THE 18th Lavazza Italian Film Festival will showcase a huge program of Italian cinema, opening with the comedy “Let Yourself Go!” and closing with Roberto Benigni’s Oscar-winning film “Life Is Beautiful”. At Palace Electric, September 14-October 8. Program and bookings to palacecinemas.com.au

THE inaugural Floriade Twilight Concert offers patrons a chance to see the 2017 flower-bed designs before the gates officially open. The concert is an open-air performance by Perth’s David Bowie Tribute Show Band and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. At Commonwealth Park, Friday, September 15. Bookings to ticketek.com

AARWUN Gallery at Nicholls is transforming itself into a Parisian café from September 9 to 30 for its exhibition “Paris and Other Stories” featuring works by former director of the Sydney Art School, Bernard Ollis.

THE 2017 Canberra Short Film Festival, September 13-17, is screening across four venues, Dendy Cinemas, Belconnen Community Centre, Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Smith’s Alternative. Program and bookings to csff.com.au

YASSARTS’ “Sculpture in the Paddock” will be held at Cooma Cottage, September 15-October 8. Works from schools in Yass and the region will be on display at the cottage, too. Opening and prize announcement, 5.30pm, Friday, September 15. All welcome.

FLAGS and streamers are strongly recommended for the Canberra Choral Society and Canberra City Band’s joint Night-of-the-Proms-style event, “Pomp”, featuring soprano Livia Brash and works by Verdi, Aaron Copland and Elgar. Donations will go to the Alzheimer’s Australia ACT Dementia & the Arts Program. At Albert Hall, 2.30pm, Sunday, September 10.

STRANGE Weather Gospel Choir joins forces with aChoired Voices, from Castle Hill in Sydney, for a free concert at the High Court at 1.30pm on Sunday, September 10. Registrations to hcourt.gov.au/about/concerts