Xmas in July, the Handmade Markets, a whisky masterclass and so much more: 30+ ways to spend the last week of June

Posted on 24 June, 2024

It’s the last week of June – here’s how to spend it.

Highlights include indulging in raclette stations, sipping on whisky, and buying goodies from local makers. There’s no excuse to hibernate!

Special Events and Festivals

James and The Giant Peach 

From the company behind the smash-hit, adored seasons of Fantastic Mr Fox, The Twits and George’s Marvellous Medicine, get ready for a bold new theatrical adaption of one of the most loved children’s classic books.

Bringing Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach to life, the whole family is invited to join James and his collection of curious critters on an enchanting, great escape from his backyard, across the world, to New York and back again. Bursting with magic, mischief and mayhem, if you’ve read the book and seen the movie, don’t miss this.

Wednesday 26 until Friday 29 June | Canberra Theatre Centre | Tickets here.

The Xmas in July Festival

Real Christmas trees, wooden huts, hot chocolate, mulled wine, Christmas lights and melted cheese stations…our favourite European-style Christmas Market is back this winter. After a tres successful year last year that saw over  60,000 people attending the free festival, French Christmas vibes are back for one long weekend of seasonal deliciousness from Thursday 27 until Sunday 30 June.

Expect mulled wine and falling snow to melted cheese (raclette!) stations, real Christmas trees, wooden huts, hot chocolate, mulled wine, Christmas lights and live music.

Thursday 27 until Sunday 30 June | National Rose Gardens, Parkes | More information here.

Whisky Stories at Midnight

Want to escape the winter chill? A whisky masterclass might be what you need. You can sip and snack your way through what might just be the most delicious celebration of the acclaimed Scottish whisky, Glenfiddich.

Focusing on the outstanding whiskeys of the Glenfiddich Collection, during Whisky Stories at Midnight you’ll receive an arrival cocktail featuring Glenfiddich Original Twelve whisky, a tasting board of hand-picked Glenfiddich expressions, a charcuterie board to share AND (if that’s not enough) a personalised 700ml bottle of Glenfiddich Original Twelve to take home. We promise this event will leave you in high spirits.

Thursday 27 June, 6 pm – 8 pm | Midnight Bar, 1 Elouera Street, Ground Floor Braddon | Book here.

Friends with Her x HerCanberra

Friends With Her x HerCanberra is back at Highball this June for our next networking and friend-making event.

Get ready for a night of laughter, connection, and empowerment with people you know or want to know. See you there?

Thursday 27 June, 6 pm – 7.30 pm | Highball Bar, 77 London Circuit, City | Registration is required via Eventbrite

Southside Bookfair

It’s time for the Lifeline Canberra Bookfair to make its annual trip down south to the Tuggeranong Southern Cross Basketball stadium for the Southside Bookfair!

Held at the Tuggeranong Southern Cross Basketball Stadium, the Lifeline Canberra’s Southside Bookfair brings book-lovers across the region a vast array of books, from ancient history to science fiction, craft to politics, self-help to children’s books. You’ll also find magazines, sheet music, comics, maps, atlases, records and CDs, DVDs, games, jigsaws and more. There’s something for everyone!

Friday 28 until Sunday 30 June | Tuggeranong Southern Cross Basketball Stadium, 7 Pitman Street, Greenway | More information here.

Flow & Co’s Opening Weekend Workshops

This weekend across 29-30 June, book in for a workshop for just $11.11 at Flow & Co’s new Woden and Campbell studios. Offering pole dance, Pilates, Hoop, mobility, yoga and strength and conditioning classes, there’s something for everyone to try (and fall in love with) for the first time.

Offered across Saturday and Sunday, choose from Foundations: Pole, Foundations: Flow, Pole Tricks and Transitions, Static Basework, Pole Flow, Trending Tricks, Fix&Flex, Acro, Hoop Tricks and Transitions, Hard Style Flow, Floor Flow, Inversions and even Intro to Lifting – all for just $11.11 each.

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June | Flow & Co, Campbell and Woden | Find out more here

The Handmade Markets

It’s baaaaack! Head along to this award-winning indoor market to support small businesses, meet the makers and find unique Australian-made items.

With everything from fashion, to an indoor gourmet food and wine pavilion, you’ll be sure to discover something.

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June, 10 am – 4 pm | Exhibition Park (EPIC), Budawang and Coorong Pavilions, Lyneham | More information here.

Paws Party

You’d be barking mad to miss this! Bring your furry friends for a dazzling day of fun and entertainment at Haig Park.

From a magical live performance to learning new tricks with your pup, live music, a professional pawtographer and the popular Stick Library, there’s plenty to see and do.

Sunday 30 June, 11 am – 1 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | More information here.

International Passivhaus Open Day

Explore cutting-edge energy-efficient homes and experience first hand what it feels like to be in a toasty warm house in the middle of a Canberra winter with minimal heating.

International Passivhaus Day is an annual event and this year Canberra is showcasing four state-of-the-art homes and one pioneering office. This event allows the public to explore and learn about the benefits of passivhaus design, renowned for its energy efficiency, comfort, health and sustainability. You’ll have the chance to tour four distinct passive homes as well as meet architects, builders, and homeowners who will share insights into the design and construction of passivhaus buildings.

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June | Various locations | Register here.

Dept of Rock All Stars – Cranked Division

In 2023, Dept of Rock launched Canberra’s inaugural public sector battle of the bands competition. To further showcase and encourage musical creatives in government, Dept of Rock has invited bands back from last year’s competition to Smiths Alternative to play some special ‘All Star’ gigs.

Cranked Division this Saturday 29 June will feature five great bands full of public servant rock stars playing a mix of upbeat, high-energy covers and originals. Dept of Rock events are fun, entertaining and uniquely Canberra!

Saturday 29 June, 12 to 5 pm | Smith’s Alternative, Melbourne Building, 76 Alinga St Canberra City | Tickets $15 (one band) $20 (whole show) | Buy them here

Markets

Super Sunday

The Old Bus Depot Markets is pulling together some of the best stalls from the Multicultural, Designer and Collectable markets and it promises to be one of the most bustling events at the Old Bus Depot.

Head along to try some freshly baked treats, eye artful accessories from long-time jewellers, try on the latest styles from local designers and much more.

Sunday 30 June | The Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information 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

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

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 from Saturday 8 June 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

A Street Car Named Desire

It’s a classic story that’s been loved for decades. And now, (following their acclaimed production of Speaking in Tongues) Free-Rain Theatre Company returns in 2024 with one of the most influential plays of the twentieth century.

Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans in 1947 – the same year the play was written – when Blanche unexpectedly visits her estranged sister Stella, she brings with her a past that will threaten their future. Reality and illusion collide and a violent conflict changes their lives forever in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire.

Until Saturday 29 June | ACT Hub, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | Book here.

The Dataset

A bold new contemporary dance work by Canberra’s award-winning Australian Dance Party, this performance is a dance between two bodies, light, sound, and data.

Imagining a world where dancers physicalise the data that forms them and interrogate its purpose and power, The Dataset explores the complex relationship between humanity and data.

Thursday 27 until Sunday 29 June, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm | The Vault, Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.

Grand Kyiv Ballet: Forest Song & Don Quixote

By popular demand, The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine is coming back to Canberra to once again present their double bill of Forest Song & Don Quixote.

Act One will see them perform the legendary ballet Forest Song, while Act Two brings the flamboyant and festive Spanish ballet. It’s a not-to-be-missed experience.

Friday 28 until Sunday 30 June, 7:30 pm – 10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.

MONSTER FEST WEEKENDER: SLASHER EDITION

After a five-year hiatus, the highly anticipated horror film festival MONSTER FEST is making a triumphant return to Canberra and all we can say is be afraid. Be very afraid.

Showing exclusively at Dendy Canberra, it promises to deliver a blood-pumping lineup that will slice and dice its way through the nation’s capital.

Friday 28 until Saturday 29 June | Dendy Canberra, City | Book here. 

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

The funny is coming to you as Australia’s biggest and best comedy festival hits the road for a huge 26th year! Get ready for a stellar line-up with Roadshow favourites alongside the most talked-about breakthrough stars of the moment, together in one jam-packed show.

Saturday 29 June, 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.

Music

ANU Community Music Centre Wamburang Women’s Choir

This is an  evening of choral music led by Ngunnawal musician, Alinta Barlow. The choir will explore contemporary music and Indigenous languages of Australia.

Monday 24 June, 6 pm – 7 pm | Larry Sitsky Recital Room, ANU School of Music, William Herbert Place, Building 100, City | Book here.

Tina: The Ultimate Tribute

Brimming with Tina Turner hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, this electrifying concert experience will pay tribute to one of the 20th century’s biggest names in music.

See Caroline Borole live on stage, complete with band, brass section, backing vocalists and dancers as she plays all the hits you know and love.

Tuesday 25 June, 8 pm – 9:30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.

Mozart in Winter

Soprano Madeline Anderson and pianist Hilda Visser-Scott are coming to the Wesley Music Centre to bring some lightness to the cold and slack of winter in their program dedicated to Mozart.

Wednesday 26 June, 12:40 pm – 1:20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.

Boney M – The Farewell Tour

Calling all disco ducks, this one is for you. Disco Superstars Boney M Featuring Maizie Williams will be performing all their greatest hits including ‘Rasputin’ ‘Daddy Cool’ ‘Ma Baker’ ‘Gotta Go Home’ ‘Rivers Of Babylon’ ‘Brown Girl In The Ring’ ‘Sunny’ and  more with a full live band!

Grab your dancing shows, cause this will be a disco inferno of epic proportions.

Sunday 30 June, 7:30 pm – 9 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.

Opera Gems for a Winter’s Eve

Love opera? We’ll leave this here. Join the National Opera Chorus for a fun afternoon of your operatic favourites (including those you haven’t heard yet!), featuring professional local performers. Plus, there will also be an afternoon tea!

Sunday 30 June, 3 pm – 5 pm | Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall Street, Barton | Book here.

The Stars Turn

Capturing the essence of The Song Company’s vibrant history, this performance draws inspiration from the iconic masterpiece by Peter Sculthorpe of the same name.

Celebrating the past, present and future of  The Song Company, from musical milestones to highlighting the next generation of composers whose talents light up the musical sky, it will be a mesmerising show.

Sunday 30 June, 3 pm – 4:10 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.

Exhibitions

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.

Friday 28 June until Sunday 27 October | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, 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.

Gardens of Academe

All inspired and created on the grounds of the Australian National University, don’t miss the latest watercolour and charcoal artworks by Elizabeth Truswell.

Showing at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, the exhibition reflects the landscaped gardens from the lower slopes of Black Mountain and Sullivans creek.

Until Sunday 30 June | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Visitor Centre Gallery, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | 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.

From Saturday 29 June 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.

From Saturday 29 June until Monday 7 October | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.

Temple at the NFSA

Created by Australian artists Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban, this contemplative artwork celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of native cockatoos.

Temple invites us to reflect on the wonder of nature and our place within it.

Until Sunday 30 June | NFSA Acton | nfsa.gov.au

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.

Sport

State of Origin: Game Two at the ONYX Lounge

Head along to the ONYX Lounge to catch game two of the State of Origin! Cheer on your team and make a night of it.

Wednesday 26 June, 5 pm – 11 pm | Onyx Lounge @ Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | More information here.

UFC 303

Are you ready to watch the GOAT return to centre stage? Conor McGregor is back and facing off against his Ultimate Fighter rival, Michael Chandler.

Watch it live at Casino Canberra, grab yourself something to eat and don’t miss this massive fight card.

Sunday 30 June, 12 pm – 3 pm | Onyx Lounge @ Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | More information here.

Workshops, Tours and Talks

The Trust Fall: Julian Assange Special Screening + In Conversation

Award -winning Australian journalist and publisher Julian Assange ignited a firestorm of controversy in 2010 following explosive WikiLeaks disclosures. The Trust Fall: Julian Assange examines the significance of the insights that WikiLeaks shared with the world, the subsequent behaviour of multiple governments, the extraordinary personal risk taken by Assange, and broader questions of press freedom and public interest.

This special screening will be followed by a panel conversation with members of the Bring Julian Assange Home Parliamentary Group: Josh Wilson MP, Bridget Archer MP and Andrew Wilkie MP.

Tuesday 25 June, 6 pm – 9 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.