Is this Canberra’s answer to Dark Mofo?

Posted on 28 May, 2026

If you’ve ever been secretly envious of those jetting off to Hobart for a weekend of moody winter solstice rituals, dark beers, and avant-garde art, we have some excellent news for your wallet. You won’t need to book a flight to embrace the dark side this winter.

Capital Brewing Co is officially bringing back its wildly popular winter solstice event, Midnight Mass, and it’s shaping up to be the ultimate celebration of shadowy brews, heavy music, and winter revelry.

On Saturday 20 June, the Fyshwick taproom will be transformed into an immersive, underground festival atmosphere. Think less ‘cosy pub night’ and more ‘theatrical winter awakening.’

Here is everything you need to know about Canberra’s loudest winter party.

The Vibe: Leaning Into the Cold

Image: Supplied.

Let’s be honest – Canberrans have two settings in June: hibernating under an electric blanket or fully committing to the winter chill. Midnight Mass is firmly for the latter.

“There’s something pretty special about leaning into the middle of winter instead of hiding from it,” says Laurence Kain, Managing Director of Capital Brewing Co.

“Loud music, dark beers, fire, packed taprooms. It’s all the good stuff.”

Following a massive, packed-out debut last year, the brewery is leaning even harder into the moody, theatrical energy this time around. The brewery’s elevated brew deck is being converted into a proper festival stage, and they are even bringing in a live fire performer to ignite the taproom during the night’s final changeover.

The Lineup: Canberra’s Best Underground Sounds

Image: Supplied.

Midnight Mass isn’t just a party – it’s a massive nod to the capital’s thriving alternative and underground music scenes.

Headlining the night is Canberra’s own explosive five-piece Mac The Knife, famous for their relentless, unapologetically loud energy. They’ll be joined by local punk royalty Box Dye, alongside Problem Green and DJ Eric Layers, who will be keeping the energy moving from doors open to midnight.

Set Times to Plan Your Night

7–8 pm: Eric Layers

8–8:40 pm: Problem Green

8:40– 9pm: Eric Layers

9–9:40 pm: Box Dye

9:40–10 pm: Live Fire Performer

10–11 pm: Mac The Knife

11 pm–12 am: Eric Layers

The Best Part? It’s Free.

While booking a trip to a certain other dark winter festival can cost a pretty penny, entry to Midnight Mass is completely free. No tickets, no gatekeeping – just dark beers, epic live tunes, and a packed taproom of locals celebrating the longest night of the year.

So dust off your thickest black winter coat, rally your crew, and get ready to toast to the winter solstice.