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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

A man in a suit stands frowning with hands in pockets. A woman peeks out from behind him with a big
30 May – 1 Jun 2024

The Art of Disruption

ACT Hub, Kingston
Next on 30 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Sashi Perera
31 May 2024

Sashi Perera - Boundaries

Drama Theatre, Acton
Next on 31 May 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Erica and Gian Marco
31 May 2024

JOTA: Ciampa-Piccotti Guitar and Cello Duo | Canberra

Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest
Next on 31 May 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:45pm
Mitch Grainger sitting with guitar
1 Jun 2024

Mitch Grainger - Keller Sessions

Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah
Next on 1 Jun 2024 from 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Group photo under the stars
9 Dec 2023 – 31 Aug 2024

Milky Way Workshop Canberra By Ari Rex

Wildbark, Throsby
Next on 1 Jun 2024 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm
An empty theatre hall at the National Library of Australia
5 Jun 2024

The Craft of Crime: in conversation with Sulari Gentill and Chris Hammer

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Jun 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Monthly Jam Workshop
6 Dec 2023 – 4 Dec 2024

Jam Workshop with Canberra Blues Society

The Zeppelin Room, Narrabundah
Next on 5 Jun 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Pencils and paper on table in front of two glasses of wine
4 Apr – 8 Aug 2024

Theatre Thursday - Life Drawing at Templo Theatre

Templo Theatre, Canberra
Next on 6 Jun 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Cellist bowing instrument and music stand with music. Close up of instrument and hand.
7 Jun 2024

ANU Community Music Centre Chamber Musicale

Big Band Room, Peter Karmel Building, ANU School of Music, Canberra
Next on 7 Jun 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Jet
7 Jun 2024

JET - 20th Anniversary of Get Born Extended Edition

UC Refectory, Bruce
Next on 7 Jun 2024 from 7:30pm to 11:30pm
Ben Lee
7 Jun 2024

Ben Lee with Special Guests

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 7 Jun 2024 from 8:00pm to 9:20pm
Rent: The Musical
7–13 Jun 2024

Rent: The Musical

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 7 Jun 2024 from 7:30pm to 10:05pm
A Midsummer Night's Dream
7–15 Jun 2024

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 7 Jun 2024
ImproACT actors performing a scene about the challenges of family
5 Apr – 2 Aug 2024

Thank God It's Theatre

Blank, Canberra
Next on 7 Jun 2024 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
An armchair in front of a turntable and a lava lamp
1 Mar – 6 Dec 2024

Vinyl Lounge

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 7 Jun 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
People sitting at tables drawing
11 Jun 2024

Tipsy Tuesday | Life Drawing at The Duxton

The Loft at The Duxton, O'Connor
Next on 11 Jun 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Banner for series
13 Feb – 10 Dec 2024

The Journey of Australian Science: Tracing our History, Discovering New Paths

Shine Dome, Acton
Next on 11 Jun 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Musica Viva Australia
13 Jun 2024

Kirill Gerstein | Musica Viva Australia

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Canberra
Next on 13 Jun 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Altstaedt Plays Hadyn & Tchaikovsky
14 Jun 2024

Altstaedt Plays Hadyn & Tchaikovsky

Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
Next on 14 Jun 2024 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Jordan Rapana takes on the Cowboys
14 Jun 2024

Raiders v Cowboys - NRL Round 15

GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Next on 14 Jun 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Dirty Three
18 Jun 2024

Dirty Three

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 18 Jun 2024 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Xanadu Sky
19 Jun 2024

Ensemble Offspring - Xanadu Sky

The Street Theatre, Canberra
Next on 19 Jun 2024 from 7:30pm to 8:45pm
An Evening with Vika & Linda
21 Jun 2024

An Evening with Vika & Linda

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
Next on 21 Jun 2024 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
VOCES8
21 Jun 2024

VOCES8 & Jack Liebeck

Snow Concert Hall - Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill
Next on 21 Jun 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
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