What's On in Spring in Canberra/Gungahlin

Canberra is a kaleidoscope of colour, activity, and experiences based around four distinct seasons. Summer is all about exploring the superb lakes, rivers and city reserves, while winter is the time when galleries, museums and indulgent dining over good wine comes into play. Autumn is particularly beautiful, a time when vibrant reds, golds, russet and ochre covers the city skyline. As for spring, you’ll find flowers in bloom and the weather warming. The air is fresh, the sky is blue, and the city is alive with things to do.
 
Here’s our guide to what’s on around Gungahlin this spring.
 
Floriade
Commonwealth Park, 17 September – 16 October

 
Now in its 29th year, Floriade: Life in Bloom is one of Canberra’s best-loved events. In fact, you can’t possibly be in Canberra during spring and not attend at least once. It really would be sacrilege.
 
Floriade is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, an iconic annual tourism event. More than a million bulbs and annuals have been planted across 8,000 square metres of inner city parkland, and a diverse program packed with horticultural workshops, cultural celebrations, music, food and wine, market traders, artistic displays and family-friendly entertainment has been set. No ordinary flower show, Floriade is one you must not miss.
 
Sunset Cinema
Botanic Gardens, Various dates throughout spring

 
A great way to relax with all the family, the Botanic Gardens’ Sunset Cinema allows you to enjoy a movie spread out on a picnic blanket or from the comfort of a deckchair. Set on the Eucalypt Lawn, you can take your pick from some of the biggest movies of the year, along with classics like Dirty Dancing. Kids aren’t forgotten, with screenings of favourites such as The Secret Life of Pets.
 
The Sunset Cinema will run until 16 December.
 
Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters
National Museum Australia, 15 September – 28 January
 
Immerse yourself in an amazing tale at the new Aboriginal-led exhibition, Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters. See stories embedded in rock come to life inside a state-of-the-art digital dome, created as a research infrastructure project led by Professor Sarah Kenderline of the University of New South Wales. Seldom photographed, these images depict the events that happened in a cave in Central Australia, an epic saga now known as the Seven Sisters Songline.
 
Makers of Murrumbateman
Various wineries, 30 September – 1 October

 
Spend a weekend roving from winery to winery at the Makers of Murrumbateman, indulging in delicious food and wine while taking in the spectacular scenery. The Tradies Murrumbateman Moving Feast showcases the best food, wine and views in the region, offering locals and visitors an exploration of Canberra and their tastebuds by wandering degustation. Each location will present a tasting plate “signature dish” matched to one of their wines. Buses will take you around to each of the wineries.
 
International Riesling Challenge
Albert Hall, 9-14 October
 
The Canberra International Riesling Challenge is a wine competition aimed to highlight the grape that defines white wine, Riesling. Attracting producers and connoisseurs from all over the world, it’s the most significant event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 500 Rieslings will compete to qualify for entry to the National Wine Show. The 2017 Awards Presentation and Celebration of Riesling (October 13) recognises the best Rieslings from the Challenge. Attendees can taste the winning Rieslings from 2017 and past years.
 
International Film Festival
National Film and South Archive, 27 October – 6 November

 Now in its 20th year, the Canberra International Film Festival offers some of the world’s best cinema from the past and present. Featuring dark humour and interesting documentaries to new works from Australia and Asia, including an incredible sci-fi filmed in Canberra, there’s something for everyone. Proudly, it’s a platform for the capital’s own filmmakers to show their works.  
 
Eden
Canberra Centre – 30 October
 
Eden is a sanctuary, a temple of wellbeing. It’s a space to breathe, a place to connect, and an innovative health and wellness experience. Most of us live in a fast-paced world where everything needs to be done quickly. Eden is your chance to slow things down, and it runs throughout Spring. Reconnect with yourself through meditation, harmony and mindfulness with a series of masterclasses hosted by a high profile line-up of Australia’s leading health and wellness experts.
 
Spring Glory at Parliament House
Parliament House, Nominated weekdays and Saturdays throughout spring

 
Spring Glory at Parliament House is a rare opportunity to see the secret courtyards usually reserved for politicians and their staff. An oasis against the polished wooden floors and heavy concrete that houses the corridors of power, Parliament House’s gardens and courtyards are magnificent. Each unique, they flow with the general design and muffle the voices of those who speak upon them. Tours cost $18 for adults, and $13 for children.    
 
With this range of activities, you’ll have plenty of incentive to enjoy the warming weather and charms of the region. And while you’re out and about, stop by Marketplace Gungahlin and you’ll find a whole world of fun things to do.
 
Are you excited for spring yet? We are!