Just like that and we are already in July, the month of midyear Christmas festivities, school holidays and NAIDOC Week.
CW has compiled a list of activities and events to keep you warm, entertained, and happy all month long.
Christmas in July: A taste of Christmas in the northern hemisphere comes to the capital for four days of festivities, Parkes Place West Lawns, 30 June-3 July; christmasinjuly.com.au
Skate in the City: Open air ice skating is accompanied by hot drinks at the onsite café as Civic Square transforms into a winter wonderland, 1-17 July; winter.inthecity.com.au
Winter Village: Is it the Swiss Alps or the Canberra Centre? It’s hard to tell the difference withSwiss cheese tasting, gingerbread building, workshops and falling ‘snow’, City Walk entrance, 1-17 July; canberracentre.qicre.com
MEGAfauna: Myths and legends: Take a step back in time at the Australian National Botanic Gardens as you search the gardens for megafauna, 1-31 July; anbg.gov.au
Whine and Weave: First Nations artist Rechelle Turner hosts an evening of wine and weaving, sharing traditional skills accompanied by a live performance from Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Friday 1 July 6pm; humanitix.com
Ash Grunwald: Brings his blues and roots tour Shout Into the Noise to The Street, City West, Friday 1 July 8pm; thestreet.org.au
Disconnected: An evolving NFT makes it way to Canberra for one weekend, as more people are connected to the internet the more it grows, shining light on the fact that many people still lack the education, access to medical information and social connection that comes from being online. Commonwealth Place, 1-3 July; disconnectednft.xyz
MEGAfauna afterdark: Experience the Australian National Botanic Gardens at night, hunt for megafauna, and enjoy local Bunyip story and song, 2-9 July. Costs apply; anbg.gov.au
Decadence & Debauchery: A night full of classic strip teases, burlesque, circus performances and comedy acts presented byJazida Productions, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Saturday 2 July 8pm; events.humanitix.com
Rusten House: Two new exhibitions – Paul Martin’s oil and water paintings in The Exploration of Space, and a showcase of a group of artists whose work includes stone, bronze, and clay to create natural forms and figurative works in Exploring Sculpture, Rusten House Art Centre, Queanbeyan, 2-23 July; qprc.nsw.gov.au
NAIDOC in the North: Belco Arts collaborates with centres, libraries and pubs across the Territory’s north to host activities celebrating First Nations People including bushland food tastings, weaving classes and storytelling, 2-9 July; belcoarts.com.au
Live at the Polo: Experience the eclectic vibe of Las Chavos and the Decideds in a night of Latin-gypsy-disco-swing fusion music, at Polish Australian Club, Turner, Saturday 2 July 7.30pm; trybooking.com
Hannah Acfield: Melbourne folk singer-songwriter brings her No Light Without Shade tour to Smith’s Alternative, City West, 2 July 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Pialligo Estate: A brunch to remember featuring the estate’s own smokehouse meats, indulgent sweets, and cheeky mimosas. Sunday 3 July 10am; thepialligoestate.com.au
Dairy Road Markets: Cellar door wine tastings, local produce, handmade goods and arts and crafts are just some of the things on offer at the monthly market, Sunday 3 July 11am-3pm; free tickets via humanitix.com
Hartley Hall Markets: The rural markets offer fresh produce, baked good, plants, furniture and so much more, Hall Showground, Sunday 3 July 10am-3pm; hartley.org.au
Hand to Earth: An evening of beautiful Australian Art Orchestra featuring the voices of Yolnju songman Daniel Wilfred joined by jazz vocalist Sunny Kim, National Museum of Australia, Sunday 3 July 6pm; nma.gov.au
Craft ACT: Two exhibitions come to an end – Collide + Divide; a discipline-bending object showcase, and Fire Country, a photographic showcase telling the story of fires impacts on our country’s landscape, Craft ACT Gallery, Civic until 2 July.
Canberra REP: The final shows of the REP’s production of Joseph Kesselring’s timeless class Arsenic and Old Lace, Canberra REP Theatre, until 2 July; canberrarep.org.au
Old Bus Depot Markets: The much-loved markets run every Sunday at Old Bus Depot in Kingston 9.30am-2.30pm; obdm.com.au
Belco Arts: Four exhibitions conclude on 3 July – Vessel; Upending | Mending; Entwined; and Circles of Nature – atBelconnen Arts Centre; belcoarts.com.au
Aarwun: Three exhibitions come to an end – Millie Black’s In wilderness, Malcom Pettigrove’s Tree, Stone and Lovespoon, and Raewyn Carboni’sThree passions – Colour, Movement, Light – atAarwun Gallery, Nicholls, until 3 July; aarwungallery.com
The Sound of Music: An encore run of Queanbeyan Players’ production of this much-loved musical, at The Q Theatre, Queanbeyan, until 3 July; theq.net.au
Feather Flower Workshop: With Gamilaroi Yularoi woman Sarah Loynes as part of Woden Arts NAIDOC Week, Woden Library, Tuesday 5 July 12.15pm and 1pm; tuggeranongarts.com
Get up! Stand up! Show up!: A day with live music, workshops and Indigenous art works as part of Woden Arts NADIDOC Week celebration. Woden library, Tuesday 5 July 10.30 am; tuggeranongarts.com
Ellen Briggs: Joins the Canberra Comedy Club along with Emo Parsonson and local supports to entertain the crowd at Louie Louie, Verity Lane, Wednesday 6 July 7.30pm; www.trybooking.com
Monster Truffle Dinner: Expect the unexpected with Monster Kitchen & Bar’s inaugural truffle dinner consisting of four courses, all vegetarian, all with truffles. Chef Matthew Bentley will be taking guests on a culinary journey, showcasing a different truffle from Farmer Frank from Hidden Valley Farm (Goulburn) in every dish. Tickets: $150; add $59 for matching truffle drinks. Tickets are available here, bookings essential.
The Allusionist: The award-winning podcast brings its new stage show Your name here to the Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre, Thursday 7 July 7pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Amy Shark: The Australian singer-songwriter sensation brings her 2022 regional tour to Canberra Theatre, 8 July 7.30pm; amyshark.com
Bandaluzia Flamenco: The acclaimed ensemble Bandaluzia led by guitarist Damian Wright play Bicentennial Hall, Queanbeyan, 8 July 8pm; theq.net.au
Bella Taylor-Smith: The winner of the Voice Australia 2021 launches her new EP Look Me in the Eyes ahead of her first solo headline tour. The Street Theatre, Friday 8 July 8pm; thestreet.org.au
Step Change: Is a large scale painting, video and sound work that explores the urgency of our need to transition into the age of climate crisis, produced by artist Alexander Boynes, environmentalist Mandy Martin and composer Tristen Parr. Belconnen Arts Centre, 8 July- 21 August; belcoarts.com.au
ANU Classics Museum: Free tours conducted by voluntary guides on the second Friday of each month at 12.30pm in the A D Hope Building, ANU; call 0438 883 373.
A Pooch Affair: Break out the feathers and pearls, this year’s theme is Gatsby- the roaring 20s, enjoy a day filled with live music, the launch of the Pooch Burgers, Beers and Pastries Bar and so much more! EPIC, Saturday 9 July 10am-3pm; trybooking.com
Christmas in July Markets: Christmas-inspired food, gourmet treats, mulled wine, handmade gifts, and competitions at Queanbeyan Showground beginning with a sensory hour, Saturday 9 July 10am-3pm.
Dilly Purse Weaving: Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta artist Angela Jane Pisciotta Firebrace teaches attendees how to create their own dilly purse, Gungahlin Library, Saturday 9 July 2pm; belcoarts.com.au
Fanny Lumsden: The award-winning country music singer-songwriter and her band The Pack bring their Deep in the Fallow tour to the Street Theatre, City West, Saturday 9 July 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au
The Year of Magical Thinking: Joan Didion’s celebrated memoir is brought to life by award-winning actor Jillian Murray at The Q Theatre, Queanbeyan, 9 July 2pm and 8pm; theq.net.au
Tea Ritual & Renewal: Amore Tea takes you on a journey into the world of Single Estate Teas and the healing powers of Australian Wildflowers while enjoying the delights of the iconic Hyatt High Tea. Hyatt Hotel, Saturday 9 July 3pm; eventbrite.com.au
Eclectic Ensemble: A collection of works by Rosemary Brock at the Kyeema Gallery, Hall, until 10 July; capitalwines.com.au
Abstractions: Internationally renowned ceramics artist Owen Rye brings his latest exploration of ceramic sculpture and photography to Canberra Potters in Watson, until 10 July; canberrapotters.com.au
Pialligo Estate: Hosts a Winter Harvest Feast featuring supple meats and a delectable dessert, the perfect cure for a cold afternoon. Pialligo Estate, Sunday 10 July 11:20am; thepialligoestate.com.au
Kulture Break: Winter holiday program includes dance workshops, crafts and excursions to some of the Territory’s kid friendly hot spots, 11-15 July; kulturebreak.com
Manning Clark Lecture: In it 22nd instalment, Professor of Business and Economics Ross Garnaut AC explains RESET: Restoration of Australia after the Pandemic Recession, at RSSS auditorium, Ellery Crescent, ANU, 12 July 6pm; trybooking.com
The Bigger the Better: Dr Lyndall Dawson talks megafauna and the controversary surrounding there disappearance, was it really better for them to be bigger? National Botanic Gardens, Tuesday 12 July 12:30pm; free however bookings are encouraged trybooking.com
Story + Party: True dating stories, a night to make you feel better about your own dating life. The Street Theatre, Wednesday 13 July 7.30 pm; www.thestreet.org.au
Wesley Music Centre: Clarinetist Helena Maher is joined by pianist Lucus Allerton to perform works by Mozart, Pierne, Poulenc and Andy Firth. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Wednesday 13 July 12.40pm; wesleycanberra.org.au
Friends! The Musical Parody: The new musical that lovingly lampoons the beloved 1990s sitcom comes to The Playhouse, Civic, 13-15 July; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Urinetown the Musical: Debut production from the Heart Strings Theatre Co. A 20-year drought has led the government to ban private toilets, charging admission for one of our most basic needs. Canberra Theatre Centre, 14-24 July; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Alright Hey!: Hits Canberra with his show A Night with Australia’s Biggest Glamazon, a night of fun, laughs and glam, The Street Theatre, Thursday 14 July 7pm; patronbase.com
National Botanic Talk: Professor Justin Borevitz talks precision landscape regeneration and the methods which could be used. National Botanic Gardens, Thursday 14 July 12:30pm; parksaustralia.gov.au
Christmas in July: Pialligo Estate celebrates the happiest time of mid-year with a spectacular Christmas feast each day on 15-17 July; thepialligoestate.com.au
Steve Kilbey: In this intimate show, Kilbey performs song from Heyday and Starfish by The Church, supported by Canberra’s own Kim Yang. The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, Friday 15 July 7pm; belcoarts.com.au
TAC: Three exhibitions celebrating First Nations artists – Rechelle Turner, Aidan Hartshorn, and Jessika Spencer – continue at Tuggeranong Arts Centre until 16 July; tuggeranongarts.com.
Mixing Room Gallery: Eggpicnic, a Canberra-based conservation-focused design studio brings Australian wildlife to life in their Between me and you exhibition at Thor’s Hammer, Griffith, until 16 July; thors.com.au
Kippax Marketplace: Indoor market runs third Saturday of every month, 8am-12pm, at Kippax Uniting Church Community Centre; free entry.
MoAD: Home to a host of exhibitions, such as: Democracy DNA; Statement: Jack Green’s Paintings; and Behind the Lines 2021, at Old Parliament House. Free entry; bookings encouraged.
Kulture Break Open Day: An all-access pass to dance classes and giveaways. Gungahlin and Tuggeranong studios, Saturday 16 July; eventbrite.com.au
Melinda Schneider: Brings her Love Songs tour to The Street, City West, 16 July 8pm; thestreet.org.au
Tex Perkins: Returns with Matt Walker in this special show that spans Tex’s impressive catalogue right up to some brand-new songs, at Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo, Saturday 16 July 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
Deborah Francis-White: Will do a live recording of her The Guilty Feminist podcast at The Playhouse, Civic, 17 July; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Shakespeare to Winehouse: Iconic works from the National Portrait Gallery London on show at Canberra’s National Portrait Gallery, Parkes, until 17 July; portrait.gov.au
Australians in Hollywood: A new exhibition at the National Film and Sound Archive with a host of unseen treasures from Australian cinema until 17 July; nfsa.gov.au
Nancy Sever Gallery: Presents Daam Booroo| Reflections on Country which showcases the recent works of four Indigenous artists from the Warmun Arts Centre. Nancy Sever Gallery, until 17 July; nancysevergallery.com.au
Anita McIntyre: New exhibition Survey 1970- 2022 showcases some of her earliest works from student days to current creations. Strathnairn Arts Woolshed Gallery, Holt, until 17 July; strathnairn.com.au
Material Purpose: An experimental exhibition brings community members into the creation process with four local artists. ANCA Gallery, Dickson, until 17 July; anca.net.au
Canberra ADFAS: presents an exciting evening with Dr Peter McNeil talking about the icons and creators of British fashion from the 1920s to the 1960s,National Library of Australia, Monday 18 July 6pm, Entry is $30 and includes refreshments. Email [email protected]
Xcel Music night: An evening of music at the Kulture Break open night, meet coaches and learn more about the program. Awaken Church, Kambah, Thursday 19 July 4pm; eventbrite.com.au
Sex Under the Sea: A trivia night where the frisky secrets of the deep sea meet Disney. Hellenic Club, City, Friday 22 July 6.30pm; eventbrite.com.au
Unravel: Canberra-based choreographers Bonnie Neate and Suzy Pani produce this contemporary take on Shakespeare classic Romeo & Juliet, Erindale Theatre, 22-23 July; stickytickets.com.au
Tallagandra Hill: The Gundaroo vineyard hosts Shane Nicholson with Camille Trail, Saturday 23 July 7pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
Jack Carty: Launches his new album Wake to a Bright Morning at The Street Theatre, Saturday 23 July 8pm; thestreet.org.au
Gamma.con: Canberra’s own pop culture festival, come check out Anime, Cosplay, Tabletop games, panels and more. National Convention Centre, 23-24 July; gammacon.org.au
Sunset at the Street With…: Wild Voices Music Theatre students share their works through song, dance and acted performances, The Street Theatre, Sunday 24 July 4pm; thestreet.org.au
Barren Ground: A first seen work in progress of the Street’s performance of Helen Machalias’ Barren Ground, The Street Theatre, Sunday 24 July 4pm; thestreet.org.au
Art Song: Returns with a Romantic classics performance from tenor Andrew Goodwin and pianist John Martin, Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, Sunday 24 July 3pm; artsongcanberra.org
Decoded: This exhibition covering 75 years of the Australian Signals Directorate continues at the National Museum of Australia, Acton until 24 July; nma.gov.au
50 Shades of Potato: Monster Kitchen and Bar present the second instalment of their Plant’d Hero Dinner Series, with a luxurious celebration of the world’s favourite carb, the potato. Wednesday 27 July 6.30pm; dinner and dessert is $95 per person or $160 with matching beverages. To book, click here.
Collective Memory: Canberra Symphony Orchestra present an incisive program of Australian contemporary classical music. National Museum, Thursday 28 July 6.30pm; cso.org.au
Thriving Teens: A night dedicated to teens who want to thrive full of a team of amazing speakers who will motivate teens to best and happiest selves. JAGA Swanson Court, Friday 29 July 5.30pm; www.eventbrite.com.au
The Faim: Bring their Talk Talk Australian tour to Canberra on Friday 29 July 8pm at Transit Bar; moshtix.com.au
Barren Ground: A first seen performance of Helen Machalias’ work in progress at The Street Theatre, Friday 29 July 5pm; thestreet.org.au
The Pop Inn: Returns from their winter break with an afternoon of drinks, fish and chips courtesy of The Italian Traveller and live music from Mr. Michael Liu. The National Carillion, Saturday 30 July 12pm.
Handmade Markets: Canberra’s favourite food and design market returns to Exhibition Park for two days, 30-31 July; handmadecanberra.com.au
Canberra Rally Experience: Motor clubs from the Canberra region and near by coastal areas are coming together to help raise money for Motor Neurone Disease Research Australia, strap yourself into a rally car and see what it feels like to go flying through the forrest with Australian Rally champion Harry Bates. Kowen Forrest, Sunday 31 July from 10.30am; canberrarallyexperience.com.au
The 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Featuring 35 artists from across Australia, the exhibition, titled Ceremony, continues at the NGA until 31 July; nga.gov.au
Discount Gallery: Host an exhibition this month featuring watercolours by Isla Patterson and still life in oils by Robert Riggs. Discount Gallery & Framers, Belconnen, until 31 July.
Sing Australia: No auditions required – just a love of singing, friendship, and fun. Weekly sessions at: Belconnen, Thursday 9.30am; Duntroon, Monday 7.30pm; Greenway, Monday 1pm. Costs apply; singaustralia.com.au
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