Civic, Canberra
Things to do in Civic
3 min read
Civic is the vibrant heart of the city, serving as Canberra's primary hub for culture, shopping and nightlife. This central precinct blends busy metropolitan energy with well-planned open spaces, making it a natural starting point for visitors and locals alike. You will find everything from high-end retail and boutique storefronts to quiet galleries and professional hubs within a short walk of each other.
The area is particularly well known for its diverse dining scene, offering a mix of casual eateries, rooftop bars and refined restaurants. Whether you are looking for a mid-week performance, a weekend market or a spot to enjoy the local coffee culture, there is always something happening in the city centre. Please explore the current list of activities and local events featured below.
What Civic is known for
Civic is Canberra’s CBD and the densest concentration of restaurants, bars, cinemas and live-music venues in the city. Most weekend visitors start here for the food strips on Bunda Street, Garema Place and the Sydney/Melbourne Buildings, the cinemas at the Canberra Centre and NewActon, and the late-night pubs around East Row.
Anchor places to visit
- Canberra Centre – the city’s main shopping centre, with Dendy Cinemas and a large food court.
- Canberra Theatre Centre – main touring theatre productions.
- Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) – free ACT-focused exhibitions.
- Garema Place – pedestrianised square with weekend buskers and pop-up food.
- Smith’s Alternative, The Phoenix, sideway – nightly live music venues.
- Glebe Park – the city’s central green space and outdoor festival site.
Eating and drinking
The feed below picks up food events in Civic as they’re confirmed. For broader food planning, see our food guide.
Getting around
Civic is well-connected by ACT public transport – Transport Canberra’s app shows live bus and light-rail times. Cycling is easy on the off-road paths; the Canberra cycle map covers the connectors. Parking is mostly free on weekends.
What’s nearby
Civic borders Braddon (food and craft beer), Acton (national institutions, lake foreshore, ANU), Reid and Turner (residential inner-north strips). The Light Rail connects Civic to Gungahlin via Dickson and Lyneham.
What’s on this week
Scroll to the live feed below for every confirmed event in Civic over the next two weeks. For wider planning, see things to do this weekend.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do in Civic, Canberra?
- Civic is Canberra's city centre and the densest cluster of dining, cinemas and live music in the ACT. Eat along Bunda Street and Garema Place, catch a film at Dendy in the Canberra Centre or Palace Electric nearby, see live music at Smith's Alternative, The Phoenix and sideway, take in a show at the Canberra Theatre Centre, or visit free exhibitions at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG).
- Is parking free in Civic on weekends?
- Most Civic parking is free on weekends. On weekdays the on-street and surface car parks are ticketed or paid between 8 am and 5 pm, so a weekend visit is the cheapest time to drive in from the suburbs.
- How do you get to Civic on public transport?
- Civic is the main interchange for Transport Canberra buses and the southern terminus of the light rail, which runs to Gungahlin via Dickson and Lyneham. Off-road cycle paths connect Civic to the lake foreshore and the inner north. Use the Transport Canberra app for live times.
On this week (1)
Live event feed, updated as venues confirm.
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