1. The Forage

Get out the stretchy pants - food van festival The Forage is on Saturday from 2-7pm in the carpark of Little National Hotel, Barton. This time around the event has its biggest lineup of food ever including stalls from Kusina, Enigma Fine Chocolates, Mr Papa, Cannoli Brothers, Lazy Su, Pialligo Estate, Three Mills Bakery, Mr Papa, Bombolini, East Street Canberra, Pod Food, and Hungry Cow Cookies. There's also fire pits to keep warm while sipping mulled wine, or a special chili and chocolate collaborative brew with BentSpoke, plus live music and activities to keep the kids entertained. Free entry, all ages. See theforage.com.au.

2. Dark beer festival

Love your beers on the darker side? The Durham in Kingston is hosting a Dark Beer Festival Saturday afternoon from midday, with nine taps dedicated to dark beers. Expect a bit of everything, from a delicate coconut brown ale, to an easy drinking stout, a coffee flavoured Porter and a black India Pale Ale. Free entry. 18+.

3. After dark lantern tours

Get the family rugged up and head to the Australian National Botanic Gardens for an after dark lantern tour on Saturday night. The evening starts with hot chocolate and lantern making, and then a guide takes the group for an evening tour of the gardens, with the light from the lanterns leading the way. It's suitable for adults and children over five years. 6.30-8.30pm. Wear flat shoes and warm clothes. Adults $26, children $21 from parksaustralia.gov.au or call 6250 9505.

4. Winter fair

Hobart Place in Civic will host the first Hurley Burley Winter Fair on Friday night, 4-9pm. The area will be transformed into a family-friendly winter wonderland with fairy lights, sculptures, and fire pits for marshmallow roasting, alongside markets, warm food, and live entertainment. Free entry, all ages.

5. Warm trees

How do the trees at the Arboretum stay warm? Thanks to Warm Trees, the largest installation of knitting and crochet on trees in the world. Hundreds of volunteers have created the installation of large cherry blossoms, huge flowers and bright scarves, which will feature in some of the Arboretum's forests and in the village centre. Warm Trees is on July 1-30, and you can check it out during the Arboretum's regular opening hours. Free entry, all ages. See nationalarboretum.act.gov.au.

6. Outdoor movies

The second Flix'n Dickson outdoor movie night is on Saturday from 5.30pm, with a screening of The Polar Express for Christmas in July. The event is on in the post office courtyard at the Dickson shops. Take your own esky, chair and blanket. A sausage sizzle and popcorn will be available for purchase. Entry by gold coin donation, and kids must be accompanied by an adult.