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

Antique,  vintage and collectable bespoke jewellery for the discerning buyer
8–10 Aug 2025

ACT Seasonal Antique and Collectable Fair

Albert Hall, Yarralumla
Next on 8 Aug 2025 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Tommy Little – I’m Not Proud
9 Aug 2025

Tommy Little – I’m Not Proud

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 9 Aug 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Michael Hing – Life Comes at you Fast
9 Aug 2025

Michael Hing – Life Comes at you Fast

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 9 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Sooshi Mango
10 Aug 2025

Sooshi Mango – Home Made Encore

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 10 Aug 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:30pm
ConneXion Big Band in full flight
10 Aug 2025

Cool Music : Hot Brass!

Polish White Eagle Club in Turner, Turner
Next on 10 Aug 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Manuka Oval
10 Aug 2025

AFL Round 22 - GIANTS v North Melbourne

Manuka Oval, Griffith
Next on 10 Aug 2025 from 1:40pm to 4:00pm
A speaker addressing a bar full of people
12–13 Aug 2025

Pint of Science Australia x National Science Week

King O'Malley's, Canberra
Next on 12 Aug 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Drawing of naked humans next to a glass of wine
13 May – 16 Sep 2025

Long Pose in the Lounge

QT Canberra, Canberra
Next on 12 Aug 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
A sepia photograph of Judith Wright
14 Aug 2025

The environmental vision of Judith Wright with Prof John Morrissey at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Aug 2025 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
An image of a black plate with antipasto roulade on a white background.
15 Aug 2025

Truffle Degustation

Australian Parliament House, Canberra
Next on 15 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Hottest Hot August Night – Hits of Diamond & Olivia NJ
16 Aug 2025

Hottest Hot August Night – Hits of Diamond & Olivia NJ

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 16 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Takács Quartet
16 Aug 2025

Takács Quartet & Angie Milliken | Musica Viva Australia

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 16 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Portrait of photographers under the Milky Way
3 May – 25 Oct 2025

Milky Way Workshop Canberra By Ari Rex

Wildbark, Throsby
Next on 16 Aug 2025 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
The Kransky Sisters
17 Aug 2025

The Kransky Sisters - Assorted Nuts

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 17 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
ARC presents Pink Floyd
17 Aug 2025

ARC presents Pink Floyd

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 17 Aug 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
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 17 Aug 2025 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
The Big Bike Film Night
18 Aug 2025

The Big Bike Film Night - Canberra

Kambri at ANU, Acton
Next on 18 Aug 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Headshot of Susannah Fullerton OAM
20 Aug 2025

Jane Austen and her legacy – 250 glorious years at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 20 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Photo of Edith Pageaud
20 Aug 2025

Edith Pageaud, Guitar Virtuoso

Albert Hall, Yarralumla
Next on 20 Aug 2025 from 7:30pm to 8:45pm
Russell Morris
21 Aug 2025

Russell Morris

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 21 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Harrison Whalan and Imogene Blake preforming live
22 Aug 2025

Lakeside at 5: Harry and Imogen Duo

Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway
Next on 22 Aug 2025 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Cameron Jones
23 Aug 2025

Cameron Jones Trio - Gypsy Swing Guitar at Smith's Alternative

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 23 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Roses in a galaxy Pattern
23–31 Aug 2025

Der Rosenkavalier | The Street Theatre

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 23 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:10pm
Sound Healing Canberra
24 Aug – 26 Oct 2025

Breathwork & Sound Healing Journey

Soma Woman's Wellbeing, Dickson
Next on 24 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:15pm
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