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

Infamous Cabaret Cirque
11 Apr – 3 May 2025

Infamous Cabaret Cirque

Under the Spiegeltent, Gungahlin
Next on today
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
A man is holding a crown to his head and looking at the camera
10–20 Apr 2025

Henry 5

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on tomorrow from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Reginald Mobley & Paul Grabowsky
16 Apr 2025

Reginald Mobley & Paul Grabowsky - Because

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 16 Apr 2025 from 7:30pm to 8:50pm
Rodrigo y Gabriela
17 Apr 2025

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 17 Apr 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:40pm
Ed Kuepper
17 Apr 2025

Ed Kuepper. Solo. At Last!

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 17 Apr 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:30pm
A street performer performs for a crowd at the Festival
17–21 Apr 2025

National Folk Festival

Exhibition Park in Canberra, Lyneham
Next on 17 Apr 2025 from 3:00pm to 11:59pm
Italian Baroque with Circa
17 Apr – 17 May 2025

ATL Screening: Italian Baroque with Circa

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 17 Apr 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:40pm
The Black Blues Brothers
18 Apr 2025

The Black Blues Brothers

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 18 Apr 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
The Gospel According to Paul
18 Apr – 22 May 2025

ATL Screening: The Gospel According to Paul

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 18 Apr 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Canberra Steam Train Rides
8 Mar – 20 Apr 2025

Canberra Steam Train Rides

Canberra Railway Station, Kingston
Next on 18 Apr 2025
Ghostly dark night at harbour side
19 Apr 2025

Foreshore Ghosts, Tales and True Crime

Norgrove Park, Kingston
Next on 19 Apr 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Whitefella Yella Tree
19 Apr – 23 May 2025

ATL Screening: Whitefella Yella Tree

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 19 Apr 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
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 19 Apr 2025
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 19 Apr 2025 from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Madagascar the Musical
22–23 Apr 2025

Madagascar the Musical

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 22 Apr 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Sh!tfaced Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
24–26 Apr 2025

Sh!tfaced Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 24 Apr 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:10pm
The Wharf Revue 2015: Celebrating 15 Years
24 Apr – 24 May 2025

ATL Screening: The Wharf Revue 2015: Celebrating 15 Years

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 24 Apr 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:20pm
Adam Kay – This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor
25 Apr 2025

Adam Kay – This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 25 Apr 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Adam Kay Ouch
25 Apr 2025

Adam Kay, This is Going to Hurt Tour | Canberra

Canberra Theatre, Canberra
Next on 25 Apr 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Stay
25 Apr – 29 May 2025

ATL Screening: 宿 (stay)

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 25 Apr 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Manuka Oval
26 Apr 2025

AFL Round 7 - GIANTS v Western Bulldogs

Manuka Oval, Griffith
Next on 26 Apr 2025 from 7:35pm to 10:35pm
ACT Brumbies 2024 vs Hurricanes
26 Apr 2025

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Hurricanes | Round 11 Super Rugby

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