Old Canberra Inn hosts one of Canberra’s most recommended trivia nights. Photo: Old Canberra Inn.
Looking for a fun way to challenge your knowledge and unwind with friends? Trivia nights are a staple of any city’s social scene, covering everything from general knowledge challenges to themed quizzes.
A trivia night combines good food, drinks and brain-teasing fun. The best in Canberra create the perfect mix of competition, entertainment, and social vibes, giving you a chance to win prizes, learn something new and enjoy a great night out with your nearest and dearest.
In this article we’ll outline the key qualities to consider when choosing a trivia night and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great trivia night?
Not all trivia nights are created equal. Here are some important qualities to look for when picking a trivia night in Canberra.
- Engaging quiz hosts. A great trivia night starts with a charismatic and knowledgeable host who keeps the energy up and makes the questions fun and entertaining. The right host can turn an ordinary night into a memorable experience.
- Variety of topics. The best trivia nights cover a wide range of topics, from pop culture and music to history and science. Whether you’re a movie buff or a sports fan, a good mix of categories keeps everyone on their toes.
- Good prizes and incentives. Winning is more fun when there are prizes involved. Top trivia nights offer prizes like bar tabs, vouchers, or fun giveaways to keep the competition exciting.
- Food and drink options. Great trivia nights are hosted in venues with tasty snacks, full meals, and a good range of drinks. A pub, bar, or café that serves quality refreshments makes the night more enjoyable.
- Welcoming atmosphere. The best trivia nights in Canberra create a friendly, inclusive vibe. Whether you’re going solo, with a small group, or with a large team, the environment should feel inviting and fun for everyone.
The best trivia nights in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Dickson Taphouse
Dickson Taphouse is one of Canberra's favourite watering holes. This friendly team of hospo enthusiasts runs a weekly trivia night that attracts plenty of regulars.
Set in the heart of a beautiful inner-north dining hub, Dickson Taphouse has 18 taps of Aussie craft beer indie goodness to choose from (rotating local craft beer on tap) and a great selection of non-alcoholic beer, as well as cider and wines. Their tasty, seasonal menu doesn't break the bank and includes fresh house made pasta every week - with gluten free options. There's also a designated gluten free fryer. Your dietary requirements and preferred drink options are covered.
Wednesday night trivia starts at 6:30 pm sharp. The competition can get pretty fierce and is loads of fun, perfect for a weekly outing with friends and family, or even a regular catch-up with the work crew.
For those who love to get the ball rolling early, happy hour kicks off at 4 pm. Bookings are essential, email the team to secure your spot.
"Fantastic little pub with plenty of space to relax and enjoy a drink or two. Perfect spot for a laid-back night out," Liz says online.
The Dock
The Dock in Kingston is well-known across Canberra as one of the best places on the foreshore to have a drink and take in the lake views.
One of the staples on their events calendar is trivia every second Thursday, encouraging patrons to test their knowledge against each other and see who can triumph in a battle of wits.
There are weekly prizes for the victors, and they hold seasonal 10-week competitions with a final prize of a $1,000 bar tab, giving patrons a great reason to go the distance and stick it out to the end.
"Awesome to see a pub in Canberra with so much liveliness, character and friendliness. We came on Wed night after a run and felt very much part of a community. Highly recommend - 5 stars," Dave says on Google.
Old Canberra Inn
The Old Canberra Inn is more than a pub. This venue is a piece of the capital's history, built before Canberra in 1857 and the perfect spot to enjoy live music, hearty pub food, craft beer, a refreshing drink, and of course, the odd fun-filled trivia night.
Trivia is held at the Old Canberra Inn twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:30 pm.
Known for their great range of genuinely interesting questions, Trivia nights fuel a fun, relaxed atmosphere with friendly debates between tables and team members.
There are no boring questions here - an electric night awaits!
Bookings are essential. Simply email the team to secure a table.
"This is our local and never disappoints," Shannon reviewed on Google.
"There is always a great selection of quality beers and the food is top notch. Staff are friendly and the atmosphere draws you in."
The Lighthouse Pub
The Lighthouse has been around since the 1990s, and after a few leadership changes and a recent renovation of the interior has become a popular destination for students and families alike. The Lighthouse hosts their trivia night every Tuesday evening, with the chance to win cash prizes and bar tabs. Plus, all players are entitled to a $25 schnitzel and schooner combo to kick off the night.
As Google reviewer and ‘Local Guide’ Phil Ebbott writes, “Beers are cold, view is great. (...) Great schnitzels and pizzas.”
The Alby
Spanning almost 1,000 square metres, The Alby is the ultimate sport and games bar in the heart of Phillip.
This local runs trivia nights with great prizes and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere every Wednesday from 7 pm. Once the game is over, why not tuck into a burger, check out Australia’s first Duckpin Bowling or shoot some pools?
"Great modern pub vibe upstairs with the hidden gem of the downstairs games area," Adam Smith said on Google.
Looking for more destinations for a fun night out with your friends? Check out our articles on the best pubs and the best karaoke bars in Canberra.
Your experience with trivia nights in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you been to any of the Canberra trivia nights listed above? Did we miss your favourite? Share your thoughts and feedback below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I play trivia games?
Trivia games are usually very simple. Over a handful of rounds, you and your team will be asked a series of general knowledge questions on a variety of topics. Answer to the best of your ability, and then at the end of the game whichever team has racked up the most points, wins the game.
Where can I find trivia nights?
Trivia nights in Canberra are usually hosted by pubs or bars, which advertise regularly to let people know ahead of time. Ask your local watering hole if they host trivia games!
How many people do I need for a trivia group?
A team can be as small as two people, but the more the merrier – plus, having a bigger group means more knowledge to draw from to answer as many questions as possible.
What can I win at pub trivia?
Pub trivia usually has prizes available for the top-scoring teams at the end of the night. The prizes will usually be something along the lines of a round of free drinks or voucher for the venue.
What topics are included in trivia?
Trivia games cover a wide range of topics in order to challenge players’ general knowledge skills. Topics can include sports, pop culture, art, literature, fashion, music, history and more.
