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

Mel Buttle – Taking My Sunglasses Off To Hear You Better
12 Jul 2025

Mel Buttle – Taking My Sunglasses Off To Hear You Better

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 12 Jul 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
A greedy man on wall street seen three times
16 Jul – 9 Aug 2025

Enron by Lucy Prebble directed by Adam Broinowski

Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Next on 16 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Puccini’s La Bohème
17–19 Jul 2025

Puccini’s La Bohème

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 17 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:35pm
Lee Kernaghan
19 Jul 2025

Lee Kernaghan - Boys from the Bush

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 19 Jul 2025
Pete Murray
20 Jul 2025

Pete Murray

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 Jul 2025 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Sjaella
23 Jul 2025

Sjaella - Snow Concert Hall Season 2025

Snow Concert Hall - Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill
Next on 23 Jul 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Promotional image for REP's Spider's Web
24 Jul – 9 Aug 2025

Spider's Web

Canberra REP Theatre, Canberra
Next on 24 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Nathan Foley: Aussie to the Bone
25 Jul 2025

Aussie to the Bone - Nathan Foley

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on 25 Jul 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
crowd of people inside a large, well lit warehouse tasting whiskies.
26 Jul 2025

The Whisky Show Canberra

The Fitter's Workshop, Kingston
Next on 26 Jul 2025 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm
Erin Helyard
26 Jul 2025

Mozart's Clarinet | Canberra | Musica Viva Australia

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 26 Jul 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
10cc The Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour
27 Jul 2025

10cc The Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 27 Jul 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Marrow
31 Jul – 1 Aug 2025

Marrow

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 31 Jul 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Ballet International Gala: BIG VI
2 Aug 2025

Ballet International Gala: BIG VI

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 2 Aug 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
James May
2 Aug 2025

Explorers – The Age of Discovery - with James May - Live on Stage: Canberra

Llewellyn Hall- ANU, Canberra
Next on 2 Aug 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Manuka Oval
7 Aug 2025

AFL Round 22 - GIANTS v North Melbourne

Manuka Oval, Griffith
Next on 7 Aug 2025 from 5:20pm to 8:20pm
Seb Kris Try
8 Aug 2025

Raiders v Sea Eagles - NRL Round 23

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on 8 Aug 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:30pm
Antique,  vintage and collectable bespoke jewellery for the discerning buyer
8–10 Aug 2025

ACT Seasonal Antique and Collectable Fair

Albert Hall, Yarralumla
Next on 8 Aug 2025 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Tommy Little – I’m Not Proud
9 Aug 2025

Tommy Little – I’m Not Proud

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 9 Aug 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Sooshi Mango
10 Aug 2025

Sooshi Mango – Home Made Encore

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 10 Aug 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:30pm
Takács Quartet
16 Aug 2025

Takács Quartet & Angie Milliken | Musica Viva Australia

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 16 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Hottest Hot August Night – Hits of Diamond & Olivia NJ
16 Aug 2025

Hottest Hot August Night – Hits of Diamond & Olivia NJ

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 16 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
ARC presents Pink Floyd
17 Aug 2025

ARC presents Pink Floyd

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 17 Aug 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
The Big Bike Film Night
18 Aug 2025

The Big Bike Film Night - Canberra

Kambri at ANU, Acton
Next on 18 Aug 2025 from 6:30pm 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
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