Adelaide Entertainment

For such a small city, Adelaide has a host of entertainment options available for visitors. Visit one of the numerous theatres, where you can watch a show, enjoy a concert or sing along to a musical. Experience true Aussie pubs and sample some of the local beer on offer, or listen to a local band play their set at one of the live music venues. If you happen to be in Adelaide during a festival, be sure to wear your party hat and get involved in the festivities.

Nightlife

Adelaide has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife. It is regarded as a small and sleepy city, but as soon as the sun goes down, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Rundle Street is home to numerous traditional Aussie pubs. They are all very lively and often host live music and DJs. North Adelaide is also home to some lively bars.

The city centre is home to a large number of clubs, many of which close in the early hours. You will find a selection of underground clubs, venues offering the latest dance music and clubs belting out rock hits. Adelaide is a big supporter of local bands and many bars offer live music every weekend and on most weeknights. The local bands are often very good and they appreciate a good audience. 

Theatre and music

Adelaide is home to a number of theatres that regularly host excellent productions, dramas, comedies, concerts, operas and exhibitions. The Festival Theatre is home to the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and there is an enormous amphitheatre which is used for jazz and rock concerts. Her Majesty’s Theatre sees excellent touring plays and the Arts Theatre host comedy nights, which are well worth seeing. The Adelaide Repertory Festival is home to the Metropolitan Music Theatre Company, which presents two annual comedy productions.

Numerous plays and concerts are performed throughout the year, ensuring you can catch a performance during your stay; it is well worth booking tickets to see something. If you are a movie lover, the Adelaide Cinema shows all of the latest Hollywood releases as well as some old favourites.

Festivals

Adelaide has a busy calendar of events. Visitors will find an event or festival taking place every month. Highlights include: 

• Adelaide Bank Festival of the Arts is one of the country’s biggest festivals. It celebrates the art of theatre, dance, music, literature and film as well as staging large-scale outdoor events such as street parades and theatre productions (March).
• Womadelaide Festival is an enormous outdoor festival held at the Botanical Gardens. Australian and international singers and bands from over 60 countries turn up and perform (March).
• Clipsal 500 is a major event for V8 car-racing. Races are held throughout the city’s streets and there are air displays and concerts over this four-day period (April).
• Royal Adelaide Show is an annual festival that offers carnival rides, handicrafts and food stalls, with a wide variety of champion livestock and animals on show (September).
• Tasting Australia celebrates Australian cuisine and is regarded as the country’s premier gourmet experience. People arrive from across the world to sample some of the best Aussie wine and food (October).