Autumn is the time that many Canberrans hang up their summer thongs and begin the transition into winter hibernation mode – but I’m here to give you five great reasons to keep the summer energy alive and check out what is happening around the Nation’s Capital!

Groovin’ The Moo
Coming up quickly is one of Canberra’s biggest festivals set to take place on The Meadows of University of Canberra on Sunday 27 April. Coming back for their fifth successful production with a stellar line-up featuring international and local acts. Expect performances from Triple J’s Hottest 100 winner, Vance Joy, as well as Disclosure and Dizzee Rascal as the major headliners. Grab your friends and get out for an excellent day out listening to such a wide selection of music genres that will be sure to please every taste!

Spanish Film Festival
In its 17th year, the Spanish Film Festival is expanding to 10 Palace Cinema locations, with Canberra’s Palace Electric set to become part of the action. The Festival features 30 films showcasing an excellent selection of contemporary Spanish films. In particular there are two films that have taken multiple Goya Awards (The Spanish Equivalent of The Oscars) featured in the festival. The opening night film will feature the Australian premiere of David Trueba’s Living is Easy With Eyes Closed and Alex de le Iglesia’s creation Witching & Bitching to conclude the festival. Book your tickets now for opening night on the Thursday 1 May which includes an after-party with Estrella Beer and Torres Wines, tapas and live entertainment!

Kingston Foreshore
In recent times the Kingston Foreshore has certainly grown to become a new hot spot on the radar of discerning Canberrans. The Foreshore now houses some excellent restaurants and cafes including C Dine, that is the perfect place to enjoy some of Canberra’s best seafood down by the water. One will also find excellent coffee shops with a laid back vibe along the waterfront and of course the new Max Brenner chocolate shop – perfect for an Easter indulgence!

Fashfest
Fashfest is an exciting four-day event that highlights Canberra’s design talents and was such a success that the inaugural 2013 Fashfest made it into OutInCanberra’s Top Five for the ‘OutInCanberra People’s Choice Awards’. The event features extremely talented individuals who work and study in Canberra, including at the Canberra Institute of Technology, CIT College of Technology and Design, University of Canberra’s Faculty of Arts and Design and the Australian National University School of Art. Last year’s event was toted as the “biggest venture held in the fashion world in the ACT” so be sure to get involved and support the local talent. This year’s event – from 30 April and 1 to 3 May – will be a fabulous red carpet affair with a different show each night, VIP after parties, publicity events and more!

Stargazers AfterDark
Enjoy a special evening in the beautiful surroundings of the National Botanical Gardens. The night begins with a warm and comforting hot chocolate before beginning a night tour around the grounds, venturing into the beautifully illuminated Rainforest Gully. The tour continues into the gardens under torchlight with the knowledgeable Ranger guides. The evening is concluded with an opportunity for stargazing on the Rock Garden Lawn with guidance from The Canberra Astronomical Society. This event will be held on Wednesday 16 April, Saturday 19 April, Wednesday 23 April, Saturday 26 April and Saturday 3 May at 7pm. Definitely a unique experience not to be missed!

Autumn is such a beautiful time to explore Canberra – So what are you waiting for?