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

Dr Sol H Jacobsen illustrates physics using diagrams on a blackboard
5 Aug 2025

Your Quantum Future – free public lecture with Dr Sol H. Jacobsen

Australian National University, Canberra
Next on today from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
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
Promotional image for Blithe Spirit
24 Jul – 9 Aug 2025

Spider's Web

Canberra REP Theatre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
A greedy man on wall street seen three times
16 Jul – 9 Aug 2025

Enron by Lucy Prebble directed by Adam Broinowski

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Headshot of Micheline White
7 Aug 2025

Gorgeous books and royal annotations at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 7 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler
7 Aug 2025

Conversations LIVE with Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 7 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Photo of Norman Hetherington sitting down with his puppets and smiling at camera
7 Aug 2025

Spotlight Conversations: Mr Squiggle and the legacy of Norman Hetherington

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 7 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Seb Kris Try
8 Aug 2025

Raiders v Sea Eagles - NRL Round 23

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on 8 Aug 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:30pm
Antique,  vintage and collectable bespoke jewellery for the discerning buyer
8–10 Aug 2025

ACT Seasonal Antique and Collectable Fair

Albert Hall, Yarralumla
Next on 8 Aug 2025 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
A person in a checked blue and white shirt holds pumpkins and bottles of preserves in their arms
8–10 Aug 2025

Winter Festival - Capital Region

The Vault at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 8 Aug 2025
Rainbow Toasties
8–10 Aug 2025

Canberra Viral Food Festival

Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham
Next on 8 Aug 2025 from 4:00pm 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 8 Aug 2025
Tarsem Jassar Live in Canberra
9 Aug 2025

Tarsem Jassar Live in Canberra

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 9 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Tommy Little – I’m Not Proud
9 Aug 2025

Tommy Little – I’m Not Proud

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 9 Aug 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Michael Hing – Life Comes at you Fast
9 Aug 2025

Michael Hing – Life Comes at you Fast

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 9 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
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 9 Aug 2025 from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Manuka Oval
10 Aug 2025

AFL Round 22 - GIANTS v North Melbourne

Manuka Oval, Griffith
Next on 10 Aug 2025 from 1:40pm to 4:00pm
ConneXion Big Band in full flight
10 Aug 2025

Cool Music : Hot Brass!

Polish White Eagle Club in Turner, Turner
Next on 10 Aug 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Sooshi Mango
10 Aug 2025

Sooshi Mango – Home Made Encore

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 10 Aug 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:30pm
Group of people outside pub
20 Jan – 15 Dec 2025

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 11 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
A speaker addressing a bar full of people
12–13 Aug 2025

Pint of Science Australia x National Science Week

King O'Malley's, Canberra
Next on 12 Aug 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Drawing of naked humans next to a glass of wine
13 May – 16 Sep 2025

Long Pose in the Lounge

QT Canberra, Canberra
Next on 12 Aug 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
A sepia photograph of Judith Wright
14 Aug 2025

The environmental vision of Judith Wright with Prof John Morrissey at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Aug 2025 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
An image of a black plate with antipasto roulade on a white background.
15 Aug 2025

Truffle Degustation

Australian Parliament House, Canberra
Next on 15 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Page 1 of 5
    Filter by
    Date
    Category
    Loading results

    Continue exploring

    Aerial of some food dishes on a black table at Temporada | © Ashley St George

    Wine and dine in the capital

    The best restaurants in Canberra serve up an impressive variety of dining styles, cuisines and experiences. A foodie paradise awaits in the capital.

    People riding scooters in Braddon

    Our Neighbourhoods

    Canberra is known for its distinct neighbourhoods - each with great attractions, accommodation, award-winning dining, casual eats and shopping.

    Man in a hat and grey jacket sips red wine while looking at the Brindabella Hills.

    Canberra District Wine Region

    Home to 140 vineyards and more than 40 wineries within 35 minutes’ drive of the city, Canberra's wine region is the perfect weekend getaway.