Canberra's music venues actively support and showcase several well-known international artists, including Safia. Image: Martin Ollman
28 May 2025
In Brief:
- Canberra has lots of venues that offer weekly live music.
- This story lists over 20 venues that host live music.
- This story explains where to support local talent and book tickets for international stars.
Canberra is a vibrant hub for live music, offering a rich mix of international, national, and local performances. No matter your taste, there's a venue and genre to suit everyone.
Whether you're heading to your local pub for a casual gig or counting down to a major concert you've had booked for months, Canberra's diverse music scene has something for you.
North
The Baso Belconnen (formerly known as the Basement)
The Baso is known for its underground vibes and hosting some of the biggest touring acts in Canberra. A long-standing venue with a reputation for packed gigs and good music.
The Pot Belly, Belconnen
The Pot Belly nourishes the soul of those seeking a venue that feels like a house party. From rock gigs to acoustic nights, it caters to your hard-core needs.
The George Harcourt Inn, Nicholls
The George is well-known for having great music and supporting local up and coming talent. Catch live music Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays.
Gang-Gang Café & Bar, Downer
From Friday night jazz jams to debut tours, Gang-Gang has a list of gigs, comedy, trivia and music for everyone. A well-known inner-north hub for good music and times.
Dickson Taphouse, Dickson
Are live music and craft beer your jam? Then the Taphouse is a great spot to enjoy a chilled Friday night or Sunday with friends and a schnitzel.
The Old Canberra Inn, Lyneham
The Old Canberra Inn is a well-known pub in Lyneham. It has live music from local bands from Wednesday to Sunday. If you want a family-friendly meal and some quiet jazz or acoustic music, this is a great place to go.
White Eagle Polish Club, O’Connor
Live at the Polo is a beloved inner-north hub. It’s a live music venue that features local artists and musicians from around the world. You can check their music page to find out about intimate acoustic sets, energetic band nights, and music you can groove to.
The UC Refectory and UC Hub, Bruce
Iconic live music venues renowned for showcasing top international and national talent across all genres. Under the ucliveˣ brand, fresh lineups are released every month.
Central
Molly Bar, Canberra City
On Tuesday evenings, enjoy performances by the city's best local duos, trios, and quartets showcasing the smooth sounds of jazz. On Wednesday nights, there are jam sessions where top jazz musicians from Canberra play fun and lively Chicago-style jazz.
Fun Time Pony, Canberra City
Giddy up! Fun Time Pony is the perfect spot for those seeking a blend of lively music and a dance floor. Trivia, comedy, and live local bands every Saturday attract large crowds.
Shadows Night Club, Canberra City
Shadows is a vibrant venue that often spills out of the well-known Sydney Building. It features a diverse lineup of DJs and live bands, showcasing genres such as New Wave, Darkwave, Post-Punk, Goth, Glam, Art Rock, Industrial, and EBM.
Squeaky Clean Bar, Canberra City
Squeaky Clean above Verity Lane has mastered the art of burgers and live music. Check out their Verity Lane Way Festivals and enjoy a mix of Canberra and surrounding talent.
King O’Malley’s, Canberra City
Smack bang in the heart of Canberra, King O'Malley's offer at least four nights of live music a week. Catch up with friends over a drink and dinner and enjoy up-beat folk on Thursdays. There is rock'n'roll on Fridays and Saturdays and classic Irish folk music every Sunday evening.
Dissent Café & Bar, Canberra City
Live music and great food — Dissent is a café by day, dive bar by night. Join the team for an eclectic mix of live music and entertainment. Help support a vibrant live music scene and the strong community spirit that makes Canberra truly unique.
The Street Theatre, Canberra City
A powerhouse for national and emerging talent, the Street Theatre is a staple for the Canberra communities performing arts and live music scene.
Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, Acton
Llewellyn Hall hosts a wide range of local and international performers, with frequent appearances by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and Musica Viva. It also serves as an exceptional stage for diverse events, including contemporary music, comedy, dance, and public lectures.
Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra City
The pulse of live music and entertainment in Canberra, Canberra Theatre offers something for everyone, across all ages and musical tastes. From family favourites like Bluey to iconic artists like Paul Kelly, it delivers an unforgettable lineup sure to satisfy every live music lover.
The National Convention Centre, Canberra City
The capital’s largest events venue hosting major artists. Located in the heart of the city, within the CBD’s entertainment precinct, there’s superb sounds and a view from every seat.
South
Canberra Irish Club, Weston
A buzzing southside community hub. The Irish Club showcases top talent from Canberra and nearby regions every Friday night. Known for its family friendly atmosphere, they also have traditional Irish music and live music each month.
Rose Cottage, Gilmore
Rose Cottage showcases a variety of local talent. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire inside or enjoying the sunshine in the courtyard, there’s always a great lineup and plenty to enjoy.
Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Tuggeranong
From jazz to First Nations open-mic nights and coventry jams, the Tuggeranong Arts Centre house a diverse and exciting range of artists and talents all year-round. Keep an eye out for live music and entertainment at the lakeside centre.
The Durham Pub, Kingston
Enjoy live music every Saturday night at the Durham, where Canberra’s best local bands and DJs come together for a fun night out.
Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Renowned for its rich history of hosting legendary acts like Cold Chisel, INXS, AC/DC, and John Farnham. The German Club continues to build its reputation as a destination for great food and exceptional live music. Discover a dynamic lineup of local, interstate, and international artists and entertainment on their website.
Wesley Music Centre Canberra, Forrest
The Wesley Music Centre, located in Canberra’s inner south, is a lively hub for classical and chamber music. The Centre is home to numerous community arts groups and is dedicated to nurturing local musical talent. Join their popular Wednesday lunchtime concert series or weekly program of performances.
More than one location
Smith’s Alternative Bookshop, Canberra City and Belconnen
Smith’s is one of Canberra’s most iconic and loved performance venues. The bar and performing arts café showcase events of all genres of music, comedy, poetry, cabaret, burlesque, performance art.
P.J O’Reilly’s Irish Pub, Canberra City & Tuggeranong
Canberra’s classic Irish pubs, located in both the City and Tuggeranong, offer a diverse range of entertainment and live music for everyone. From DJs to acoustic performers, you’re guaranteed a great meal and fantastic tunes no matter which side of town you’re on.
To help you discover the right act or genre, check out these great resources:
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