And the best part is that most of the venues that host live music in Canberra are fairly close to the Australian National University (ANU).

Check out these seven live music venues. They are sure to keep your ears happy, your feet tapping and your palette cheering.

Smith’s Alternative

A bookshop for its first three decades, Smith’s Alternative is now one of the most popular venues for live music in Canberra and a drink after dark. When the sun is up, it’s a café and art gallery. The vibe is cosy and a bit bohemian, with seating and a stage nestled between walls covered with bookshelves and art.

Grab a coffee or T2 tea for an afternoon catch-up between classes. Or come in the evening for a beverage and a show. There’s something on most nights of the week, with performances ranging from music (of all genres) to cabaret, and from burlesque to poetry and stand-up comedy.

Verity Lane Market

Want live music every Friday night? Then wander no further than the Verity Lane Market in the iconic, heritage-listed Sydney Building in Civic. Specialising in a range of beverages and street food vendor-style dining options for all tastes, this is the perfect casual yet elegant spot from which to launch yourself into the weekend.

Keep an eye out for events like Trivia Tuesdays, Politics in the Pub and the theatre and comedy performances that pop up at this venue too from time to time.

Molly’s Bar

Get your hands ready to clap and your feet ready to tap! While away the evening with your friends to the best jazz, rhythm and blues in Canberra.

With live jazz and blues playing every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday night, plus pop-up performances on other nights, Molly’s Bar is a must for jazz lovers.

Over a selection of drinks, listen to music that will take you back to the 1920s and the streets of New York and New Orleans.

Stage88

Best known as the site of the Floriade Festival, Commonwealth Park on the north side of Lake Burley Griffin is also home to the beautiful outdoor Stage 88, the most iconic outdoor concert venue in Canberra. A permanent fixture in the park, Stage 88 hosts a range of music and other concerts throughout the year, from Ministry of Sound to well-loved bands like Crowded House. It’s also home to the annual SummerSalt concert.

Sideway

Sitting snugly upstairs in the Sydney Building, Sideway is an intimate music bar and home to some of the best live music in Canberra. Grab a cocktail or local beer and sit back to enjoy music from local and visiting performers. With a relaxed, warm and inclusive vibe, Sideway also regularly hosts a range of comedy acts and open-mic nights to keep things interesting.

Tilley’s

Named after the infamous 1920s Sydney underworld figure, Matilda ‘Tilley’ Devine, this café has a rich history. In its first two years it was a safe and comfortable environment for women only and caused its first commotion by banning groups of men drinking inside unless they were accompanied by at least one woman. With live jazz piano music every Saturday night, it’s worth venturing up to Lyneham to relax in this cosy and nostalgic lounge bar for a quiet catch-up over wine or cocktails.

Blackbird Bar

For an old-school vibe, Blackbird Bar has live music performances celebrating soul and rock-n-roll music from the golden age of tunes. Enjoy a classic cocktail while you enjoy live performances of genres like jazz, reggae, rock’n’roll through to the blended styles influenced by acapella and gospel music.