This weekend officially marks halfway through summer - we're not entirely sure where the time went. If you're anything like us, by the time the chilly air creeps back into town you're left wondering why you didn't make the most of the warmth while it was here.
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So embrace the warmth and lap up the outdoors over the next six weeks at one of these:
Sunday jazz at Old Parliament House
The cool sounds of jazz will ring out from the courtyard at Old Parliament House with Sunday afternoon sessions returning due to popular demand. Every Sunday until February 28 from 1-2.30pm. Their popular Friday after work drinks also return on January 29, with chilled cocktails and snacks available in the courtyard plus DJs from 4pm. Every Friday until March 25.
Openair Cinemas
The Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinemas are on again on the lawns in front of the National Library of Australia, with five weeks of screenings including new releases, classics and singalong sessions. Gates open at 6.30pm, with the films kicking off at 8.30pm, but seating is first-come, first-served. There are also food stands and a licensed bar available, but take your own picnic blanket or bean bags. And all Sunday sessions have the bonus of free Ben & Jerry's ice cream, plus live music and lawn games to play as the sun sets over Lake Burley Griffin. The full program and tickets available at openaircinemas.com.au/canberra/home.
By The Water concert
Three-time ARIA winner Dan Sultan and Indigenous songstress Thelma Plum will play a special concert with amazing views as the sun sets on the lakeside lawns at the museum on February 6. Tickets available from eventbrite.com.au.
Summer Sounds concerts
Over eight Saturday and Sunday nights, the National Botanic Gardens has live music on at the Eucalypt Lawn as the sun goes down. Starting on January 16 with Amber Nichols, the line-up features everything from gypsy jazz to kids' rock, and a taste of folk. They also have food and drink stalls. Entry is $5 for adults, $2 for concessions and kids under 12 are free. See parksaustralia.gov.au/botanic-gardens.
Multicultural festival
It's many a Canberran's favourite event of the year, and this year it's turning 20. From February 12-14, City Walk will be filled with international cuisines, colour, concerts, exhibitions, dancing plus lots of food on sticks. The Black Sorrows will also headline the opening concert. And it's all free. See the full program at multiculturalfestival.com.au.
Wanderlust
Just down the highway, Thredbo is hosting four-day mindfulness festival Wanderlust from February 19-21. There's everything from yoga and meditation sessions to speakers, live music, hikes, art and special food events. Tickets available at wanderlust.com/festivals/thredbo.
The Famous Spiegeltent
The Famous Spiegeltent is setting up in Civic Square, just outside Canberra Theatre from February 19–March 14 with an eclectic line-up of music, mime, magic, reggae and cabaret. Tickets for all the shows available at canberratheatrecentre.com.au.
The Color Run
Commonwealth Park will be overtaken by people covered in coloured cornstarch when The Color Run comes back to town on February 28. You can run, walk, skip or twirl through the 5k course - just make sure you stop at each station to get as coloured up as possible. Register at thecolorrun.com.au/event/canberra.
