Warm up during some of winter’s coldest days with the Christmas in July markets. Photo: Christmas in July, Facebook.
Canberra is a busy place this week, with plenty to do, from opera events to film screenings and marathons, Christmas in July Markets, live music, exhibitions at the National Museum, sport and more.
Christmas in July is here, transforming the heart of Canberra at Parkes Place with a European-inspired winter festival featuring wooden chalets, fairy lights, nutcrackers, fondue, bratwursts, schnitzel, crepes, waffles, pastries, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
The National Opera holds a medley exploring the concept of the “Don” in Italian Opera. It is sure to be a unique exploration of some of the towering figures in the opera world, featuring Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, Don Pasquale, La Gioconda, and Attila.
All this and a whole lot more across the capital in the days to come.
Multiple Days
Drawing on works including Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, Don Pasquale, La Gioconda, and Attila, this production moves beyond a traditional concert format to present a dynamic sequence of fully staged scenes. Photo: National Opera Canberra.
National Opera Canberra presents The Dons
When: 27 June, 7 pm and 28 June, 2 pm
Where: 15 Childers St, City West, Canberra
Cost: Ticket prices vary | Book online.
National Opera is developing an ambitious new project that explores the many faces of the “Don” in Italian opera—figures defined by status, power, and social authority, yet endlessly varied in character.
Featuring Canberra’s finest operatic voices, the production is further enriched by the powerful presence of the National Opera Chorus, whose collective energy underscores the grandeur and theatricality of the Italian operatic tradition.
Works included in this amazing production include Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, Don Pasquale, La Gioconda and Attila.
The result is an all-Italian opera extravaganza that is as intellectually engaging as it is musically thrilling, an exploration of status, identity, and human complexity through some of the repertoire’s most compelling figures.
There are plenty of exciting movies at the NFSA this week. Photo: NFSA.
When: 26 June to 2 July, various times
Where: Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, 1 McCoy Cct, Acton
Cost: Ticket prices vary | Book online.
The NFSA is the place to be this week, with plenty of exciting films and special events to enjoy.
On Friday, the NFSA shows the Coen brothers’ debut film, Blood Simple, which stars Frances McDormand as the wife of a menacing Texas bar owner who falls in love with the barman, leading to violent complications.
Saturday is a special day, with the Winter Warmers Movie Marathon inviting you to get nostalgic and enjoy all three Back to the Future movies, with refreshment breaks, mulled wine and hot chocolate to warm you up between shows.
Then on Sunday, catch a special sing-along screening of The Lion King, inviting you and your family to enjoy one of Disney’s most iconic films out loud.
Celebrate European Christmas delights this week. Photo: Events Canberra.
When: 1 July and 2 July, 11 am to 11:30 pm
Where: Parkes Place West Lawns
Cost: Free.
Christmas in July is coming to Canberra, bringing a European-inspired winter festival to the Parkes Place Lawns this week.
The festival will transform Canberra’s heart into an alpine village, with wooden chalets, fairy lights, nutcrackers, falling-snow effects, and live music.
Visitors are welcome to indulge in winter comforts, including fondue, bratwursts, schnitzel, crepes, waffles, pastries, mulled wine and hot chocolate. There will also be a fire pit garden, a cinema playing classic Christmas flicks, as well as other free and ticketed Christmas events.
Friday
Catch Australia v Paraguay live in Garema Place. Photo: ACT Government.
Australia v Paraguay – World Cup Match Live Showing in Garema Place
When: 26 June, 12 pm
Where: Garema Place, Civic
Cost: Free.
Australia may have defeated Türkiye, but our recent loss against the USA means that for the Socceroos to advance, we need either a win or a draw against Paraguay.
For Socceroos mega-fans and seasonal band-wagoners alike, this is going to be a nail-biter, and the ACT Government is hosting it live in Garema Place. Kicking off at midday on Friday, this is sure to be a match to remember, and the local businesses around Garema Place are sweetening the deal with special deals on pizza to keep you warm while you cheer on the boys in gold.
Lakeside at 5 presents The Divine Devilles this Friday. Photo: Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
Lakeside at 5: The Divine Devilles
When: 26 June, 5:30 pm, bar open from 5 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North
Cost: Entry by donation.
Lakeside at 5 is a popular monthly after-work program of local live jazz. Come and relax by Lake Tuggeranong with a glass of wine and live music by some of Canberra’s most treasured artists.
Be uplifted and entertained when Canberra blues duo Divine Devilles hit the stage for the June Lakeside at 5 event.
Ali and DJ present original songs – mostly autobiographical, often hilarious, sometimes a bit naughty, and always true stories. Sharing their tales of hard luck and heartbreak, this powerhouse and vivacious Blues duo has been uplifting and entertaining audiences for over a decade, with their award-winning vocals, keys and blues harp, together with their cracking rhythm section.
Try exciting new wines at the Yacht Club. Image: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Mt Majura Wine Dinner at the Yacht Club
When: 26 June, 6:30 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club, Mariner Pl, Yarralumla
Cost: $120 Member Price | $145 Non Member Price | Book online.
Join us for an elegant evening celebrating the wines of Mt Majura. Enjoy a four-course dining experience, each dish thoughtfully paired with a curated selection of wines from local winery Mt Majura Vineyard. A refined night showcasing regional flavours and seasonal produce.
Saturday
Looking to make the plunge into the world of EVs? Photo: Events Canberra.
When: 27 June, 1 pm to 5 pm
Where: The Vault, Dairy Road Precinct, Fyshwick
Cost: Free | Book online.
Help Me Buy an EV is partnering with the ACT Government to help Canberrans make informed decisions about buying an electric vehicle.
These EV education workshops help curious motorists learn about the ins and outs of driving and owning an electric vehicle, including insurance and financing, electric vehicle brands, charging options, infrastructure and battery technology.
There will be plenty of opportunities to gain practical insights and advice to help you feel confident in making the transition to electric vehicles.
The Australian Pink Experience So What! is coming to the Hellenic Club on 27 June. Buy tickets now! Photo. Hellenic Club.
So What! – The Australian Pink Experience
When: 27 June from 8 pm
Where: Olympus Room, Hellenic Club Woden
Cost: $39 plus booking fee | Buy online.
So What! The Australian Pink Experience is a powerhouse tribute show that captures all the attitude, energy and vocal brilliance of P!nk’s biggest stadium tours. Fronted by the fierce & dynamic Roxie Roxx, this full-scale production brings the spirit of P!nk to life in an electrifying live show.
Backed by a professional live band, dancers, and backing vocalists, So What! delivers the explosive sound, look, and feel of a true P!nk concert. This show doesn’t just perform the hits; it embodies them. From emotional ballads like “Dear Mr President” to anthems like “So What”, “Raise Your Glass”, and “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)”, the audience is taken on a high-energy journey through the evolution of one of pop music’s most powerful icons.
Sunday
There’s more on the line than two competition points. Image: Ticketek.
Canberra Raiders v St George. Illawara Dragons
When: 28 June, 2 pm
Where: GIO Stadium, Battye St, Bruce
Cost: Tickets from $40 to $70 | Book online.
There’s no sugar coating it – this season’s been a tough one for Raiders fans, especially after claiming the minor premiership last year. After 16 rounds, the Raiders are in 16th position. This weekend, they take on the Dragons. They sit in 17th position.
Mathematically, the Green Machine can make the finals. For that to happen, they have to win at least eight of the remaining nine games (and they get two byes). That winning has to start this weekend. So get out to Bruce and make some noise!
Wednesday
Join Neera Mahajan for this writing workshop at the National Library of Australia. Image: National Library of Australia.
Workshop: Writing the book only you can write
When: 1 July, 10 am to 12 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Canberra
Cost: $35 non-members | $30 Friends members | Book online.
In this workshop, Writing the Book Only You Can Write, participants will be introduced to a unique and accessible approach to writing their personal story.
While many people feel they have a story to tell, the challenge often lies in recalling meaningful moments and shaping them into a narrative that is both engaging to read and enjoyable to write— especially for those who believe their lives have been “ordinary” or uneventful.
This session offers a different perspective. Drawing on her own experience, Neera Mahajan explores how everyday objects can serve as powerful memory triggers, unlocking forgotten anecdotes and helping weave a rich tapestry of one’s life. Through this approach, participants will learn to uncover the hidden meanings in ordinary things and use them as anchors to document their personal histories. The workshop provides a simple, creative framework for beginning to write with clarity and confidence, transforming fragments of memory into a meaningful, cohesive narrative that can be preserved for future generations.
Thursday
Get up close to the world of the Australian Antarctic. Photo: National Museum of Australia.
Antarctica – Exhibition at the National Museum of Australia
When: Opening from 2 July, from 9 am to 5 pm
Where: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula
Cost: Free | Book online.
The National Museum marks more than 100 years of Australian history in Antarctica with a new exhibition that highlights early explorers as well as more recent Aussies who have gone far south.
There will be rare objects from one of the world’s largest collections of Antarctic artefacts, on public display for the first time since their acquisition from the Australian Antarctic Division.
Visitors will meet animals such as penguins and sled dogs and discover vehicles and instruments of polar science.
For those curious about the Southernmost reaches of the planet, this is a great opportunity to gain insight into Australia’s significant Antarctic presence.
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