The bar scene includes the leftish Varadero (5 Oriente 985), Wurlitzer (5 Oriente 960, tel. 071/235223), and the Coyote Pub (1 Norte 1352), which has live music.
Run by the Universidad de Talca, the Centro de Extensión Pedro Olmos Muñoz (2 Norte 685) sponsors films, lectures, and art exhibitions. The Centro Cultural de Talca (2 Norte between 1 and 2 Oriente) is also a venue for art exhibits, and for live theater and concerts.
For commercial movies, try the Cine Plaza (1 Sur 770, tel. 071/232310) or Cine Star 2 (1 Sur 1278).