Gig Guide: The Best Live Music in Canberra in 2024
From festivals and one-off shows to live jazz and DJ sets, here’s our guide to the best live music in Canberra for music lovers.
No matter your taste in music, you’re bound to find a gig in Canberra to suit you. The national capital boasts a thriving live music and cultural scene that encompasses local and international acts, as well as festivals of all sizes in and around Canberra.
To help you plan your 2024 live music calendar, here’s our gig guide for when and where to catch the best live music in Canberra this year.
Missy Higgins
One of Australia's most loved singers, a night with Missy Higgins will be filled with nostalgia and great music.
Taking over the Canberra Theatre Centre for her Second Act Tour, dance and sing along to Missy's old classics and new hits, as the crowd celebrates 20 years since the release of the iconic debut album 'The Sound of White.'
This show may already be sold out (proving just how much we do love Missy), but you can keep your eyes peeled for resale tickets - something may pop up if you're lucky!
August 7th, 2024
Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Smith's Alternative
When the Sydney Buildings's popular music bar sideway played its final show in June of 2024, we began the hunt for live music venues and bars in Canberra providing top-tier live performances.
The good news? We've found one! With no need to wait months to catch a great show, Smith's Alternative in the Melbourne Building is the laidback boho bar hosting alternative bands and solo acts across every genre of music, every night of the week.
From folk singers, choirs, Indigenous musical acts and up and coming songwriters taking the stage, this is the perfect venue for anyone seeking something out of the ordinary.
76 Aligna Street, Canberra City
Cold Chisel
Australian rock band Cold Chisel are making a welcome stop in Canberra for their mammoth 50th Anniversary Tour, celebrating the music that has helped shape Australia.
Jimmy Barnes will be taking the stage as long-running lead singer, where he will be joined by three of his original band members - guitarists Ian Moss and Phil Small, and Don Walker on the keyboard and piano.
Fun fact: The band did not originally plan to stop in the ACT, but following an outcry from the region, a show was added and given a venue change to allow for more attendees - so hop to it and get those tickets you asked for!
November 28th, 2024
Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Gang Gang
This all-day restaurant and bar has locals and tourists covered for meals, drinks and good times in between as one of Canberra's best live music venues.
Gang Gang focuses on the community by combining great food, craft beers and banter with live music in a laidback, welcoming space.
During the warmer months, you can enjoy gigs outside in the beer garden, but inside is just as cosy come winter, with jazz bands taking the stage every Friday for live jazz, plus trivia, music and comedy acts throughout the week.
Shop 4/2 Frencham Place, Downer
Hoodoo Guru's
Celebrating 40 years since the release of Stoneage Romeos, the Hoodoo Gurus are embarking on a national tour 'Back to the Stoneage', and Canberra is getting a gig!
Sing along to the iconic songs you know and love and enjoy the vibes of the upbeat rock melodies this April - tickets are still available!
November 28th, 2024
Llewellyn Hall, William Herbert Place, Canberra
Stonefest
A community staple in Canberra, the uni campus Stonefest is back for 2024, and the lineup is impressive.
Bringing big names like Grinspoon, Birds of Tokyo and Vera Blue over its 20-year run, 2024 will see indie rock band Teenage Dads headline the show.
With May-A, Mansionair, Kitschen Boy and Wallabindi also getting a spot on the lineup, this promises to be a brilliant day out filled with good vibes and dancing at the Concourse at UC.
October 19th, 2024
UC Lawns, University of Canberra, Bruce
Spilt Milk
Not much has been announced about Spilt Milk 2024, except for the fact that it’s happening, yay!
The festival is a staple of Canberra’s live music scene and in past years has featured a great line-up of Aussie and international artists, with a leaning towards indie acts.
Head to the Spilt Milk website to sign up for updates on the 2024 festival - we think it will be an epic day.
Now that you know where to catch the best live music in Canberra this year, how about some more inspo for 2024 events? Check out our guides to the best museums in Canberra and the best art galleries in Canberra.
