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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

A speakeasy Romance
6 Jul – 28 Sep 2024

Templo Theatre Presents A Prohibition Romance - Secrets of the Speakeasy Sweethearts

Templo Theatre, Canberra
Next on today from 6:00pm to 9:30pm
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
High Jinks Interactive Cocktail Class
28 Aug 2021 – 28 Sep 2024

High Jinks - Interactive Cocktail Class

High Jinks, Canberra
Next on today from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Jamal Fogarty kicks the ball
28 Jul 2024

Raiders v Rabbitohs - NRL Round 21

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on tomorrow from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
The Blood Run Film
29 Jul 2024

The Blood Run Film - The Dock Screening with Running for Resilience

The Dock Kingston, Kingston
Next on 29 Jul 2024 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Wakakirri 2024 ACT Performance Night
29–31 Jul 2024

Wakakirri 2024 ACT Performance Night

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 29 Jul 2024 from 7:15pm to 9:00pm
Group of people outside pub
7 Aug 2023 – 30 Sep 2024

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 29 Jul 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Club Captain Adams leading from the front
30 Jul 2024

2024 Australia Cup Round of 32 - O'Connor Knights vs. Macarthur FC

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 30 Jul 2024 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm
A portrait of author and poet Nam Le with his book cover '36 Ways of Writing a Vietnamese Poem' next
1 Aug 2024

Nam Le: 36 Ways of Writing a Vietnamese Poem

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 1 Aug 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
High Jinks Bar
1 Aug 2024

Bridge Road Brewers event at High Jinks Bar

High Jinks, Canberra
Next on 1 Aug 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
A photo of colouring warming spices
2 Aug 2024

Egyptian Winter Feast

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 2 Aug 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
閱讀更多 18×2 BEYOND YOUTHFUL DAYS still image
2–4 Aug 2024

7th Taiwan Film Festival in Australia

National Film and Sound Archive, Acton
Next on 2 Aug 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 2 Aug 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 2 Aug 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Pole dancing
3 Aug 2024

2024 ACT & Regional NSW Pole Championships

The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen
Next on 3 Aug 2024 from 7:00pm to 11:59pm
Shane Pacey Trio
3 Aug 2024

International Blues Music Day 2024

Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Next on 3 Aug 2024 from 1:00pm to 10:30pm
The Choir of King's College boys singing
3 Aug 2024

Choir of King’s College, Cambridge | Musica Viva Australia

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 3 Aug 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Wine & Cheese Dinner
3 Aug 2024

Wine & Cheese Dinner | The Neighbourhood Series

Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, Barton
Next on 3 Aug 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
illuminated bug
3 Aug 2024

Light Up Lyneham 2024

Lyneham shops, Lyneham
Next on 3 Aug 2024 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Tommy Little
3 Aug 2024

Tommy Little Has A Regular Size Deck

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 3 Aug 2024 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Red-haired woman wearing black dress and blue necklace holds see through plastic showing blue finger
3 Aug 2024

Essential Tremors

Ainslie Arts Centre, Braddon
Next on 3 Aug 2024 from 6:30pm 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 3 Aug 2024 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
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