of seasonal eating in the colder months, it sounds like it’s offering a delicious education about Canberra’s cool climate.

“We really want to show people the abundance of local food grown in our region in winter. Root vegetables and brassicas get sweeter, the new season olive oil has just been pressed, and there’s lots of zingy citrus to keep winter bugs at bay,” says Southern Harvest General Manager, Ruth Gaha-Morris.

“Eating seasonally means embracing what grows best in our region. And we want to show everyone that Winter food is delicious!”

The festival kicks off on Friday night with something deliciously primal – a proper Bonfire Night.

Picture a pasture-raised pork from Branch & Burrow Farm slowly rotating on a spit while flames crackle nearby, while Ambrosia Distillery serves boozy hot chocolates (because regular hot chocolate is lovely, but boozy hot chocolate is next-level winter comfort).  Holdfast Distillery will be pouring seasonal cocktails and local wineries will be offering tastings by the glass. And with a DJ spinning tunes and the hypnotic dance of fire, it’s the perfect excuse to lean into the season rather than hiding from it.

For those can’t resist a winter market, Saturday will transform the precinct into a bustling wonderland – and if last year’s turnout is anything to go by, this will be the place to be. The focus is unashamedly local, showcasing everything from seasonal vegetables that taste better in the cold to handmade crafts that celebrate our region’s creativity. And if that’s not enough, local food trucks will be cooking with produce sourced from nearby farms.

But it’s Sunday that might just steal the show for food lovers.

Instead of a single big event, the day will unfold as a series of intimate experiences across Fyshwick. You could start your morning with a coffee cupping session at Barrio’s roastery, learning about the subtle notes and flavors that make each bean special. From there, perhaps wander to Contentious Character for a long lunch celebrating local produce, before ending the day learning cocktail techniques at Ambrosia or diving deep into truffle knowledge with local Chef Christophe Gregoire.

Because it’s not a winter event without truffles.

“Using truffles can be a wonderful way to create a bit of luxury, but they don’t have to be exclusive: truffles are for everyone!” says Ruth.

“We’re really excited to see people embrace winter with our program of events. Let’s not hide away under the blankets until spring: this is a great time to come together and build community over a cup of hot chocolate or some warming winter soup.”

Forget hibernating, this sounds like the perfect motivation to get out of the house (and out from under the heater).