What’s On in Canberra This August & Beyond

Canberra has come alive over these colder months. From wine festivals to second-hand markets and plenty of outdoor adventures, the city is brimming with activities to make the most of the chilly weather.

Check out our what’s on guide below and consider your social plans sorted.

Win Dad the Ultimate Father’s Day Surprise, Thanks to Taylors Wines

This Father’s Day, some thanks deserve more than a card. We’ve teamed up with Taylors Wines to help you celebrate the dads, grandads, stepdads and father figures who’ve always shown up. Their “Thanks Dad Doorstep Deliveries” include a bottle of Taylors Wine and a personal note — delivered straight to his door.

And if you’re looking to gift something special regardless, shop the Taylors Wines range right here — the perfect gesture for Father’s Day or just because.

Entries close August 18th

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See Some Spectacular New Art at the National Gallery of Australia

This winter, there’s a lot of exciting exhibitions coming to Canberra.

At the National Gallery of Australia, see Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie, which highlights the avant-garde visions of Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, Paul Klee and Alberto Giacometti who shaped twentieth-century modern art in Europe. This exhibition marks the first time works from this internationally significant collection will be seen in Australia.

Looking for something a little more interactive? The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Her Parts by artist Sanné Mestrom is an interactive exhibition that invites you to play and create transforming abstract cubes into a playable adventure.

Until September 21

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes

Hunt for Truffles at Beltana Farm

Winter is prime truffle season so what better way to make the most of a chilly but sunny day out than to go digging for some truffle treasure? From late June until early August, Beltana Farm (just 10 minutes from Canberra city centre) invites you to come wander through their farm and join in the search for some fresh black truffles.

Kind of like a real-life version of a treasure hunt, it’s good fun for the kids too! After you’ve collected your bounty of truffles, head back to the restaurant for a long-lunch where each dish showcases the true delicacy of black truffles or join in on a cooking class if you want to learn how to cook with them at home.

Until late August

Beltana Farm, 14 Beltana Road, Pialligo

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A Warming Winter Pop-Up Worth the Drive to Orange

If your idea of a perfect winter escape involves a scenic road trip and a steaming bowl of soul-warming soup, then Loop de Loop in Orange is calling your name. Back for its second season, this 12-week pop-up by ex-Porteno chef Richard Learmonth is serving up a rotating menu of globally inspired soups that are as comforting as they are creative.

Operating out of a humble demountable in the heart of Orange, Loop de Loop offers two soups daily — one vegetarian and one meaty — crafted fresh each morning. Expect to find everything from gruyere-topped French onion and Balkan-style chicken noodle to spicy Korean beef vermicelli and sweet potato miso. And don’t miss the “soup-specific croutons” designed to elevate every spoonful.

Whether you’re a local or planning a weekend getaway, this is one culinary stop that’s truly worth the trip.

Weekdays, 11am–2pm, until late August

43 McNamara Street, Orange

Hit Aperitivo Hour at Carlotta

Not ready to give up your late afternoon sips with winter rolling in? Good thing Carlotta is here to keep the vibes sunny with their new Euro-inspired Aperitivo Hour.

Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean warmth to Canberra, daily specials include bolognese arancini, mozzarella and basil flatbread and polenta chips for just $9.50 each. To wash it all down, Limoncello and Aperol Spritzes come in hot at just $15 with specials on wine also available.

5pm to 6pm, Sunday to Thursday, and 4pm to 6pm, Friday to Saturday

Walks-ins available

20 Scotts Crossing, Canberra

Taste the Best of the Region at Canberra Cellar Door Pop-Up Wine Tasting

Keen to get a taste of the best Canberra has to offer? Make a stop by the Canberra Cellar Door. Popping up in the Canberra and Region Visitor’s Centre, here, you can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of wines to suit all seasons and tastes. From celebrated regional classics to hidden gems and small batch winemakers, each bottle tells a unique story of the region and its offering.

Canberra and Region Visitors’ Centre, 30 Barrine Drive, Parkes

Soak Up the Winter Vibes at the Weekly Haig Park Village Markets

Embrace the chilly season at the Haig Park Village Markets in Braddon, happening every Sunday. Indulge in delicious food, shop from local stallholders, and soak up live entertainment, including live music, kids’ activities, face painting, and workshops. It’s the perfect spot for brunch, browsing, and relaxing with family and friends.

Open every Sunday from 8am to 2pm

Haig Park, Braddon

Need more ideas on what to do in Canberra this month? Here’s our guide to the best weekend activities in Canberra and, if you’re heading to Sydney for the weekend, here are our tops picks.