Adelaide Botanic Garden relights after-dark event program

Do
September 2, 2020

Following the success of the recent ‘Biennial After Dark’ event, and with the continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions in South Australia, the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium have announced two October events as the Botanica Lumina program is officially re-lit.

Adelaide Botanic Garden relights after-dark event program, Botanica Lumina, set to be re-lit

Two October Events Announced

Launched earlier this year, Botanica Lumina is a program of curated night-time events in Adelaide Botanic Garden, where the community can connect with nature and each other, and experience the garden and its living collections in a new way.

Immersive Experience in the Gardens

Describing the program, which is supported by SA Power Networks, Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium Director, Dr Lucy Sutherland, said visitors can experience their much-loved garden in a contemporary, fun and immersive way.

“As twilight descends, Botanica Lumina will offer a variety of events that puts music, science, art and culture in the spotlight,” Lucy Sutherland said.

“The Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium is delighted to host this exciting event program, particularly in these challenging times.

“The Garden’s outdoor setting is perfectly suited to hosting socially-distant events, and we can’t wait to welcome people this October,” concluded Lucy Sutherland.

Program

Lounge on the Lawns at Noise/Nature

Kicking off the spring calendar is Noise//Nature, a unique audio-visual experience presented in association with Music SA and Capital Waste Pictures.

Ticket-holders will be able to lounge back on the lawns, gaze upon vivid light projections over the natural landscape and listen to a synchronised soundtrack of music re-mixed with garden sound recordings.

The one-night-only event has been crafted by a local team including sonic artist, Michael Ellingford, and video cinematographer, Liam Somerville.

Music SA programmer, Steve Pitkin, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium so we can bring the public this amazing sensory experience. It was scheduled to take place back in August, so we’re excited to finally be able to offer Noise//Nature to the public”

Treat your ears to the Acis & Galetea Opera

Just one week later, visitors can treat their ears to an operatic performance – G.F Handel’s Acis & Galetea, presented in association with Co-Opera and supported by Creative Partnerships Australia’s Plus1 program.

Co-Opera has a long tradition of sharing opera in fun, accessible performances, and this Greek myth about the transitory nature of love and pleasure is no exception.

“We have taken our productions to pubs, parks, and even shearing sheds across the country, and are eager to now bring this beloved opera to Adelaide Botanic Garden,” said Co-Opera Artistic Director, Joshua van Konkelenberg.

“Twilight in the garden is the perfect setting for the opera and we’re thrilled to be part of the garden’s inaugural Botanica Lumina program”.

Make an evening of it

Visitors to both events can bring their own picnic, or consider complementing their evening by pre-ordering a Gardens Café and Kiosk gourmet picnic box, enjoying dinner at the Botanic Gardens Restaurant, or choose from many other dining options in Adelaide’s East End.

botanicgardens.sa.gov.au
@botanicgardenssa

Event Details

Event: Noise//Nature
Location: Conifer Lawn, Adelaide Botanic Garden
Date: Saturday 3 October
Time: Gates open 7pm – 10pm. Stay for an hour, or three!

The event has been styled for you to arrive and leave when it suits you.

Cost: $15 General Admission | FREE for under 12 year olds
Access: Entry and exit to the event is via the Main Gate on North Terrace only

For more information or ticket purchases:

botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/whats-on/noise-nature

Event: Acis & Galetea
Location: Conifer Lawn, Adelaide Botanic Garden
Date: Friday 9 October & Saturday 10 October
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm (includes intermission) – Gates open 6.30pm
Cost: $60 General Admission | $30 (concession/pension)
Access: Entry and exit to the event is via the Main Gate on North Terrace only

For more information or ticket purchases:

botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/whats-on/acis-and-galatea

You might also like:

20 Things to Notice in National Parks, Botanic Gardens & Other Natural spaces by Nature Play SA

Our Shared Stories Inspire Australia Day in South Australia The Australia Day Council of South Australia (ADCSA) has released its 2026 Australia Day FREE event program, designed to celebrate the diversity of stories that shape our nation. The program invites South Australians to reflect on what being Australian means while connecting with community, culture, and Country. ADCSA CEO Jan Chorley said: “Australia Day gives us a moment to pause and consider the many threads that shape who we are; from the world’s oldest living cultures to those who have only recently made Australia home. It is an opportunity to deepen our connection to nature and to Country, and to recognise that our stories continue to evolve. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, one thing remains clear: we love our country – its beauty, its diversity and the people who give it life. I hope that this year’s program invites every South Australian to reflect on their place here, honour our shared past and look forward with respect, inclusivity and optimism.” The 2026 celebrations, themed Our Continuing Story under the overarching theme of Respect. Reflect. Celebrate, will take place at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama on the banks of the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri and feature two key events: Mourning in the Morning Time: 7.30am – 8.45amLocation: Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama A respectful, inclusive First Nations–led ceremony shaped by South Australian Aboriginal leaders. Open to all, the gathering encourages reflection and connection, featuring: Welcome to Kaurna Country and a smoking ceremony by Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner First Nations speakers Contemporary music and dance 21 Gun Salute Time: 12.00pm – 12.15pmLocation: Torrens Parade Ground A traditional 21 Gun Salute commemorates Australia Day. Aus Lights on the River Time: 5.00pm – 11.00pmLocation: Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama A free, vibrant evening celebration with something for everyone: Multicultural cuisine and family-friendly activities Large-scale Australian bird installations, shadow-puppet storytelling, creative workshops, and roving performers Aus Lights Parade (6.00pm) with 50+ multicultural and community organisations celebrating the Australian story Official Ceremony (8.30–9.30pm) with performances by Diana Rouvas, Festival Statesmen Choir, Young Adelaide Voices, and Adelaide Youth Orchestra collaborations Fireworks finale (9.30pm) and northern bank lighting installation DJ Tommy Tequila plays until 11pm The program is supported by the Australian Government, National Australia Day Council, City of Adelaide, Government of South Australia, and partners including SA Power Networks, Adelaide PHN, Adelaide University, Credit Union SA, Sarah Constructions, Sofitel Adelaide, Galipo Food Company, and South Australian Aquatic & Leisure Centre. For full program details, visit www.australiadaysa.com.au/aus-lights-2026 Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter