The Baso Canberra

The Baso Canberra stands as a cornerstone of live entertainment in the Australian Capital Territory, bringing together a dynamic mix of live music, bar service, and restaurant dining at 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen. Functioning as one of the region’s premier venues for touring acts, this establishment has earned a reputation for its strong community connection, an eclectic gig guide, and a welcoming atmosphere that attracts patrons from across the capital and beyond.

While the name has evolved from its earlier branding as The Basement, the venue’s commitment to high-quality sound and diverse performances remains unchanged. From international touring bands and heavy metal acts to local rising talent, the space hosts a wide variety of musical genres. As a licensed premises open until 2:00 am, it provides a full evening out under one roof: music, food, and drinks in a laid-back but energetic club environment.

Live Music & Gig Guide at The Baso Canberra

The Baso Canberra is widely recognized among music fans as a go-to spot for catching touring bands in an intimate club setting. The venue curates a gig guide that spans multiple genres, with a particular emphasis on metal and alternative acts, as highlighted by customer feedback. One reviewer noted that it is “probably THE place in Canberra to see touring bands,” underscoring its reputation as a compact but atmospheric venue that punches above its weight in the national live music scene.

Events are managed through an online gig guide and ticketing partner, making it easy to check who’s playing and secure a spot in advance. The stage and sound system are configured to suit both high-energy standing crowds and those who prefer to enjoy the show from seating areas.

Bar & Food Experience

Beyond the music, The Baso Canberra operates three bars serving a selection of quality beers, alongside food from Chompys, its in-house restaurant. The food menu complements the entertainment experience, with burgers and snacks representing a reliable choice according to reviews. The venue is designed so that patrons can grab a meal, have a drink, and settle in for a full night of entertainment without needing to leave the premises.

Recreational features like pool tables and pinball machines add a casual, community-pub feel to the space, making it suitable for social gatherings even when the main stage is quiet.

Customer Reviews & Atmosphere

Google Maps reviewers consistently highlight the vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff, with the venue holding a 4.6-star rating from over 860 reviews. Recurring positive themes include the quality of the sound system, the intimate size of the club, and the professionalism of the bar and door teams. One regular attendee mentioned traveling from the south coast multiple times over two years specifically to attend metal shows, praising the consistently positive experience.

However, more recent feedback has flagged occasional service slowdowns and organizational issues during peak hours. One reviewer described staff as “incredibly slow and completely unorganised” and indicated a decline from the venue’s previously reliable standard. This suggests that while the core offering remains strong, patron satisfaction can vary depending on the night and event scale.

Location & Accessibility in Belconnen

Located at 2 Cohen Street, The Baso Canberra sits in the Belconnen town centre, close to major civic landmarks such as the Belconnen Library, Lake Ginninderra, and Westfield Belconnen. Belconnen’s role as a key commercial and residential hub in the ACT means the venue is well served by public transport, with bus stops within walking distance and ample parking options in the surrounding district.

The venue aims to be open until 10:00 pm most nights but adjusts closing times based on the event schedule. Weekday and weekend hours are structured to capture the after-work and late-night crowds, with a Friday opening at 11:30 am that caters to lunch trade and early evening socializing.

Venue Features & Business Attributes

The Baso Canberra operates as a versatile live music venue, bar, and restaurant, and its attributes reflect a fully rounded entertainment business. The multi-bar setup reduces congestion during sold-out gigs, while the availability of pool tables and pinball machines gives the venue a layer beyond a standard concert hall. This hybrid model—part dive bar, part dedicated music room—allows it to attract both serious concertgoers and casual visitors looking for a relaxed afternoon drink.

The venue’s licensing allows service until 2:00 am on appropriate nights, giving it a competitive edge for late-night entertainment in Belconnen. It also supports local and touring artists through its booking system, accessible directly through the website’s “Book Your Band” page, and posts events and updates actively on Facebook and Instagram.

Common Questions

What are The Baso Canberra’s opening hours?

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday the venue opens at 4:00 pm. Friday it opens at 11:30 am. Sunday and Monday are closed unless there is a gig, in which case it opens at 6:00 pm or at doors-open time, whichever comes earlier. The venue is licensed until 2:00 am.

Where is The Baso Canberra located?

It is located at 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen ACT 2617, within walking distance of Westfield Belconnen, Lake Ginninderra, and the Belconnen Community Centre.

Does The Baso Canberra serve food?

Yes, the venue has an in-house food service from Chompys, offering a menu that includes burgers and other casual dining options. A full food menu is available on the website.

Can I book a band to play at The Baso Canberra?

Yes. The venue accepts band bookings through a dedicated “Book Your Band” page on its official website. Artists can submit their details for consideration.

What kind of music does The Baso Canberra host?

The venue hosts a broad range of genres, with touring metal, alternative, and rock acts featuring prominently in its gig guide. According to customer reviews, it is especially known for international touring bands and a high-energy live sound in an intimate club setting.

How do I buy tickets for shows at The Baso Canberra?

Tickets can be purchased online through the venue’s ticketing partner linked on the gig guide page at thebaso.com.au. It is advisable to check the gig guide early, as popular shows may sell out given the venue’s boutique capacity.

Does The Baso Canberra have seating?

Yes, the venue offers seating areas for patrons who prefer a more relaxed viewing experience, in addition to standing space near the stage for concertgoers who want to be close to the performance.