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

People and bicycles in front of the Papua New Guinea High Commission, Canberra.
26 Aug 2025

Handlebars of happiness: stories and songs about cycles

McGregor Hall, upstairs at Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on today from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
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
Luke Kidgell
28 Aug 2025

Luke Kidgell - Good Intentions

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 28 Aug 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Roses in a galaxy Pattern
23–31 Aug 2025

Der Rosenkavalier | The Street Theatre

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 29 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:10pm
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 29 Aug 2025
Photo of Tim Freedman
30 Aug 2025

Smiths at Belco: Tim Freedman

The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen
Next on 30 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:15pm
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 30 Aug 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 1 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
A young woman with short dark curls rests her chin on her hands on top of a brown vintage suitcase.
3–27 Sep 2025

Peter/Wendy

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 3 Sep 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
REP presents Joanna Norland's Lizzy, Darcy & Jane
4–20 Sep 2025

Lizzy, Darcy & Jane

Canberra REP Theatre, Canberra
Next on 4 Sep 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Kirsty Webeck
5 Sep 2025

Kirsty Webeck - Everything I Need To Say About Sea Creatures

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 5 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Socceroos
5 Sep 2025

Socceroos vs New Zealand

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 5 Sep 2025 from 7:45pm to 10:00pm
Mixed Signals Quartet - 2024 Mixed Quartet Champions
5 Sep 2025

National Quartet Finals - Barbershop Harmony Australia

Llwellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 5 Sep 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
a collage of vinyl album covers
7 Feb – 5 Dec 2025

Vinyl Lounge

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 5 Sep 2025 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Noah Szto
6 Sep 2025

Noah Szto - Med School

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 6 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
People sitting at tables drawing
7 Jul – 8 Sep 2025

Monday Magic | Life Drawing at Wakefield's

Wakefield's Bar & Wine, Ainslie
Next on 8 Sep 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Presenters at the Great Debate 2025 event at the National Library
9 Sep 2025

The Great Debate 2025: That Australian history unites us at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 9 Sep 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Billy Ocean's concert promo image
13 Sep 2025

Billy Ocean

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 13 Sep 2025
Cast
13 Sep 2025

Confetti and Chaos - Canberra

Mercure Canberra, Braddon
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
GIANTS AFLW Players Celebrating
13 Sep 2025

AFLW - GIANTS v Western Bulldogs

Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka, Griffith
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 4:35pm to 7:35pm
Damien Power
13 Sep 2025

Damien Power

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:15pm
Three people in pirate outfits smile at the camera
13 Sep 2025

Law and Marauder - Interactive Murder Mystery

Tuggeranong Homestead, Richardson
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Portrait of photographers under the Milky Way
3 May – 25 Oct 2025

Milky Way Workshop Canberra By Ari Rex

Wildbark, Throsby
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 5:30pm to 11:30pm
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 16 Sep 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Page 1 of 4
    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.