Posted on 11 November, 2025
November in Canberra is shaping up to be deliciously eventful.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast ready to sample over 300 local drops, a beer lover keen to explore Capital Brewing’s craft creations, or simply someone who enjoys a good excuse to gather around great food and drink, this month has something special waiting for you.
From intimate wine dinners to spirited celebrations by the lake, here are 10 events Canberrans won’t want to miss.
Learn the trade secret behind Mezzalira’s famed tiramisu
Ever wanted to know why Mezzalira’s famed tiramisu tastes so delicious? Now’s your chance to discover the secrets for yourself!
On three Saturday afternoons (15, 22 and 29 November), you could be one of just four people who will don their aprons and join Mezzalira’s head chef in an intimate cooking class where you’ll whip up the coveted dessert.
Then, once it’s chilling, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner at Canberra’s most iconic Italian restaurant, including the tiramisu you made yourself.
Priced at $125 per head, your ticket includes a glass of wine, a three-course set menu and the rest of your delicious dessert to take home. Book your spot here – just select one of the dates above for the 5 pm time slot and choose ‘TRADE SECRET’.
Saturday 15, 22 and 29 November | Mezzalira, Melbourne Building, 55 London Circuit, Canberra | mezzalira.com.au
MAMÉ pop-up levels up with live music, cocktails and food
Nestled in the leafy, meandering suburb of Melba, Café MAMÉ has long been a local favourite. Hosting pop-up dinners throughout the year, they’re taking things up a level this November with a series of events featuring cocktails, live music, food and wine.
Kicking off this Friday and Saturday for the next three weekends, and running from 5.30 pm til late, there are limited seats available, so make sure to book yourself a seat.
Friday 14, 21 and 28 and Saturday 15, 22 and 29 November | Cafe Mame, Shop 2/4 Melba Court, Melba | instagram.com
AK’s Nasi Lemak pop-up
Malaysia’s iconic Nasi Lemak gets the AK’s Diner treatment for one night only at NewActon Precinct. If you’ve had their version before, you already know. If you haven’t, this Friday 14 November is your chance to understand what the fuss is about.
Nasi Lemak – “Nasi” meaning rice – features coconut-milk richness paired with sambal (rich, bold, a lil’ spicy gravy-ish), fried anchovies (crunchy umami bomb), roasted peanuts (earthy crunch), cucumber (cool and fresh), and a perfectly boiled egg. Because Malaysians love their eggs. Add Devil Beef Curry or Ayam Goreng Berempah Wings if you want to level up.
The pop-up runs street-style: loud ’90s hip-hop, first-in best-sat seating. Think soul food, real tunes, and zero pretence. Running from 5 pm till sell-out, so get there early!
Friday, 14 November, 5 pm until sell out | NewActon Precinct, Canberra | instagram.com
Capital Brewing Co. Beer Dinner
There’s something wonderful about celebrating what’s made right here in our own backyard, and Capital Brewing Co. has become a true Canberra success story. What started as a local favourite has grown into one of the country’s largest independently owned breweries – and that’s worth raising a glass to.
This specially crafted beer dinner pairs four carefully designed courses with Capital Brewing’s signature beers, each combination highlighting the flavours that make craft beer so exciting.
For anyone who loves exploring Canberra’s thriving craft beer scene, this evening at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison offers a delicious way to dive deeper.
Friday, 14 November, 6.30 pm-9.30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, Corner Catchpole & Bowman Street, Macquarie | cscc.com.au
The Canberra & Region Wine Show: Tasting Experience
Picture this: over 300 wines, more than 1,000 bottles from local and regional wineries, and two glorious hours to sniff, swirl and savour at EPIC’s Terrace Restaurant. This isn’t your average tasting – it’s an exclusive chance to sample the entire range of entries from this year’s Canberra and Region Wine Show, including the medal winners and the just-announced 2025 Best Wine of Show.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about what our cool-climate region produces, this experience showcases the talent of local winemakers in a relaxed, convivial setting.
Add in delicious snacks and the good company of fellow wine enthusiasts, and it’s the perfect way to spend a November afternoon in Mitchell. Sessions are available on both Thursday and Friday, so there’s no excuse not to discover (or rediscover) the impressive wines being crafted right on our doorstep.
Thursday 13 and Friday 14 November | Terrace Restaurant, Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Road, Mitchell | rncas.org.au
Trooper’s Rest 180th birthday celebration
It’s not every day a venue celebrates 180 years of pouring drinks – but then again, Trooper’s Rest in Braidwood isn’t just any venue. Originally known as the Dog and Style when it received its liquor licence back in 1845, this gold rush-era gem is one of the region’s oldest continuously operating hospitality venues, and owner Gavin Gillin is marking the milestone in style.
The all-day celebration features a menu showcasing locally sourced produce (because great food has always been part of the story), with live entertainment kicking off at 4pm. Mikelangelo and the Long Lost Friends bring their eclectic roots rock and Euro folk vibes, joined by Australian Idol top 50 performer Jakob Poyner.
There’s even a special Trooper’s Rest Gin made with regional mountain pepper available exclusively for the occasion.
Saturday, 15 November, all day (entertainment from 4 pm) | Trooper’s Rest, Braidwood | troopersrest.au
Underground Spirits: Stirred, Not Spilled
Sometimes the best cocktails come from the most unexpected vessels. Underground Spirits has made an art of mixing drinks in teapots, and now they’re inviting Canberrans to learn the technique themselves in this delightfully creative workshop.
Over 1.5 hours, participants discover how to craft two of Underground’s signature cocktails – The Watermelon Slide (a Floriade favourite that captures summer in a glass) and The Garden, a springtime creation featuring wine from local winery Contentious Character.
The experience includes high tea treats to accompany the cocktails you’ll shake, stir and pour yourself, plus mini bottles and printed recipes to take home so the magic can continue.
Part of Discover Spirits CBR and hosted overlooking beautiful Lake Burley Griffin, it’s an afternoon that combines creativity, local spirit (pun intended) and the joy of learning something deliciously new.
Saturday, 15 November, 2 pm-3.30 pm | Canberra and Region Visitors’ Centre, Barrine Drive, Parkes | events.humanitix.com
Don’t miss vinos, momos and bevos at Such and Such
Venus Vinifera – a community helping women, trans and non-binary people conquer the hospitality industry through networking, education and mentoring – is hosting a night of yummy food, drinks and music at Such and Such, and you’re invited. Shining a spotlight on some amazing local women and the work they do; they’ll be raising money to elevate and update their education program.
Sunday 16 November, 2–8 pm | Such and Such, Constitution Place, 220 London Circuit, Canberra City | instagram.com
DeVino’s Italian Aperitivo
DeVino is hosting an Italian aperitivo session – the traditional hour between work and dinner where Italians gather over drinks and small bites.
The format is straightforward: one drink from their curated selection and unlimited cicchetti (Italian small plates) from the buffet, all for $39.99.
The session runs for an hour from 5:30 pm, with 30 spots available and a lucky door prize of Italian wine!
Thursday, 20 November, 5.30 pm-6.30 pm | DeVino Wine and Salumi | devinowineandsalumi.com.au
Champi Express’ set to become a night-time fave
It’s been serving Southeast Asian breaky and lunch in Woden since it opened in May 2025, and now Champi Express will be filling your Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Hosting pop-up diners from Thursday 20 November, head along to sink your teeth into dishes like Kee Mao Squid Ink Linguine, Khao Man Gai, Duck Noodles and Coconut Chicken Salad.
They’ll also be serving their speciality drinks menu, which makes an iced matcha yuzu the perfect nightcap.
Thursday to Saturday from 20 November, 5.30–8 pm | Champi Express, 10G/35 Furzer St, Phillip | champiexpress.com
Discover Canberra wine appreciation class
Ever wondered what makes Canberra District wines so distinctive? This wine appreciation class at the Canberra and Region Visitors’ Centre in Parkes offers the perfect opportunity to find out. The session explores the unique story of our cool-climate wine region, from the hero grapes and emerging favourites to the way elevation, soil and that distinctive continental climate shape every bottle.
Participants taste a carefully curated selection featuring both established favourites and exciting newer producers, moving beyond the basics to uncover the stories and secrets that make local wines special.
Whether you’re a Canberran discovering your own backyard, a wine lover exploring cool-climate styles, or simply curious about this emerging wine destination, it’s an engaging way to spend a Saturday afternoon deepening your appreciation for what’s being produced in the region.
Saturday, 22 November, 1 pm-3 pm | Canberra and Region Visitors’ Centre, Parkes | canberracellardoor.com.au
Katnook Estate Wine Dinner
When an iconic Coonawarra winery like Katnook Estate comes to town, it’s worth paying attention. This four-course wine dinner at the Yacht Club in Yarralumla brings together lead winemaker Daniel McNicol’s expertise with the culinary talents of the Executive Chef for an evening of perfectly matched wines and beautifully crafted dishes.
McNicol guides guests through Katnook’s portfolio throughout the dinner, sharing insights into how each wine is made and what makes it unique. It’s an immersive experience that showcases Coonawarra’s renowned wine region while highlighting the magic that happens when exceptional wine meets thoughtful cooking.
For anyone who appreciates the interplay between food and wine, this is an evening that promises to delight.
Friday, 21 November, 6.30 pm-9.30 pm | Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | cscc.com.au
Laura Sharrad at Pialligo Estate
MasterChef fans, this one’s for you. Season 17 winner Laura Sharrad is bringing her modern Italian approach to Pialligo Estate for a special spring weekend that celebrates regional produce, estate wines and the joy of gathering around exceptional food.
Saturday evening features an exclusive hosted dinner in the Glasshouse with a multi-course menu paired with estate wines – intimate, elegant and utterly delicious. Sunday starts with a cooking demonstration (always fascinating to watch a chef at work) before flowing into a shared long lunch overlooking the vineyards and gardens.
Laura’s approach beautifully blends Mediterranean flavours with Canberra’s local bounty, creating that convivial Italian spirit of communal dining we all crave. Set amongst Pialligo Estate’s stunning surrounds, it’s an intimate culinary journey with one of Australia’s most beloved chefs that’s sure to be memorable.
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November | Pialligo Estate by Create Catering, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | trybooking.com
Capital Brewing is hosting an epic Country Hoedown
Because how else would you celebrate your eighth birthday? Capital Brewing is a backyard hoedown with live country tunes, line dancing, a mechanical bull and Big Box BBQ on Sunday 23 November, and it sounds like a whole lot of fun. Pull on your best cowboy boots and get ready to yeehaw!
Sunday, 23 November, 11:30 am til lateish | Capital Brewing, Dairy Road, Fyshwick | capitalbrewing.co
Want to try a Thanksgiving feast? Catbird is hosting an all you-can-eat
Ever wondered what a true Thanksgiving feast is like? In true Cali-style, Catbird is serving up an all-you-can-eat buffet this November so you can try it for yourself. Taking place from Thursday 27 until Saturday 29 November, for $77 per person (with special dietary and kids pricing), you can try all the classics.
Think: slow-roasted turkey, buttery mash, roasted veggies, house-made pies, and that Southern California twist they’re known for. Book your seat here.
Thursday 27 until Saturday 29 November | Catbird, 44 Constitution Avenue, Parkes | catbirdcanberra.com.au
Spirits at the Foreshore
Canberra’s newest tasting experience is taking over the Old Transport Depot in Kingston, and it’s shaping up to be quite the celebration. Over three sessions across two days, more than 200 spirits from 40 Australian and international distillers will be poured in this lakeside gathering of flavour enthusiasts.
From bold Tasmanian whiskies to playful gins, authentic Mexican tequila to smooth vodka paired with caviar bumps (yes, really), there’s an impressive range to discover. Tickets include unlimited tasting samples, a branded tasting cup, Long Rays tonic and soda water, and a tote bag – plus food trucks will be onsite to keep the energy up.
Every bottle is available for take-home purchase, so when you find something you love, you can bring it home. Limited masterclass tickets are also available, including sessions with Hugo Vodka and White Light Beverages. With three sessions to choose from, it’s the perfect way to spend a late November afternoon by the lake.
Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November | Old Transport Depot, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | ginevents.com.au
Save the date for The Irvine’s Boozy Brunch
Block out Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November in your diary, because you’ll be spending your days at The Irvine to indulge in their boozy brunch.
With sessions available at 11.30 am, 1 pm or 2.30 pm, you’ll be treated to bottomless mimosas, a cocktail jug to share and some delicious food. Why? Because breakfast tastes better with bubbles. Book a seat here.
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November | The Irvine, 26 Kesteven Street, Florey | theirvine.com.au
Dining and Cooking