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 Sideway, 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

Tania Dutel
20 May 2025

Tania Dutel

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 20 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Tommy Emmanuel
20 May 2025

Tommy Emmanuel

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Charm Of Finches
23 May 2025

Charm Of Finches

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 23 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Old Mervs
25 May 2025

Old Mervs - Album Tour

UC Refectory, Bruce
Next on 25 May 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Psychology of Serial Killers
25 May 2025

Psychology of Serial Killers

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 25 May 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
A headshot of photojournalist Mike Bowers.
27 May 2025

Life Behind the Lens at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 27 May 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Cody Pennington
28 May 2025

Cody Pennington Country Show

University of Canberra, Bruce
Next on 28 May 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:30pm
Jen Brister
28 May 2025

Jen Brister - Reactive Australian Tour

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 28 May 2025 from 7:15pm to 8:30pm
Canberra Milky Way Masterclass Photography Workshop
29 May 2025

Canberra Milky Way Masterclass

Eastlake Gunghalin, Gungahlin
Next on 29 May 2025 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm
ACT Brumbies Tom Wright
30 May 2025

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Crusaders | Round 16 Super Rugby

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 30 May 2025 from 7:35pm to 9:35pm
Lior
31 May 2025

Lior

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 31 May 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:20pm
Australia's forward #16 Hayley Raso celebrates scoring her team's first goal
2 Jun 2025

CommBank Matildas v Argentina - GIO Stadium

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 2 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
1984
5 Jun – 21 Sep 2025

1984

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 5 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:10pm
Manuka Oval
7 Jun 2025

AFL Round 13 - GIANTS v Port Adelaide

Manuka Oval, Griffith
Next on 7 Jun 2025 from 7:35pm to 10:35pm
Kate Ceberano – Australian Made Tour 2025
8 Jun 2025

Kate Ceberano – Australian Made Tour

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 8 Jun 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:20pm
Picture of Spacey Jane
10 Jun 2025

Spacey Jane - If That Makes Sense

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 10 Jun 2025
Johan Dalene
12 Jun 2025

Northern Lights | Musica Viva Australia

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 12 Jun 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Promotional image for REP's A Doll's House, Part 2
12–28 Jun 2025

A Doll's House, Part 2

Canberra REP Theatre, Canberra
Next on 12 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Lawrence Mooney
13 Jun 2025

Lawrence Mooney - Dead Set Country - Canberra

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 13 Jun 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Carmen
20–25 Jun 2025

Carmen – The Australian Ballet

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 Jun 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:50pm
Queen - It's a kind of magic
25 Jun 2025

Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 25 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Promise & Promiscuity
25–29 Jun 2025

Promise and Promiscuity

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 25 Jun 2025 from 7:30pm to 8:40pm
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
4 Jul 2025

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 4 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Celebration
5 Jul 2025

Raiders v Dragons - NRL Round 18

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on 5 Jul 2025 from 3:15pm to 7:00pm
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