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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

Be captivated by the grace and allure of Luna’s Cabaret Dancers while our DJs create the rhythm of t
20 Jan – 30 Nov 2024

Luna Saturdays

Luna, Canberra
Next on today from 8:00pm to 11:59pm
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
Corey Horsburgh scores a try against the Sharks.
28 Apr 2024

Raiders v Sharks - NRL Round 8

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on tomorrow from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
High Jinks Interactive Cocktail Class
28 Aug 2021 – 29 Jun 2024

High Jinks - Interactive Cocktail Class

High Jinks, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Group of people outside pub
7 Aug 2023 – 30 Sep 2024

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 29 Apr 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Woman with brown hair with her hands clasped under her chin with a blue background behind her.
1 May 2024

Fearless: In Conversation with Jelena Dokic

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 1 May 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Eireborne
1 May 2024

Eireborne

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 1 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Monthly Jam Workshop
6 Dec 2023 – 4 Dec 2024

Jam Workshop with Canberra Blues Society

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on 1 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Sybil, Manuel and Basil
2 May 2024

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience - Mercure Canberra

Mercure Canberra, Braddon
Next on 2 May 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Twilight Sessions Musicians
29 Feb – 6 Jun 2024

Twilight Sessions

Amici Wine Bar & Deli, Canberra
Next on 2 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
A digital artwork of a brolga bird, looking over its shoulder.
3 May 2024

BROLGA: A Queer Koori Wonderland at the National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on 3 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 11:59pm
Salut! Baroque
3 May 2024

The Influencers

Wesley Church, Forrest
Next on 3 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:45pm
Jessica Mauboy’s Yours Forever Tour.
3 May 2024

Jessica Mauboy’s Yours Forever Tour

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 3 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
man with long hair dressed in black standing in front of brown curtains
3 May 2024

Omar Musa album launch w/ Lucy Sugerman

Sideway, Canberra
Next on 3 May 2024
Burlesque performer breathing fire
2 Feb – 4 May 2024

Jazida Burlesque (18+)

Bar Beirut, Canberra
Next on 3 May 2024
ImproACT actors performing a scene about the challenges of family
5 Apr – 2 Aug 2024

Thank God It's Theatre

Blank, Canberra
Next on 3 May 2024 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
An armchair in front of a turntable and a lava lamp
1 Mar – 6 Dec 2024

Vinyl Lounge

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 3 May 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Landscape painting featuring blue sky and yellowing bush by Ken Knight
4 May 2024

A Knight with 6+1 Cellos

Aarwun Gallery, Nicholls
Next on 4 May 2024 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Bjorn Again
4 May 2024

Bjorn Again - Waterloo Anniversary Tour

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 4 May 2024 from 8:00pm to 10:20pm
Brumbies Flyhalf Jack Debreczeni
4 May 2024

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Fijian Drua

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on 4 May 2024 from 7:35pm to 9:35pm
Still from Aliens showing a girl with an alien behind her
4 May 2024

Double feature: Alien + Aliens

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 4 May 2024 from 5:00pm to 10:15pm
Stormtrooper at Questacon
4 May 2024

Sci(Fi)Night

Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on 4 May 2024 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Group photo under the stars
9 Dec 2023 – 31 Aug 2024

Milky Way Workshop Canberra By Ari Rex

Wildbark, Throsby
Next on 4 May 2024 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
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