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

Group of people outside pub
20 Jan – 15 Dec 2025

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on today from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
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
Banff Mountain Film Festival 2025 Hero Image
6–9 May 2025

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival 2025 | Canberra

National Film & Sound Archives, Acton
Next on tomorrow from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
The Jetty beside Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra
2–10 May 2025

Viva Italia in Canberra Festival

Various venues, Parkes
Next on tomorrow
Kitty Flanagan
30 Apr – 11 May 2025

Kitty Flanagan - Work In Progress - Canberra

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Promotional image for Blithe Spirit
1–17 May 2025

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit

Canberra REP Theatre, Canberra
Next on 7 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Man in wide brim hat pointing at camera, half of his face is that of a grey alien, green background
8 May 2025

Friendlyjordies Presents: Alien Hunter

The Baso, Belconnen
Next on 8 May 2025
Woman standing in the sea with an umbrella (in the rain)
8–17 May 2025

When The Rain Stops Falling

Rehearsal Room, Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen
Next on 8 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Whitefella Yella Tree
19 Apr – 23 May 2025

ATL Screening: Whitefella Yella Tree

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 8 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
A sepia photograph of Colum McCann.
9 May 2025

Author talk: Twist by Colum McCann at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 9 May 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Male holding saxophone standing with three female musicians holding instruments.
9 May 2025

Matthew Ottignon's Volant - Canberra

Smiths Alternative, Canberra
Next on 9 May 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
The Wharf Revue 2015: Celebrating 15 Years
24 Apr – 24 May 2025

ATL Screening: The Wharf Revue 2015: Celebrating 15 Years

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 9 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:20pm
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 9 May 2025
Stay
25 Apr – 29 May 2025

ATL Screening: 宿 (stay)

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 10 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Be captivated by the grace and allure of Luna’s Cabaret Dancers while our DJs create the rhythm of t
20 Jan 2024 – 20 Dec 2025

Luna Saturdays

Luna, Canberra
Next on 10 May 2025 from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
The TEN Tenors: 30th Anniversary World Tour
11 May 2025

The TEN Tenors: 30th Anniversary World Tour

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 11 May 2025 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Dion Pride Sings the Songs of His Father
14 May 2025

Dion Pride Sings the Songs of His Father

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 14 May 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:10pm
The Dictionary of Lost Words
15–24 May 2025

The Dictionary of Lost Words

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 15 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:15pm
Away
26 Apr – 30 May 2025

ATL Screening: Away

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 15 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Ross Noble
16 May 2025

Ross Noble - Cranium of Curiosities - Canberra

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 16 May 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
This Much Is True
1–31 May 2025

ATL Screening: This Much Is True

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 16 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Prinnie Stevens
17 May 2025

Prinnie Stevens - Lady Sings Soul

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 17 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
ACT Brumbies 2024
17 May 2025

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Queensland Reds | Round 14 Super Rugby

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 17 May 2025 from 4:55pm to 9:35pm
Italian Baroque with Circa
17 Apr – 17 May 2025

ATL Screening: Italian Baroque with Circa

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 17 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:40pm
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