Magoo’s Cafe & Bar in Kingston hosts of one of Canberra’s best trivia nights every Tuesday. Photo: Michelle Taylor.
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
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 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 Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
The Durham Castle Arms
The Durham Castle Arms is one of the last truly English-style pubs in Canberra. The pub is beloved not only for its regular rotation of delicious beers and hearty pub food, but for its great weekly trivia nights.
"Fame Trivia" is held on Tuesdays with Larry and Wednesdays with Edwina.
There are numerous prizes up for grabs, including free jugs and pub vouchers. The Durham team keeps things fresh with themes ranging from Star Wars, Seinfeld and the Simpsons to cricket, Halloween and the 80s.
This pub is known for their warm, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and great deals on food and drinks.
Bookings for the Durham Castle Arms pub trivia nights are essential, so be sure to ring the pub to secure a spot for your and your team.
"Wonderful atmosphere inside and out. Live music, trivia nights, a lot going on. Did I mention they have Guinness on tap? Enough said," Raymond Robinson said in his glowing Google review.
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.”
Magoo's Cafe & Bar
Magoo’s has quickly become a favourite destination on the Kingston Foreshore, serving up great drinks and a rotating menu of classic pub fare. Magoo’s runs Trivia nights every week, with group tables available for booking and no entrance fee.
As happy customer Karen Kemp writes in their Facebook review, “Amazing!!! Loved the service, food & wine & beer. Would definitely recommend and we will return. Best bar along the Kingston foreshore!!!!”
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.
Old Canberra Inn
The Old Canberra in is an iconic Canberra institution that even predates the city itself. This old-fashioned homestead-style pub has one of the most unique interiors of any pub in Canberra, with dark wooden finishes, chesterfield sofas and warm fireplaces, plus historical photos and agricultural paraphernalia to add to the farmhouse atmosphere. The Old Canberra Inn hosts their trivia night every Tuesday, and their cosy venue means limited space so get your bookings in quick!
Facebook user Kris Galbraith writes, “Excellent venue and atmosphere! Food delicious, and drinks served by great staff!”
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.
Loading ...
