Things to do in Canberra this week (23 to 29 June)

With something as joyful and spectacular as Christmas, why not have it twice? The French-inspired Xmas in July Festival returns to the capital this week to answer this question.

It’s also an exciting week in the music and dance scene, with Australian Rock Collective, UK-based pianist Piers Lane, the Dance Nation Schools Spectacular and more acts in town.

Plus, for lovers of fine food and art, there’s an exclusive truffle tasting menu at The George Bar & Grill, a street food showcase, the Boho Luxe Market’s bohemian wares and more.

Saturday

Saturday Afternoon Tunes – Winter series

When: Saturdays; 24 June, 29 July and 26 August, 3 pm to 5 pm
Where: Cornerstone Pub, 51 Hinder St, Gungahlin
Cost: Free entry; bookings encouraged.

Saturday Afternoon Tunes returns to Cornerstone Pub this winter for a series of free, family-friendly gigs by local Canberra artists. Indulge in some treats and drinks from the bar as you listen to the likes of singer, songwriter and guitarist Stella Eve and songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Anna Elisara this Saturday and later in the year, Ruth O’Brien (29 July) and Creswick (26 August).

The Forage Winter Solstice

When: Saturday 24 June, 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: The Forage, 1 Dairy Road, Canberra
Cost: Free entry; no booking required.

Come taste what’s happening in the capital this winter! This tri-annual showcase of local restaurants, food trucks, coffee roasters, vineyards and breweries invites local businesses to get creative and feed the Canberra community in a festival-style environment. Expect more than 40 food vendors, exclusive drinks, live music, and a huge bonfire to coincide with the winter solstice.

Truffle Tasting Menu

When: Saturday 24 June, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: The George Bar & Grill, 17 Canberra Avenue, Forrest
Cost: $128.37 per person; book here.

The George Bar & Grill invites Canberrans to taste a sample menu of the seasonal delicacy that flourishes in the cool climate of the Canberra region – truffles. For one night only, executive chef Jiju Rajappen will take diners on a culinary journey featuring freshly baked sourdough and truffle butte, truffle venison tartar, caviar and truffle egg custard, truffle chocolate and more.

Saturday and Sunday

Boho Luxe Market Canberra

When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June, from 10 am
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Flemington Road, Mitchell
Cost: From $6.36; book here.

Boho Luxe showcases sustainably and ethically sourced brands with a touch of bohemian style. Market-goers are also invited to dabble in creative workshops and activities, visit the psychic and wellbeing zone to find what your future holds and browse crystals, health products and essential oils, or grab some fresh local eats and relax to some live music under a massive tipi.

Sunday

Australian Rock Collective Presents Dark Side Of The Moon

When: Sunday 25 June, from 8 pm
Where: Llewellyn Hall, Building 100, William Herbert Place, Canberra
Cost: $86.60 to $112.05; book here.

Join Australian Rock Collective to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s concept album, The Dark Side of the Moon. Coming to Canberra for one night only, the supergroup of Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), Mark Wilson (Jet), Davey Lane (You Am I) and Kram (Spiderbait) will perform the entire album alongside a selection of Pink Floyd favourites and classics.

Wednesday

Reuben Kaye – Live and Intimidating

When: Wednesday 28 June, from 8 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: $54.90 plus booking fee; book here.

The multi-award-winning international cabaret star Reuben Kaye brings his intimate, stripped-back new show, Live and Intimidating, to Canberra. Billed as a Swarovski-studded revolt against the ever-narrowing views of an increasingly conservative world, Kaye’s show is packed full of high camp, filthy humour and acid wit, backed by Shanon Whitelock on piano and his band.

Thursday

Dance Nation 2023: Fearless

When: Thursday 29 June, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (doors open 6 pm)
Where: National Convention Centre, 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra
Cost: $35 to $45 plus transaction fee; book here.

Hundreds of young people from more than 15 schools across Canberra will come together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Dance Nation Schools Spectacular this June. Students will present an exciting mix of fearless-themed dance styles and theatrical performances created under the guidance of dedicated in-school dance coaches over 15 weeks.

Xmas in July Festival

When: Thursday 29 June to Sunday 2 July, various times
Where: National Rose Gardens, Parkes Place West, Parkes
Cost: Free entry; book paid activities here.

This festival answers the question: with something as joyful and spectacular as Christmas, why not have it twice? Over four days, Canberrans are invited to explore a French-inspired winter wonderland full of food, wine and entertainment, including authentic wood huts and chalets, Christmas lights, falling snow, mulled wine bars, melted cheese stations and live concerts.

Piers Lane in Recital

When: Thursday 29 June, 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Snow Concert Hall, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill
Cost: Free to $110; book here.

UK-based Australian pianist Piers Lane presents a program featuring the likes of Rachmaninov and Chopin. The artistic director of the Sydney International Piano Competition, five-time soloist at the BBC Proms and writer and presenter of more than 100 programmes for BBC Radio 3 comes to Canberra after his Wigmore Hall London and Carnegie Hall New York solo recitals.