Canberra’s autumn is taking a decidedly continental turn as the Viva Italia festival rolls into late April and until Saturday 9 May. On 24 April, the Braddon scene warms up at Paint Pinot with a series of “Sunflowers & Lemons” themed sessions. These three-hour guided workshops offer a relaxed blend of step-by-step painting, wood-fired pizza, and glasses of Sangiovese. The Italian flair continues at Palace Electric on Tuesday, 28 April, with a screening of the romantic comedy Somebody to Love. Fresh from being Italy’s top box office hit, the film offers a hilarious look at modern dating in Rome, perfectly paired with a welcome drink included in the ticket.
As we move into May, the festivities shift toward high-end culinary and musical experiences. On Friday, 1 May, the city faces a delightful “triple-threat” of choices: another zesty Limoncello-themed painting night in Braddon, a candlelit fundraiser at All Saints Ainslie featuring the National Opera’s finest voices, or a luxurious four-course “La Dolce Vita” dinner at Agostini’s. The latter sees Mt Majura Vineyard collaborate with the kitchen to pair local wines with authentic Italian staples like Frico and Saltimbocca. For those seeking a late-night detour from the Mediterranean theme, ChiChiz Bar will host a high-energy Madonna vs Gaga drag battle on Saturday, 2 May, featuring local icons Vicki Cox’ard and Barb Wyre.
The festival’s final stretch offers two truly unique landmark events. On Sunday, 3 May, the Grevillea Quartet leads an immersive journey to Carey’s Cave in Wee Jasper. This day-trip includes a distillery lunch and a performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons inside the stunning natural acoustics of the cave. The entire festival reaches its crescendo on Saturday, 9 May, with the Gala Finale at the Realm Hotel. This black-tie evening features Renaissance-inspired dance performances, a three-course Tuscan feast, and a charity auction benefiting ANU language students. It’s a grand conclusion to a month that brings the soul of Italy to the heart of the Bush Capital.
THE ESSENTIALS: VIVA ITALIA & BEYOND
Paint Pinot Braddon:
24 April, 1 May, 2 May: Guided art, pizza, and wine sessions.
Bookings: HERE
Palace Electric Cinema:
28 April: Italian Movie Night (Somebody to Love).
Tickets: HERE
Agostini’s Italian Restaurant:
1 May: La Dolce Vita Wine Dinner with Mt Majura Vineyard.
Bookings: HERE
Carey’s Cave, Wee Jasper:
3 May: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons cave concert (Bus departs from Forrest).
Tickets: HERE
Realm Hotel Ballroom:
9 May: Gala Dinner: La Finale.
Tickets: HERE
Find out more HERE
