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

A photo of a teapot pouring a cocktail into a teacup at a bar.
13 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

Springtime Gin Garden

Midnight Bar, Braddon
Next on today from 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Group of people outside pub
20 Jan – 15 Dec 2025

Smith's Poetry Thing

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

Jazz on the Rocks

Molly, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 7:00pm to 10:30pm
Group of musicians playing instruments
17 Sep 2025 – 30 Dec 2026

Wednesday Jazz

Molly, Canberra
Next on 8 Oct 2025 from 8:30pm to 10:30pm
The Opera Australia Gala Concert
9 Oct 2025

The Opera Australia Gala Concert

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 9 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Xuefei Yang Image
9 Oct 2025

Xuefei Yang, Guitar Virtuoso - Canberra

Albert Hall, Yarralumla
Next on 9 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 8:45pm
Crowd of people sitting in a bar
18 Sep 2025 – 31 Dec 2026

Bourbon Street

Molly, Canberra
Next on 9 Oct 2025 from 9:00pm to 11:30pm
Concert with red petals in background and images of three women in the foreground.
10 Oct 2025

Love Through Many Lenses

All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie
Next on 10 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
The 60 Four: Hits of the ’60s and ’70s
10 Oct 2025

The 60 Four: Hits of the ’60s and ’70s

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 10 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cheese
3 Oct – 19 Dec 2025

Rhythm & Booze

Molly, Canberra
Next on 10 Oct 2025 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 10 Oct 2025
Vintage guitar
11 Oct 2025

The National Vintage Guitar Expo

Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Next on 11 Oct 2025 from 10:00am to 6:00pm
Playing with light and time
4–18 Oct 2025

City Night Walk - a collective projection journey

Walk begins and ends at Drill Hall Gallery Kingsley St, Acton ACT 2601, Australia, Acton
Next on 11 Oct 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 11 Oct 2025 from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Katie Noonan – Jeff Buckley’s Grace
12 Oct 2025

Katie Noonan – Jeff Buckley’s Grace

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 12 Oct 2025 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Pride & Prejudice
15–18 Oct 2025

Pride & Prejudice

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 15 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:15pm
Drawing of naked humans next to a glass of wine
13 May – 18 Nov 2025

Long Pose in the Lounge

QT Canberra, Canberra
Next on 15 Oct 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Benjamin Grosvenor
16 Oct 2025

Benjamin Grosvenor - Snow Concert Hall Season 2025

Snow Concert Hall - Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill
Next on 16 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
A winery, shows a vine and a sign pointing which way to go
16 Oct 2025

RIEDEL Riesling Masterclass

Hotel Realm, High Courtyard North, Barton
Next on 16 Oct 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Newsies Jnr
16–19 Oct 2025

Newsies Jnr

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 16 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:10pm
Human Nature
17 Oct 2025

Human Nature Motown 20th Anniversary Regional Tour

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

Harpsichord Festival

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

Fortūna

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 17 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:10pm
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