Winter in the Woods brings new festival season to National Arboretum

The National Arboretum Canberra will host a brand new winter festival running from 26 June to 9 August, according to The Riot Act. Winter in the Woods will feature firelight, food and forest adventure, complementing the city's ongoing winter programming and offering locals and visitors a reason to venture to the sprawling venue during the cooler months.

The launch extends Canberra's seasonal event calendar beyond its traditional peaks of spring (Floriade) and autumn. By activating the Arboretum during winter, when visitor numbers typically dip, the festival supports local hospitality and retail operators who rely on foot traffic and tourism spending. The venue's 526 hectares and growing collection of plantings from across the globe create a natural backdrop for immersive seasonal experiences.

For event operators and tourism stakeholders, the addition signals confidence in the city's capacity to attract attendees across all seasons. It also demonstrates how Canberra's major public assets can be leveraged to spread economic benefit beyond peak periods, supporting the case for year-round investment in visitor experiences.

Sources: the-riotact.com.

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