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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

Briefs: Bite Club ft Sahara Beck
21–23 Nov 2024

Briefs: Bite Club ft Sahara Beck

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on today from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Waiting For Godot
9–24 Nov 2024

Waiting For Godot By Samuel Beckett

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on today from 7:30pm to 9:45pm
Promotional image for REP's Bloody Murder
21 Nov – 7 Dec 2024

Bloody Murder

Canberra REP Theatre, Acton
Next on today from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Drag King with tophat
1 Nov – 1 Dec 2024

Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival

Canberra SpringOUT PRIDE Festival Canberra, Braddon
Next on today
Group of people outside pub
18 Nov – 23 Dec 2024

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on today from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
sunset cinema, outdoor cinema, openair cinema, movies, Canberra, Australian National Botanic Gardens
21 Nov 2024 – 22 Feb 2025

Sunset Cinema

The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on today from 6:30pm to 11:30pm
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 today from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
BACKBAR
3 Nov 2023 – 28 Dec 2024

Blackbird Live Music

Blackbird Bar - Live Music - Cocktails - Nightclub - Underground Speakeasy, Canberra
Next on today from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
High Jinks Interactive Cocktail Class
12 Oct – 30 Nov 2024

High Jinks - Interactive Cocktail Class

High Jinks, Canberra
Next on today 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 2024 – 20 Dec 2025

Luna Saturdays

Luna, Canberra
Next on today from 8:00pm to 11:59pm
A big band plays on stage, with a soloist standing to play saxophone
24 Nov 2024

TraXion and Friends

Live at the Polo, Turner
Next on tomorrow from 3:30pm to 9:00pm
Nurse Georgie Carroll
26 Nov – 1 Dec 2024

Nurse Georgie Carroll – Survival of the Fittest (a work in progress)

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 26 Nov 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:25pm
People sitting at tables drawing
30 Jan 2024 – 25 Feb 2025

Tipsy Tuesday | Life Drawing at Wakefield's

Wakefield's Bar & Wine, Ainslie
Next on 26 Nov 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
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 27 Nov 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:35pm
Hoodoo Gurus
28 Nov 2024

Hoodoo Gurus, Back To The Stoneage

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 28 Nov 2024 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm
Daniel Muggleton
29 Nov 2024

Daniel Muggleton – Blinded by the Whites

Fun Time Pony, Canberra
Next on 29 Nov 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:20pm
Santa and Hall Town Crier
29 Nov 2024

Hall Village Christmas Street Party

Hall Heritage Village, Hall
Next on 29 Nov 2024 from 4:00pm to 8:30pm
Jackie Loeb
29 Nov 2024

Jackie Loeb

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 29 Nov 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
THE BEST TRIBUTE ACT - not to be missed!
29 Nov 2024

Running in the Shadows: Fleetwood Mac

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on 29 Nov 2024 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Emma Holland
29 Nov 2024

Emma Holland - Here Comes Mr Forehead - Canberra

Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
Next on 29 Nov 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Yves rees
29 Nov 2024

Sex Impersonators to Drag Race Down Under: An Australian History of Drag

Dickson Library, Dickson
Next on 29 Nov 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Crowd at Canberra Christmas Gin Palooza 2021
29–30 Nov 2024

Canberra Spirits Festival

University Canberra, Bruce
Next on 29 Nov 2024
Garema Lounge Sessions
13 Sep – 6 Dec 2024

Garema Lounge Sessions

Garema Place, Canberra
Next on 29 Nov 2024 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm
4 Soloists and massed CCS chorus on Llewellyn Hall stage with orchestra and conductor
30 Nov 2024

Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 30 Nov 2024 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
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