Held annually on Kaurna Country, Illuminate Adelaide is the city’s brightest celebration of art, light, music, and technology. Over three weeks in July, this spectacular event transforms Adelaide into a vibrant playground, bringing late nights, bright lights, and big adventures to all ages. With a mix of free and ticketed events, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
Where to Stay
The Crowne Plaza in Adelaide is perfectly situated for travellers keen on exploring the city’s vibrant attractions. Located in the heart of Adelaide, this hotel offers convenient access to top destinations such as Rundle Mall, Adelaide Oval, and the Botanic Gardens. Additionally, it is ideally positioned near Illuminate Adelaide activities, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to experience the city’s light and art installations. The hotel provides exceptional service, ensuring guests feel welcomed and catered to from the moment they arrive. Dining at Koomo, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, is a dining experience to not miss, offering exquisite dishes with stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. With its prime location, outstanding hospitality, and top-notch dining options, Crowne Plaza Adelaide promises a memorable stay for all its guests.
What to See
Fire Gardens
One of the key highlights of Illuminate Adelaide is the Fire Gardens. This stunning installation in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens brings an ethereal glow to the city’s nightscape, combining flickering flames with intricate artistry to create a magical experience. Walking through the Fire Gardens, you are enveloped in a warm, otherworldly ambiance, making it a perfect winter activity to ward off the chill and ignite the imagination.
Eden: A Digital Flower Paradise
Eden offers a unique blend of technology and nature, presenting a digital paradise that is captivating with its beauty. This immersive installation uses cutting-edge technology to create a virtual garden that blooms with light and sound. As visitors wander through Eden, they are transported to a futuristic oasis, where the lines between the natural and digital worlds blur in a breathtaking display of innovation. The installation is interactive and the perfect spot for kids to experience the wonder of Illuminate.
Eden
Max Cooper: A Sonic and Visual Extravaganza
Renowned for his fusion of electronic music and stunning visuals, Max Cooper’s performance at Illuminate Adelaide was not to be missed. His show combines intricate soundscapes with captivating visual art, creating an immersive experience that transcends the typical concert format. This event was a highlight for music lovers and those looking for a truly unique audiovisual journey. While this year’s event has already taken place we are alread excited to see the line up for next year.
City Lights on North Terrace
The City Lights on North Terrace is a must-see feature of Illuminate Adelaide. This enchanting pathway guides visitors through a series of light installations that transform the historic North Terrace into a dazzling corridor of creativity. Each installation tells its own story, inviting onlookers to pause, reflect, and engage with the art in new and exciting ways. From swing sets to pear globes (trust us on this one!), the installations are a real highlight on the program. The walk is an accessible and family-friendly attraction that ensures everyone can partake in the festival’s magic.
Where to Eat
2KW Bar and Restaurant
Perched high above Adelaide, 2KW Bar and Restaurant offers a unique rooftop experience blending stunning cityscape views with sophisticated ambiance and exceptional cuisine. Located atop the historic 2 King William Street building, this elegant venue features plush seating, ambient lighting, and sleek decor, whether you’re in the cosy indoor lounge or the expansive terrace. The menu showcases modern Australian dishes crafted from fresh, local produce, including scallop ceviche and roasted chicken. Complementing the culinary delights is an impressive beverage selection, with a strong emphasis on South Australian wines and creative cocktails. More than just a place to eat and drink, 2KW Bar is a rooftop retreat where guests can indulge in the finer things in life, making it a standout in Adelaide’s vibrant dining scene. Editor’s Tip – Try the Salt Baked Beetroot and Smoked Pumpkin dishes, you can thank us later!
Latteria
Step into Latteria, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a chic bar in Italy. This cosy deli and café is renowned for its authentic and hearty fare. From pillowy Pizzetta to Seafood Frito Misto, Latteria offers a taste of Italy in every bite. Pair the share dishes with a robust espresso or a glass of Italian wine for a truly satisfying meal. With its warm and inviting ambiance, Latteria is perfect for a leisurely lunch or a comforting dinner.
Mother Vine: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Located in the heart of Adelaide, Mother Vine is a chic wine bar that has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. This stylish venue offers an extensive wine list featuring both local and international selections, perfect for pairing with their delectable menu. The food here is designed to complement the wines, with a focus on small plates and share platters. From the Hand Tied Burrata to the flavourful charcuterie boards, each dish is crafted with care and sophistication. Mother Vine is the ideal spot for an elegant evening out or a relaxed afternoon with friends.
A Pampering Escape
Most of the Illuminate Adelaide program happens after dark so why not spoil yourself during the day! Davaar House is a sanctuary where you can nurture your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Founded by Fiona Fiorinotto and her husband Oscar, this spa and wellness centre is set within a beautifully restored historic property at the end of stylish Hutt Street, offering a safe and welcoming space dedicated to self-care. Fion’s mission is to create an environment where guests can learn to prioritise their own wellbeing through a range of cutting-edge treatments designed to rejuvenate and heal. The centre boasts state-of-the-art spa facilities, providing a variety of therapies and wellness programs tailored to individual needs. In addition to its wellness services, Davaar House features a charming café that serves nutritious and delicious fare, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the stresses of everyday life and focus on holistic health in a serene and historic setting.
Perfect Winter Fun for All Ages
Illuminate Adelaide is the perfect winter outing for families, friends, and solo adventurers. It calls us to shake off the winter blues and rekindle our sense of awe and wonder. It’s a time to stay up, head out, look forward, break ground, dance hard, and make memories. This festival invites us to emerge from hibernation and explore a brave new world where cold nights and bold ideas collide. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration of light, art, and music in Adelaide. If you can’t make it this year put it in your calendar for next year and start planning! This year’s program runs until 21 July. For tickets and further information, visit here.
Held annually on Kaurna Country, Illuminate Adelaide is the city’s brightest celebration of art, light, music, and technology. Over three weeks in July, this spectacular event transforms Adelaide into a vibrant playground, bringing late nights, bright lights, and big adventures to all ages. With a mix of free and ticketed events, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
Where to Stay
The Crowne Plaza in Adelaide is perfectly situated for travellers keen on exploring the city’s vibrant attractions. Located in the heart of Adelaide, this hotel offers convenient access to top destinations such as Rundle Mall, Adelaide Oval, and the Botanic Gardens. Additionally, it is ideally positioned near Illuminate Adelaide activities, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to experience the city’s light and art installations. The hotel provides exceptional service, ensuring guests feel welcomed and catered to from the moment they arrive. Dining at Koomo, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, is a dining experience to not miss, offering exquisite dishes with stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. With its prime location, outstanding hospitality, and top-notch dining options, Crowne Plaza Adelaide promises a memorable stay for all its guests.
What to See
Fire Gardens
One of the key highlights of Illuminate Adelaide is the Fire Gardens. This stunning installation in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens brings an ethereal glow to the city’s nightscape, combining flickering flames with intricate artistry to create a magical experience. Walking through the Fire Gardens, you are enveloped in a warm, otherworldly ambiance, making it a perfect winter activity to ward off the chill and ignite the imagination.
Eden: A Digital Flower Paradise
Eden offers a unique blend of technology and nature, presenting a digital paradise that is captivating with its beauty. This immersive installation uses cutting-edge technology to create a virtual garden that blooms with light and sound. As visitors wander through Eden, they are transported to a futuristic oasis, where the lines between the natural and digital worlds blur in a breathtaking display of innovation. The installation is interactive and the perfect spot for kids to experience the wonder of Illuminate.
Max Cooper: A Sonic and Visual Extravaganza
Renowned for his fusion of electronic music and stunning visuals, Max Cooper’s performance at Illuminate Adelaide was not to be missed. His show combines intricate soundscapes with captivating visual art, creating an immersive experience that transcends the typical concert format. This event was a highlight for music lovers and those looking for a truly unique audiovisual journey. While this year’s event has already taken place we are alread excited to see the line up for next year.
City Lights on North Terrace
The City Lights on North Terrace is a must-see feature of Illuminate Adelaide. This enchanting pathway guides visitors through a series of light installations that transform the historic North Terrace into a dazzling corridor of creativity. Each installation tells its own story, inviting onlookers to pause, reflect, and engage with the art in new and exciting ways. From swing sets to pear globes (trust us on this one!), the installations are a real highlight on the program. The walk is an accessible and family-friendly attraction that ensures everyone can partake in the festival’s magic.
Where to Eat
2KW Bar and Restaurant
Perched high above Adelaide, 2KW Bar and Restaurant offers a unique rooftop experience blending stunning cityscape views with sophisticated ambiance and exceptional cuisine. Located atop the historic 2 King William Street building, this elegant venue features plush seating, ambient lighting, and sleek decor, whether you’re in the cosy indoor lounge or the expansive terrace. The menu showcases modern Australian dishes crafted from fresh, local produce, including scallop ceviche and roasted chicken. Complementing the culinary delights is an impressive beverage selection, with a strong emphasis on South Australian wines and creative cocktails. More than just a place to eat and drink, 2KW Bar is a rooftop retreat where guests can indulge in the finer things in life, making it a standout in Adelaide’s vibrant dining scene. Editor’s Tip – Try the Salt Baked Beetroot and Smoked Pumpkin dishes, you can thank us later!
Latteria
Step into Latteria, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a chic bar in Italy. This cosy deli and café is renowned for its authentic and hearty fare. From pillowy Pizzetta to Seafood Frito Misto, Latteria offers a taste of Italy in every bite. Pair the share dishes with a robust espresso or a glass of Italian wine for a truly satisfying meal. With its warm and inviting ambiance, Latteria is perfect for a leisurely lunch or a comforting dinner.
Mother Vine: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Located in the heart of Adelaide, Mother Vine is a chic wine bar that has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. This stylish venue offers an extensive wine list featuring both local and international selections, perfect for pairing with their delectable menu. The food here is designed to complement the wines, with a focus on small plates and share platters. From the Hand Tied Burrata to the flavourful charcuterie boards, each dish is crafted with care and sophistication. Mother Vine is the ideal spot for an elegant evening out or a relaxed afternoon with friends.
A Pampering Escape
Most of the Illuminate Adelaide program happens after dark so why not spoil yourself during the day! Davaar House is a sanctuary where you can nurture your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Founded by Fiona Fiorinotto and her husband Oscar, this spa and wellness centre is set within a beautifully restored historic property at the end of stylish Hutt Street, offering a safe and welcoming space dedicated to self-care. Fion’s mission is to create an environment where guests can learn to prioritise their own wellbeing through a range of cutting-edge treatments designed to rejuvenate and heal. The centre boasts state-of-the-art spa facilities, providing a variety of therapies and wellness programs tailored to individual needs. In addition to its wellness services, Davaar House features a charming café that serves nutritious and delicious fare, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the stresses of everyday life and focus on holistic health in a serene and historic setting.
Perfect Winter Fun for All Ages
Illuminate Adelaide is the perfect winter outing for families, friends, and solo adventurers. It calls us to shake off the winter blues and rekindle our sense of awe and wonder. It’s a time to stay up, head out, look forward, break ground, dance hard, and make memories. This festival invites us to emerge from hibernation and explore a brave new world where cold nights and bold ideas collide. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration of light, art, and music in Adelaide. If you can’t make it this year put it in your calendar for next year and start planning! This year’s program runs until 21 July. For tickets and further information, visit here.
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