Summer Sounds 2020

Relaxing to Summer Sounds on the Eucalypt Lawn

This event has finished

Summer Sounds 2020 ended on Sunday 22 March 2020.

Visit the What's on page for current and upcoming events.

Current events

Botanic Gardens Day - more than just a garden

Sunday 26 May, 10 am - 3 pm

Visit the Gardens on Sunday 26 May from 10 am – 3 pm and discover the important role the Gardens plays in safeguarding Australia’s native plants.

Garden of Letters by the Canberra Calligraphy Society

8 May 2024 - 2 June 2024 — Visitor Centre at the Australian National Botanical Gardens

Join the Canberra Calligraphy Society for their next exhibition ‘Garden of Letters’ at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

Gardens Through Time: Self-guided heritage trail

Sun 14 April - Fri 31 May — Maps available from the Visitor Centre

Look back in time to see how the Gardens has grown and changed on this self-guided historical photo trail.

Magnificent MEGAfauna: Hide and Seek

1 - 31 July, daily

Explore the Gardens in July to find some unique ancient animals!

5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays 7/8 March, 14/15 March and 21/22 March 2020

— Eucalypt Lawn

As part of an epic event program to celebrate the Australian National Botanic Gardens’ 50th Anniversary, Summer Sounds 2020 is set to entertain the whole family this March. With a great line-up of local musicians and dance talent spread across three themed weekends, Summer Sounds 2020 will get you moving and grooving to the sounds of your favourite top 40 hits through to the smooth sounds of jazz.

There’s loads to entertain the kids too inside the Gumnut Hut with face-painting, storytelling and craft activities.

Summer Sounds is a picnic haven, but if picnics are not your thing then grab a bite to eat at the concerts - mobile bar and sweet and savoury menu options are all on offer.

PARTY WEEKEND – Top 40 hits of the 70s, 80s, 90s and today
Saturday 7 March - Purc Randall & Soultry Se-Lah with Canberra Swing Katz
Sunday 8 March – Sistas in Song with Jumptown Swing

TRIBUTE WEEKEND – A celebration of music icons Fleetwood Mac and Aussie rock and pop legends
Saturday 14 March – The Drinking Lizards with Kokoloco
Sunday 15 March - Sweet Little Lies

JAZZY WEEKEND – Smooth jazz and swing
Saturday 21 March – Annie and the Armadillos with Canberra Swing Katz
Sunday 22 March – The Liam Budge Jazz Quartet with Jumptown Swing

A complimentary assistance vehicle will operate from the car park areas to the Eucalypt Lawn. This service will operate both ways from 4.00 pm and conclude at 7.30 pm.

Frequently asked questions about this event

Summer Sounds 2020 Visitor Survey

Program

Saturday 7 March – Purc Randall & Soultry Se-Lah with Canberra Swing Katz

Purc Randall & Soultry Se-Lah has captivated audiences in Canberra, Sydney, Wollongong and Melbourne with their unique and soulful tone in their live performances. They have a huge repertoire including Soul, Motown, Pop, RNB, Reggae, Top 40, Rock, Latin, Country and more.

To get the crowd warmed up and ready to go, Canberra Swing Katz will offer a pre-band dance workshop for the young and old. Known for their high energy, high flying performances and super fun classes, Canberra Swing Katz specialise in Charleston, Lindy Hop and related Swing Dances.

Purc Randall & Soultry Se-Lah and Canberra Swing Katz

Sunday 8 March – Sistas in Song with Jumptown Swing

Nyoongar Country meets Murrawurri Country as First Nations vocalists Monica Moore and Belle Whyte join together to create this powerful, soulful and fun musical union. Belle and Monica will weave their culture and joyful energy through a selection of iconic party songs from across the decades. These two incredible voices will be backed by a trio of Canberra’s finest musicians in a performance not to be missed.

Jumptown Swing will join the fun with a dance workshop for young and old. Jumptown is a not-for-profit organisation who have inspired and taught hundreds of students to swing dance in Canberra for more than 10 years.

Jumptown Swing

Saturday 14 March – The Drinking Lizards with Kokoloco

The Drinking Lizards are a hard rocking, high energy Canberra based Rock Band covering five decades of classic solid rock featuring Ven Licciardello as lead vocals, Cam Shelley on lead guitar, Damian Ashcroft on bass and Daniel Cooke on drums.

To add extra colour to the concert, Kokoloco will get the audience on their feet with a spectacular Latin and Zumba performance. Kokoloco is one of Canberra’s most prestigious dance studios and the best place to learn to dance, get fit and have fun!

The Drinking Lizards and Kokoloco