Spike Season Starts Now: Adelaide’s Summer Just Got a Whole Lot Hotter

In partnership with the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, we’re diving headfirst into the event turning Adelaide into a sun-soaked, courtside playground this November.

From the 14th to 23rd November, Adelaide is putting on its party shorts and serving up ten straight days of high-energy beach volleyball, golden-hour beats, and full-throttle fun. The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships are landing at The Drive and Pinky Flat / Tarntanya Wama — and if you’re only going to commit to one plan this side of summer, make it this.

With five courts in full swing and the South Aussie sun doing what it does best, this event moves to its own rhythm. One moment you’re caught up in a championship rally, the next you’re sipping a spritz in the Scape Beach Club as kombi DJs soundtrack your sunset. It’s summer’s best bits rolled into one — sport, music, food, and good vibes, all dialled up to festival-level fun.

Game On, Beats Up

The courts at The Drive have had a total glow-up, now transformed with over 4,000 tonnes of sand and grandstands packed with fans. This is the biggest beach volleyball event ever held in Asia or Oceania — and yes, it’s happening right here in Adelaide.

Over 190 elite athletes from 40 countries will hit the sand, including nine Aussie teams. Expect to see Olympic silver medallist Taliqua Clancy, Paris-bound stars Izac Carracher and Mark Nicolaidis, and rising local fave Tara Phillips playing to a home crowd.

The action ramps up on opening weekend with back-to-back matches and a soundtrack to match. Baker Boy, Keli Holiday and Mitch Tambo with Voice of Lele are taking over Centre Court ahead of the night games — and your $25 ticket gets you courtside and stage-side in one.

And just announced: Illy will be performing live between Games 2 and 3 at the Finals this Thursday, 20th November. Cue the high energy, huge crowds and a seriously electric atmosphere. Buy nighttime session tickets here.

Beyond the Baseline

Across the river, Pinky Flat transforms into the Central Beach District, where beach club energy meets city-style festival. There are DJ sets and acoustic performances, spritz carts rolling by, street food stalls serving big flavours, and sunset lounges built for all-day lazing. Themed days bring even more personality: Family Beach Day on Sunday 16th features face painting, giant sandpits and free entry for kids with a paying adult, while Latino Heat Monday delivers Brazilian match-ups, dancers, and a party-ready vibe.

After a little extra luxe? Hospitality packages include beachside suites, VIP views and even an opportunity to get your toes in the sand courtside — or snap up the Bring a Mate offer and score two Centre Court seats for the price of one (until 11:59pm, Thursday 13th November).

The countdown is officially on. Adelaide is about to spike your social calendar with world-class sport, music moments and summer energy that rolls deep. Front-row seats? Right this way.

Tickets and hospitality packages available now at adelaide2025.volleyball.org.au

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

20 November 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.