These school holidays, Rundle Mall Plaza is levelling up for two huge days of free entertainment.
After a huge 2025 event, POWER UP returns on Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd, bringing together gamers, families, collectors, cosplayers, artists and plenty of curious first-timers in the heart of Adelaide.
Presented in collaboration with AVCon, the free, all-ages event will transform Rundle Mall Plaza with gaming, competitions, cosplay parades, local artists, prizes and interactive experiences spread throughout the centre.
And you definitely don’t need to know your Minecraft from your Mario Kart to get involved.
Whether the kids are Pokémon obsessed, you’re ready to settle a family rivalry on Mario Kart, you’ve been waiting for an excuse to break out the cosplay, or you’re simply looking for something free and different to do these school holidays, there’ll be plenty happening across the two days.
One of this year’s biggest activities is the POWER UP Scavenger Hunt, which will send visitors exploring all four levels of Rundle Mall Plaza in search of 16 hidden characters.
Track them down, enter their names and make your way to the Scavenger Hunt Booth on Level 2 to claim a prize or drink. Find all 16 correctly and you’ll also unlock an entry into the Major Prize Draw, with a Nintendo Switch 2 up for grabs.
Level 2 will become the main POWER UP hub, with gaming and cosplay activities, competitions, artists and interactive experiences running throughout the event. Visitors can jump into Mario Kart, test their moves with Just Dance, check out local artists and creators, or simply wander through and see what’s happening.
And when it’s time to put the controller down, a number of Rundle Mall Plaza retailers will be getting involved with POWER UP-only food specials, discounts and promotions available across the weekend.
Plus, with the program spread across two days, visitors can drop in for their favourite activities or stay and make an afternoon of it. There’ll also be plenty of opportunities to grab a bite with a range of exclusive food offerings available throughout the event.
More announcements are still to come, with the full program, artists, competitions and activities to be revealed in the lead-up to the event.
“POWER UP is the perfect way for families and friends to come together and experience something exciting and inclusive,” said Tiana Capponi from Rundle Mall Plaza.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing POWER UP back for its fourth consecutive year in 2026. There’s something for everyone, from hardcore gamers to curious first-timers. It’s high-energy, community-focused, and best of all, completely free and open to all ages.”
POWER UP 2026 kicks off from 5pm to 9pm on Friday, October 2nd, before returning from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, October 3rd.
With free entry, activities for all ages and no tickets required, it’s an easy school-holiday outing in the middle of Adelaide, just turn up and POWER UP.
POWER UP 2026
Where: Rundle Mall Plaza, Rundle Mall, Adelaide
When: Friday, October 2nd, 5pm to 9pm and Saturday, October 3rd, 10am to 5pm
For more information, click here.
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