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Live music
Adelaide became a UNESCO City of Music in 2015. More than 300 venues host gigs each year, and many charge cover fees under $25.
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The Grace Emily Hotel in Waymouth Street schedules free shows most evenings. Local bands often road test new material here.
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Jazz fans can settle into Nineteen Ten, a prohibition-style rooftop bar with a house band that kicks off at 8 pm.
During February and March the Adelaide Fringe floods the city with more than 1,200 ticketed performances. It ranks as the world’s second-largest annual arts festival by attendance, after Edinburgh. Attend a 9pm performance at The Garden of Unearthly Delights, continue to Gluttony for additional acts and conclude with street-food beneath festoon lighting.
After-dark tours and experiences
Structured night tours let you tap into stories that daytime visitors miss.
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Adelaide Oval RoofClimb Twilight walks begin at golden hour and finish under stadium lights. Your harnessed group pauses 50 metres above the pitch for photos. Twilight climbs run year-round except on match nights.
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Old Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour delves into 147 years of inmate folklore. Guides share court records and newspaper clippings as you move between cells by lantern light.
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For wildlife, book a Cleland Wildlife Park Night Walk. Rangers supply red-filtered torches so you can spot bettongs, bilbies, and tawny frogmouths without disturbing them.
Markets open after dusk
Most Australian produce markets shut by mid-afternoon, yet Adelaide Central Market bucks the trend on Friday. Stalls stay trading until 9pm, and live bands add atmosphere from 5pm. More than 70 traders line the aisles, so you can graze on Barossa Valley cheese, Riverland citrus, and Vietnamese banh mi without leaving the building.
Through summer the Lunar New Year Celebration takes over the same precinct for two nights. Expect lion dances, dumpling challenges, and fireworks once the sun sets.
There is also the Ebenezer Night Market which runs on selected Fridays from March through November. It focuses on street food stalls, live music, and pop-up bars.
Late night dinners in Adelaide
Adelaide’s CBD remains lively well after dark, with a handful of streets in the grid that host kitchens open past 9 pm.
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Gouger Street offers everything from Cantonese roast duck to modern Korean barbecue.
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At Leigh Street and Peel Street the action is in the bars. Swing by Shōbōsho for Japanese yakitori, then cross the lane to Peel St Restaurant for generous share plates.
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If you prefer a casual feed with city views, climb to 2KW Bar & Restaurant on King William Street. The open rooftop looks straight onto Parliament House.
Light shows and entertainment in Adelaide at night
Adelaide’s festival calendar includes free public installations and large community events. On top of those, premier venues like Her Majesty’s Theatre host world-class musicals and concerts throughout the year.
Illuminate Adelaide
If your trip lands in July, block out an evening for Illuminate Adelaide. Digital artists project moving stories onto the Art Gallery of South Australia, the State Library, and Government House along North Terrace. Entry to the street installations is free, and the loop covers less than one kilometre, so it suits prams and mobility scooters.
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Her Majesty’s Theatre is a hub for various performances, ranging from opera to jazz music and dance. Located at the heart of the city, this historic venue promises an evening of top-tier entertainment. Whether you're a fan of dramatic operas or lively dance shows, there's something here for everyone.
Moonlight Cinema
Moonlight Cinema operates in Botanic Park from December to March. Gates open at 7 pm and the film rolls at sunset. You can hire a bean bag or spread your own picnic rug.
Semaphore Summer Carnival
Semaphore Summer Carnival runs nightly from late December to late January. Ferris wheel gondolas give a view across Gulf St Vincent, and ride tokens work out cheaper when bought in bulk.
More Adelaide night spots
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Holey Moley Golf Club Adelaide offers themed mini-golf and a full bar until midnight, combining silly putt challenges with neon-lit holes and cocktails.
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Maybe Mae in the East End is a basement bar known for its late-night DJs, drag shows, and a playful cocktail menu. You can expect doors to stay open until 2 am on weekends.
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The HandleBar Adelaide at the corner of Gouger and Light Streets doubles as a pedal-powered bar-bike dock and pub. Craft beers flow freely and live DJs spin tracks until late.
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Baddog Bar on Hutt Street is a sports-bar style venue with big-screen TVs, pool tables, and a menu of share plates, all open until at least midnight every night.
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Hennessy Rooftop Bar on Peel Street offers 360-degree city views, a late-night tapas menu, and themed cocktail evenings, staying open until 11 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
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Bank Street Social in the East End combines a laid-back wine bar with craft beer taps and share plates, while live DJs spin vinyl until around midnight.
Places to stay
Below are three motorhome-friendly parks located close to nightlife and well served by public transport
Adelaide Holiday Park (Hackney)
Adelaide Holiday Park sits in Hackney, just 2 km east of the CBD, with powered sites for motorhomes. The park also offers free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a communal kitchen, ideal for those arriving late or needing to prepare a quick meal before heading out.
Levi Adelaide Holiday Park (Glenelg)
Levi Adelaide Holiday Park in Glenelg is right on the beachfront, about 11 km from the city, with a tram stop at the park entrance. Powered sites accommodate motorhomes, and you can swim in the heated pool before strolling down Jetty Road to bars and restaurants each evening. It’s a great base if you want a mix of beach sunsets and city nights.
Discovery Parks – Adelaide Beachfront Holiday Park (West Beach)
Discovery Parks – Adelaide Beachfront Holiday Park in West Beach is 15 km from the CBD and offers powered sites. On-site facilities include an indoor heated pool, games room, and camp kitchen.
Plan your Adelaide nights
Consider how each activity fits with daylight sightseeing driving times and tram timetables. Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate means outdoor events rarely cancel due to rain. Average summer evening temperatures sit around 22 °C, while winter evenings hover near 10 °C, so pack layers and a compact umbrella. Most restaurants and venues list kitchens closing while the bar stays open, so call ahead if you prefer a proper meal to late snacks.
From live gigs and light installations to rooftop bars, Adelaide offers a diverse evening programme. Plan your itinerary with some flexibility to make the most of each after-dark opportunity.
Public transport in Adelaide
Adelaide Metro uses the MetroCARD for all buses, trams, and trains. You can buy one at major stations or online, then top it up with cash or card. Fares depend on how many zones you travel through. Just tap on when you board and tap off when you leave.
If you leave your motorhome at a campground you can still explore the city after dark. Trams to Glenelg run until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and main bus routes generally operate until 11 pm or midnight on weekends. Check the Adelaide Metro website or app for the latest timetables before you set off.
Start your journey with maui
With a maui motorhome, you have the flexibility and comfort to make the most of your days and nights in this lively city. You can easily book your motorhome online, choosing from a range of options that suit your travel needs. If you’re travelling with your partner, see our post on things to do in Adelaide for couples for some more inspiration.
Once booked, pick up your motorhome from any maui branch and and embark on your Adelaide adventure.