Eight must-visit alternative music venues in Canberra
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Not sure where to find local live music? Behold, a guide to discovering the best alternative-style venues in Canberra.
Whether you want to embrace the community of our music scene or are just looking for some evening entertainment, there is no doubt that supporting local venues is crucial to upholding the passionate, hardworking arts culture here in Canberra. So, what are you waiting for? Jump into the local-led scene and lose yourself in the music.
Dissent Cafe and Bar
At the heart of Garema Place, Dissent thrives on a community of music lovers who come together for everything from live local acts to political panels that reflect their unwavering values.
Atmospherically intimate, this venue is perfect for upcoming bands to perform to a welcoming, enthusiastic crowd equipped with food and a cafe that opens from 4 pm on weekdays.
Free-entry open mic nights run every Monday from 7 pm, as well as regular gigs from Wednesday to Sunday each week.
181 City Walk, City | dissentcafeandbar.com.au
Smith’s Alternative
The home of laid-back, genre-bending indie, which is always hosting live music every day of the week.
Smith’s Alternative provides a communal space for freethinkers to share their performances, whether that be poetry, burlesque, theatre, comedy, philosophy, artwork, and of course, music.
Anything that creates or inspires is welcome at Smith’s, and alternative music is encouraged.
76 Alinga Street, City | smithsalternative.com
The Polo
Hosting album launches, local artists, and dance nights, the Polish White Eagle club has been fuelling Canberra’s contemporary music scene for over a decade.
Gigs are often slightly larger events that sell out on pre-sale due to the small capacity of the venue, so be sure to book ahead when looking to visit.
With lots of music and great food, you can’t miss the Polo.
38 David Street, Turner | @pololive6
Fun Time Pony
An underground late-night venue with New York-style pizza on demand, driven by vibey live music.
Popular with students looking to stay out late enjoying local music, this grungy dive bar regularly hosts local acts that are welcomed by its thriving community.
Fun Time Pony is open from 8 pm until late every Thursday through Saturday.
2/122 Alinga Street, City | @funtimepony
UC Refectory
Based on the University of Canberra’s campus, UC Refectory is one of the larger music venues in the region, hosting crowds of over 1,700 people.
Functioning as a social and dining space for its students during the day, it transforms into a major entertainment venue at night, known to bring in many interstate and international acts.
Open during the work week from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm, UC Refectory opens on weekends for alternative and contemporary acts when performances have been booked.
11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | ucx.canberra.edu.au
Gang Gang Cafe & Bar
A bar, cafe, and live music venue wrapped in one, Gang Gang thrives on sustainability, good service, and supporting the resident music scene.
Friday Night Jazz is free-entry and operates every week, along with community trivia nights and plenty of local or travelling bands.
Open all days of the week for front-of-house and restaurant service, more information regarding Gang Gang’s upcoming gigs can be found on their website.
Shop 4/2 Frencham Place, Downer | ganggangcafe.com.au
The Baso
At the forefront of Canberra’s live venues, The Baso (formerly The Basement) hosts some of the largest touring acts in the local scene.
Fronted by welcoming staff and enthusiastic music lovers, this venue has been boosting the local scene since 1985, building a strong identity as the longest-running independent music venue in Canberra.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday unless a gig is booked otherwise, The Baso is an iconic Canberra venue that incites local music lovers time and time again.
2 Cohen Street, Belconnen | thebaso.com.au
Squeaky Clean
Alternatively-styled and welcoming to high-energy gigs, Squeaky Clean operates on a strong community model, supporting live independent and hip-hop music.
Open every day with happy hour and free pool from 6 pm, Wednesdays are dedicated to local and live music acts, a reflection of their contribution to local musicians.
45 Verity Lane, City | squeakycleanbar.com
Feature image: Fun Time Pony. Via Facebook.
