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Australia Day holds different meanings for different people, and South Australia’s flagship event offers multiple ways to take part, with a program shaped by reflection, connection and joyful community celebration.
On Monday 26 January, Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama becomes the heart of the state’s official Australia Day activities, proudly presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia. Carefully curated to honour many perspectives, the program invites South Australians to participate in a way that feels right for them; whether that means starting the day quietly, gathering with family by the river, or soaking up the colour, music and food as the city lights up in the evening.
The day begins with Mourning in the Morning, a First Nations-led ceremony held from 7:30am on the banks of the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri. Guided by the theme Our Continuing Journey, the ceremony acknowledges the unbroken strength, survival and leadership of First Nations peoples, while offering a respectful space for truth-telling, listening and shared understanding.
The ceremony opens with a Welcome to Kaurna Country and smoking ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner, followed by First Nations speakers, including a keynote address from Anthony McEvoy SC, an eminent barrister specialising in native title, land rights and environmental law. Contemporary music and dance performances by South Australian First Nations artists complete the gathering, creating a meaningful and inclusive beginning grounded in culture and respect. Mourning in the Morning is shaped and led by South Australian First Nations community leaders and is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all non-Indigenous Australians, inviting all to come together in reflection, truth-telling and respect.
As the sun sets, the energy shifts and the city comes alive with Aus Lights on the River, the state’s flagship Australia Day celebratory event. From 7pm, Elder Park transforms into a vibrant, family-friendly playground of light, sound and creativity. Expect immersive installations, giant Australian bird displays, shadow-puppet storytelling, roving performers and hands-on creative workshops designed to keep little ones entertained well into the evening.
Chief Executive Officer Jan Chorley said South Australians are warmly invited to watch the parade, with great viewing areas along the entire route. “The Aus Lights Parade celebrates diversity, showcasing community contributors and many nationalities that shape our shared cultural fabric. We encourage South Australians to line the route and show their support before attending the main event in Elder Park,” she said.
The one-hour parade features performances including big band drums and bagpipes from the Adelaide Pipe Band, high-energy rock’n’roll dancing by the Adelaide Rock & Roll Club, athletic performances choreographed by Calisthenics SA, and the driving drums and dance of the Suns of Africa. Audiences will also be transported across the globe through folkloric dance and traditional costumes from Peru, Sri Lanka and Latin America, alongside performances by the Chinatown Adelaide Dragon Dance Team and the precision and power of bagpipes from the Scottish Association.
Food is very much part of the celebration, with multicultural food stalls serving flavours inspired by the many communities that call South Australia home. From easy festival favourites to dishes made for sharing, it’s the perfect excuse to roll out a picnic rug and make a night of it.
The evening’s official ceremony begins at 8:30pm and features a flag raising and the Australian anthem, followed by a headline performance from Diana Rouvas, whose powerhouse vocals and emotional delivery have captivated audiences in Australia and abroad. The program also includes performances from the Festival Statesmen Choir, Young Adelaide Voices and musicians from the Adelaide Youth Orchestra, before a major fireworks finale at 9:30pm. The celebration continues across the Adelaide Riverbank precinct with illuminated spaces and DJ sets until 11pm.
Australia Day is not a simple day — but it can be a meaningful one. In South Australia, it’s marked by making room for reflection, celebration and connection, offering a welcoming invitation to acknowledge our shared history and come together as a community.
FREE Australia Day Events
When: Monday, January 26th
Where: Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama, Adelaide SA
For more information, click here.
Words by Gabrielle Leonello
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