What's on this summer in Canberra & Queanbeayan
December 2023
Haig Park Village Markets (December 17, 2023) – Free entry, 8 am to 2 pm
The Haig Park Village Markets are a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. They are held on the third Sunday of every month, from 10am to 4pm. The markets feature a variety of stalls selling handmade goods, local produce, food, and more. There is also live music and entertainment.
Twilight Xmas Market (21 December) - Free entry, 3 to 7 pm
Pick up a few ethically made last minute gifts, enjoy the festive atmosphere and pick up lots of beautiful fresh fruit and veggies for your festive feasts.
Expect whole range of locally produced olive oil, wines, preserves, meats, dairy, wool and more!
Mind Your Manners Pop Up Restaurant (22 December) - $24 to $35
The restaurant made famous during COVID returns for one night only to Golden Age Motor Inn.
Experience the epic PARMAGEDDON or tuck in to some pub style, family size comfort food.
Only 60 meals available, this will sell out.
New Year's Eve by the Lake (December 31, 2023) – Free, 6 pm to 9 pm
This year's New Year's Eve celebrations will feature a fantastic family-friendly event on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin to welcome in 2024.
The highlight of the night will be a single fireworks show at 9 pm that will delight viewers for up to 15 minutes.
Sunset Cinema (13 Dec to 24 Feb) - $23 adults
Sunset Cinema is a series of outdoor movie screenings held throughout the summer months. In January, it will be held at the Australian National Botanic Garden. The program includes a mix of classic and new releases, including Elf, Home Alone, Hunger Games, Barbie, Wonka, & Top Gun: Maverick.
January 2024
Street Machine Summernats 36 (January 4-7, 2024) – $80 to $445 (kids under 10 Free)
Summernats is Australia's wildest horsepower party. Held over four massive days at Exhibition Park in Canberra, Summernats is a unique celebration of the modified car community.
Capital Region Farmers Market (January 7, 2024) – Free entry
An ever-growing weekend ritual for Canberra foodies are the Capital Region Farmer’s Markets at Exhibition Park. A project of the Rotary Club of Hall, the markets are run by volunteers, with all proceeds going back into Rotary’s community projects.
https://www.quicksandfood.com/producer/capital-region-farmers-markets/
Circus of Illusion (13 to 14 January) - $59
Escape into a world where sawdust and sequins join cutting edge illusions and spectacular magic. Illusionist and Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd will present death-defying escapes and ingenious illusions that will leave audiences in awe. And Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, the incredible Sascha Williams, will astound with his high risk rola-bola act that has taken him all over the world.
https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/circus-of-illusion-2024/
Grapes of Mirth (27 January) - $79
Six of Australia’s best comedians will make their way to Contentious Character for an afternoon of comedy, music, wine, gourmet grub, and the most amazing festival vibes.
Contentious Character vineyard is a cool-climate winery and restaurant.
https://grapesofmirth.com.au/events/contentious-character-canberra/
Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize - $20 adults
This major exhibition celebrates 100 years of Australia’s oldest and most-loved portrait award and reflects upon the changing face of our nation.
Expect to see magnificent portraits of intriguing characters whose names have today been forgotten, and works that have not been seen in public since first being exhibited in the Archibald Prize!
February 2024
Haig Park’s 100th Birthday (3 February) – Free entry, 11 am to 4 pm
Join a birthday party in the park! It's a day for people of all ages and walks of life to mingle, play, feast, and dance under the canopy of Haig Park's historic trees.
https://visitcanberra.com.au/events/655431e91991cd4d6f012927/haig-park-turns-100-lets-party
National Multicultural Festival (16 to 18 February) – Free entry
This iconic 3-day event brings together more than 170 multicultural communities to share their culture, history and heritage through food, art, song and dance.
Royal Canberra Show (23 to 25 February) - $13.27 to $68.37
From rides, showbags, equestrian, flyball, demonstrations and agricultural showcases. This year’s Royal Canberra Show has entertainment for all ages.
