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Canberra’s best live music venues
Canberra has a habit of hiding its best live music in plain sight. Upstairs rooms, bookshops after dark, bars that quietly turn into gig venues once the sun goes down. If you ask three people where to go for live music, you’ll probably get three different answers and all of them will be right.
This guide pulls together the live music venues students keep circling back to in 2026. The places that book good acts, get busy on the right nights and feel woven into the rhythm of the city. Some are loud, some are low-key, all are worth knowing.
The Baso
The Baso (formerly The Basement) is a staple of Canberra live music for good reason. With two stages, three bars, plus pinball machines and pool tables scattered throughout the venue, it’s built for big nights and long sets. Some of the largest touring acts in the country pass through here and the atmosphere always delivers.
Located in Belconnen and hosting gigs since 1985, The Baso is Canberra’s longest running independent live music venue. Its lineup spans everything from indie and hip-hop to punk and heavy metal, making it a reliable go-to, no matter your music taste.
What makes it especially popular with students is the atmosphere. It’s casual, you can see different types of acts and you don’t need to know the artist to have an amazing time.
Why students love it
- Regular live gigs with emerging Australian and overseas artists
- The staff are friendly and welcoming
- Affordable ticket prices
Location and hours
- 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen
- Tue–Sat 4pm – late, Fri 11:30am – late, Sun–Mon closed unless a gig is on
Want to bang your head to great music? Head to The Baso! Image credit: VisitCanberra
Smith’s Alternative
Smith’s Alternative is a much-loved bohemian spot in the city, known for drawing in creatives and free thinkers. If you spot the piano out front, you’re definitely in the right place.
Part bookshop, part café and part performance space, Smith’s leans into live music that feels intimate and considered. Expect acoustic sets, experimental sounds and genre-blending performances rather than loud, club-style gigs.
If you like the idea of sitting down, soaking in a vibe and discovering artists you wouldn’t normally come across, this is your place.
What you will find
- Jazz, folk, indie and experimental sets
- Open mic nights and poetry readings
- A relaxed crowd that stays for the full performance
Location and hours
- 76 Alinga St, Canberra City
- Mon 12–9pm, Tue–Thu & Sun 12–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 12–11:30pm
Smith’s is the ultimate creative venue – perfect for inspiration. Image credit: VisitCanberra
Fun Time Pony
Fun Time Pony is for nights when you want to experience the energy of a classic no-frills venue with a bit of extra flair.
It takes its cues from dive bars done well. Think band posters everywhere, glowing neon lights, and just enough darkness to lose track of time while still spotting your friends across the room. And yes, there is a carousel horse inside. No explanation needed.
It’s a popular spot for students who want to enjoy live music while also moving, dancing and staying out late.
What you will find
- Amazing local and out of town live music
- Delicious pizza and pool tables (that are free to play!)
- A packed special events calendar that always has something fun going on
Location and hours
- 122 Alinga Street, Canberra City
- Thurs – Sat 8pm - late
Fun Time Pony delivers exactly what it says in its name. Image Credit: Fun Time Pony
Dissent Café and Bar
Dissent Café and Bar is a newer addition to Canberra’s live music scene and has already become a go-to for discovering local bands.
Most shows spotlight local and emerging artists, played in a smaller room where the crowd stays close to the stage. It is the kind of venue where you can stand, listen and feel part of what is happening without the space feeling overwhelming.
For students interested in creative scenes or live music outside the usual club circuit, Dissent is worth knowing. It is welcoming, low pressure and a good place to start if you are still finding your feet in Canberra.
Why students gravitate to Dissent
- A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
- Supportive crowds for local Aussie bands
- A small, intimate venue
Location and hours
- 181 City Walk, Canberra City
- Mon–Wed 4–10pm, Thu–Fri 12–11:30pm, Sat 1pm–late, Sun open for gigs
Dissent is the new kid on the block and hosts amazing bands. Image credit: Dissent
Shadows Night Club
You might recognise this upstairs, tucked away venue in the city if you spent time at the legendary Sideway club between 2019 and 2024. Shadows Night Club stepped in after its closure, carrying on the late-night energy in the same space.
Expect big DJ nights and a packed event calendar, with music running late and the dance floor rarely empty. Sets move between techno, house, old school R&B and pop, with the occasional band night mixed in to keep things varied.
Why Shadows is a vibe
- The location is super central
- You will always be guaranteed a boogie
- The music is varied and curated
Location
- 21 East Row, Canberra City
- Thu-Sun, 7:30pm-late
Shadows is bringing dance music to Canberra all night long.
Molly
Molly sits behind an unmarked door off Odgers Lane, and finding it feels like a small victory in itself. Step inside and the city drops away. You move straight into a warm, darkly lit speakeasy-style cocktail bar where live music sets the pace for the night.
Jazz performances run throughout the week, led largely by local musicians and played in an intimate room that keeps the focus on sound and atmosphere.
For students keen to explore Canberra’s live music scene beyond the obvious, Molly offers a night that feels immersive, considered and memorable.
What you will find
- Regular live jazz and experienced musicians
- A unique and romantic atmosphere
- Low lighting, booth seating and an intimate room
Location and hours
- Wooden Door, Odgers Ln, Canberra City
- Tue–Thu 5pm–12am, Fri–Sun 5pm–2am
Check out our recommendations for the best pubs and bars in Canberra, and if you’d like to see yourself on stage, explore music degrees at ANU.
