Gig Guide: The Best Live Music in Canberra in 2025

No matter your taste in music, you’re bound to find a gig in Canberra that suits 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 2025 live music calendar, here’s our gig guide for when and where to catch the best live music in Canberra this year.

International Blues Music Day

Get ready for seven solid hours of blues roots as the Canberra Blues Society hosts International Blues Music Day in celebration. From Adelaide’s Don Morrison to homegrown favourites like Barrow of Fiends, Roshani and Checkerboard Lounge from Melbourne, the lineup brings regional blues scenes together under one roof. Expect live music from 3 pm to 10 pm, raffle prizes, and true-blue community vibes.

Saturday 2 August

Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah

Illy — The Good‑er Life Tour

Illy hits Canberra as part of his high-energy, 27-date “Good‑er Life” tour, promoting his third ARIA chart-topper. With a reputation for electrifying live shows and memorable hooks, he’s bringing the full party to the capital: expect a heap of classics, new tracks, and serious crowd engagement as only Illy can deliver.

Friday 1 August

Ruby Fields — Half The Laugh Tour

Returning for more irreverent energy and summer-grade anthems, Ruby Fields brings her “Half The Laugh” tour to Canberra this August — joined of course by her best mates The Beefs. Expect fresh tunes, spirited performances, and more laughs than a pub quiz on karaoke night.

Friday 15 August

Stonefest

A community staple in Canberra, the uni campus Stonefest is always an electrifying event. While the 2025 details are yet to be announced, past year’s shows have seen names like Grinspoon, Birds of Tokyo, and Vera Blue compliment its 20-year run.

It’s always a brilliant day out filled with good vibes and dancing at the Concourse at UC. 

October 2025, exact date TBC

UC Lawns, University of Canberra, Bruce

Ricky Martin — Live at GIO Stadium

Get ready for a high-voltage showdown as Ricky Martin brings his first Australian headline concert in a decade to GIO Stadium, supported by Rita Ora. Over 90 minutes of flawless choreography and hits like Livin’ la Vida Loca, She Bangs and The Cup of Life come alive in a sensory-loaded spectacle. If you’re after pop-glamour with heart, this one delivers in spades.

Saturday 8 November

Gio Stadium

Spilt Milk Festival — Canberra

Prepare to mark your summer epic with Spilt Milk — the buzziest touring festival that returns to Canberra this December with a lineup stacked to the brim. Headlined by rap icon Kendrick Lamar, fresh off his Super Bowl halftime triumph, and breakout star Doechii, plus indie heavyweights like Dominic Fike, Sara Landry, Nessa Barrett, The Rions and more. This is arguably the year Canberra becomes the destination for live music lovers.

Saturday 13 December

Exhibition Park in Canberra

Now that you know where to catch the best live music in Canberra this year, how about some more inspo for 2025 events? Check out our guides to the best museums in Canberra and the best art galleries in Canberra.