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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Photo of Tim Freedman
30 Aug 2025

Smiths at Belco: Tim Freedman

The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen
Next on 30 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:15pm
Promotional image for REP's Lizzy, Darcy & Jane
4–20 Sep 2025

Lizzy, Darcy & Jane

Canberra REP Theatre, Canberra
Next on 4 Sep 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Cast
13 Sep 2025

Confetti and Chaos - Canberra

Mercure Canberra, Braddon
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Trent Dalton’s Love Stories
24–27 Sep 2025

Trent Dalton’s Love Stories

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 24 Sep 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:10pm
Ben Lee
25 Sep 2025

Ben Lee - Awake is the New Sleep 20th Anniversary Tour

University of Canberra, Bruce
Next on 25 Sep 2025 from 7:30pm to 11:00pm
ANTHONY MARWOOD &  JAMES CRABB
25 Sep 2025

Anthony Marwood & James Crabb - Snow Concert Hall Season 2025

Snow Concert Hall - Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill
Next on 25 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Winter Cyan, an acrobat, Spins on the  Roue Cyr, a large Metal ring bigger than an adult
26 Sep – 5 Oct 2025

Canberra Circus Festival

The May Wirth Big Top, Chifley Community Oval, Chifley
Next on 26 Sep 2025 from 9:00am to 10:00pm
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
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
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
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
IMAGINE LIVE
22–25 Oct 2025

IMAGINE LIVE

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 22 Oct 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Dracula
23–24 Oct 2025

Dracula

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 23 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:20pm
Canberra Nara Candle Festival
25 Oct 2025

Canberra Nara Candle Festival 2025

Canberra Nara Peace Park, Capital Hill
Next on 25 Oct 2025 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm
The Play That Goes Wrong
29 Oct – 2 Nov 2025

The Play That Goes Wrong

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 29 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Drag King with tophat
1–30 Nov 2025

Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival

Canberra SpringOUT PRIDE Festival Canberra, Braddon
Next on 1 Nov 2025
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