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 stack of books
30 Sep 2025

In conversation: 2025 Prime Minister's Literary Awards at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 30 Sep 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
A young woman in overalls and a red shirt hangs from a coloured-blue aerial silk. Purple background.
1–4 Oct 2025

Canberra Circus Festival Presents: Popcorn Circus

The May Wirth Big Top, Chifley Community Oval, Chifley
Next on 1 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Headshot of Virginia Haussegger
2 Oct 2025

Brazen Hussies: Then and now at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 2 Oct 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Three women from Out of Bounds
3 Oct 2025

Canberra Circus Festival Presents: Out of Bounds

The May Wirth Big Top, Chifley Community Oval, Chifley
Next on 3 Oct 2025 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
See aerials, acrobats, jugglers and more in this one-hour show
3 Oct 2025

Canberra Circus Festival Presents: Circus De Licious

The May Wirth Big Top, Chifley Community Oval, Chifley
Next on 3 Oct 2025 from 9:00pm to 10:00pm
Acrobatic displays inspired by famous paintings from the world's galleries.
3 Oct 2025

Canberra Circus Festival Presents: FRAMED by Circus Monoxide

The May Wirth Big Top, Chifley Community Oval, Chifley
Next on 3 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Henry Wagons
3 Oct 2025

Cash: A Journey Through The American Recordings

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 3 Oct 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:50pm
Creed Bratton – A Night of Comedy & Music
3 Oct 2025

Creed Bratton – A Night of Comedy & Music

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 3 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Trio Isimsiz
3 Oct 2025

Trio Isimsiz | Musica Viva Australia

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 3 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Looking for Alibrandi
3–4 Oct 2025

Looking for Alibrandi

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 3 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:50pm
a collage of vinyl album covers
7 Feb – 5 Dec 2025

Vinyl Lounge

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 3 Oct 2025 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
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 4 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Mystique – A Journey Beyond Reality
5 Oct 2025

Mystique – A Journey Beyond Reality

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 5 Oct 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:40pm
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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