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

Simon playing a guitar while riding his penny-farthing
27 Feb – 1 Mar 2026

Cyclonats Festival of Cycling Culture

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 27 Feb 2026
Questacon illuminated with Chines dragon dancers
27 Feb – 9 Mar 2026

Enlighten Festival 2026

Various venues, Canberra
Next on 27 Feb 2026
Brumbies vs Blues
28 Feb 2026

ACT Brumbies vs Blues - Super Rugby Pacific Round 3

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 28 Feb 2026 from 7:15pm to 9:35pm
Picture of Jimmy Car
2–3 Mar 2026

Jimmy Carr - Laughs Funny

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 2 Mar 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Crowd sitting in front of screen for Lights! Canberra! Action!
6 Mar 2026

Lights! Canberra! Action! 2026

Senate Rose Garden, Parkes
Next on 6 Mar 2026
Brumbies vs Reds
7 Mar 2026

ACT Brumbies vs Queensland Reds - Super Rugby Pacific Round 4

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 7 Mar 2026 from 7:15pm to 9:35pm
Hoodoo Gurus at Stage 88 Canberra for Symphony in the Park
8 Mar 2026

Symphony in the Park 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 8 Mar 2026
Canberra Comedy Festival Gala
11–22 Mar 2026

Canberra Comedy Festival

Various Venues, Canberra
Next on 11 Mar 2026
Brumbies vs Chiefs
20 Mar 2026

ACT Brumbies vs Chiefs - Super Rugby Pacific Round 6

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 20 Mar 2026 from 7:15pm to 9:35pm
Brumbies vs Waratahs
27 Mar 2026

ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs - Super Rugby Pacific Round 7

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 27 Mar 2026 from 7:15pm to 9:35pm
Comedian Tom Gleeson sitting on a stool, smiling
28 Mar 2026

Tom Gleeson - Out of Touch

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 28 Mar 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
A street performer performs for a crowd at the Festival
2–6 Apr 2026

National Folk Festival

Exhibition Park in Canberra, Lyneham
Next on 2 Apr 2026
Guy Sebastian 100 Times Around The Sun Tour
18 Apr 2026

Guy Sebastian 100 Times Around The Sun Tour (Canberra)

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on 18 Apr 2026
Brumbies vs Drua
18 Apr 2026

ACT Brumbies vs Fijian Drua - Super Rugby Pacific Round 10

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 18 Apr 2026 from 7:15pm to 9:35pm
Concert in Canberra, ACT
20 Apr 2026

Richard Marx - After Hours Tour

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 20 Apr 2026 from 8:00pm to 10:30pm
Aura Go
7 May 2026

Beethoven's Ghost | Musica Viva Australia | Canberra

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 7 May 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Brumbies vs Force
9 May 2026

ACT Brumbies vs Western Force - Super Rugby Pacific Round 13

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 9 May 2026 from 7:15pm to 9:35pm
Doric String Quartet
19 Jun 2026

Doric String Quartet & Lloyd Van't Hoff | Musica Viva Australia | Canberra

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 19 Jun 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Leila Josefowicz
9 Jul 2026

Leila Josefowicz & John Novacek | Musica Viva Australia | Canberra

Snow Concert Hall, Red Hill
Next on 9 Jul 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Learn how to photograph the Milky Way on the 2023 Armidale Masterclass
30 Aug 2026

Canberra Milky Way Editing Masterclass

Gungahlin East Lakes, Gungahlin
Next on 30 Aug 2026 from 9:00am to 4:30pm
Canberra Milky Way Masterclass - how to photograph the Milky Way
31 Aug 2026

Canberra Milky Way Masterclass

Eastlake Cadwell, Calwell
Next on 31 Aug 2026 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Photographer: Elli Webb
4 Sep – 7 Nov 2026

Canberra Art Biennial

The festival is multi site, across central Canberra, with a central hub at Lake Burely Griffin., Parkes
Next on 4 Sep 2026
Page 3 of 3
    Filter by
    Date
    Category
    Loading results

    Continue exploring

    Aerial of some food dishes on a black table at Temporada | © Ashley St George

    Wine and dine in the capital

    The best restaurants in Canberra serve up an impressive variety of dining styles, cuisines and experiences. A foodie paradise awaits in the capital.

    People riding scooters in Braddon

    Our Neighbourhoods

    Canberra is known for its distinct neighbourhoods - each with great attractions, accommodation, award-winning dining, casual eats and shopping.

    Man in a hat and grey jacket sips red wine while looking at the Brindabella Hills.

    Canberra District Wine Region

    Home to 140 vineyards and more than 40 wineries within 35 minutes’ drive of the city, Canberra's wine region is the perfect weekend getaway.