Fun Time Pony

Fun Time Pony is an underground bar and live music venue beneath 122 Alinga Street in Civic, Canberra City. Its programme covers touring acts, local bands, DJs and comedy nights, so the reason to visit can change from one night to the next. The venue’s listed hours are Thursday to Saturday, from 8pm until late, with gigs and other events forming the centre of the experience.

There is plenty to do between sets. Free pool is available, pinball machines add another diversion, and late-night pizza is served by the slice or as a whole pizza. The website lists the pizza at $5 a slice or $20 for a whole pizza, making it a practical option for a late feed rather than a sit-down meal. The venue also promotes strong pours and cheap drinks, although the exact drinks list is not provided.

The main space, known as the Pony Pit, is built for live performance and can accommodate up to 290 people for functions across the bar and stage area. Elsewhere, the Parlour of Dreams is a tucked-away cocktail bar intended as a more intimate part of the venue. Together, these spaces give Fun Time Pony more range than a straightforward gig room: it can work for catching a band, settling in for a comedy show, playing a few games or finding a quieter corner for cocktails.

Fun Time Pony is part of Rabble Hospitality Group and also caters for group events and private functions, with the website describing the venue as suitable for parties and exclusive hire. The space has a sound system designed for live events, while the dedicated artist area includes a lockable green room and gear storage. For performers, it is described as a 300-capacity underground room with professional PA, lighting and an in-house front-of-house engineer.

This is best suited to adults looking for late-night entertainment in the city, whether that means a planned gig, a comedy night, drinks with a group or a casual walk-in. The venue does not take table bookings, so individuals and smaller groups can turn up, while larger gatherings and private events can be arranged through a function enquiry. With its mix of live programming, games, pizza and the separate cocktail bar, Fun Time Pony offers several ways to spend an evening without leaving the venue.