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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

Adam Harvey
30 Nov 2024

Adam Harvey - Let The Song Take You Home Tour

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 30 Nov 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:40pm
Pisco Sour
30 Nov 2024

Pisco Sour

UC Hub, Bruce
Next on 30 Nov 2024 from 8:00pm to 11:00pm
Viktor Rufus
1 Dec 2024

Viktor Rufus "Ciao For Now" Farewell Concert

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 1 Dec 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Woman singing into microphone
3 Dec 2024

The Music ACT Music Awards (MAMAs)

The Vault, Fyshwick
Next on 3 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 11:30pm
UC Capitals player Jade Melbourne making a fast break down centre court, passing to a team member...
4 Dec 2024

WNBL Round 6: UC Capitals v Southside Flyers

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on 4 Dec 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
War On 2024 – Annual Comedy Gala
4 Dec 2024

War On 2024 – Annual Comedy Gala

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 4 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:15pm
Aaron Gocs
4 Dec 2024

Canberra Comedy Club featuring Aaron Gocs

Fun Time Pony, Canberra
Next on 4 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Monthly Jam Workshop
6 Dec 2023 – 4 Dec 2024

Jam Workshop with Canberra Blues Society

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on 4 Dec 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
A display of books and Christmas cards at the National Library Bookshop.
5 Dec 2024

Late night Christmas shopping at the National Library Bookshop

National Library of Australia Bookshop, Parkes
Next on 5 Dec 2024 from 9:00am to 8:00pm
Jack Maggs
5–7 Dec 2024

Jack Maggs

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 5 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas
6 Dec 2024

A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 6 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
3 guests laugh over drinks while discussing the mystery at hand
6–7 Dec 2024

(Sleigh) Slay - An Interactive Murder Mystery

Tuggeranong Homestead, Richardson
Next on 6 Dec 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
An armchair in front of a turntable and a lava lamp
1 Mar – 6 Dec 2024

Vinyl Lounge

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 6 Dec 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Canberra Christmas Party
7 Dec 2024

City Centre Christmas Party

City Walk next to the Christmas tree, Canberra
Next on 7 Dec 2024 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm
Smiths@Belco: Glorious! A Handel Celebration
7 Dec 2024

Smiths@Belco: Glorious! A Handel Celebration

The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen
Next on 7 Dec 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
19-Twenty
7 Dec 2024

19-Twenty - A Xmas Party at The Zeppelin Room

Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Next on 7 Dec 2024 from 7:00pm to 10:30pm
The Christmas Spectacular
9–10 Dec 2024

The Christmas Spectacular

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 9 Dec 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:20pm
Banner for series
13 Feb – 10 Dec 2024

The Journey of Australian Science: Tracing our History, Discovering New Paths

Shine Dome, Acton
Next on 10 Dec 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Cheek Live with Hannah Ferguson and Sarah-Jane Adams
11 Dec 2024

Cheek Live with Hannah Ferguson and Sarah-Jane Adams

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 11 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:40pm
Two young women sit next to each other. One of the women feeds the other a chocolate.
11–15 Dec 2024

SAUCE

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 11 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Jon at the piano composing
11–21 Dec 2024

Tick, Tick...Boom!

ACT Hub | Australian Capital Theatre Hub, Kingston
Next on 11 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Darren Hanlon
13 Dec 2024

Darren Hanlon - Xmas Show 24

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 13 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:50pm
The Nutcracker
13–14 Dec 2024

The Nutcracker

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 13 Dec 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Gene Perla (USA)
14 Dec 2024

Gene Perla: The Jazz Haus

Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway
Next on 14 Dec 2024 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
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