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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

Peregrine V
6 Dec 2023

CIIF Peregrine V

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 8:15pm
Knitting
6 Dec 2023

CIIF Knitting

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 8:45pm to 9:30pm
THE WAR ON 2023: ANNUAL COMEDY GALA
6 Dec 2023

The War on 2023: Annual Comedy Gala

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
sunset cinema, outdoor movies, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, events, what's on
23 Nov 2023 – 24 Feb 2024

Sunset Cinema

The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on tomorrow from 6:30pm to 11:00pm
Monthly Jam Workshop
6 Dec 2023 – 4 Dec 2024

Jam Workshop with Canberra Blues Society

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on tomorrow from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Still from Rise of the Planet of the Apes showing apes overrunning a bridge full of cars
7 Dec 2023

SCIENCE. ART. FILM. Rise of the Planet of the Apes screening + discussion

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 7 Dec 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Four men with colourful background
7 Dec 2023

You Am I | The You's Pull Up Their Troos Tour

The Baso Canberra, Belconnen
Next on 7 Dec 2023 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Melomania
7 Dec 2023

CIIF Melomania

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 7 Dec 2023 from 7:45pm to 8:30pm
Psychedelic
7 Dec 2023

CIIF Psychedelic

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 7 Dec 2023 from 6:30pm to 7:15pm
TOME
7 Dec 2023

CIIF TOME

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 7 Dec 2023 from 9:00pm to 9:45pm
Female belly dancer posing inside Bar Beirut
29 Jun – 28 Dec 2023

Belly Dancing at Bar Beirut

Bar Beirut, Canberra
Next on 7 Dec 2023 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Still from Edward Scissorhands: close up of Edward
8 Dec 2023

A Very NFSA Christmas: Edward Scissorhands

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 6:00pm to 7:45pm
Performers on stage wearing black and silver costumes with white face paint
8 Dec 2023

Kiss Tribute Show | The Last Kiss Goodnight

The Baso Canberra, Belconnen
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Willy Willy
8 Dec 2023

CIIF Willy Willy

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 7:00pm to 7:45pm
Appetite
8 Dec 2023

CIIF Appetite

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 8:15pm to 9:00pm
Improvision Song Contest
8 Dec 2023

CIIF Improvision Song Contest

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 9:30pm to 10:20pm
UC Capitals v Sydney Flames
8 Dec 2023

WNBL Round 6: UC Capitals v Sydney Flames

National Convention Centre Canberra, Canberra
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Burlesque performer breathing fire
11 Aug – 31 Dec 2023

Burlesque @ Bar Beirut

Bar Beirut, Canberra
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
BACKBAR
3 Nov 2023 – 28 Dec 2024

Blackbird Live Music

Blackbird Bar Live Music Cocktails, Canberra
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Still from Gremlins
9 Dec 2023

A Very NFSA Christmas: Gremlins

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 9 Dec 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Three men sitting on steps
9 Dec 2023

Thundamentals

The Baso Canberra, Belconnen
Next on 9 Dec 2023 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Hotel Sol
9 Dec 2023

CIIF Hotel Sol

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 9 Dec 2023 from 7:00pm to 7:45pm
Our Place
9 Dec 2023

CIIF Our Place

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 9 Dec 2023 from 8:15pm to 9:00pm
Decorative only
9 Dec 2023

Christmas at the Opera 2023 presented by National Opera

Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Barton
Next on 9 Dec 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
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