If there's one thing Australians simply won't do, it's hibernate during the winter. We're a heat-led populous for sure, and the winter cold won't stop us from hitting the surf or heading out for a night on the town – no matter what the thermometer says.
Across the country, these are the things to do in the month of July...
NSW
Incognito Art Show returns in July this year, both in-person from 13–14 July, and online from 18 July. With more than 15,000 anonymous artworks for sale (each for only $100), all profits raised will go towards funding programs that support artists working with disabilities.
For the first time since 2010, Bell Shakespeare will be presenting King Lear in the round at The Neilson Nutshell in Sydney until 20 July.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra will be playing a selection of concerts across July, including Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony from 27–28 July.
Africa Film Fest Australia – an upcoming three-day curatorial film festival organised by ACE and a team of African-Australian curators and supported by Screen NSW, City of Parramatta, Multicultural NSW and WeirAnderson Films – is taking place from 19–21 July at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta.
National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) is presenting the world premiere of new work by acclaimed playwright James Elazzi, Karim, at Riverside Theatres Parramatta from 25 July.
Bellingen Food & Wine Escape's inaugural 'Winter Escape' event is taking place from 12–14 July in the town of Bellingen. Three Blue Ducks' Darren Robertson and Andy Allen will be hosting a Saturday lunch along with a wine masterclass and plenty of time for guests to also explore the area.
Swim, Griffin Theatre Company's first production on the go while the Stables Theatre undergoes a major redevelopment, will be showing from 10–27 July at Carriageworks.
QLD
Cairns Fashion Week is taking place from 3–8 July, celebrating local, national and international designers against a stunning tropical backdrop.
Lizzy McAlpine will be playing the Fortitude Music Hall on Thursday 11 July.
Abbey Medieval Festival will be returning on the weekend of 6–7 July in Caboolture.
Boney M will be playing at The Star in Gold Coast's Broadbeach on Saturday 6 July.
TV GIRL + The Last Dinner Party will be playing Riverstage on Saturday 20 July.
Conan Grey
VIC
Melbournians can prepare to be spellbound by an extravaganza of light, acrobatics, dance and comedy when CIRQUE BON BON arrives at the Athenaeum Theatre this 11–13 July.
SA
Jimmy Barnes will be playing a show at Her Majesty's Theatre on Friday 5 July.
Winter nights will be lit up by Illuminate Adelaide, the city's brightest celebration of art, light, music, and technology brings late nights, bright lights, and big adventures.
ACT
San Cisco will be bringing their Under The Light regional tour to Canberra's UC Refectory on 26 July.
Explore the best of cold climate produce at the Winter Market in Fyshwick on 28 July.
WA
Teddy Swims will be playing at Riverside Theatre in Perth on Friday 19 July.
Museum of the Goldfields's 'Out of this World' exhibition is running all month, exploring Australia’s role in the space race.
NT
Darwin's brand new electronic music festival, Eden Festival, is taking place at the Darwin River Tavern from 26–28 July.
2024 Darwin Fringe Festival will be happening from 12–12 July, the biggest platform for emerging and independent arts in the Top End of Australia.
TAS
Macy Gray is playing at Odeon Theatre on 3–4 July in Hobart.
Culinary extravaganza The Tassie Makers Food Festival is happening on 26–27 July, featuring some of Tasmania's finest chefs and local food artisans.
