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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 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

Pride & Prejudice
15–18 Oct 2025

Pride & Prejudice

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 15 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:15pm
Benjamin Grosvenor
16 Oct 2025

Benjamin Grosvenor - Snow Concert Hall Season 2025

Snow Concert Hall - Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill
Next on 16 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
IMAGINE LIVE
22–25 Oct 2025

IMAGINE LIVE

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 22 Oct 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
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
Drag King with tophat
1–30 Nov 2025

Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival

Canberra SpringOUT PRIDE Festival Canberra, Braddon
Next on 1 Nov 2025
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

University Canberra, Kingston
Next on 28 Nov 2025 from 5:30pm 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
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
Picture of Jimmy Car
2 Mar 2026

Jimmy Carr - Laughs Funny

Royal Theatre, Canberra
Next on 2 Mar 2026
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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