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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

Group of people outside pub
7 Aug 2023 – 30 Sep 2024

Smith's Poetry Thing

Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Next on today from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Joyce Yang
14 May 2024

Kaleidescopic Colours | Joyce Yang at Snow Concert Hall in partnership with Piano+

Snow Concert Hall - Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill
Next on tomorrow from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Joyce Yang
14 May 2024

Joyce Yang

Snow Concert Hall, Red Hill
Next on tomorrow from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Flickerfest Canberra Audience
16 May 2024

Flickerfest 2024 Canberra

Palace Electric Cinemas, Canberra
Next on 16 May 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
QL2 Dance- Subject to Change
16–18 May 2024

QL2 Dance- Subject to Change

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 16 May 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:20pm
Twilight Sessions Musicians
29 Feb – 6 Jun 2024

Twilight Sessions

Amici Wine Bar & Deli, Canberra
Next on 16 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
5 men in viking armor and furs staring intensely towards the camera
17 May 2024

Wind Rose at The Baso

The Baso, Belconnen
Next on 17 May 2024
five men in a band looking towards the camera wearing light colors
17–18 May 2024

Hands Like Houses

Fun Time Pony, Canberra
Next on 17 May 2024
Dinner and star-gazing - the perfect night out.
15 Mar – 11 Oct 2024

Dinner with the Stars at Harvest Day Out

Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa
Next on 17 May 2024 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Belly dancer performing at Bar Beirut. She is balancing a sword on a seated customer's head.
11 Jan – 21 Dec 2024

Belly Dancing at Bar Beirut

Bar Beirut, Canberra
Next on 17 May 2024
BACKBAR
3 Nov 2023 – 28 Dec 2024

Blackbird Live Music

Blackbird Bar - Live Music - Cocktails - Nightclub - Underground Speakeasy, Canberra
Next on 17 May 2024 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Promotional image from Moonlight showing a man's face overlaid with shades of purple and green
18 May 2024

Moonlight | Progress 1984: Men In Love

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 18 May 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Image of a woman holding a sheath of wheat
18 May 2024

The Gleaners and I | Art Meets Film

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 18 May 2024 from 2:00pm to 3:45pm
Beatles
18 May 2024

The Fab Four bring the Beatles - Live at the Durham Cavern Arms

The Durham Castle Arms, Kingston
Next on 18 May 2024 from 8:30pm to 11:30pm
Be captivated by the grace and allure of Luna’s Cabaret Dancers while our DJs create the rhythm of t
20 Jan – 30 Nov 2024

Luna Saturdays

Luna, Canberra
Next on 18 May 2024 from 8:00pm to 11:59pm
High Jinks Interactive Cocktail Class
28 Aug 2021 – 29 Jun 2024

High Jinks - Interactive Cocktail Class

High Jinks, Canberra
Next on 18 May 2024 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
canberra blues society sunday pro jam
18 Feb – 15 Dec 2024

Canberra Blues Society Sunday Pro Jam

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on 19 May 2024
The Dollop
20 May 2024

The Dollop

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 20 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Man on stage with microphone
20 Feb – 18 Jun 2024

Open Mic Comedy @ The Baso

The Baso Canberra, Belconnen
Next on 21 May 2024
Bartender pouring glass of wine
30 Jan – 25 Jun 2024

Tipsy Tuesday - Life Drawing at Wakefield's

Wakefield's Bar & Wine, Ainslie
Next on 21 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Geoffrey Robertson
22 May 2024

Geoffrey Robertson KC: How do we Fix a Turbulent World? Live on Stage

Canberra Theatre, Canberra
Next on 22 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Eric Bogle in Concert
23 May 2024

Eric Bogle in Concert

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 23 May 2024 from 8:00pm to 9:45pm
Promotional image for Rats in the Ranks showing a man wearing a fur coat in front of a red curtain
23 May 2024

Special Event: Rats in the Ranks + Q&A with Bob Connolly

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 23 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:45pm
man standing amongst sand dunes holding two boomerangs
24 May 2024

Tjaabi–Flood Country at The Vault

The Vault, Fyshwick
Next on 24 May 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
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