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

Apeiron Baroque: Something Old, Something New image
6 Jul 2025

Something Old, Something New

Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest
Next on today from 4:30pm to 5:45pm
Parliament House at night time with the front facade lit up with the Honey Ant artwork.
6–8 Jul 2025

NAIDOC Week Illumination

Australian Parliament House, Canberra
Next on today from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Winter in the City
5–19 Jul 2025

Winter in the City

Grand Winter Stage | City Walk , Canberra, Canberra
Next on today from 2:00pm to 7:45pm
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
Group of people outside pub
20 Jan – 15 Dec 2025

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Tuesday night writing sessions at Drill Hall Gallery
6 May – 29 Jul 2025

Tuesday night writing sessions at Drill Hall Gallery

Drill Hall Gallery, Acton
Next on 8 Jul 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Big Name, No Blankets
10–12 Jul 2025

Big Name, No Blankets

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 10 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:05pm
Prinnie Stevens
11 Jul 2025

Prinnie Stevens - Lady Sings Soul

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 11 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Winter Wine Series
4 Jul – 1 Aug 2025

Winter Wine Series

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - A Park Hyatt Hotel, Yarralumla
Next on 11 Jul 2025 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
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 11 Jul 2025
Mel Buttle – Taking My Sunglasses Off To Hear You Better
12 Jul 2025

Mel Buttle – Taking My Sunglasses Off To Hear You Better

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 12 Jul 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
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 12 Jul 2025 from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Drawing of naked humans next to a glass of wine
13 May – 12 Aug 2025

Long Pose in the Lounge

QT Canberra, Canberra
Next on 15 Jul 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
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 16 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Headshot of Luke Cornish
17 Jul 2025

Book Launch: The stencil art of Luke Cornish at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 17 Jul 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Puccini’s La Bohème
17–19 Jul 2025

Puccini’s La Bohème

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 17 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:35pm
Lee Kernaghan
19 Jul 2025

Lee Kernaghan - Boys from the Bush

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 19 Jul 2025
The Forage
19 Jul 2025

The Forage

Canberra City, Canberra
Next on 19 Jul 2025 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Mikelangelo & The Black Sea Gentlemen – Journey Through the Land of Shadows
19 Jul 2025

Mikelangelo & The Black Sea Gentlemen – Journey Through the Land of Shadows

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 19 Jul 2025 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Pete Murray
20 Jul 2025

Pete Murray

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 Jul 2025 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Sjaella
23 Jul 2025

Sjaella - Snow Concert Hall Season 2025

Snow Concert Hall - Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill
Next on 23 Jul 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Zach Ruane & Alexei Toliopoulos
24–25 Jul 2025

Zach Ruane & Alexei Toliopoulos: Refused Classification

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 24 Jul 2025 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm
ECHO
24–26 Jul 2025

ECHO (Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen)

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 24 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
21 Hearts Live Theatre Performance at the Australian War Memorial
24 Jul – 3 Aug 2025

21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke | Live Theatre Performance

Australian War Memorial Theatre, Campbell
Next on 24 Jul 2025
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