If you’ve been looking for the perfect Friday knockoff activity as the weather gets a bit warmer, there’s a new crew in town, bringing the ultimate spring vibes to Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Square / Mukata. The city’s newest after-work hangout, Park Up, is combining vinyl, wine, and good times, making Fridays everything they should be – laid back, social, and easy.
Running across three Friday evenings in October, Park Up is a free community activation designed for everyone. Rather than a full-blown festival, these casual sessions are an invitation to shake off the week and kick back and relax after work.
Behind the concept is local creative production company Company Works, which you may recognise from Sanctuary in Helen Mayo Park, who, with support from the City of Adelaide’s City Activation Program, are reimagining how we use the CBD’s green spaces.
Elliott Jamie from the Company Works team shared, “Having run events in the city like Sanctuary, which prioritise bringing together a great community of people, we’ve been lucky to be supported by The City of Adelaide through their City Activation Program in concepting and bringing the vision for Park Up to life.
“Not a festival, but a simple ritual that makes it easy to stay in the city and connect with people and place. Park Up is our way of turning Hindmarsh Square into a casual in-between. It’s a response to a lot of young professionals asking for more low-key ways to relax after work, connect with others and unwind. The City of Adelaide really wants to celebrate and support the city-based workforce and remind everyone how easy it is to visit our beautiful squares.”
Pictured: Sanctuary
The idea is deliberately relaxed. There will be no stage program or main act, just local DJs on vinyl, good food, and drinks curated to match the good energy. “Spring is fresh, so that’s the vibe – light wines, fresh drinks and flavours, disco on tap,” is how Elliott puts it.
The team have added a bunch of creative touches like the Thought Garden, spots to stumble across a piece of art, and opportunities to discover where to head ‘After Park’ – highlighting nearby hospitality and entertainment venues ready to keep the night going.
The line-up of selectors kicks off with Sam Lavers on October 10th, with more friends and local vinyl lovers dropping in across the series. “We’ve asked a blend of friends and local selectors along to play music, and sell some records too. People who know how to set the tone. Sam Lavers is pouring out the joy on October 10th, and the rest you’ll find out over the course of the series,” shared Elliott.
As for the tunes, Elliott says they’re going to be upbeat enough to lift the week off your shoulders but mellow enough to chat over.
“We hope that Park Up creates an environment for those working in the city (but also everyone else!) to unwind on Friday nights. The series is here to remind people of the joy in connecting with one another and our city’s parks.”
With daylight savings back and spring in full bloom, Park Up is sure to become your new Friday ritual you didn’t know you needed.
Park Up – Spring Series
When: Fridays, October 10th, 17th and 24th from 4:30pm
Where: Mukata / Hindmarsh Square
Price: Free entry, 18+
For more information, click here.
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