When winter hits Adelaide, we don’t hibernate—we light up the night. Get ready for Illuminate Adelaide 2025 this July, where the city transforms into a dazzling playground of light, sound, and art.
From soaring drones over Adelaide Oval, John Cale from Velvet Underground, to neon dinosaurs roaming the Adelaide Zoo, this is not your average winter festival. This July, the cold will have nothing on the heat this festival is about to bring.
As Rachael Azzopardi, Co-Founder of Illuminate Adelaide, says, “We are forging new frontiers… and continuing to commission local artists to create new installations while inviting some of the best makers from around the globe.”
“This is a festival that’s not just about art—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and bringing the city together to celebrate creativity in its purest form,” Rachael added.
Picture this, you’re walking through the Adelaide Botanic Garden, where every step takes you deeper into a glowing, otherworldly adventure. Night Visions will be an immersive night walk experience, like stepping into an alternate dimension.
Following the huge success of Chihuly Nights, the event will feature lights, lasers, and projections that will take you to places you didn’t know existed.
Produced from the ground up by some of the world’s most visionary artists, this isn’t just another light display; it’s a full-sensory experience that will leave you breathless. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a new universe, and you won’t want to leave.
If you’re wanting something truly jaw-dropping from this year’s program, look no further than Horizons at Adelaide Oval. On July 18, two shows will turn the stadium into a living, breathing canvas.
This Australian-first event combines drones, LED lights, and soundscapes to create a spectacle that celebrates South Australia’s past, present, and future. It’s a sky show you won’t believe is happening right here in Adelaide, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
Now, let’s talk about the fun for the whole family. Universal Kingdom is back at the Adelaide Zoo, and this time, it’s bringing even more prehistoric magic to life. Imagine walking among T-Rex, Triceratops, and Pterodactyls—but make it neon-lit and interactive.
From racing raptors to patting baby dinosaurs, this is the ultimate after-dark adventure for you and your family. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with creatures from a time long past, and it’s guaranteed to leave both the kids and the grown-ups wide-eyed with wonder.
If you’re more into music that pushes boundaries, then get ready for Unsound Adelaide. This experimental music festival brings the world’s wildest sounds to the Lion Arts Factory and Hindley Street Music Hall.
On July 18 and 19, the legendary John Cale (yes, Velvet Underground’s John Cale!) will take the stage, joined by the likes of Icelandic experimental techno duo Kiasmos, Yellow Swans, Wolfgang Voigt, and Gas. This is your chance to experience some of the most groundbreaking live performances from across the globe—and Adelaide’s the only place you’ll see them.
Looking for something that will keep the party rolling from dusk till dawn? Say hello to Supersonic—a 12-hour festival taking over Adelaide’s West End on July 19. From 5pm to 5am, the West End will be buzzing with live music, art installations, and film screenings.
Whether you’re into experimental beats or techno, you’ll find your rhythm at Supersonic. It’s not just an event—it’s an adventure through the heart of Adelaide’s creative scene, and it’s ready to keep you grooving all night long.
Of course, no Illuminate festival would be complete without the free City Lights program. From July 4 to 20, Adelaide’s CBD will sparkle with over 40 interactive installations, glowing sculptures, and performances.
The streets of North Terrace, Festival Plaza, and the East End will come alive with stunning visuals that will make you stop and stare.
You’ll want to grab your camera and get involved with everything from the majestic illuminated horses to interactive light battles. And don’t forget the illuminated angels floating through the streets—this is the kind of magic that makes winter in Adelaide feel like something truly special.
Be prepared for everyone’s Instagram and Facebook feeds to be filled with stunning light up photos!
South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said, “2025 will be the fifth year Illuminate Adelaide has presented a widely accessible program of both free and ticketed events and experiences, helping Adelaide come alive in Winter while attracting over a million attendances each year.”
“Over the years this Illuminate Adelaide has become one of South Australia’s most popular events capturing the hearts and imagination of locals and interstate guests… the event has helped bring our city to life during the traditionally quieter winter months, encouraging people to explore and experience the immersive magic of these artistic unique installations.”
And when we’ve all worked up an appetite (because let’s be real, all this excitement will make you hungry), Illuminate Host has you covered. This brand-new food and beverage program is bringing Adelaide’s best culinary experiences to the festival.
From exclusive menus at local favourites like Aurora Restaurant to Winter Forest dining experiences, it’s a chance to indulge in the city’s finest food while surrounded by the magic of Illuminate. If you’ve ever dreamed of dining in a winter wonderland, this is your chance to make that dream a reality.
There will be a new Offline Club in 2025 to offer you the ultimate digital detox. This Amsterdam-based initiative is all about reconnecting with people and the world around you without the distraction of your phone.
There are no screens, just real, face-to-face experiences that will leave you feeling more connected than ever. With intimate gatherings and immersive activities, it’s the perfect way to escape the noise and rediscover the joy of living in the moment.
So, Adelaide—get ready to throw winter a big, bold, glowing party. Illuminate Adelaide 2025 is coming, and it’s about to make this city shine like never before.
Illuminate Adelaide
When: Running 2-20 July 2025
For more information, click here.
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