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

The Preatures
14 Jun 2025

The Preatures | Blue Planet Eyes 10th Anniversary Tour

University of Canberra, Bruce
Next on
Robyn Archer portrait
14 Jun 2025

Robyn Archer and The Pack of Women

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on
Matinee 2
14 Jun 2025

Matinee 2: Raise the roof, hit the hay... again

Mooseheads, Canberra
Next on
Promotional image for REP's A Doll's House, Part 2
12–28 Jun 2025

A Doll's House, Part 2

Canberra REP Theatre, Canberra
Next on 18 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
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 20 Jun 2025
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
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 21 Jun 2025 from 12:00pm to 11:00pm
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
Carmen
20–25 Jun 2025

Carmen – The Australian Ballet

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 Jun 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:50pm
Sound Healing Canberra
18 May – 22 Jun 2025

Breathwork & Sound Healing Journey

Soma Woman's Wellbeing, Fyshwick
Next on 22 Jun 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Woman stands with wings, man holds her hand to kiss it
22 Jun – 17 Aug 2025

Book Club at National Film and Sound Archive

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 22 Jun 2025 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday night writing sessions at Drill Hall Gallery
6 May – 29 Jul 2025

Tuesday night writing sessions at Drill Hall Gallery

Drill Hall Gallery, Acton
Next on 24 Jun 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Queen - It's a kind of magic
25 Jun 2025

Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 25 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Promise & Promiscuity
25–29 Jun 2025

Promise and Promiscuity

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 25 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 8:40pm
Running in the Shadows of Fleetwood Mac
28 Jun 2025

Running in the Shadows - Fleetwood Mac

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on 28 Jun 2025 from 7:00pm to 10:30pm
Portrait of photographers under the Milky Way
3 May – 25 Oct 2025

Milky Way Workshop Canberra By Ari Rex

Wildbark, Throsby
Next on 28 Jun 2025 from 4:30pm to 9:30pm
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
4 Jul 2025

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 4 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
a collage of vinyl album covers
7 Feb – 5 Dec 2025

Vinyl Lounge

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 4 Jul 2025 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Orchestra, soloists and choir performing on Llewelyn Hall stage with Louis Sharpe conducting
5 Jul 2025

The Armed Man

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 5 Jul 2025 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Toni Childs – A Retrospective
5 Jul 2025

Toni Childs – A Retrospective

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 5 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:20pm
Bliss n Eso
5 Jul 2025

Bliss n Eso | Party on the Moon tour

University of Canberra, Bruce
Next on 5 Jul 2025 from 8:00pm to 11:00pm
Toni Childs
5 Jul 2025

Toni Childs - A Retrospective

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 5 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm
Celebration
5 Jul 2025

Raiders v Dragons - NRL Round 18

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on 5 Jul 2025 from 3:15pm to 7:00pm
Winter in the City
5–19 Jul 2025

Winter in the City

Grand Winter Stage | City Walk , Canberra, Canberra
Next on 5 Jul 2025 from 2:00pm to 7:45pm
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