What’s On in Adelaide This Month: Your September Guide

Spring has arrived and with it comes longer days, warmer afternoons and a fresh line-up of events. From vintage markets to immersive art, footy fever and carnival fun, make September the perfect month to explore Adelaide’s culture, food and community — all while celebrating the energy of a new season.

Start mapping out your calendar with our guide to what’s on in Adelaide this month.

What’s On in Adelaide This Month: Don’t Miss

First Look Inside Thebarton Theatre’s Multi-Million-Dollar Makeover

Fondly known as Thebby, this heritage-listed gem has been a cornerstone of Adelaide’s live music scene for nearly a century. Today, the iconic venue has unveiled stage one of its long-awaited $8-million dollar transformation. Breathing fresh life into the beloved theatre while keeping its charm intact, the new look marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the legendary space, set to reopen in October.

112 Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville

A Colourful New Landmark Lights Up Glenelg

Something colourful has blossomed in Glenelg. Skunk Control — the Melbourne-based art collective known for turning science into spectacle — has unveiled Elysian Fields, a striking new entry statement that’s already earning comparisons to Adelaide’s most iconic landmarks. Stretching 21 metres and blooming with 23 towering glass-like flowers, the installation transforms light into colour in ways that shift with the time of day and season. Insta-worthy and immersive, it’s a vibrant new gateway to Adelaide’s favourite coastal strip.

The First — And Only — Total Lunar Eclipse of 2025

Set your alarms, sky gazers — a rare Blood Moon is set to light up Australian skies in the early hours of September 8th. This total lunar eclipse will bathe the moon in a fiery red glow for more than an hour, the first visible since 2022, and the only one you’ll catch this year. No telescope needed, just a clear view of the night sky (and maybe a cosy blanket). It’s not every day the universe serves up a cosmic moment like this — catch it at its peak at 3.00am ACST.

Adelaide To Host International Debut of Opera Spectacular

For the very first time, Fondazione Arena di Verona’s monumental production of AIDA will be staged beyond Italy — and Adelaide has scored the world-exclusive. On February 5th and 6th, 2026, Adelaide Oval will be transformed into ancient Egypt for Giuseppe Verdi’s sweeping tale of love, war and destiny. This once-in-a-generation event is set to be the biggest opera production ever staged in Australia, uniting more than 400 internationally acclaimed performers and 300 local crew, including members of State Opera South Australia. Expect lavish sets, cinematic splendour, and a stellar cast led by Grammy Award-winner Angel Blue and Jonas Kaufmann — all under the direction of the legendary Franco Zeffirelli.

Pre-sale tickets will be available from 12pm on September 10th, with general public sales to follow from 1pm on September 17th through Ticketek.

Sign up for the pre-sale waitlist here.

What’s On in Adelaide This Month: Festivals, Entertainment & Culture

Marking Adelaide’s 10th year as a UNESCO City of Music, the Adelaide Guitar Festival returns with a jam-packed program of world premieres, international debuts, and performances by guitar icons and rising stars. From John Butler, Troy Cassar-Daley and Nancy Bates at Her Majesty’s Theatre, to a one-night-only tribute to Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti, and an exclusive double bill with Catalonia’s Lau Noah and Australia’s Lior, the festival is set to strike a chord. Elder Hall hosts global names and the International Classical Guitar Competition, while Guitars in Bars and the On the Road series take the music beyond the city. Plus, under 30s score $30 tickets to select shows.

September 10th to October 12th, 2025

Various venues

See the full program here.

Cirque Alice Announces Adelaide Debut Season

This January, Her Majesty’s Theatre will transform into Wonderland for the Adelaide premiere of Cirque Alice. From the creators of The Illusionists, this two-hour circus-theatre spectacle brings Lewis Carroll’s world to life with jaw-dropping aerialists, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry, live music, and comedy. Cabaret-style seating puts you right in the middle of the action, so every twist, tumble, and flip feels like it’s happening just for you. Whether it’s a family adventure, a date night, or a magical excuse to get lost in wonder, this is Adelaide’s must-see summer show.

January 8th to 18th, 2026

Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide

Book tickets here.

Royal Adelaide Show

The Royal Adelaide Show is back — and it’s bringing all the nostalgic charm, show-stopping eats and heart-thumping rides you remember (plus a few surprises). From family-friendly farmyard vibes to after-dark fireworks and live music, there’s something for every kind of show-goer. Our pick? Come hungry, the food scene alone is worth the entry fee.

August 30th to September 7th

Adelaide Showgrounds, Goodwood Rd, Wayville

CATS 40th Australian Anniversary Tour

The 40th Australian Anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS lands at Her Majesty’s Theatre from September 20th. Gabriyel Thomas stars as glamour cat Grizabella, with Todd McKenney, Mark Vincent, Lucy Maunder and a stellar feline crew bringing an adaption of TS Eliot’s classic to life in a whirlwind of music, dance and magic.

September 20th to October 12th, 2025

Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide

Book tickets here.

AFL & SANFL Final Series

Adelaide Oval is footy HQ this September. The Adelaide Crows host two home games in their 2025 AFL Premiership hunt — the first time since 2017! Add in the SANFL finals and you’ve got non-stop tackles, goals and all the footy fever you could ask for.

Purchase tickets to the Toyota AFL Final Series here. Full schedule still to some.

Purchase tickets to the 2025 Hostplus SANFL League Finals Series here.

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TIMELIGHT — “Beyond Our Ticking World”

In a world premiere, the minds behind EDEN, Immersive Light & Art (ILA) and Berlin’s flora&faunavisions bring TIMELIGHT — “Beyond Our Ticking World” to Adelaide. Step inside 110m² of wall-to-wall LED screens with over 12.5 million pixels and get ready to play with ‘time’. Movement, touch and sound become your tools for interaction in this bold, high-energy, sensory playground.

September 26th to October 26th

63 Light Square, Adelaide

Purchase tickets here.

Diamond Nights & Decades of Impact: A Glamorous Gala for a South Aussie Icon

This year marks 60 glittering years of The Hospital Research Foundation Group — a milestone worth celebrating with all the sequins and soul Adelaide can muster. What began in 1965 as a single-hospital support fund has grown into a powerhouse of health research and patient care, now spanning 10 charities and more than 60 areas of healthcare. The black-tie Diamond Gala hits the Adelaide Convention Centre on Saturday 6th September with fine food, inspiring stories, live entertainment and a whole lot of heart.

Tickets are selling fast — click here to join the sparkly waitlist.

Saturday 6th September

Adelaide Convention Centre

What’s On in Adelaide This Month: Food & Drink

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Score Free Tiramisu At Roma Adelaide

Sweet tooth alert! Roma is treating the city to free tiramisu tasters on September 9th! Swing by from 11 am and indulge in their new creamy, coffee-infused magic — on the house. It’s the perfect Tuesday pick-me-up, but don’t dawdle; once they’re gone, they’re gone.

11 Waymouth Street, Adelaide

Neat Sips

Fortified wine is having a moment, and McLaren Vale is the place to sip it on Father’s Day weekend. Returning for its second year — and fresh from being crowned the Best of Great Wine Capitals – Innovative Wine Tourism Experience — Neat Sips is bringing together small-batch and premium fortified producers from across SA (and beyond) for two days of tastings, cocktails, masterclasses, and food pairings.

Hosted at the McLaren Vale Distillery, expect flame-cooked eats from Arkhé, live music, footy on the big screen, and plenty of family-friendly vibes. Whether you’re a die-hard wine lover or just curious to try something new, this one’s a must on the spring calendar.

Tickets are available here.

September 6th and 7th, 2025

725 Chapel Hill Rd, Blewitt Springs 

Seafood + Sounds

For two days only, the Adelaide Central Market is serving up South Australian seafood goodness with the return of Seafood + Sounds. Street eats, seafood specials, live music, cooking demos, and the iconic Chilli Crab Shack are all back by popular demand. Little ones can join in with free under-the-sea art workshops and face painting, while jazzy local beats from Atlantic Street Band, Jazz in Cheek, Brian Ruiz, and Leni keep the mood flowing. Grab a bib, get messy and soak up the Market vibes.

September 19th – 20th, 2025

44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide

Lot.100 Inaugural Greek Food and Culture Festival

Greek Fest at Lot.100 (aka Paniyiri) is landing this spring — and it’s bringing all the best bits of Greece to the Adelaide Hills. Expect a three-course feast starring spit-roast lamb and spanakopita (a family recipe, btw), plus traditional desserts, live tunes and dancing. Join in on the festivities or soak it up from the sidelines while wandering the mini market. Everyone’s invited — whether you’re there for the food, the energy or just a good day out.

Tickets are available here.

September 21st, 2025

68 Chambers Rd, Hay Valley

Station Road Extends Pop-Up

Back by popular demand, BISTRO by Station Road is sticking around until the end of October — but not as we know it. The team are serving up a new menu, and if their previous Euro-inspired hits are anything to go by, we’re in for a seriously tasty ride.

1 Station Road, Adelaide

Book here.

Pinot In The Pavilion

To celebrate the release of their 2024 Emblem Pinot Noir, Beresford Estate is throwing the ultimate Pinot party. Enjoy an afternoon of interactive Pinot tastings, Aroma lab, chocolate pairings, live music and vineyard views — plus a playful twist on Pinot cocktails, we’re talking Pinot Margaritas and slushies.

September 13th, 2025, 1 to 5.30pm

252 Blewitt Springs Rd, McLaren Flat

Purchase tickets here.

Thursday Nights Done Right at Koyo

Meet Koyo, Prospect’s coal fire Japanese haven, where every dish is a mini celebration. Thursday nights shine with their $29 Big Plate special (reservations essential), letting you feast on chargrilled salmon with Cafe de Tokyo butter, Ebony Angus striploin steak in miso onion jus with wakame butter and crisp potato straws, Typhoon Shelter prawn and mussels ramen, roasted Shio Koji half chicken with yuzu ponzu, or a comforting mushroom rice claypot crowned with kale furikake. Each plate bursts with smoky precision, umami-packed punch, and bold Asian-inspired flair that makes taste buds sit up and cheer.

If mornings are more your vibe, Koyo’s brunch delights with honey butter toast topped with matcha ice cream or soft-shell crab eggs benedict — playful, indulgent, and utterly satisfying. With fresh, vibrant flavours and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, every visit at Koyo promises good food, great vibes, and a little taste of Tokyo in Prospect.

Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 11am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 9pm (9:30pm weekends)

Shop 2/132 Prospect Road, Prospect

What’s On in Adelaide This Month: Getaway & Wellness

City-Bay Fun Run

Hit the streets for the City-Bay Fun Run! Pick your vibe: 3km for a breezy stroll, 6km to get the blood pumping, 12km if you’re chasing a challenge or the Half Marathon for serious bragging rights. Whether you’re racing a PB or just soaking up the crowd energy, this iconic run is all about community, epic vibes and raising funds for athletics in South Australia.

September 21st, 2025

Register here.

What’s On in Adelaide This Month: Shopping & Markets

XChange Markets

XChange Markets is taking over The Market Shed for one day of vintage vibes and good-time hunting. Dive into 50 curated stalls of Y2K & pre-loved threads, jewellery, small business gems and designer finds. Try your hand at a charm-making workshop with Fence Sitter and refuel with Sunny’s pizza and Golden Years coffee.

September 14th, from 10am to 3pm

The Market Shed on Holland, 1 Holland Street, Adelaide

Purchase tickets here.

Now that you know what’s on in Adelaide this month, you can fill up your social calendar with endless options for good times! Looking for more inspo? Discover the best spots for food and drink, including where to get an excellent coffee in Adelaide.