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A crowd watching a live music performance

Canberra After Dark

As the sun sets and the stars illuminate the sky, Canberra's vibrant atmosphere and endless after-dark possibilities come to life. Whether you're drawn to the popular family-friendly festivals, intimate gigs featuring emerging artists or renowned classical musicians performing in grand concert halls, our vibrant capital offers a plethora of unforgettable night-time activities that cater to all ages.

For those seeking a night of entertainment, Canberra's live music and performance scene is not to be missed. See electrifying gigs and performances at popular pubs and bars like Sideway, Transit Bar, and Smiths Alternative serving more than good tunes. Be sure to secure your ticket to blockbuster musicals, comedy festivals, and year-round concerts at the Canberra Theatre Centre. For a classical experience, head to Llewelyn Hall at the Australian National University School of Music Building with regular performances from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra and Musica Viva. 

Experience the thrill of Canberra's iconic annual festivals and events. Step into a world of enchantment at Illuminations @ Enlighten Festival during autumn where the iconic cultural attractions become vibrant canvases for stunning artworks. And make sure to mark your calendar for Floriade's NightFest, an extraordinary after-dark twist on Australia's largest celebration of spring filled with dazzling light installations, live music, and delicious food stalls.

Explore this selection of Canberra's best night-time events to elevate your after-dark plans and ensure a fun-filled evening.

Art installation in front of National Portrait Gallery at Enlighten Illuminations
Enlighten Festival
A live performance from Lights! Canberra! Action! 2021, a short film festival that takes place on the lawns outside Old Parliament House.
Lights, Canberra, Action
Floriade Nightfest

Browse Canberra after dark

Geoffrey Robertson
22 May 2024

Geoffrey Robertson KC: How do we Fix a Turbulent World? Live on Stage

Canberra Theatre, Canberra
Next on 22 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Eric Bogle in Concert
23 May 2024

Eric Bogle in Concert

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 23 May 2024 from 8:00pm to 9:45pm
Promotional image for Rats in the Ranks showing a man wearing a fur coat in front of a red curtain
23 May 2024

Special Event: Rats in the Ranks + Q&A with Bob Connolly

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 23 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:45pm
Brumbies Team Run Out
24 May 2024

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Melbourne Rebels

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on 24 May 2024 from 7:35pm to 9:35pm
Man smiling looking at camera in front of leafy background
24 May 2024

Harley Breen- Sustainably Organic Free Range Comedy

KAMBRI, ANU - T2, Acton
Next on 24 May 2024
man standing amongst sand dunes holding two boomerangs
24 May 2024

Tjaabi–Flood Country at The Vault

The Vault, Fyshwick
Next on 24 May 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Cute couples at Whisky Live
24–25 May 2024

Whisky Live Australia - Canberra 2024

Unviersity of Canberra, Bruce
Next on 24 May 2024 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Beauty and the Beast - Victorian Ballet
24–25 May 2024

Beauty and the Beast - Victorian Ballet

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 24 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Join Joel & Luke for “The Homecoming Tour”
25 May 2024

For King & Country | The Homecoming Tour

National Convention Centre Canberra, Canberra
Next on 25 May 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Ari Shaffir: The Wrong Side of History
25 May 2024

Ari Shaffir: The Wrong Side of History

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 25 May 2024 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Four men standing in front of a blue background
26 May 2024

Dear Seattle | ‘idc’ Regional Tour

UC Hub, Bruce
Next on 26 May 2024
The River That Ran Uphill
29–31 May 2024

The River That Ran Uphill

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 29 May 2024 from 10:00am to 10:50am
A male juror is looking at the camera, surrounded by other members of the jury
29 May – 16 Jun 2024

Terror by Ferdinand von Schirach

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 29 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Tom holds a microphone to his mouth. His left hand is pointed upward and his gaze follows. He is wea
30–31 May 2024

Tom Gleeson – Gear

Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 30 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
A man in a suit stands frowning with hands in pockets. A woman peeks out from behind him with a big
30 May – 1 Jun 2024

The Art of Disruption

ACT Hub, Kingston
Next on 30 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Sashi Perera
31 May 2024

Sashi Perera - Boundaries

Drama Theatre, Acton
Next on 31 May 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Erica and Gian Marco
31 May 2024

JOTA: Ciampa-Piccotti Guitar and Cello Duo | Canberra

Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest
Next on 31 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:45pm
Mitch Grainger sitting with guitar
1 Jun 2024

Mitch Grainger - Keller Sessions

Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Next on 1 Jun 2024 from 6:30pm to 10:00pm
An empty theatre hall at the National Library of Australia
5 Jun 2024

The Craft of Crime: in conversation with Sulari Gentill and Chris Hammer

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Jun 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Monthly Jam Workshop
6 Dec 2023 – 4 Dec 2024

Jam Workshop with Canberra Blues Society

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on 5 Jun 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Pencils and paper on table in front of two glasses of wine
4 Apr – 6 Jun 2024

Theatre Thursday - Life Drawing at Templo Theatre

Templo Theatre, Canberra
Next on 6 Jun 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Ben Lee
7 Jun 2024

Ben Lee with Special Guests

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 7 Jun 2024 from 8:00pm to 9:20pm
Jet
7 Jun 2024

JET - 20th Anniversary of Get Born Extended Edition

UC Refectory, Bruce
Next on 7 Jun 2024 from 7:30pm to 11:30pm
Cellist bowing instrument and music stand with music. Close up of instrument and hand.
7 Jun 2024

ANU Community Music Centre Chamber Musicale

Big Band Room, Peter Karmel Building, ANU School of Music, Canberra
Next on 7 Jun 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
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