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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

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
Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios
10 Nov 2025

Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 10 Nov 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
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
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
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
Simon playing a guitar while riding his penny-farthing
27 Feb – 1 Mar 2026

Cyclonats Festival of Cycling Culture

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on 27 Feb 2026
Questacon illuminated with Chines dragon dancers
27 Feb – 9 Mar 2026

Enlighten Festival 2026

Various venues, Canberra
Next on 27 Feb 2026
Picture of Jimmy Car
2 Mar 2026

Jimmy Carr - Laughs Funny

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 2 Mar 2026
Crowd sitting in front of screen for Lights! Canberra! Action!
6 Mar 2026

Lights! Canberra! Action! 2026

Senate Rose Garden, Parkes
Next on 6 Mar 2026
Hoodoo Gurus at Stage 88 Canberra for Symphony in the Park
8 Mar 2026

Symphony in the Park 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 8 Mar 2026
A street performer performs for a crowd at the Festival
2–6 Apr 2026

National Folk Festival

Exhibition Park in Canberra, Lyneham
Next on 2 Apr 2026
Spellbound
15 May 2026

Spellbound

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 15 May 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:50pm
Photographer: Elli Webb
4 Sep – 7 Nov 2026

Canberra Art Biennial

The festival is multi site, across central Canberra, with a central hub at Lake Burely Griffin., Parkes
Next on 4 Sep 2026
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