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

Stay
25 Apr – 29 May 2025

ATL Screening: 宿 (stay)

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 29 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Psychology of Serial Killers
25 May 2025

Psychology of Serial Killers

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on today from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Old Mervs
25 May 2025

Old Mervs - Album Tour

UC Refectory, Bruce
Next on today from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
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
People sitting at tables drawing
27 Jan – 26 May 2025

Monday Magic | Life Drawing at Wakefield's

Wakefield's Bar & Wine, Ainslie
Next on tomorrow from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
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
A headshot of photojournalist Mike Bowers.
27 May 2025

Life Behind the Lens at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 27 May 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Artwork showing multiple swirling layers in shades of blue, purple, and hints of brown.
27–29 May 2025

National Reconciliation Week Illumination

Australian Parliament House, Canberra
Next on 27 May 2025 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Jen Brister
28 May 2025

Jen Brister - Reactive Australian Tour

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 28 May 2025 from 7:15pm to 8:30pm
Cody Pennington
28 May 2025

Cody Pennington Country Show

University of Canberra, Bruce
Next on 28 May 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:30pm
1 child stares through a telescope outside Parliament House while another child stands beside them.
28 May 2025

Indigenous Stargazing at Parliament House

Australian Parliament House, Canberra
Next on 28 May 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Canberra Milky Way Masterclass Photography Workshop
29 May 2025

Canberra Milky Way Masterclass

Eastlake Gunghalin, Gungahlin
Next on 29 May 2025 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm
ACT Brumbies Tom Wright
30 May 2025

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Crusaders | Round 16 Super Rugby

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 30 May 2025 from 7:35pm to 9:35pm
Away
26 Apr – 30 May 2025

ATL Screening: Away

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 30 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Portrait of photographers under the Milky Way
3 May – 25 Oct 2025

Milky Way Workshop Canberra By Ari Rex

Wildbark, Throsby
Next on 30 May 2025
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 30 May 2025
Lior
31 May 2025

Lior

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 31 May 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:20pm
This Much Is True
1–31 May 2025

ATL Screening: This Much Is True

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 31 May 2025 from 7:30pm 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 2024 – 20 Dec 2025

Luna Saturdays

Luna, Canberra
Next on 31 May 2025 from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Australia's forward #16 Hayley Raso celebrates scoring her team's first goal
2 Jun 2025

CommBank Matildas v Argentina - GIO Stadium

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 2 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
1984
5 Jun – 21 Sep 2025

1984

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 5 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:10pm
a collage of vinyl album covers
7 Feb – 5 Dec 2025

Vinyl Lounge

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 6 Jun 2025 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Manuka Oval
7 Jun 2025

AFL Round 13 - GIANTS v Port Adelaide

Manuka Oval, Griffith
Next on 7 Jun 2025 from 7:35pm to 10:35pm
Kate Ceberano – Australian Made Tour 2025
8 Jun 2025

Kate Ceberano – Australian Made Tour

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 8 Jun 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:20pm
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