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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

Luke Kidgell
28 Aug 2025

Luke Kidgell - Good Intentions

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 28 Aug 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
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
A young woman with short dark curls rests her chin on her hands on top of a brown vintage suitcase.
3–27 Sep 2025

Peter/Wendy

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 3 Sep 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
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
Kirsty Webeck
5 Sep 2025

Kirsty Webeck - Everything I Need To Say About Sea Creatures

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 5 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Socceroos
5 Sep 2025

Socceroos vs New Zealand

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 5 Sep 2025 from 7:45pm to 10:00pm
Noah Szto
6 Sep 2025

Noah Szto - Med School

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 6 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Presenters at the Great Debate 2025 event at the National Library
9 Sep 2025

The Great Debate 2025: That Australian history unites us at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 9 Sep 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Damien Power
13 Sep 2025

Damien Power

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:15pm
Cast
13 Sep 2025

Confetti and Chaos - Canberra

Mercure Canberra, Braddon
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Billy Ocean's concert promo image
13 Sep 2025

Billy Ocean

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 13 Sep 2025
1984
5 Jun – 21 Sep 2025

1984

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 21 Sep 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:40pm
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
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
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
Moonstruck
26 Sep 2025

Ensemble Offspring - Moonstruck

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 26 Sep 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:20pm
A young female aerialist in denim overalls and a t-shirt hangs from aerial silks
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
19-Twenty posing with audience in the Zeppelin Room at the Harmonie German Club
27 Sep 2025

19-Twenty 'HIPS' 10th Anniversary Tour at The Zeppelin Room

Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Next on 27 Sep 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
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
Looking for Alibrandi
3–4 Oct 2025

Looking for Alibrandi

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 3 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:50pm
Playing with light and time
4–18 Oct 2025

City Night Walk - a collective projection journey

Walk begins and ends at Drill Hall Gallery Kingsley St, Acton ACT 2601, Australia, Acton
Next on 4 Oct 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
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
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