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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

Elvis Richardson Estanlishment / Treaty, 2022
27 Sep – 26 Oct 2024

Canberra Art Biennial

The festival is multi site, across central Canberra, with a central hub at Lake Burely Griffin., Parkes
Next on today from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Animated still from Spider-Man showing Spider-Man in a cityscape
18 Sep – 27 Nov 2024

Science. Art. Film. | Free screenings + panel discussions

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on today from 6:00pm to 8:35pm
Laura Johnston
10 Oct 2024

Laura Johnston – That’s…Brave (Edinburgh Fringe Edition)

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Maddy Weeks
10 Oct 2024

Maddy Weeks – Never Gonna Die

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 8:30pm to 9:30pm
360 ALL STARS
10–12 Oct 2024

360 ALLSTARS

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
8 Women murder mystery
10–19 Oct 2024

8 Women

The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Lanyon Homestead under a starlit sky. White gate visible in foreground.
14 Sep – 12 Oct 2024

Sky Stories at Lanyon Homestead | First Nations Astronomy

Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Neel Kolhatkar
11 Oct 2024

Neel Kolhatkar - Dirty Flirty 30

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 11 Oct 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Tabitha Booth
11 Oct 2024

An Intimate Evening with Tabitha Booth, starring Frankie McNair

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 11 Oct 2024 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Andrew Hansen
11 Oct 2024

Andrew Hansen – Everyone Else is Wrong

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 11 Oct 2024 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
A photograph of a smiling woman with a guitar.
11 Oct 2024

Kasey Chambers book launch | National Library of Australia

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 Oct 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Salut! Baroque
11 Oct 2024

The Networker

Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 Oct 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:45pm
Illustration of Gongoro from the play "Shibaraku: Wait a moment"
11–13 Oct 2024

ANU Za Kabuki 47th Annual Performance: "Shibaraku: Wait a Moment!"

Canberra REP Theatre, Acton
Next on 11 Oct 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Garema Lounge Sessions
13 Sep – 6 Dec 2024

Garema Lounge Sessions

Garema Place, Canberra
Next on 11 Oct 2024 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Dinner and star-gazing - the perfect night out.
15 Mar – 11 Oct 2024

Dinner with the Stars

Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa
Next on 11 Oct 2024 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Belly dancer performing at Bar Beirut. She is balancing a sword on a seated customer's head.
11 Jan – 21 Dec 2024

Belly Dancing at Bar Beirut

Bar Beirut, Canberra
Next on 11 Oct 2024
BACKBAR
3 Nov 2023 – 28 Dec 2024

Blackbird Live Music

Blackbird Bar - Live Music - Cocktails - Nightclub - Underground Speakeasy, Canberra
Next on 11 Oct 2024 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Chris Marlton
12 Oct 2024

Chris Marlton – Eggplants and Cigarettes

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 12 Oct 2024 from 8:45pm to 9:45pm
Paul McDermott + 1
12 Oct 2024

Paul McDermott + 1 present – REDUX

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 12 Oct 2024 from 5:00pm to 8:15pm
Arj Barker
12 Oct 2024

Arj Barker - The Mind Field

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 12 Oct 2024 from 8:30pm to 10:00pm
Pub Choir
12–13 Oct 2024

Pub Choir - Honest Feedback Tour

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 12 Oct 2024 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
A group of people standing amonst the branches of a tree in white clothing, looking at the camera
12 Oct – 2 Nov 2024

The Inheritance

ACT Hub | Australian Capital Theatre Hub, Kingston
Next on 12 Oct 2024 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm
High Jinks Interactive Cocktail Class
12 Oct – 30 Nov 2024

High Jinks - Interactive Cocktail Class

High Jinks, Canberra
Next on 12 Oct 2024 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Be captivated by the grace and allure of Luna’s Cabaret Dancers while our DJs create the rhythm of t
20 Jan – 30 Nov 2024

Luna Saturdays

Luna, Canberra
Next on 12 Oct 2024 from 8:00pm to 11:59pm
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