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

Human Nature
17 Oct 2025

Human Nature Motown 20th Anniversary Regional Tour

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on today from 8:00pm to 10:30pm
MS
17 Oct 2025

Bach to Bach: A Wesley Music Centre Harpsichord Festival

Wesley Music Centre, Griffith
Next on today from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Fortūna
17–18 Oct 2025

Fortūna

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on today from 7:00pm to 8:10pm
Pride & Prejudice
15–18 Oct 2025

Pride & Prejudice

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on today from 7:00pm to 8:15pm
Newsies Jnr
16–19 Oct 2025

Newsies Jnr

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on today from 7:00pm to 8:10pm
Cheese
3 Oct – 19 Dec 2025

Rhythm & Booze

Molly, Canberra
Next on today from 10:00pm to 11:59pm
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 today
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
A woman with a blue scarf sits in profile at a table, reading a book. Behind her are 2 mannequins.
18 Oct 2025

Clothing the Loop: Sustainable Fashion Festival

The Vault, Fyshwick
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 10:00pm
Best of Bee Gees – Saturday Night Fever
18 Oct 2025

Best of Bee Gees – Saturday Night Fever

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 9:40pm
Live at Lanyon Performance from 2024, People watch CSO perform outdoors at Lanyon Homestead
18 Oct 2025

Live at Lanyon with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra & Kirrah Amosa

Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa
Next on tomorrow from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
sake tasting experience
18 Oct 2025

Canberra Kanpai and Canapés

Manning Clark Hall, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 11:00am to 2:00pm
Simon Whitlock
18 Oct 2025

Dabble Darts ANZ Premier League in Canberra

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on tomorrow from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Playing with light and time
11–18 Oct 2025

City Night Walk - a collective projection journey

Walk begins and ends at Drill Hall Gallery, Acton
Next on tomorrow from 8:00pm 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 2024 – 20 Dec 2025

Luna Saturdays

Luna, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Samara Joy
20 Oct 2025

Samara Joy

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Group of people outside pub
20 Jan – 15 Dec 2025

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 20 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Musicians playing piano and saxaphone in a dimly lit bar
23 Sep 2025 – 29 Dec 2026

Jazz on the Rocks

Molly, Canberra
Next on 21 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 10:30pm
Two people drawing, with a glass of red wine on the table
22 Oct 2025

Bare It For Breast Cancer

Verity Lane Market, Canberra
Next on 22 Oct 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Group of musicians playing instruments
17 Sep 2025 – 30 Dec 2026

Wednesday Jazz

Molly, Canberra
Next on 22 Oct 2025 from 8:30pm to 10:30pm
Dracula
23–24 Oct 2025

Dracula

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 23 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:20pm
Crowd of people sitting in a bar
18 Sep 2025 – 31 Dec 2026

Bourbon Street

Molly, Canberra
Next on 23 Oct 2025 from 9:00pm to 11:30pm
The Masters of Oompah!
24–25 Oct 2025

Oktoberfest

The Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Next on 24 Oct 2025 from 4:00pm to 11:30pm
IMAGINE LIVE
24–25 Oct 2025

Imagine Live

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 24 Oct 2025 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm
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