UPDATED Ten things to do in Canberra this week (23 - 29 July)

There’s plenty happening this week to keep you warm around town as we enter the pit of winter. On the plus side, it’s probably the most festive week of 2021 (so far).

There’s a Christmas in July festival fundraiser at beloved decorations shop Under the Mistletoe, a special screening of Gremlins at the National Film and Sound Archive, and Epilepsy ACT’s holding their annual Christmas in July event.

Phew!

Alongside all of that, why not rug up warm and enjoy Van du Vin’s gourmet Canberra winery and truffle tour? And if you can brave the outdoors, Eastlake Football Club is also set to host a pride round.

The infamous Chopper Read’s art collection will also be on display from Saturday.

Delight your tastebuds with a truffle dinner at the Southern Cross Club, or delight your ears with Canberra Strings performing Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence. Dami Im’s also coming to town.

Have a great week, Canberra … but be sure to stay up to date with the latest from events organisers to avoid COVID-induced disappointments.

All week

I Regret Nothing – Chopper Read Exhibition

When: Saturday 24 July to Sunday 8 August, opening event at 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and then 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
Where: Aarwun Gallery, 11 Federation Square, Gold Creek, Nicholls
Cost: Free; RSVP for the opening event.

Aarwun Gallery is set to present an exhibition of works and memorabilia by the late convicted Australian criminal, gang member and author Mark “Chopper” Read, titled ‘I Regret Nothing’.

He was no Van Gogh, Da Vinci or Ken Done but Chopper Read’s art can certainly tell some stories.

The late gangland killer turned author, with the trademark hacked ears, has left a legacy through his paintings which will be on display at from Saturday 24 July to Sunday 8 August.

All weekend

Van Du Vin Gourmet Canberra Winery and Truffle Tour

When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July, departs 9:00 am
Where: Depart from your choice of location in the Canberra region
Cost: $450 to $525 per person; see prices and request a booking.

Enjoy a private full-day gourmet Canberra winery tour including a Truffle Farm hunt and truffle degustation lunch.

Join Jayson and Australia’s best truffle dog team on an exhilarating truffle hunt as you search for the elusive black truffle through the forest of 6000 oak and hazelnut trees.

The truffle hunt is followed by a decadent six-course, truffle degustation lunch prepared by 2-hat chef Damian Brabender of Otis dining and a tour of three celebrated Canberra wineries.

Christmas in July Festival Fundraiser

When: Saturday 24 to Sunday 25 July, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Under the Mistletoe, 4/26 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls
Cost: Free entry; see Facebook for more details.

For the team at Gold Creek Christmas store Under the Mistletoe, Christmas is their favourite time of the year.

So they’ve decided to celebrate it twice while also giving back to the local community.

Join them for a weekend of festive fun including festive food and drink vendors, local musical, performances, exciting displays, games, raffles, and a visit from Santa.

Friday

Dami Im – Piano, Songs and Stories

When: Friday 23 July, 8:00 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Cost: $49 to $65 + booking fee; tickets at Canberra Theatre Centre.

Dami Im brings her first-ever solo tour for a special and intimate evening of Piano, Songs & Stories.

Through the unique stripped-back arrangements matched with soaring vocals and her honest and candid storytelling, Dami has taken off the mask to unveil the incredible talent and discover the side of an artist we haven’t witnessed before.

Saturday

Eastlake Football Club Pride Round

UPDATE 23 July, 2:30 pm: Eastlake Football Club’s Pride Round at Football Park against Ainslie Football Club has been postponed due to ground closures.

Epilepsy ACT’s Christmas in July

When: Saturday 24 July 2021, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Pearce Community Centre
Cost: Free event; book via admin@epilepsyact.org.au.

Epilepsy ACT is super excited to announce their Christmas in July Party.

Come along and have some fun, decorate cupcakes, gingerbread and more. Sit back and relax with a cup of hot chocolate and a crackling fireplace (or at least a pretend one).

Christmas in July: Gremlins

When: Saturday 24 July, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Arc Cinema at the NFSA
Cost: $20 to $25; tickets at NFSA.

As the weather gets colder in Canberra there’s no better time to come together to watch a great film set during a white and snowy Christmas – Gremlins.

Come along, wear your ugly Christmas sweater and enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine.

Sunday

Canberra Strings present Souvenir de Florence

When: Sunday 25 July, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Wesley Music Centre, Forrest
Cost: $15 to $30; tickets at TryBooking.
Canberra Strings present Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence and String Quartet Movement in B flat.

Souvenir de Florence was Tchaikovsky’s first attempt to break away from the string quartet form, and in spite of his struggles to incorporate the six disparate voices of the string sextet, he was “thrilled” with his work. You will be, too!

Wednesday

Menslink Midweeker with Robert Cook

When: Wednesday 28 July, 5:30 pm
Where: Gryphons Caffe and Bar, Griffith
Cost: Free; see Menslink for more details.

Join local Magistrate Robert Cook at the next Menslink Midweeker.

Come and listen to his inspiring story and to understand some of the key issues facing young guys in our region.

You don’t have to be a guy to come to a Midweeker – just interested in supporting young men and their families.

Thursday

Truffle Dinner at Tuggeranong

When: Thursday 29 July 2021, 6:30 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong, Cnr Pitman & Holwell Street, Greenway.
Cost: $95 for 5 courses, optional wine package for $30; book online now.

Enjoy a superb five courses at Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong’s annual truffle dinner with Truffle Farmer Jayson Mesman hosting the night.