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

Fortūna
17–18 Oct 2025

Fortūna

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 17 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:10pm
Best of Bee Gees – Saturday Night Fever
18 Oct 2025

Best of Bee Gees – Saturday Night Fever

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 18 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:40pm
A woman with a blue scarf sits in profile at a table, reading a book. Behind her are 2 mannequins.
18 Oct 2025

Clothing the Loop: Sustainable Fashion Festival

The Vault, Fyshwick
Next on 18 Oct 2025 from 10:00am to 10:00pm
Live at Lanyon Performance from 2024, People watch CSO perform outdoors at Lanyon Homestead
18 Oct 2025

Live at Lanyon with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra & Kirrah Amosa

Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa
Next on 18 Oct 2025 from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
sake tasting experience
18 Oct 2025

Canberra Kanpai & Canapés

Manning Clark Hall, Canberra
Next on 18 Oct 2025 from 11:00am to 2:00pm
Simon Whitlock
18 Oct 2025

Dabble Darts ANZ Premier League in Canberra

AIS Arena, Bruce
Next on 18 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Spacelive2025
20 Oct 2025

Spacelive 2025

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 20 Oct 2025 from 8:00pm to 10:30pm
Samara Joy
20 Oct 2025

Samara Joy

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Two people drawing, with a glass of red wine on the table
22 Oct 2025

Bare It For Breast Cancer

Verity Lane Market, Canberra
Next on 22 Oct 2025 from 6:00pm 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
The Masters of Oompah!
24–25 Oct 2025

Oktoberfest 2025

The Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Next on 24 Oct 2025 from 4:00pm to 11:30pm
La Fiesta Latin American Festival
25 Oct 2025

La Fiesta | Canberra's Latin American Festival

Latin American Plaza, Canberra
Next on 25 Oct 2025 from 2:00pm to 10:00pm
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
Drawing of naked humans next to a glass of wine
28 Oct 2025

Tipsy in the Gallery | Life Drawing at Grainger on Geelong

Grainger on Geelong, Fyshwick
Next on 28 Oct 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
The Play That Goes Wrong
28 Oct – 2 Nov 2025

The Play That Goes Wrong

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 28 Oct 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Drag King with tophat
1–30 Nov 2025

Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival

Canberra SpringOUT PRIDE Festival Canberra, Braddon
Next on 1 Nov 2025
A photograph of a hand taking film off of a film reel
5 Nov 2025

Film Developing and Scanning Workshop

photo access, Griffith
Next on 5 Nov 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
The Nutcracker
6–7 Nov 2025

The Nutcracker

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 6 Nov 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Mary Beard
8 Nov 2025

Mary Beard

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 8 Nov 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Ricky Martin Live
8 Nov 2025

Ricky Martin Live at GIO Stadium

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on 8 Nov 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Harry Enfield
10 Nov 2025

Harry Enfield

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 10 Nov 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cosmic Psychos
12 Nov 2025

Cosmic Psychos – I Really Like Beer Tour

University of Canberra, Bruce
Next on 12 Nov 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
RocKwiz Live In 25
12 Nov 2025

RocKwiz Live In 25

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 12 Nov 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
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