HomeEvents > Canberra After Dark
Young couple dances in the coloured lights of a live music performance at Smith's Alternative.

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 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

sunset Cinema, outdoor movies, Canberra, events,  food, wine, cheese, bar, picnic
20 Nov 2025 – 28 Feb 2026

Sunset Cinema Canberra

The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on today from 6:00pm to 10:30pm
BACKBAR
6 Feb 2025 – 6 Jun 2026

Blackbird Live Music

Blackbird Bar - Live Music - Cocktails - Nightclub - Underground Speakeasy, Canberra
Next on today from 7:30pm to 11:59pm
Summernats Braddon
8–10 Jan 2026

Summernats Braddon Fringe Festival

Lonsdale St, Braddon, Braddon
Next on tomorrow from 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Elite Hall
8–11 Jan 2026

Street Machine Summernats 38

Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Mitchell
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 11:00pm
Be captivated by the grace and allure of Luna’s Cabaret Dancers while our DJs create the rhythm of t
13 Dec 2025 – 28 Nov 2026

Luna Saturdays

Luna, Canberra
Next on 10 Jan 2026 from 4:00pm to 11:59pm
Wheatus
16 Jan 2026

Wheatus - 25 Year Anniversary Tour

University of Canberra, Bruce
Next on 16 Jan 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Belly dancer performing at Bar Beirut. She is balancing a sword on a seated customer's head.
17 Jan 2025 – 28 Mar 2026

Belly Dancing at Bar Beirut

Bar Beirut, Canberra
Next on 16 Jan 2026
MMM TF Image 1
26 Oct 2025 – 18 Jan 2026

Twilight Flow and Live Music

Wildbark Wildlife Centre, Throsby
Next on 18 Jan 2026 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Group of people outside pub
20 Jan 2025 – 14 Dec 2026

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 19 Jan 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
UC Capitals player driving to the basket for a layup during a WNBL game.
25 Jan 2026

UC Capitals v Bendigo Spirit - Round 15

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on 25 Jan 2026 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Circuit
31 Jan – 1 Feb 2026

Canberra Festival of Speed

Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham
Next on 31 Jan 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
UC Capitals player shooting the basketball.
3 Feb 2026

UC Capitals v Southside Melbourne Flyers - Round 16

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on 3 Feb 2026 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
John Williamson – 55 Years – My Travellin’ Days are Done!
6 Feb 2026

John Williamson – 55 Years – My Travellin’ Days are Done!

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 6 Feb 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Three women in cultural dress clap for the festival parade performers
6–8 Feb 2026

National Multicultural Festival

Canberra CBD, Canberra
Next on 6 Feb 2026
Audience in a theatre and a man at the front preparing to play a vinyl
7 Feb 2025 – 4 Dec 2026

Vinyl Lounge at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 6 Feb 2026
Large boat with lots of people on it celebrating and having fun
12 Feb – 5 Mar 2026

Laughs on the Lake - comedy cruise and romantic sunset

Love Boats, Canberra, Kingston
Next on 12 Feb 2026 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
FSK Rider
21 Feb 2026

Freestyle Kings Live World Tour in Canberra

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 21 Feb 2026 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
A Winter's Journey
27 Feb 2026

A Winter's Journey | Canberra

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 27 Feb 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Simon playing a guitar while riding his penny-farthing
27 Feb – 1 Mar 2026

Cyclonats Festival of Cycling Culture

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 27 Feb 2026
Questacon illuminated with Chines dragon dancers
27 Feb – 9 Mar 2026

Enlighten Festival 2026

Various venues, Canberra
Next on 27 Feb 2026
Brumbies vs Blues
28 Feb 2026

ACT Brumbies vs Blues - Super Rugby Pacific Round 3

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 28 Feb 2026 from 7:15pm to 9:35pm
Picture of Jason Aldean
1 Mar 2026

Sunburnt Country | Jason Aldean

Stage 88, Parkes
Next on 1 Mar 2026 from 1:00pm to 9:20pm
Picture of Jimmy Car
2–3 Mar 2026

Jimmy Carr - Laughs Funny

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 2 Mar 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Large boat surrounded with people having fun
5 Mar 2026

Laughs on the Lake - sunset comedy cruise

Love Boats Canberra, Parkes
Next on 5 Mar 2026 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
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