All The Best Adelaide Date Night Ideas Right Now That Aren’t Dinner And A Show
While dinner and a show has had a good run (and boy do we love dinner), it’s also responsible for some truly forgettable nights that could’ve been avoided with a couch, a glass of wine and literally any streaming service.
We’ve all been there. But if you’re looking to properly impress your crush, your long-term love, or just someone who deserves a date that isn’t painfully predictable, it’s time to shake things up.
Luckily, Adelaide/Tarndanya is packed with ways to level up date night, from cosy hidden gems to unexpected adventures that feel a lot more main character than “what should we order?”. Consider us your romantic sidekick — the one who just happens to know exactly where the good drinks are poured.
Date night on the horizon? Here are the best date ideas in Adelaide that aren’t dinner and a show in 2026.
Jump to:
- For The Food Lovers
- For The Creatives
- For The Nostalgic
- For The Active Type
- For The Classical Romantics
For The Food Lovers
Find A Mystery Feast
Image credit: AmazingCo | Facebook
If you like a bit of adventure alongside your artisan food, this one’s for you–Amazing Co’s Mystery Picnics. You choose the location where you start, nominate your dietary requirements, then head for the beach, hills or regional town armed with a trail of riddles to solve. Each answer leads you to a new spot where you collect delicious goodies to build your final picnic spread. Test your brains, treat your taste buds and enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
Eat Scones On The River
Image credit: Popeye | Website
For those who like to reminisce and are partial to the kind of spread that Nanna used to make, jump aboard the Popeye for its Devonshire Tea Cruise. Boarding is at the Elder Park Landing. Not only will you indulge in locally made scones served with whipped cream and a hot beverage, but there’s a licensed bar on board should you be keen to tipple too. Keep in mind that there’s also a full-blown High Tea available on other dates, as well as a Kangaroo Island Spirits Gin Cruise.
Stock Up On Chocolate
Image Credit: Haigh's Chocolate | Instagram
Chocolate has been associated with romance throughout history. While the jury is out on its aphrodisiac properties, I think we can all agree that we feel pretty good when we eat it. When we remember to stop, that is. Haigh’s makes some of the best chocolate this state has to offer, and you can drool directly at the source if you take a factory tour at the Parkside site. Observe what’s being made that day, learn about the process, then stock up on some supplies to indulge in later.
For The Creatives
Make A Love Potion
If you’d rather up the mood with smells than calories, you could partake in an essential oils masterclass at Jurlique. Running for two hours, you’ll learn the full history of the brand, which is loved worldwide, before experiencing firsthand what it’s like to harvest their beautiful botanicals in the Adelaide Hills. You’ll even contribute to future products when you leave what you’ve picked in the drying room. The session concludes in the Farm Store, where you’ll craft your own personal blend to take home.
Get Dirty
Image Credit: Urth Clay Studio | Facebook
For those of a certain generation, it’s impossible to think about pottery without thinking of that scene from Ghost. IYKYK. If you don’t, it’s time to look it up. The popularity of Unchained Melody went through the roof. Now, we don’t all have space for a clay wheel at home, but we can head to Urth Clay Studio and use theirs. There are plenty of one-off sessions where you can make everything from planter pots to mugs, sushi plates, bowls and more. And they have a couple of locations.
Put A Ring On It
Image Credit: Blonde | Facebook
Too much too soon? The ring doesn’t have to indicate anything serious. It could just be seriously unique. As well as selling handcrafted jewellery and curated toolkits, Blonde. offers hands-on workshops at The Mill Art Gallery in Adelaide's CBD, where you’ll learn the foundations of silversmithing or goldsmithing. There’s one class that ensures everyone designs, makes, and takes home two handmade rings — crafted in sterling silver or solid 9ct yellow gold. And another that incorporates gems — one ring per person. You could do swapsies!
For The Nostalgic
Thrift For Two
Image Credit: My Dead Grandpa | Facebook
My Dead Grandpa is an apt name (that sure got people talking) for a vintage market in the CBD that will have you saying “I remember these” over and over as you load your arms with awesome items to try on or line the shelves with at home. You might try things in jest and for real. Either way, you’ll have an experience. This is a place that proudly sells no fast fashion, no cheap knock-offs – just genuine pieces with stories to tell. And the tunes will be pumping.
Step Back In Time And Sample
Image Credit: Hahndorf | Facebook
Also rich in history and good vibes is Hahndorf, in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, just 28km from the city. Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, established in 1839, and was declared a state heritage area in 1988. The main street remains a lovely one to ramble down, hand-in-hand, popping into all manner of shops to browse or buy. And the food options are aplenty. Including some delicious German pretzels!
Celebrate Vintage Charm
Image Credit: State Library South Australia | Website
While hitting the library never seemed very cool growing up, admiring the second most beautiful library in the world with someone special in tow is a different story. And we have it here in Adelaide, the State Library, according to the 1000 Libraries Awards, 2025. The historic Mortlock Wing was, of course, central to the nomination. We’re talking over 40,000 books and precious collections, gorgeous Victorian design, original finishings and an elegant glow thanks to the long, barrel-vaulted skylight. The Dent and Sons clock inside the hall was installed in 1887 and is hand-wound every week by a State Library staff member. Plus, there’s a café on-site.
For The Active Types
Take A Walk
Image Credit: Adelaide Hills Council | Website
Get sweaty together this Valentine’s Day, walking! Morialta Conservation Park is just 10km from the CBD and boasts gorges, waterfalls and woodlands. There are plenty of trails to follow, with five showcased on the Walking SA website. There’s often a coffee van at the top car park. But if you want to get really adventurous and work up a hunger, check out how to walk your way to the Scenic Hotel at Norton Summit and recover over a meal.
Be Boulder
Image Credit: Urban Climb Adelaide | Website
That was an intentional typo. There are a couple of places you can test out your ability to climb your way across some walls and impress each other with your grit. Sore muscles might then lead to shared massages. Just saying… Urban Climb Adelaide on Hindley St has seven bouldering walls and caters to all skill levels. Beyond Bouldering has three locations and offers free classes for those who’ve never done it before.
Smash. Throw. Love
Image Credit: Project Break | Facebook
If a duet of de-stressing sounds like the right fit for your special day, check out Project Break, where you can smash things and chuck axes to your heart's content. With certain conditions, of course.
And For The Classical Romantics
Light It Up
Image Credit: Feverup | Website
Chocolate, smells, and massages. All are linked to romance, and all have been mentioned. But it would be remiss of us to overlook the warm glow and gentle flicker of candlelight. A romance staple! Pairing it with classical music is giving, as they say, next-level woo-factor. This Valentine’s Day, there are two opportunities to experience the music of Classical Romance performed by Amicus Strings, bathed in candlelight, at the stunning St Peter's Cathedral in North Adelaide. Keen to eat after? You’re flanked with options on either side.
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