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

Whitefella Yella Tree
19 Apr – 23 May 2025

ATL Screening: Whitefella Yella Tree

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 23 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
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 today from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Promotional image for Blithe Spirit
1–17 May 2025

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit

Canberra REP Theatre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
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 24 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 16 May 2025
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
Stay
25 Apr – 29 May 2025

ATL Screening: 宿 (stay)

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 29 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 17 May 2025 from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Group of people outside pub
20 Jan – 15 Dec 2025

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 19 May 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
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 tomorrow 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
Fanning Dempsey National Park
18 May 2025

Fanning Dempsey National Park

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 18 May 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:15pm
Tania Dutel
20 May 2025

Tania Dutel

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 20 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Tommy Emmanuel
20 May 2025

Tommy Emmanuel

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
The Gospel According to Paul
18 Apr – 22 May 2025

ATL Screening: The Gospel According to Paul

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 22 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Charm Of Finches
23 May 2025

Charm Of Finches

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 23 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Portrait of photographers under the Milky Way
3 May – 25 Oct 2025

Milky Way Workshop Canberra By Ari Rex

Wildbark, Throsby
Next on 23 May 2025 from 4:30pm to 10:30pm
Psychology of Serial Killers
25 May 2025

Psychology of Serial Killers

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 25 May 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
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