There are those living in and visiting Canberra that believe our night times are limited, even boring. Those people are wrong (or at least not very creative!). There are plenty of restaurants and some awesome bars… and there are a few other interesting nighttime activities on offer that you might not have thought of!

Lets start with something fun. Flip Out is available for both adults and kids who are dying to discover their inner ninja. The trampoline playground is a dream for both the young… and the young at heart! Book a party for an out-of-the box Saturday night, or join in the energetic classes that you will be motivated jump and sweat. Ball pits and wall runners round out the experience, encouraging exercise combined with oh-so-much fun.

Sometimes spectating can be as big a rush as actually participating – especially in the case of Roller Derby. Lucky for the die-hard fans in the Canberra region, the season has begun with the next bout set for early on the evening of Saturday 16 May. Book tickets and wear your team colours, the Black and Blue Belles and the Brindabelters need your rallying support in the upcoming clash.

If it’s culture you’re craving, Canberra has a thriving theatre scene, both amateur and professional. The Canberra Theatre Centre is filled to the bursting point with culture on a Saturday night (and also on Thursdays and Fridays… and sometimes Sundays!). In the coming months you can see the Count Basie Orchestra, the beautiful ballet of Giselle, and contemporary piece Fortuity from the Mirramu Dance Company in The Courtyard, Canberra Theatre’s cosiest venue.

There are always the tried-and-true restaurants and bars around Canberra, then there are the new and the interesting. I have recently tried Akiba and definitely recommend it. The combination of pulled pork buns and a strong cocktail, the Penicillin Blazer, will simultaneously satisfy and stun your taste buds. Afterwards, Mr. Wolf is a club for those who have been looking for something new in the Canberra club scene. It’s a great place to dance off your Akiba feast!

Fashfest will again take place in May with five days of fashion, innovation and music to compliment the visual display. Day Four, Saturday, celebrates the marvel that is engineering, the mastery of many parts coming together to create a more miraculous finished product. Continuing the theme through the music and after parties this evening will be one part of an exciting show at the National Convention Centre this May.

Canberrans, come out of your warm homes and brave the night. There are things happening all around you and if you’re already in your pyjamas by 6.00pm on a Saturday, you are going to miss it all!