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 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 man stands in the desert
1 Dec 2024 – 28 Feb 2025

Summer Film Series

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on today
sunset cinema, outdoor cinema, openair cinema, movies, Canberra, Australian National Botanic Gardens
21 Nov 2024 – 22 Feb 2025

Sunset Cinema

The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on 25 Dec 2024 from 6:30pm to 11:30pm
BACKBAR
3 Nov 2023 – 28 Dec 2024

Blackbird Live Music

Blackbird Bar - Live Music - Cocktails - Nightclub - Underground Speakeasy, Canberra
Next on 27 Dec 2024 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
T20 superstar Marcus Stoinis in action for the Melbourne Stars
28 Dec 2024

BBL: Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder

Manuka Oval, Griffith
Next on 28 Dec 2024 from 7:15pm to 10:15pm
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 28 Dec 2024 from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
NYE 2024
31 Dec 2024

New Year's Eve: A Night Under the Stars

Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, Barton
Next on 31 Dec 2024 from 7:00pm to 11:59pm
A young boy wearing a party hat at Bar Beirut
31 Dec 2024

NYE: Shake, Shimmy and Shine Before Bedtime

Bar Beirut, Canberra
Next on 31 Dec 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
NYE Canberra Fireworks
31 Dec 2024 – 1 Jan 2025

New Year's Eve Canberra

Lake Burley Griffin, Greenway
Next on 31 Dec 2024
Summernats Braddon
2–4 Jan 2025

Braddon Fringe Festival | Summernats

Lonsdale St, Braddon, Braddon
Next on 2 Jan 2025 from 5:00pm to 11:00pm
UC Capitals Jade Melbourne shoots a three-pointer
9 Jan 2025

WNBL Round 11: UC Capitals v Sydney Flames

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on 9 Jan 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Circus of Illusion
10–11 Jan 2025

Circus of Illusion

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 10 Jan 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:20pm
Three basketball players wearing blue jerseys with arms folded.
11 Jan 2025

WNBL Round 11: UC Capitals v Adelaide Lightning

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on 11 Jan 2025 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm
High Jinks Interactive Cocktail Class
14 Dec 2024 – 18 Jan 2025

High Jinks - Interactive Cocktail Class

High Jinks, Canberra
Next on 11 Jan 2025 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
SPEED
12 Jan 2025

SPEED at UC Hub / All Ages

UC Hub, Bruce
Next on 12 Jan 2025 from 3:00pm to 7:30pm
Dionne Warwick – One Last Time Tour
19 Jan 2025

Dionne Warwick – One Last Time Tour

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 19 Jan 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Trophy Eyes
23 Jan 2025

Trophy Eyes - 'Summer In Slow Motion' Tour

UC Hub, Bruce
Next on 23 Jan 2025 from 7:30pm to 11:00pm
Flight Drone SkyShow 2024
24–26 Jan 2025

FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets

Commonwealth Place, Parkes
Next on 24 Jan 2025 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Four players standing back to back and posing.
25 Jan 2025

WNBL Round 13: UC Capitals v Southside Flyers

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on 25 Jan 2025 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Circuit
25–26 Jan 2025

Canberra Festival of Speed

Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham
Next on 25 Jan 2025 from 4:00pm to 10:00pm
People sitting at tables drawing
30 Jan 2024 – 25 Feb 2025

Tipsy Tuesday | Life Drawing at Wakefield's

Wakefield's Bar & Wine, Ainslie
Next on 28 Jan 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Player takes a shot in front of a large crowd.
30 Jan 2025

WNBL Round 14: UC Capitals v Sydney Flames

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on 30 Jan 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Damien Rice
30 Jan 2025

Damien Rice

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 30 Jan 2025 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
A sepia photograph of a father and his children.
30 Jan 2025

Building our nation: How migrants and their children have shaped Australia

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 30 Jan 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Allday
1 Feb 2025

Allday - University of Canberra - All Ages

UC Concourse, Bruce
Next on 1 Feb 2025 from 6:30pm to 11:30pm
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