Keep yourself busy this weekend with our list of things to do in the capital. We’ve got activities, performances and events that are sure to have you smiling all weekend.

Mount Stromlo Public Astronomy Nights – Friday 12

 Mount Stromlo Observatory and the Canberra Astronomical Society invite you to attend their public observing night at 7pm. Pack a picnic dinner, bring a blanket and see the rings of Saturn, the craters of the moon and beautiful star clusters and nebulae. The night also includes a talk by astronomers from Mount Stromlo Observatory and observations on several telescopes. Bookings are essential and a gold coin donation is appreciated on arrival. Head here for more info.

 

Friday Night Drink Special at Pialligo Estate – Friday 12

 Join Pialligo Estate for their winter edition of their much loved Friday Night Drinks. You and your plus one will share a bottle of wine or a jug of mulled wine inside the Garden Pavilions with a warming enchilada made with Pialligo Estate’s smoked brisket for only $60. Wind down this Friday night with a drink in hand and delicious food while listening to live music. Bookings are essential, email Pialligo Estate to secure your spot.

 

Truffles in July – Saturday 13

 Enjoy an evening of local black truffle and wines at Olims Bar and Bistro in the Mercure Hotel. Sourcing their truffles from Macenmist Black Truffle and Wine the chef will create a spread of delights for you to select from, alongside wine tastings from local wineries. Entry is free, find more information here.

 

Cosentino – Saturday 13

Australia’s world-renowned entertainer and ‘International Entertainer of the Year’ Cosentino will be performing his ‘Anything is Possible’ live show in Canberra at the Canberra Theatre. Join Cosentino as he performs death-defying escapes, mind boggling illusions and cutting-edge street magic. Be entertained by his trademark blend of dance and magic and hilarious audience participation. Tickets are selling fast, secure yours now!

 

Canberra Fashion Market – Saturday 13

Find your perfect winter outfit at the annual Canberra Fashion Market this year at their new home at Thoroughbred Park. On July 13 from 10am to 4pm explore fashion bargains which are set to be bigger and better than any previous year. The Canberra Markets have also teamed up with a food and wine provider and are including live music to make the market a great day out for everyone. Go to their website for more info.

 

Kokedama Workshop – Saturday 13

 Feel like getting your hands dirty this weekend? Learn the Japanese Kokedama planting technique at Woden Town Centre. Be guided through a demonstration into crafting the Kokedamas, handle a variety of plants, soil and moss to create your own and learn how to take care for and display your Kokedama. All materials are provided for and morning tea and coffee is included. Tickets available here.

 

Hills of Hall Fireside Festival – Saturday 13 – Sunday 14

The Hills of Hall Collectives are hosting a weekend of wine, food and live music this Saturday from 10am for the annual Fireside Festival. Sample a variety of fabulous wines, food and musical performances of jazz, rock and blues. For further information on the day head to their Facebook page.

 

Pizza Kids Cooking Class – Sunday 14

Bring your kids to Italian restaurant Vapiano in the city for a pizza making class for just $10. The pizza masters will teach the kids how to knead dough and garnish their own pizza with premium toppings and send them in the oven. To make the class entertaining the chefs will also toss in a bit of pizza acrobatics. The parents of the kids attending will also get 20% off their bill if they dine at the restaurant after the class. The class commences at 9:30am and runs for an hour, places are limited so secure a spot for your child now! Tickets and further info here.

 

Winter Warmers Tasting Sessions – Friday 12 – Sunday 14

 Westfield Woden has partnered with their retailers to bring you a winter warmers series of complimentary tasting sessions every weekend in July. This weekend on Friday wonder through the mall at 4pm – 7pm to BWS’s craft beer bar. On Saturday from 12pm – 2pm find yourself at The Bavarian’s pretzel bar. And finally on Sunday from 12pm – 2pm sip on hot chocolate from San Churro. Westfield is bringing the taste and all you have to do is show up! For more information head to their website.

 

Lifeline Book Fair – Friday 12 – Sunday 14

Find bargains on great pre loved books and other goodies at the July Lifeline Book Fair at the Tuggeranong Southern Stadium all weekend. Find a large selection of books and things like puzzles, computer software, Lego, DVD’s and trading cards. Give a gold coin donation on arrival to help Lifeline’s crisis support and suicide prevention cause. Find more information on their website.

 

Marketplace Gungahlin Free School Holiday Activities – Friday 12 – Sunday 14

 Entertain the kids this weekend at Marketplace Gungahlin. On Friday from 10:30am-1:30pm bring your kids to join in on the sensory play day which includes face painting, scratch art with colour sand and magic sand tables. Then on Saturday and Sunday bring them in to meet their favourite characters, they have snowmen, tigers, princesses and ice queens roaming around the centre from 11am-1pm. See here for further details.