August Edition: Top 10 Events in Adelaide for Families

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Discover the best things to see and do this month for families in Adelaide – August Edition.

August is a wonderful time to get out and explore Adelaide, with crisp winter days, blooming gardens and a calendar full of family-friendly events. From the excitement of Science Alive! and the new River Night Walk, to colourful country shows, art festivals, live sport, community markets and cosy winter experiences, there’s plenty to enjoy across the city and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend outing, an indoor adventure or a chance to embrace the last of winter before spring arrives, August offers something for every member of the family.

Play & Go is your FREE family friendly guide to Adelaide and your favourite resource for finding events and activities the kids will love.

We’ve highlighted our TOP 10 AUGUST events below.  Plus, scroll down for a list of all the FREE events and activities happening this month!

You can also use the Play & Go Event Calendar to find out what’s on.  

 

River Night Walk | Port Adelaide | 14-16 Aug 2026

Hop on down to the Port for a weekend not to be missed at River Night Walk - free, family-friendly nights of light, sound, sculpture, food and markets. River Night Walk is an immersive activation that encourages visitors to discover, gather, and interact with works from local artists, storytellers, makers ...

Strathalbyn Antiques and Vintage Fair | 15 & 16 Aug 2026

From stunning antiques and vintage bling to unique and quirky collectables, the Strathalbyn Antiques and Vintage Fair weekend also features a two day treasure market. One of the Fleurieu Peninsula's favourite regional events, the Strathalbyn Antiques and Vintage Fair weekend also includes entry to the two day Treasure Market held ...
gawler show

Gawler Show | 29 & 30 Aug 2026

The Gawler Show is the largest country Show in SA, attracting approx 30,000 people each year. It is a great family outing with many free displays, exhibitions and entertainment. For the ultimate weekend adventure packed with South Australia's finest offerings, gather your friends and family to attend the iconic Gawler ...

SA Variety Bash | Pivot to Pirie | 8-15 Aug 2026

The Variety SA Bash Is Back in 2026 - Catch the Colourful Convoy across South Australia! Each year, the Variety Bash features an entertaining convoy of creatively themed cars and a route that takes entrants through some of Australia's most stunning and remote landscapes, covering diverse terrains from outback tracks ...

SALA Festival | 1-31 Aug 2026

SALA is a state-wide annual showcase and celebration of South Australia’s living visual artists. Running for the entire month of August, it is the largest community-based open-access visual arts festival in Australia. SALA Festival celebrates the work of living South Australian visual artists, regardless of age or experience. It involves ...

CBCA Children’s Book Week | 22-28 Aug 2026

CBCA Children's Book Week Theme for 2026 and Costume Ideas for Kids. Each year since 1945 the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. During this time schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating books and Australian ...

Science Alive! | Adelaide Showground | 7-9 Aug 2026

Science Alive! will be back at the Adelaide Showground in 2026 with all kinds of awesome. Australia's largest, hands-on, science and technology exhibition is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Step into a world where science comes alive and enjoy a fun family day out discovering how science and ...

Skywhales Across Australia | Loxton | 9 Aug 2026

Wake before dawn and witness something truly extraordinary as Patricia Piccinini’s beloved Skywhales drift above the Riverland skyline for a magical sunrise experience in Loxton. The skies above The Precinct at Loxton Oval will come alive in August as the monumental Skywhale and Skywhalepapa hot air balloon sculptures inflate and ...

Fleurieu Food Festival | 1-31 Aug 2026

August brings a month-long culinary festival to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Fleurieu Food Festival returns for the fifth year running in 2026 with a curated, region-wide program of dining experiences, tastings, workshops and farm events designed to showcase the best of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Discover events that showcase the variety of ...

Me & My Shadow | Patch Theatre | 15-29 Aug 2026

Discover Me & My Shadow, a magical Patch Theatre production coming to the Adelaide Festival Centre on 15, 22 & 29 August 2026. Me & My Shadow is the magical story of making friends with your shadow. Children love to play with shadows, but making friends with your shadow can ...

 

FREE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN AUGUST:

Salisbury Community Fun Day

Salisbury Community FREE Family Fun Day – Dinosaurs & Science | Salisbury | 23 Aug 2026

It’s time to grab the lab coats, brush up on dinosaur facts, and get ready for hands-on science fun as ...

Umbrella Lights | Glenelg | Until 15 Sep 2026

The Umbrella Lights installation returns to Glenelg's Marina Pier in 2026. Umbrella Lights are back for another season to delight ...

River Night Walk | Port Adelaide | 14-16 Aug 2026

Hop on down to the Port for a weekend not to be missed at River Night Walk - free, family-friendly ...

Winter Weekends | Adelaide | 31 Jul -22 Aug 2026

Winter Weekends. Warm by the fire. Chill to the music. Add a little heat to your Friday nights and Saturday ...

SALA Festival | 1-31 Aug 2026

SALA is a state-wide annual showcase and celebration of South Australia’s living visual artists. Running for the entire month of ...

Skywhales Across Australia | Loxton | 9 Aug 2026

Wake before dawn and witness something truly extraordinary as Patricia Piccinini’s beloved Skywhales drift above the Riverland skyline for a ...
St Raphael's School Parkside Reading Revolution

Reading Revolution – Write a Book in 90mins | St Raphael’s School Parkside | 25 Aug 2026

Reading Revolution: Are We Raising Readers… or Just Skimmers? Turn your kids into story‑makers in just 90 minutes. Reading Revolution ...

Little Library: New Children’s Library Opening at the State Library of South Australia in 2026

Little Library is a brand-new, purpose-built children's library coming to the State Library of South Australia in August 2026. Designed ...

Toasty Tunes | City of Unley Free Family-Friendly Winter Events

Enjoy Toasty Tunes this Winter around the City of Unley. Join your local community this Winter for Unley's Toasty Tunes ...

Whale Watching Season | Victor Harbor | May – October

The Whale Watching Season around Victor Harbor, South Australia is typically from May to October, but sightings can begin as ...
Michael Perry Botanical Reserve

Best Adelaide Creeks to Explore for Families

Explore Adelaide's Creeks Kids are drawn to creeks. They love exploring this natural, wonderful play space - with or without ...

Grange Baptist Church Monday Funday | 2026

Grange Baptist Church will be running monthly activities for primary school aged children with their Monday Funday events. Monday Funday ...

START at the Gallery | Art Gallery of SA | Dates for 2026

Free START Program for Children at the Art Gallery of South Australia An exciting introduction to art for children and ...

 

AT A GLANCE – VIEW ALL AUGUST 2026 EVENTS HERE

marshmallow park adelaide things to do in Adelaide for families

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details

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