12 March - 9 may 2026
what’s on
Luca Ciarla
A creative and surprising violinist, Luca Ciarla easily transcends the boundaries among genres to trace an innovative musical path, a magical acoustic seduction in perfect balance between written compositions and improvisation, traditional and contemporary sounds.
“Gesualdo Tenebrae II: All was made dark” performed by Luminescence Chamber Singers
Luminescence continues their three-year odyssey into the dark heart of the Renaissance, with the harrowing epicentre of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae.
ACCADEMIA ITALIANA della CUCINA DINNER
ACCADEMIA ITALIANA della CUCINA
EXTRAORDINARY ECUMENICAL DINNER
OFFICIAL CELEBRATION – UNESCO CULTURAL HERITAGE LISTING FOR ITALIAN CUISINE
with the participation of H E Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy
ART - FROM TWO WORLDS (ARTE - DA DUE MONDI)
"An exhibition of Art, Photography, Sculpture and Wedding couture of Italian-Australian origins"
Canberra Art Gallery, 100 Barrier St, Fyshwick
VIP Opening Night: Wednesday 25 March
Open to the Public: Thurs 26 March to Tuesday 5 May
UNA SERATA SOTTO LE STELLE – A Night Under the Stars
Step into an unforgettable night under the stars as we kick off the Viva Italia Festival with an exclusive celebration like no other!
Live Music & Dance: Feel the rhythm of Italy with live tunes that’ll have you on your feet all night! Dance to the infectious beats of the multi-awarded Viva Italia Dance Band and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Italy.
Authentic Italian street food including Pizza and Pasta, Papa Joe’s Cannoli and the much-loved Mella Bella Gelato cart.
Enjoy a selection of Italian wines, Aperol and Limoncello.
Unforgettable memories await. Don’t miss out on the Viva Italia experience!
Giro del Vino Wine Tour
Bring a group of friends for a day spent discovering the Canberra district’s best vineyards.
Welcome to Tour del Vino! Join us for a delightful day starting at the Italian Cultural Centre in Forrest where you will be welcomed with pastries and coffee before heading off on a private mini-bus.
First stop is Mount Majura Wines where you will enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by antipasto platters. Take a stroll through the vineyard where will hear from an expert and learn about the winemaking process.
Then we are off to Dionysus Winery & Woo Chocolate at Murrumbateman where you can continue your journey with a unique chocolate tasting experience accompanied by a glass of sparkling, white or red wine.
Last stop is Shaw Estate Vineyard which is the perfect place to finish with a wine tasting while enjoying an Italian lunch deeply rooted in Italian tradition while celebrating local and seasonal ingredients.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the beauty and taste of our Tour del Vino.
Programme
9:30am to 10:15am: Meet and Greet with Pastries and Coffee – Italian Cultural Centre 80 Franklin Street Forrest
10:30am to 11:45am: Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Mount Majura Vineyard, Majura ACT
12:45pm to 1:30pm: Chocolate Tasting – Dionysus Winery & Woo Chocolates, Murrumbateman NSW
2pm to 4:00pm: Wine Tasting, Lunch and Games – Shaw Estate Wines, Murrumbateman NSW.
4:00pm: Depart Shaw Estate Wines
5.00pm: Arrival Italian Cultural Centre, FORREST
Immigration History at the National Archives of Australia
Tour of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) including how to search for family immigration information and the history of Italian immigration in Canberra.
Italian Movie Night - MADE IN ITALY
Made in Italy is a 2020 comedy-drama film written and directed by James D'Arcy.
It stars Liam Neeson, his son, Micheál Richardson, Valeria Bilello, and Lindsay Duncan, and follows an artist who must restore a villa in Tuscany with his estranged son.
Auto Italia
Celebrating Italian Automotive Excellence, Auto Italia is the premier annual showcase of Italian automotive excellence in Australia.
In 2026 Auto Italia will also be celebrating 100 years of the famous Mille Miglia.
LITTLE ITALY FESTA
Festival day showcasing Italy and its rich culture at the Former Transport Depot, Wentworth Ave, Kingston.
Enjoy Italian Street Food while tasting local vino.
Be entertained all day by a variety of performers including the Youth Chamber Orchestra, the Canberra School of Dance, Humph the Magician, the Dante Musica Viva Italian Choir, According to Us (Italian Duo) and Mimma Furlan (vocalist).
There will be plenty of activities for the children including mask and necklace making, face painting, and games.
Free entry.
ITALY IN BUNGENDORE
Chef Christophe and Josephine are thrilled to present a unique event as part of the Viva Italia in Canberra Festival.
While Chef Christophe is known for his expertise in French cuisine, his Italian wife, Josephine, has undoubtedly influenced his culinary repertoire.
Together, they’ve curated exclusive gourmet tours to Calabria, Italy, as well as to Griffith, NSW.
They are passionate about sharing la dolce vita with you and invite you to join them for a special Italian 3 course lunch event on Sunday, April 19th in Bungendore.
$95
BYO Beverages
GALA DINNER: LA FINALE
Join us for our final event of Viva Italia at the Realm Hotel Ballroomand experience a wonderful Italian dinner.
Enjoy a trip back in time as Debora Di Centa and her fellow dancers take us on a journey inspired by the Italian Renaissance.
Lose yourself in the music and kick up your heels as DJ Joe (Joe Pelle) takes us through some of Italy’s best known and loved songs.
The evening will include silent and live auctions. Items for auction include a weeks’ vacation in the Chianti wine region of beautiful Tuscany, artworks, and a wine tour for ten.
Money raised will provide a scholarship for an ANU student of Italian Language and Culture to travel and study at the University for Foreigners in Siena.
THE MENU and PRICE COMING SOON
