As July begins, it brings with it the opportunity to learn. The school holidays are an excellent time for kids to discover science, art, and perhaps new passions. Check the official sources for the most up-to-date information about schedules and availability.
Megafauna: Myths & Legends!
When: All month long, from 8:30 am to 5 pm every day
Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens
Cost: Free. More information here.
Take a journey back in time and face the colossal creatures that have ignited many myths and legends in arts, history and culture. Let your imagination wander and explore the gardens to discover the megafauna. Megafauna is a fun school holiday experience for kids and parents alike.
Winter In The City
When: Friday 1 July to 17 July
Where: Civic Square
Cost: Free / Ice skating from $25. More information here.
Lace up your skates because Winter in the City is coming back in 2022, turning Civic Square into an open-air ice skating arena for the school holiday period. Take a moment to marvel at the ice sculptures, or warm up by fireplaces with hot chocolate. The rink will be open from 10 am to 8 pm Monday to Thursday, and from 10 am to 9 pm Fridays to Sundays. You don’t need to be Elsa to enjoy the ice, but you should book in advance.
Circus Of Light
When: Friday 1 July, 8 pm
Where: Kambri Precinct – ANU
Cost: $50-$70.
Circus of Light is a vibrant spectacle packed with lasers and a visual extravaganza. Prepare to be awed by a display of lights and colours while circus performers and acrobats spin on the dancefloor to funky dance and drum and bass tunes. Body paint, glitter and fancy dresses make this party special.Canberra Bravehearts 777 Marathon
When: Saturday 2 July, 7 am
Where: On the lake at Rond Terrace – Parks Way, Acton
Cost: Free – Donations are encouraged. More information here.
The Bravehearts Marathon is a fundraising sports event that helps raise money to prevent child sexual assault and abuse. This event takes place in seven states for seven days. You can support the cause by donating or participating in the race.
Dancing in the Shadows of Motown
When: Saturday 2 July, 7:30 pm
Where: Harmonie German Club
Cost: $42. Get your tickets here.
Formed in 2017, Dancing in the Shadows of Motown is a 10-piece band that recreates the dynamic live performances of artists such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five and many more. Back by popular demand, this show will have you tapping your toes all night long with timeless classics and unforgettable songs.
Gin School
When: Saturday 2 July, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Where: Hops and Vine, Victoria Street Hall
Cost: $95. Get your tickets here.
Learn how to mix neutral spirits with botanical infusions to create your own blend of gin using products from The Canberra Distillery. This experience includes finger food and wine and is the kind of event best shared with friends.
Ganymede Truffles Truffle Hunt And Lunch
When: Saturday 2 July, 2:30 pm
Where: Greenwich Park
Cost: $180.
The Truffle Festival has just started. If you have ever considered understanding these elusive and delicious edible spores, this is your chance. Experience the thrill of exploring the farm with real truffle hunting dogs and reward yourself with a memorable dining experience. The experience consists of a four-course set menu with the optional pairing of award-winning wines. Just remember to wear enough layers to beat the cold.
Christmas in July with Christmas Park
When: Sunday 3 July, 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Hall Polocrosse Club, 100 Victoria Street, Hall
Cost: Gold coin donation to St Anthony Bread Charity.
Come and enjoy the wood fire, food, wines and beers and celebrate Christmas in July with your entire family. Santa will also make a few special appearances from 12 pm to 12:30 pm and 5 pm to 5:30 pm.
Arraiá LDC – Brazilian Festa Junina Canberra 2022
When: Sunday 3 July, 2:30 pm to 8 pm
Where: Latin Dance Canberra, Level 2, 131 City Walk, Civic
Cost: $22 adult, $11 kids (free under 3 years). Tickets at TryBooking.
Traditional Arraiá comes back to Canberra in partnership with the Brazilian Association of Canberra, bringing you a live Forró band, quadrilha and delicious food stalls!
Come and try the best of authentic Brazilian food, music and dance in the heart of Canberra.
Acting Out: On Screen
When: Monday 4 July, 10 am to 4 pm.
Where: Main Hall – Gorman Arts Centre
Cost: Free. Booking is required.
Acting Out: On Screen is a four-day intensive school holiday film program providing social connection and creative expression opportunities to LGBTQIA+ youth aged 12 to 17. Students will be guided by tutors and trained counsellors to write, direct, shoot and edit their original short films.
Canberra Glassworks School Holiday Program
When: Wednesday 6 July 6 to Sunday 17 July
Where: Canberra Glassworks, Kingston
Cost: $50 / $110. More information here.
Let your kid’s imagination soar and take shape like glass. Whether it’s tiles or illuminated sculptures, explore your style and perhaps discover your next passion. Join a class and learn the essential techniques you need to create your art from some of Australia’s most renowned glass artists.
The Allusionist
When: Thursday 7 July, 7 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit
Cost: $40 plus transaction fee. Tickets at Canberra Theatre Centre.
Returning to Australia for the first time since their sold-out tour of 2019, the award-winning entertainment podcast The Allusionist is back with an all-new stage show ‘Your Name Here’. The show’s linguistic pincers get stuck into words that come from people’s names: eponyms.