Published December 6th 2015

Enjoy the best of the city

Spend your summer enjoyng the best of the city!

Get your holiday shopping sorted at the Old Bus Dept Markets this summer. Image: Wikimedia Commons large image

Summer is the time to enjoy an outdoor cinema and Canberra has a few to choose from. Image courtesy of Visit Canberra

This summer there's plenty on offer for visitors and locals alike no matter if it's arts, food and wine or family fun that you're after.For art lovers, more than 130 works of art from the much-loved Australian artist Tom Roberts wil be on display at the National Gallery of Australia. The summer exhibition Tom Roberts runs until 28 March 2016 and includes the magnificent Big Picture painting of the 1901 Federation of Australia ceremony.Another must-see exhibition is Encounters at the National Museum of Australia, until 28 March 2016.Drawn from the British Museum's collection, rare Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander objects are displayed.Tickets for this exhibition are free, but it's strongly encouraged to book them online in advance.Also the National Library of China hosts an exhibition at the National Library of Australia from 2 January. Celestial Empire: Life in China, 1644-1911 explores the richness of Chinese culture and tradition through the prism of two of the world's great library collections.Summer means it's time to enjoy the weather and Canberra has a huge variety of outdoor events as well such as Australia's ultimate car show, Summernats Car Festival. Here car lovers of all ages can enjoy the display of street machines, show cars and enjoy live music, and more from 7-20 January.Foodies are certain to enjoy the city's hidden food and wine secrets throughout weekends in February as part of the regional alfresco Summerside Festival which includes master classes, twilight garden concerts and art exhibitions.Sort out your holiday shopping with more than 200 stalls selling everything from food to fashion at the Old Bus Depot Markets on Saturdays and Sundays in December in the lead up to Christmas.The Summer also brings the IMB Sunset Cinema Canberra to the Australian National Botanic Gardens from 9-12 and 16-19 December with a wide range of films as does the The Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema which takes over the Patrick White Lawns by the National Library of Australia from 21 January to 28 February with a stellar line-up and the popular Sundae Sessions.On 26 January Australia Day in the Park starts early with the Great Aussie Day Breakfast and loads of fun for the whole family, as well as the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony. Don't miss the Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular finale on Lake Burley Griffin.So no matter what you're looking for this summer, there's certainly something for everyone.