Canberra is an interesting city and full of very diverse people. That does not end with people’s interests and passions. The Canberra music scene goes under the radar if you’re not aware of it beforehand but it is definitely there and it is booming. There are several genres of music that you can listen to throughout the nation’s capital, with each area having their own spaces that are transformed into music venues where you can see local artists. There’s nothing quite like live music and the atmosphere local artists and acts provide. Our extensive list will hopefully help you narrow down the best bars to listen to local Canberra artists by area and bar/pub.
Gungahlin
The George Harcourt Inn, Nicholls
Built in 1980, The George Harcourt Inn was named after a local landowner, George Harcourt who was a total Englishman through and through. Affectionately shortened to ‘The George’ by locals, they are known for their cool, kick-back atmosphere with great food and even better local live music. Live music acts can be seen at The George every Wednesday and Friday night as well as Sunday lunch in the Beer Garden & Hill.
Siren Bar and Restaurant, Gungahlin
Located in the heart of Gungahlin, in Canberra’s north, Siren Bar and Restaurant have been servicing the Canberra community since 2011 and are considered a landmark venue within Gungahlin. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can find local musicians playing live on Friday nights at 8 PM to patrons.
Belconnen
The Basement Canberra, Belconnen
Supporting live music in Canberra since 1985, The Basement Canberra is known as Canberra’s premier live music venue. Hosting some of the biggest touring acts and gigs, you will be fully immersed in the culture of live music. They have a variety of tasty food and drinks to choose from as well as pool tables and pinball machines to keep you entertained between sets.
Boardwalk Bar & Nightclub, Belconnen
Located on the shore of Lake Ginninderra, Boardwalk Bar & Nightclub is Belconnen’s premier nightspot in the neighbourhood. They pride themselves on great service, a wide range of cocktails and spirits and of course, entertainment! Every Wednesday they host ‘Wednesday Live’ where a new live local artist/ band comes and graces us all with their presence to provide some great tunes.
Inner North
Old Canberra Inn, Lyneham
Built in 1857, Old Canberra Inn is one of the earliest licenced pubs in Canberra. The building is actually older than the city itself and was initially a coach stop between Yass and Queanbeyan until 1887. It was then a family home until 1974 and then it was renovated and relicenced into the Old Canberra Inn. Live Jazz takes place on Wednesdays as part of their Jazz Jam and then weekends are for acoustic sets from some of Canberra’s best local musicians around town.
Polish White Eagle Club, Turner
Serving up great tunes in Turner, the Polish White Eagle Club has been around in Canberra for more than half a century. From Friday to Sunday each weekend, you can find local artists taking over ‘The Polo’ venue and regularly hosts instate and overseas performers as well. With theatre sound and lighting, you’ll be completely immersed in your surroundings here.
City
Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
Located in the heart of the Canberra CBD, Smith’s Alternative was created for the purpose of celebrating local culture and providing a safe and comfortable space for creative expression. There are a variety of different shows to choose from at Smith’s Alternative and they are not limited to just musicians.
Blackbird Bar, Canberra
Rock and roll down to Blackbird Bar in the CBD. Blackbird was inspired by the soul, groove and rock and roll during the golden ages of music. With local music playing a few nights each week, this little hidden bar is booming with music when open. The bar is hidden below the Sydney Building in the interchange. If you didn’t already know about it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how delightful and intimate this venue is.
Woden
Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Opened in 1964, the Harmonie German Club is rich in culture and has a dedicated auditorium specifically designed for events like live music. A full night of fun and entertainment can be had here and they serve traditional Bavarian and Australian foods as well as imported German alcoholic beverages.
Canberra Irish Club, Weston
Established in 1975, the Canberra Irish Club is the only Irish club in Canberra. Their relaxed, welcoming atmosphere quickly becomes a vibrant and energetic place to be when music artists come alive on stage. You can catch local acts on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons on the main stage.
Tuggeranong
PJ O’Reilly’s, Greenway
PJ O’Reilly’s has been an integral part of the Tuggeranong district community for over 11 years and has live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. They are a traditional Irish Pub and are known for their blues and jazz gigs from the live music scene.
Live at the Glen, The Burns Club, Kambah
Formed in 1924, The Canberra Burns Club is Canberra’s first and longest serving club. They are known for their involvement in community events and activities and have a brand new beer garden complete with a stage for live music, called The Glen. They host music artists every Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday afternoons.
So many options to choose from and so much time to get through them all! For more up to date information on local acts and venues, we suggest you check out the venues on social media. If you’re looking for new place to try cocktails to go before or after your musical night out, check out our article on the best cocktail bars in Canberra.