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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

6 women dressed in santa outfits stand next to a pouting older man
17–19 Dec 2026

Xmas Party Mix at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 17 Dec 2026 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
NYE Canberra Fireworks
31 Dec 2026

New Year's Eve Canberra

Lake Burley Griffin, Parkes
Next on 31 Dec 2026
Sixers play Strikers in 2025.
3 Jan 2027

Sixers at Manuka | Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers

Corroboree Group Manuka, Griffith
Next on 3 Jan 2027 from 7:15pm to 11:00pm
Fonseca in action at the Workday Canberra International
3–9 Jan 2027

Workday Canberra International

Canberra Tennis Centre, Lyneham
Next on 3 Jan 2027
Mates Day
4 Jan 2027

Mates Day | Workday Canberra International

Canberra Tennis Centre, Lyneham
Next on 4 Jan 2027
Burnouts at Summernats
7–10 Jan 2027

Summernats 39

Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Mitchell
Next on 7 Jan 2027
People gathering in a courtyard under white umbrellas with drinks and friends
8 Jan – 13 Feb 2027

Hot Summer Nights at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 8 Jan 2027
Canberra run out
12 Jan 2027

BBL|16: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars

Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka, Griffith
Next on 12 Jan 2027 from 7:15pm to 10:00pm
Hook’s Neverland
21–24 Jan 2027

Hook’s Neverland

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 21 Jan 2027 from 6:30pm to 7:50pm
Animation of face and tomatoes
28 Jan 2027

OMNI Ai Film Festival at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 28 Jan 2027 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Man driving a taxi wearing sunglasses
4–25 Feb 2027

Neo Noir at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 4 Feb 2027
Three women in cultural dress clap for the festival parade performers
5–7 Feb 2027

National Multicultural Festival

Canberra CBD, Canberra
Next on 5 Feb 2027
This shows a display of the aurora from the Tharwa area where the workshop will be conducted
7 Nov 2026 – 6 Feb 2027

Introduction to Night Sky Photo and Aurora Forecasting Thawra

Various venues, Tharwa
Next on 6 Feb 2027 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Animation of two characters one wearing red glasses and the other eating
10 Feb 2027

Memoir of a Snail + Q&A with director

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 10 Feb 2027 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Questacon illuminated with Chines dragon dancers
26 Feb – 8 Mar 2027

Enlighten Festival

Various venues, Canberra
Next on 26 Feb 2027
Sixpence None The Richer Australian Tour 2027
2 Mar 2027

Sixpence None The Richer Australian Tour 2027

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 2 Mar 2027 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Offical Marketing Collateral for Kevin Bridges
5 Mar 2027

Kevin Bridges - Here If You Need Me

National Convention Centre Canberra, Canberra
Next on 5 Mar 2027 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Cyclonats logo and cyclists
27 Feb 2026 – 7 Mar 2027

Cyclonats Festival of Cycling Culture

Haig Park and venues across Canberra, Braddon
Next on 5 Mar 2027
The Australian Women's Cricket Team celebrates a wicket in a One-Day International Match
6 Mar 2027

Women's ODI Series - Australia vs New Zealand - First ODI

Manuka Oval, Griffith
Next on 6 Mar 2027 from 2:50pm to 9:00pm
Canberra Comedy Festival Gala
10–21 Mar 2027

Canberra Comedy Festival

Various Venues, Canberra
Next on 10 Mar 2027
Best Beer Festival
20 Mar 2027

Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival

Mercure Canberra, Braddon
Next on 20 Mar 2027 from 11:00am to 6:00pm
6 Morris Dancers perform in Traditional Costume with a big-top tent in the background
25–29 Mar 2027

National Folk Festival

Exhibition Park in Canberra, Lyneham
Next on 25 Mar 2027 from 5:00pm to 11:59pm
Ziggy Alberts playing guitar in the middle of a dry paddock under a clear blue sky.
7 Apr 2027

Ziggy Alberts Twin Flames AU Regional Tour 2027

UC Refectory, Bruce
Next on 7 Apr 2027 from 7:00pm to 11:30pm
Kitty Flanagan
28 Sep 2027

Kitty Flanagan - Glad Game - Canberra

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 28 Sep 2027 from 7:30pm to 8:45pm
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