A Guide to Checking out Adelaide at Night
Adelaide is not your typical Australian city. The number of events and activities that cater to late sleepers will amaze you.
Adelaide’s beaches, bars, and restaurants offer plenty of entertainment during the day. But just because it’s after sundown doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to do here.
From dining to shopping to stargazing – the city offers a bit of everything. Check out 11 of the most exciting things you can do.
#1. Visit a Secret Bar
One of the best things to do in Adelaide at Night is to visit a secret bar. It’s a widespread phenomenon all over the world and Adelaide has some of the finest secret spots in Australia.
Spending time in a secret bar gives you a prohibition-era vibe. It’s also an exciting journey, solving the puzzle to find your bar in the first place.
One of the coolest in Adelaide is right under Lindes Lane. Look for the fireplace in Rundle Mall and you should be able to find it from there.
#2. Check Out the Temporary Night Market
The Adelaide night market is something you must experience. Unlike most cities in Australia, you can do some very late night shopping here.
The local temporary market usually pops up during the summer. You can sample fantastic street food and buy various jewelry and artwork, among many other trinkets, of course.
If you’re more of a night owl but want to take a break from the bar scene and Adelaide nightlife, a trip to the market offers a nice change of pace.
#3. Experience the Fringe Festival
Different times of the year present various opportunities. For example, during February and March, the city hosts the Adelaide Fringe. It’s a very large and popular arts festival with a twist.
Why?
There’s nothing off-limits to the performers. You will find unique acts, comedy, cabaret, and so much more. What’s even better is that most of the acts happen during the night. It’s great when traveling on business and you’re busy most of the day.
#4. Sample the Local Wine Bars
If clubbing isn’t your scene, you can still get a buzz but with a more cozy ambiance. Adelaide has some of the finest wine bars in the country. And many stay open very late and offer some of the best vintages in South Australia.
The National Wine Center is a trendy spot. The Five O’Clock Somewhere is another location you must see, as it’s run by young and talented local winemakers.
#5. Check Out a Music Venue
When it comes to things to do in Adelaide at night, hitting up a music venue is a no-brainer. Many locales here cater to music lovers and often feature international artists.
The Gov is one of the coolest venues as it has a very intimate atmosphere. But even if the Gov’s stage doesn’t have anything lined up, plenty of other pubs host live events. You can easily find a jam session with local artists, a famous DJ spinning tunes in a club, and so much more.
#6. Play Mini-Golf
There are many places around the world where you can play games at night. But Adelaide takes things one step further. One of the best things to do at night is to play 18-holes of mini-golf.
And you can even do it while sipping cocktails. The Holey Moley features a golf course and a cocktail bar, as well as tasty nighttime snacks. Add to that the quirky-themed course and the entire experience makes for some fun memories and laughs.
#7. See a Movie, or More, at the Drive-In
There aren’t that many drive-in theaters you can visit. But Adelaide has one, and it gives out amazing retro vibes.
It’s where you can watch old flicks and new movies, like you would in the 80s or 90s. What’s even cooler is that you can spend most of the night there and watch a movie marathon.
It’s a great experience for older and younger crowds. And you can find the drive-in at Gepps Cross, just outside Adelaide.
#8. Take in the View
If you want to try some free things to do late at night with friends, try going to Windy Point. It’s one of the best vantage points in the city, offering a panoramic view of the skyline.
It also gives you something to do once the clubs close. Just don’t expect too much privacy – it’s a very popular spot for both tourists and locals.
#9. Visit the National Parks
You can enter and spend time in all the parks in Adelaide at night. If you want to camp, you have to pay a fee. But that guarantees you a prime stargazing spot until sunrise.
Stargazing in national parks is a favorite pastime for locals. Tourists love this activity, too, as some constellations can only be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.
#10. Take a Night Tour of the Cemetery
Are you in the mood for a spooky adventure? Book a spot on the West Terrace Cemetery nighttime tour. It’s a popular activity where you get to see the burial sites of many eccentric characters. Guides tell some interesting stories about the people buried there.
It’s an unusual nighttime activity but one worth engaging in if you’re not in the mood for drinking or dining. Besides, you can also learn some cool things about South Australia’s history.
#11. Go See a Play
The Bakehouse Theater is perhaps the most popular in Adelaide. Located on Angas Street, the venue often hosts independent productions. And many of them may surprise you.
You may also like the intimate atmosphere inside the unassuming building. If you’re looking for bigger productions and a larger venue, the Holden Street Theater is a nice alternative. As is the Adelaide Festival Theater.
Get Ready to Lose Some Sleep
Adelaide is a place apart from most other popular Australian destinations. Its night scene caters to people of all ages due to the wide variety of activities held in the city.
You can find something to do even on a very tight budget and still return home with some unforgettable memories.
