Released 04/07/2025
With free daily entertainment, spectacular fire shows, and a celebration of local food and culture, the City Renewal Authority and local businesses have made Canberra’s City Centre the hottest spot in town these July school holidays.
From Saturday 5 July to Saturday 19 July 2025, City Walk will feature a 14-metre-wide stage hosting free performances up to five times a day including circus, theatre, musical comedy acts. Each evening is capped off by choreographed fire performances.
During the day, families can enjoy a variety of performances. Week one features the space-themed adventure of Mission to the Moon and the clever, acrobatic comedy of the Circus Firemen. In week two, the stage comes alive with the playful music of Lucky Jim and the renowned high-energy spectacle of Circus Oz ‘Non-Stop’.
After dark, the City Centre will light up with three fire performances. Local amateurs will open the show, followed by the headline display from Flux Entertainment, whose pyrotechnics have captivated audiences nationwide since their appearance on Australia’s Got Talent.
Winter in the City will wrap up in a special edition of The Forage on Saturday 19 July, bringing together Canberra’s best street food, live music, fire performances and shows from Circus Oz. From 12pm to 9pm, City Walk will be filled with the sounds, smells, and tastes of winter.
A marketing campaign highlighting the best of City and Braddon’s hospitality and retail businesses will run alongside the free entertainment program, encouraging Canberrans to enjoy a day or night out and support local traders.
Winter in the City is supported by the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy. More program information including show times is available at winter.inthecity.com.au .
Winter in the City
- What: Free daytime family entertainment and nightly fire performances.
- Where: City Walk, next to the City Centre merry-go-round.
- When: 2pm–8pm daily, Saturday 5 July – Saturday 19 July 2025.
- Cost: Free to attend. No bookings required.
- More info: winter.inthecity.com.au
Quotes attributable to Michael Pettersson, Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries
“Last year, Winter in the City contributed an estimated $2.72 million to the City Centre's economy. This is money spent in our local cafes, restaurants, retailers and bars. We hope to see an even greater contribution this year.”
This year’s program of free, world-class entertainment on offer, encourages people to come into the City Centre to shop, eat, and celebrate winter.”
“It’s all about creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere that Canberrans can enjoy and that benefits our city businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Belinda Neame, Founder, The Forage
“The Forage is back for its eleventh year and is teaming up with Winter in the City to bring an unforgettable mid-winter feast to Canberra's City Centre.”
“This exciting collaboration will transform the city into a hub of sizzling street eats, cosy firepits, and live entertainment. Visitors can explore a curated lineup of food from some of Canberra’s best restaurants and mobile food and beverage vendors.”
- Statement ends -
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases