The Best Free Things To Do in Adelaide Right Now
Make room in your calendar for a fun, cost-of-living-friendly day out as we round up the best free things to do in Adelaide.
Expensive doesn’t always mean the best, and being budget-friendly doesn’t always mean boring! Adelaide is a hub for activities waiting to be enjoyed, whether you’re saving pennies for a big purchase, your bank balance has had a little too much fun lately, or you’re simply after something enjoyable that doesn’t involve ticket prices.
Think strolls in gorgeous gardens throughout all seasons, day trips to beautiful beaches, farmers markets to attend with friends, and live music at the pub. These are some of the best free activities to do in Adelaide right now.
Chihuly in the Botanic Garden
Don’t miss the enchanting Chihuly in the Botanic Garden! Open to the public up to the 29th of April this year, immerse yourself in a dazzling outdoor exhibition showcasing the breathtaking glass artworks of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
Wander through vibrant installations that shift with the light and experience the captivating “In Full Colour,” where Chihuly’s masterpieces blend beautifully with lush tropical surroundings.
Stick around until dark for “Chihuly Nights” from Thursday to Saturday, for a magical evening under the stars, where the sculptures glow with stunning illumination. With free and ticketed events, there’s something for everyone in this unique celebration of art and nature. Come and be amazed!
Open til Tuesday 29th April, 2025
North Terrace, Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Start Your Morning with Salty Sips
Win the morning without spending a scent with this brilliant community initiative. Make your way down to Henley Square or the Glenelg Foreshore for Wednesday morning pilates or yoga and an ocean dip at sunrise with Salty Sips.
Run by the beautiful Human.Kind team, you will be surrounded by hundreds of like-minded individuals as you start your day with movement and clarity at this free weekly event. Bliss.
Every Wednesday morning from 6.30 am, alternating between Glenelg and Henley Beach
Hike the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit
Tie up your hiking shoes and head to Waterfall Gully to do this scenic hike. This is the perfect activity for an active person and those looking for a fun challenge. The hike from Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit is eight kilometres and takes approximately two and a half hours, so schedule in the morning or afternoon to tackle the summit with your friends.
Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers
Visit Rundle Mall
While Rundle Mall is filled with temptations to spend your pennies, it also makes for some excellent window shopping and photo ops. One of Adelaide's busiest meeting spots, there is always something to see. Take a photo with the infamous Malls Balls and spot sculptures dotted along the street or stop for a moment to enjoy a street performance. Throughout the year, it's common to find a fun (and free) pop-up or activation adding to the already buzzing energy.
Sitchu Tip: Consider yourself a book person? Don't miss a browse through the renovated Dymocks - the high ceilings and thousands of books are easy to get lost in.
Rundle Mall, Adelaide
Stroll through the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk
Pay your respects to the servicemen and servicewomen who have served their time in the war and take a walk down the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk. The memorial wall has both images and the names of the South Australians who have served in the war, with the interpretative wall made of Adelaide black granite depicting Australian society through all the times of conflict spanning a century. This is the perfect place to reflect and pay your respects as you immerse yourself in Australian history.
North Terrace and Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
Get Lost in the South Australian Museum
Spend hours immersed in fascinating history, culture and natural wonders across the five floors of the South Australian Museum - all without spending a single cent.
Explore the mammal room filled with curious creatures from around the globe, cool down in the polar collection with tens of thousands of artifacts from the historic era of polar exploration, and take your time throughout their many permanent collections across biological sciences, humanities and mineral sciences, among others as one of the most fun and educational free things to do in Adelaide. This museum is so large, it will take you days to get through it all!
Keep an eye out for their special exhibitions, events and programs throughout the year, although you may have to pay an entry fee for certain events.
North Terrace, Adelaide
Go for a Run
Ready to lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement? Adelaide’s run clubs are here to turn your jogging into a social affair. Whether you're a casual cruiser or a seasoned sprinter, there's a club for every pace and place.
From a Sunday jog through North Adelaide with Pace Run Club to a boost of health, wellness and connection at Somerton Park with Social Run Co., there's no shortage of supportive crews to help you reach your cardio goals. And for those who prefer to get their steps at a slower pace, take a Hot Girl Walk with Hot Girls Hike, covering Port Noarlunga South and Kuitpo - with a coffee to reward your efforts, which you can skip to make this activity entirely free.
Find your nearest running club with our Run Club guide.
Catch a Free Gig
Head out to one of Adelaide’s many bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes to discover some of SA’s talented musical acts – absolutely free! Hang out at NOLA for blues and acoustic, Casablabla for their resident DJs and eclectic range of acts, or pubs featuring local artists including The Lion Hotel and The Stag, and Bowden Brewing in Plant 3 Bowden.
Check Out The Latest Festival
South Australia is called the Festival State for good reason. We have an exciting festival practically every month of the year, with many of them having events to enjoy while on a budget and looking for free things to do in Adelaide.
The Adelaide Fringe festival (February-March) takes over the entire city for a month, with ticketed shows across many venues and free shows to catch in bars, on the streets and in larger venue spaces such as the Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony that are free of charge to enter and spend your day in. Cultural festivals such as OzAsia burst out onto the streets of Adelaide and of course, there are many, many food festivals including Tasting Australia with their Town Square area that is free to enter.
Learn Something New at an Exhibition or Gallery
The Art Gallery of South Australia will provide hours of entertainment and cost you absolutely nothing! It doesn’t matter if you’re an art connoisseur or more of an art novice, there’s something for everyone in the rooms spanning every genre imaginable. They have plenty of activities and events on at all times of the year, so there's always something new to do.
Or if you consider yourself to be a STEM enthusiast, then you'll be obsessed with MOD., Adelaide's futuristic museum all about science, discovery, and learning. It's the place to go if you're looking to be inspired through its boundary-pushing research.
Tour Haigh’s Chocolates
Did you know South Aussie heroes Haigh’s Chocolates offer free guided and self-guided factory tours in Parkside? There’s no booking necessary, just pick your time and day, turn up at the visitor centre and take yourself on a journey through the various levels of the factory, all while learning about Australia’s oldest (and most delicious) chocolate manufacturing retailer.
You will get to see the production line and the staff in action, creating the tasty treats that Haigh’s is so well known for, including its chocolate frog, truffles and bars. If you don’t mind spending a couple of dollars, some chocolate seconds may also be available during the tour, and of course, in the shop at the end of your visit.
Tours operate Monday-Saturday, except on public holidays. Self-guided tours are available.
154 Greenhill Road, Parkside
Meander Through The Markets of Adelaide
Head to one of the city's many markets and wander around, trying free samples and enjoying a chat with local producers and artisans. There's the Adelaide Central Markets which have been running since 1869 and are a must-see icon. Or, wander through Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers Markets, South Australia’s largest farmers’ market and an excellent choice with no entry fee.
You may find yourself very tempted to pick up a treat or two, but if you're strict on saving your pretty pennies, you can settle for picking up a taster sample of some of the goods.
Swim or Stroll Along One of the City's Best Beaches
Adelaide boasts a stunning array of beautiful beaches, perfect for a day of relaxation and fun. Glenelg radiates charm with its pristine shoreline, bustling sidewalk cafes, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels more like a holiday destination than a suburb of a capital city. The beach is ideal for swimming, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkelling, making it a fantastic spot for families seeking a day of free activities that never fails to deliver.
Henley Beach offers another slice of coastal paradise. With its vast stretch of glistening sand, it's the perfect place to bring a stand-up paddleboard or a good book to unwind. This beautiful locale invites you to relax with friends or on a family day out.
Wander Through Adelaide's Enchanting Gardens
When the sun is shining and you feel like stepping outdoors, head to one of the many gardens in Adelaide. There are 50 hectares of lush botanical plants, greenhouses, ponds and open greens to be discovered right in the heart of the city at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Nature enthusiasts should keep an eye out for some of South Australia’s famous wildlife throughout the Botanic Garden, with birds, bats and other creatures calling the park home.
Neatly tucked away inside Adelaide’s Southern Park Lands with manicured greenery, ponds and beautiful botanicals, Himeji Garden is a little ‘pocket of Japan’ waiting to be discovered. Or, stray not too far from the city and visit Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, a vast stretch of beauty and nature with long walks, a huge lake and amazing wildlife to be discovered.
Visit the State Library of South Australia
The State Library of South Australia is a hidden city gem where you can easily lose yourself for hours in its enchanting ambience. With stunning architecture and a rich collection of books, art, and historical treasures, it's a perfect spot for leisurely exploration. Wander through the tranquil reading rooms, immerse yourself in fascinating exhibitions, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a good book. Best of all, entry is free, making it an ideal outing for all!
North Terrace, Adelaide
It's worth noting that Adelaide's free City Connector bus service runs on two loops—an inner city loop and an extended loop around North Adelaide—providing a convenient link to popular attractions, shopping, dining, and educational destinations.
Now that you've explored the best free things to do in Adelaide, discover more budget-friendly experiences! Check out our list of the top happy hour deals in local pubs and where to find delicious cheap eats around town.
