If there’s one thing we’ve noticed about Adelaide lately, it’s that the city is gunning to equal Melbourne and Sydney’s status as year-round cultural capitals of Oz. And what better way to cement that status than by hosting an after-dark winter festival to rival those on the East Coast.
Illuminate Adelaide literally and figuratively light up the city from July 4-21 for its fourth year, with an enchanting mix of free and ticketed events taking place all around the CBD. The light-centric festival switches into gear from 5.30pm, across 17 action-packed nights filled with activities for kids and grownups alike.
The intersection of light, sound and technology is where this festival shines, with an impressive program of interactive installations, breathtaking spectacles and a music festival-within-a-festival.
If a free night out is what’s in your budget right now, Illuminate Adelaide has got you covered. Check out 40 projections and installations throughout the CBD as part of the free City Lights initiative, which draws millions of people out of their winter hibernation each year. Expect large-scale projections in kaleidoscopic colour, lovingly created by highly-skilled local and international artists.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, skip over to Base Camp at Lot Fourteen, the central hub where you can hydrate, refuel and enjoy performances.
Ticketed program highlights include Unsound Adelaide, a music festival featuring everything from late-night experimental club sets to a performance from former Sonic Youth member Kim Gordon. Another standout is Universal Kingdom: Prehistoric Nights, which will turn Adelaide Zoo into a sprawling prehistoric world.
Perhaps most excitingly, Fire Gardens brings the alchemy of flames to Adelaide Botanic Garden. More than 7,000 handcrafted fire pots, candle-lit pathways and fascinating kinetic sculptures promise to enchant you in this highly-anticipated installation.
View the full Illuminate Adelaide program and book tickets to the allocated events over at the festival website.