Summer's sneakily approaching once again *thank goodness* and with it, bringing a slew of stunner events to showcase this sparkling city.

From festivals to rooftop fine diners, plus a stack of NYE events to keep you partying well past midnight, here are Urban List's picks for the best things to do this week, month and beyond in Adelaide.

What's On In Adelaide December 2025

Moonlight Markets: The Christmas Edition

Thorndon Park, Paradise | Friday December 5

Image credit: Moonlight Markets | Instagram

Avoid the last-minute Christmas mayhem by stocking up on gifts at the final Moonlight Markets for 2025. With over 100 market traders, offering everything from clothing and jewellery to toys and garden features, you’re bound to get a few ticks on the list. As always, there’ll be delicious food trucks and live entertainment. Grab a meal and sip a local brew while the younger crowd members enjoy a surprise appearance from an extra-special guest.

Ministry of Sound: Testament 2025

Adelaide Gaol | Friday December 5

Image credit: Ministry of Sound | Website

Jail time becomes groove time as The Ministry of Sound takes over the Adelaide Gaol this month, and if you grew up immersed in club culture, this one’s especially for you. Relive the glory days with the likes of international icons and Ministry of Sound favourites Judge Jules (UK) & Tall Paul (UK), as well as Australian legends John Course, Mark Dynamix, Minx, plus many more. Escape from the ordinary. Get lost in the music. Buy your tickets here.

East End Cellars Little Book Of Wine Tasting

East End Cellars | Monday 8 December 2025

Image credit: East End Cellars | Provided

Our pals over at East End Cellars have just dropped their annual Little Book of Wine, and are throwing a shindig to celebrate next Monday. Join them to taste over 50 exceptional vinos all featured in the 2026 edition, then enjoy a ton of on-the-night exclusive offers, as well as taking home a complimentary Plumm outdoors stemless glass (we love a freebie). A cheap date night out for our wine-loving friends, grab your tickets here.

The Concrete Connection Concert(s)

Near Rundle Mall | Friday December 12

Image credit: Benjamin Roberts | Facebook

Musician Benjamin Roberts’ set out to create or perform on every street in the Adelaide CBD (all 577 of them) to raise awareness about mental health. He’s walked, he’s talked, and he’s learnt the importance of listening to support others. Lend him your ears (and legs) as he performs on the laneways surrounding Rundle Mall, meanders to James Place for a mini-set, and roams his way to Stephens Place for the final concert on December 12. Give The Concrete Connection Project a follow for specifics or to make a donation.

Adelady Christmas Village

Victoria Square, Adelaide | Friday 12 December - Saturday 13 December 2025

Image credit: Adelady Christmas Village | Facebook

We're firm on the Chrissy celebrations kicking off strictly as of December 1, so the 2025 installment of the Adelady Chrissy village markets are a safe zone. Loaded with sweet stalls for ticking off that gift list, delicious food and bevvies (including a stacked bar from our faves at 23rd Street Distillery) plus djs, family-friendly fun and *apparently* an appearance from the big man himself, this is a dreamy way to dive into that festive cheer for another year. Find out more here. 

Christmas With Out In The Paddock

The Queens Theatre | Saturday 13 December 2025

Image credit: Out In The Paddock | Supplied

Adelaide's most coveted festive celebration delivers an unforgettable night of theatre, glamour and indulgence. Guests will be treated to a lavish four-course dining experience with all drinks included, paired with signature OIPT entertainment inside one of the city's most iconic venues, The Queens Theatre. The evening calls for a glamourous black-tie dress code, and promises an elevated, atmospheric and completely delightful Christmas affair. Grab your tickets here.

St John Carols by Candlelight

Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama | Saturday 13 December 2025

  Image credit: Adelaide Carols By Candlelight

Santa Claus is heading to town, and so are the St John Carols by Candlelight. Set in the beautiful Elder Park, this free event has delivered the Christmas spirit to South Australians since 1944. There’ll be food, drinks and giveaways. Most importantly, there’ll be Christmas carols and songs for you to sing your heart out to, with the main event kicking off at 8pm. Gather friends and family, grab your picnic rug, and get amongst the festive cheer. Find out more info here.

Friday KnockOffs

Station Road | Every Friday ‘til 19 December 2025

  

Image credit: Station Road | Facebook

Every weekend is worth celebrating, and Station Road has created a series of Friday Knockoffs to help you do just that. Head to Festival Plaza from 4pm and enjoy extended alfresco dining, an outdoor bar, a frozé machine, local DJs, and plenty of good vibes. It’s the perfect set-up for warmer weather and taking a moment to stop and breathe during the silly season. Happy Hour runs from 5-6pm. Make a reservation here.

Vardon Avenue Street Parties

Vardon Avenue | Every Friday and Saturday ‘til 20 December 2025

Image Credit: East End Cellars / Website

They’re baaaaack! The Vardon Avenue Street Parties, that is. Enjoy the extended alfresco dining and fine fare of Vardon Avenue traders, East End Cellars, Mother Vine, NOLA, Enoteca and El Cheeky Flamingo. Starting from 4pm each Friday and Saturday. Bring on the warm nights, DJs under lights, and lingering until it's late.

The Midnight Club (NYE)

2KW | Wednesday December 31 2025

Image credit: 2KW
Indulge in some rooftop revelry this New Year’s Eve. Head to 2KW for terrific tunes, flowing champagne and a decadent menu thanks to Sam Christopher, the venue’s Head Chef. The package includes a glass of Pol Roger on arrival, concierge-style services and roaming surprises. All accompanied by a spectacular skyline. Book a ticket here.

Kingford New Years Eve Gala

Kingsford The Barossa | Wednesday 31 December 2025

Image credit: Kingsford The Barossa | Supplied

Keen to kick off 2026 out of the city in style? Kingsford's chic New Year's Eve Gala should be topping your list. Begin with champagne and canapés, then saunter into a three-course menu with perfect wine pairings from the Wine Vault, before heading to the dancefloor to say ciao to the year (all while snacking at the late-night chef's cheese bar, hello). They're also offering some sneaky rates if you want to stay around for a night or two, so check 'em out here.

What's On In Adelaide January 2026

Sidebyside Festival

Helen Mayo Park  | Saturday 31 January 2026

Image credit: Sidebyside.festival | Instagram

Big energy, hypnotic visuals and one massive weekend of dancefloor bliss, Sidebyside Festival returns to Adelaide's city parklands in January 2026 celebrating the intersection of electronic music, art and cutting-edge design. Expect huge global heavyweights like DJ Seinfeld, Harrison BDP and Alex Kassian bringing the vibes, along with local legends like Pretty Girl, Roa Terenzi and RONA ready to pump up the crowds. In the first of its kind for Aussie festivals, Sidebyside's introducing a time-based ticketing system designed to encourage festival-goers to head there early and support those fresher artists playing first off the rank (you'll also get a more affordable entrance price, hello). Grab your tickets here.

What's On In Adelaide February 2026

Adelaide Festival

Various Locations | Friday 27 February - 15 March 2026

Image credit: Adelaide Festival | Instagram

With the full program on sale right this second, you'd wanna do yourself a favour and jump into the 2025 Adelaide Festival program. A few of our picks? Mama Does Roller Derby's riot of theatre and roller derby, ILA's Manifest Destiny world premiere or perhaps Pulp's free glam-rock opening night gig. A thoughtful pressie for those culture-loving pals too, check out the full program here. 

A Day On The Gully Festival

Civic Park, Adelaide | Saturday 28 February 2026

Image credit: Ball Park Music | Supplied

The likes of Chet Faker, Ball Park Music, Malrat and Teenage Joans are heading South for one epic, jam-packed day at A Day On The Gully Festival. This one-day all ages fest kicking off at Civic Park on Saturday 28 February 2026 is a celebration of some of the country's most celebrated music artists with appearances from a ton of our greatest Aussie stars as well as generational icons, The Living End and Pete Murray too. Grab all the info here. 

Coming Soon

The Cliffs

Kangaroo Island | Opening This Summer

Image credit: The Cliffs | Instagram

Get ready to swing into something spectacular. The Cliffs is a brand-spankin' destination golf course opening for preview play in January 2026. Designed by Darius Oliver (the mastermind behind Australia’s top-rated Cape Wickham), this 18-hole links course is set along Kangaroo Island’s wild southern coastline, where elevated tees, dune terrain and ocean views steal the show. Beyond the fairways, it’s big on sustainability too, with thousands of native trees planted and invasive species removed to restore the landscape. You'll have to wait a few more months, but this one’s destined to be a hole-in-one for South Australia.