There will be an event at Verity Lane on 8 August.
09 July 2026
In brief:
- The business activation grants program is supporting city businesses impacted by light rail construction.
- Program funding helps eligible businesses host experiences and events.
- Successful applicants are given up to $5,000 in funding to deliver an activation in the city.
The business activation grants program is supporting businesses impacted by the light rail construction.
Program funding helps eligible city businesses host unique experiences, activities and events to attract more visitors.
Program details
The grants program was launched in August 2025, with two rounds late last year.
Applications for the third round are now closed, with successful businesses running their activations this winter.
Successful business applicants are given up to $5,000 to deliver an activation that aligns with their offerings and encourage foot traffic to the area.
Businesses can also collaborate. Those delivering a joint activation can apply for up to $10,000 + GST.
To see examples of activities eligible for funding, visit the City Renewal Authority website.
Upcoming events and activities in the city
Round three activations are being delivered now until 31 August 2026. Successful applicants include:
Dance studio 6th Position will host a two-day dance festival featuring various dance styles for all levels.
Amici have launched a mobile coffee bar ‘Amici Piccolo’ to serve morning commuters and pedestrians near the Alinga Street light rail stop.
Visitors to the Dragon Dreaming Festival at Verity Lane on 8 August, can enjoy a range of activations hosted by Bloom Room, including:
- market stalls
- a pop-up art exhibition
- a chill-out space
- curated food and beverage offerings.
Civic Art Bureau have put together an exciting, curated program including:
- exhibitions
- artist talks
- live music
- extended openings.
Until August, the restaurant will have extended late-night trading until 2am, from Thursdays to Saturdays.
They will also offer a Bingsu (shaved ice-cream).
The 80s-night club will host free trivia every Wednesday night from 7 pm, from now until 26 August.
The Taiwanese massage parlour will launch a Winter Wellness program with:
- complimentary hot stone experience
- Taiwanese herbal massage featuring traditional-style herbal balm
- heat pack relaxation massage.
Luna Bar is hosting an immersive live music event by the SSJ Group on 25 July.
‘Luna Live: Winter Heat’ will feature music performances, DJs and more.
Every Sunday evening from now until 31 August, Molly will host Sunday Supper Club: an 11-week live music dining series.
Mooseheads will celebrate its 22nd birthday on 1 August with the return of ‘Moosechella’, a large-scale music event and the launch party of their new outdoor beer garden.
The Malaysian restaurant is transforming their outdoor dining area into a warm, inviting space with new LED lighting, heaters and new decor.
The local bar will host a new rotating art installation by Canberra-based visual artists and a Friday night ‘Local Artist Bonanza’ featuring a curated evening of artist talks and music.
On 29 August, PJs will host Free Live Rock featuring a well-known Australian artist, supported by a local Canberra band.
A new offering of fast 1–2-week appointment access for new clients from July to August.
Viva Leisure (Hiit Republic Canberra City)
Free indoor-outdoor fitness activation from the Hiit Republic Canberra City studio.
The event will combine indoor and outdoor fitness stations, with equipment and activity from the studio into No Name Lane.
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