Canberra’s City Centre has received a boost in foot traffic as Winter in the City returned with a packed program of free entertainment. Over 41,000 people came out to enjoy 15 days of free entertainment, transforming City Walk into a lively winter stage with circus, theatre, music and fire shows lighting up the afternoons and evenings.
Crowds gathered around the 14-metre-wide Winter in the City stage on City Walk during a Circus Oz 'Non-Stop' performance.
The event featured a mix of local and national acts. Week one included the comedic Circus Firemen and the space-themed Mission to the Moon. Week two was headlined by Circus Oz’s Non-Stop, a high-energy show filled with trapeze, clowning and acrobatics. Each evening ended with three fire performances by Flux Entertainment, lighting up the city with warmth and excitement.
The hilarious all-ages antics quickly made the Circus Firemen a crowd favourite.
The final day, held in collaboration with The Forage, was the biggest yet. More than 14,300 people came out to enjoy gourmet street food, live music and performances, making it the largest single-day crowd of the event.
“Winter in the City was more than just a spectacle and this year’s program was our most exciting yet. It was great to see so many people exploring the city and its businesses before and after each performance,” said Teresa Comacchio, Acting Executive Branch Manager Place Experience and Communication.
Each evening of Winter in the City featured three performances from Flux Entertainment.
A marketing campaign running throughout July has accompanied the free entertainment program to encourage residents and visitors to explore and enjoy the city. Featuring over 40 businesses in the City Centre and Braddon, content from popular Canberra creators has reached more than 556,000 accounts and generated over 730,000 views. The campaign has amplified the event’s impact and allowed businesses to be part of the activation.
Winter in the City was co-funded by the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy and is part of the City Renewal Authority’s Place Experience and Marketing Plan. The plan aims to bring people into the City Centre, support local businesses and make the City Renewal precinct more welcoming and enjoyable.
There were plenty of attendees warming up with a hot chocolate by the fire barrels between performances.
Next up is La Fiesta, returning to Latin American Plaza in City West on Saturday 25 October 2025. Last year’s event drew over 5,000 attendees and featured music, dance, food and performances from more than 75 artists and 16 embassies. This year promises another exciting celebration of Latin American culture.
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