Calling all music enthusiasts in Canberra! Prepare to have your senses electrified because the Capital is bursting at the seams with incredible live-music venues that will transport you to a sonic wonderland. Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar and experience an auditory odyssey like no other. Brace yourself as we share the top five live venues that are guaranteed to leave you screaming “Encore, encore!”
Transit Bar
The story of Transit Bar is littered with memorable gigs, parties, pool and hangovers… so naturally it’s the place if you’re chasing a gig and a good time. Well known amongst music aficionados, this bar offers live music and DJ sets, featuring local and touring acts across different genres, including indie, rock and electronic. If you reckon you’ve got what it takes, make the stage yours on karaoke night but if you’re on vocal-rest, pool nights and themed parties are aplenty
Smith’s Alternative
A performance venue, art gallery, café and bar – Smith’s Alternative has it all. Located in civic, Smith’s was created to celebrate, develop, present and appreciate local culture in all of it’s artistic forms. Luckily for the music lovers, this means plenty of piano, trumpet, guitar, jazz funk and Afro Caribbean to get you movin’ and groovin’. Apart from live music, this venue offers live poetry, comedy shows, life drawings, craft workshops, cabaret shows, trivia nights and more.
The Basement
Step down into The Basement, and back into the good old days when rock and roll was at it’s prime. The crowd will be head bangin’, thrashin’ and moshing to some serious live music. Decked out with guitars, even on the roof, expect to get sweaty with the edgy metal, hard rock, alternative and emo tunes. Fuel up on their kick ass burgers and beer selection to keep up with the high energy of Belconnen’s favourite joint. Adding to the fun, they also host themed parties, including 90s and early 00s, One Direction, Taylor Swift and comedy shows.
Hellenic Club
If international flair is what inspires your inner-muso, an explosive fusion of live global beats await at Hellenic Club. A foot-tapping, hip-swaying and booty-shaking cultural extravaganza of European sounds from the regions of Pontos and Crete will have you dancing in no time. Also acting as a cultural shire to music legends, Hellenic Club also pays tribute to all-time favourites, including Fleetwood Mac, Keith Urban and Shania Twain.
Molly
What’s better than listening to live jazz and sipping on your favourite bevvy? Transport yourself to another time every Tuesday night from 7pm as you sip on one of Molly’s extensive range of whiskeys and hear the melodies of Count Basie. The cosy venue, moody atmosphere and smooth sounds on the incredible piano will have you saying “what a wonderful world.”
Head to our What’s On page to check out more upcoming live music gigs.
