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

Samara Joy
20 Oct 2025

Samara Joy

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
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
Pub Choir
26–27 Oct 2025

Pub Choir - Average at Best Tour

University of Canberra, Bruce
Next on 26 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
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
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
Tim Minchin – Songs The World Will Never Hear
13–16 Nov 2025

Tim Minchin – Songs The World Will Never Hear

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 13 Nov 2025 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Bjorn Again
15 Nov 2025

Björn Again - The World’s Number One ABBA Show

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 15 Nov 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:30pm
ADV
15 Nov 2025

Ana de la Vega & Grace Kim - Snow Concert Hall Season 2025

Snow Concert Hall - Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill
Next on 15 Nov 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Promotional image for REP's Low Pay? Don't Pay!
20 Nov – 6 Dec 2025

Low Pay? Don't Pay!

Canberra REP Theatre, Canberra
Next on 20 Nov 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Piotr Anderszewski
21 Nov 2025

Piotr Anderszewski | Musica Viva Australia

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 21 Nov 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Santa and Hall Town Crier
21 Nov 2025

Hall Village Christmas Street Party

Hall Heritage Village, Hall
Next on 21 Nov 2025 from 4:30pm to 8:30pm
Eric Gales with guitar
21 Nov 2025

Eric Gales (USA) at The Zeppelin Room

Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Next on 21 Nov 2025 from 7:00pm to 10:30pm
The Fleetwood Mac Experience
28 Nov 2025

Back to the Mac - the Fleetwood Mac Experience

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on 28 Nov 2025 from 8:00pm to 10:30pm
Spirits
28–29 Nov 2025

Spirits at the Foreshore

Old Transport Depot, Kingston
Next on 28 Nov 2025 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Alan Davies – Think Ahead
8 Dec 2025

Alan Davies – Think Ahead

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 8 Dec 2025 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Hansel and Gretel running through a fairytale forrest, all leading to the witch
12–20 Dec 2025

Hansel & Gretel

Albert Hall, Yarralumla
Next on 12 Dec 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
A crowd of people enjoying music at dusk at Spilt Milk Festival
13 Dec 2025

Spilt Milk Canberra

Exhibition Park, Mitchell
Next on 13 Dec 2025 from 11:00am to 11:00pm
people sitting on a grass field watching Carols in Town Park Canberra
14 Dec 2025

Carols in Town Park

Tuggeranong Town Park, Greenway
Next on 14 Dec 2025 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Elite Hall
8–11 Jan 2026

Street Machine Summernats 38

Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Mitchell
Next on 8 Jan 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00pm
Page 4 of 5
    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.