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A crowd watching a live music performance

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

Bob Geldof
22 Mar 2025

An Evening with Bob Geldof

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 22 Mar 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
A person is sitting in an audience holding a microphone
27 Mar 2025

On Shakespeare, Power and Politics

National Film and Sound Archive, Acton
Next on 27 Mar 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
ACT Brumbies 2024 Charlie Cale
28 Mar 2025

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Highlanders | Round 7 Super Rugby

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 28 Mar 2025 from 7:35pm to 9:35pm
Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell: The Songs of Elton & George
29 Mar 2025

Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell: The Songs of Elton & George

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 29 Mar 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:50pm
The Pirates of Penzance
2–6 Apr 2025

The Pirates of Penzance

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 2 Apr 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
An orange photograph of a building.
4 Apr 2025

The Australian Dream? with Tim Ross at the National Library of Australia

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 4 Apr 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Victorian State Ballet: Swan Lake
4–5 Apr 2025

Victorian State Ballet: Swan Lake

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 4 Apr 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:40pm
A man is holding a crown to his head and looking at the camera
10–20 Apr 2025

Henry 5

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 10 Apr 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
A street performer performs for a crowd at the Festival
17–21 Apr 2025

National Folk Festival

Exhibition Park in Canberra, Lyneham
Next on 17 Apr 2025 from 3:00pm to 11:59pm
ACT Brumbies 2024 vs Hurricanes
26 Apr 2025

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Hurricanes | Round 11 Super Rugby

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 26 Apr 2025 from 7:35pm to 9:35pm
ACT Brumbies vs Waratahs 2024
3 May 2025

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Waratahs | Round 12 Super Rugby

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 3 May 2025 from 7:35pm to 9:35pm
Banff Mountain Film Festival 2025 Hero Image
6–9 May 2025

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival 2025 | Canberra

National Film & Sound Archives, Acton
Next on 6 May 2025 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
The TEN Tenors: 30th Anniversary World Tour
11 May 2025

The TEN Tenors: 30th Anniversary World Tour

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 11 May 2025 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Dion Pride Sings the Songs of His Father
14 May 2025

Dion Pride Sings the Songs of His Father

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 14 May 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:10pm
The Dictionary of Lost Words
15–24 May 2025

The Dictionary of Lost Words

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 15 May 2025 from 7:30pm to 10:15pm
Ross Noble
16 May 2025

Ross Noble - Cranium of Curiosities - Canberra

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 16 May 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm
ACT Brumbies 2024
17 May 2025

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Queensland Reds | Round 14 Super Rugby

GIO Stadium, Bruce
Next on 17 May 2025 from 7:35pm to 9:35pm
Cody Pennington
28 May 2025

Cody Pennington Country Show

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