10+ places for free live music and a feed in Canberra

Posted on 20 January, 2020

There’s no better pairing than free live music and a feed. Here’s where to find this heavenly duet in Canberra.

Who doesn’t love some acoustic tunes with their avo toast? Some bluegrass with their burger? Some folk music with their frothy?

Okay, I’ll stop. But seriously, is there anything better? Across Canberra, there are plenty of opportunities to grab a meal with a side of local live talent. Here are some to get you started.

UPPER NORTH

THE DISTRICT

Live music: Every Sunday from 1–3 pm.

Pair it with: A Grilled Chicken Burger with avo, aioli and chips—there’s even a special from 5 pm where you can get any burger and a tap beer for $20.

56 Abena Avenue, Crace | thedistrict.com.au

THE GEORGE

Live music: There’s Open Mic night on Wednesdays from 6.30 pm and if performers book a slot beforehand, they get a free meal and drink.

Pair it with: Pan-fried crispy-skinned Tasmanian salmon fillet with mashed potato, asparagus, cherry tomato and chive and caper butter.

3 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls | georgeharcourt.com

YOUNG & FRISKY

Live music: Friday to Sunday.

Pair it with: Frisky’s fried chicken.

Gungahlin Place West, Gungahlin | youngandfrisky.com.au

INNER NORTH

EDGAR’S  

Live music: Sundays from 3 pm.

Pair it with: Korean fried cauliflower with fried cauliflower, sticky Korean dressing and sesame.

1 Edgar Street, Ainslie | edgarsinn.com.au

OLD CANBERRA INN

Live music: Most weekends, see Facebook for more information.

Pair it with: Free-range chicken schnitzel.

195 Mouat Street, Lyneham | oldcanberrainn.com.au

THE RUC

Live music: Fridays from 7.30–11 pm. Click here to see their gig guide.

Pair it with: The South’na burger with buttermilk chicken, slaw, hot sauce and fries.

54 McCaughey Street, Turner | theruc.com.au

CITY

ASSEMBLY 

Live music: Sundays from 2 pm. 

Pair it with: Haloumi Fries with harissa yogurt, maple glaze and mixed herbs.

11 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | assemblycbr.com.au/whatson

HOPSCOTCH

Live music: Most weekends. See Facebook for more information.

Pair it with: Twice-cooked buffalo wings with blue cheese ranch.

 5 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | hopscotchbar.com.au

KING O’MALLEYS

Live music: Every weekend from 10 pm until late.

Pair it with: Slow-roasted crispy skin pork belly with roast potatoes and greens.

131 City Walk, City | kingomalleys.com.au

QUEANBEYAN 

ROYAL HOTEL QUEANBEYAN

Live music: Every weekend. See the website for gig details.

Pair it with: House smoked and marinated pork spareribs with chargrilled corn cob, Asian slaw salad and seasoned chips. 

85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan | royalhotelqbn.com.au

INNER SOUTH  

PUBLIC 

Live music: Every Friday and Saturday night.

Pair it with: Salmon with asparagus, ginger, cucumber and sesame.

Corner of Franklin Street and Flingers Way, Manuka | publicbar.com.au

WODEN + TUGGERANONG

PJ O’REILLY’S

Live music: Wednesdays and Fridays

Pair it with: A PJ’s burger with smoky bacon, onion rings, vintage cheddar, lettuce, tomato and aioli.

78 Reed Street, Greenway | pjstugg.com