Need something to get the kids out of the house these school holidays? Rundle Mall Plaza is turning into a pop culture playground for two days, and it won’t cost you a cent!
POWER UP is back on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October, bringing gaming, anime, cosplay, competitions and live entertainment to the city in collaboration with AVCon.
There’ll be plenty for families to get stuck into, whether your household is currently obsessed with Pokémon, there’s a fierce Mario Kart rivalry happening in your living room, or someone has spent weeks putting together a cosplay outfit and is desperate for an excuse to wear it.
The event is designed for all ages, so you don’t need to know the difference between a speedrun and a side quest before you arrive. Kids can get amongst the gaming and competitions, cosplay fans can show off their costumes, and collectors, artists and pop culture fans can soak up the atmosphere.
And if you’re the parent who has been asked approximately 47 times what you’re doing these holidays, it’s another option to add to the list. No booking, no admission fee and no requirement to spend the afternoon supervising another trip to the playground.
Expect two days of gaming, cosplay parades, live entertainment and plenty of pop culture action as Rundle Mall Plaza becomes a gathering spot for gamers, families and curious passers-by.
The POWER UP scavenger hunt
One of this year’s biggest activities is the POWER UP Scavenger Hunt, which will send visitors exploring all four levels of Rundle Mall Plaza in search of 16 hidden characters. Track them down, enter their names and make your way to the Scavenger Hunt Booth on Level 2 to claim a prize or drink.
Find all 16 correctly and you’ll also unlock an entry into the Major Prize Draw, with a Nintendo Switch 2 up for grabs.
Gaming, cosplay and more on Level 2
Level 2 will become the main POWER UP hub, with gaming and cosplay activities, competitions, artists and interactive experiences running throughout the event. Visitors can jump into Mario Kart, test their moves with Just Dance, check out local artists and creators, or simply wander through and see what’s happening.
And when it’s time to put the controller down, a number of Rundle Mall Plaza retailers will be getting involved with POWER UP-only food specials, discounts and promotions available across the weekend.
With the program spread across two days, you can drop in for your favourite activities or stay and make an afternoon of it. More announcements are still to come, with the full program, artists, competitions and activities to be revealed in the lead-up to the event.
When and where
POWER UP kicks off from 5pm to 9pm on Friday 2 October, before returning from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 3 October.
With free entry, activities for all ages and no tickets required, it’s an easy school holiday outing right in the middle of Adelaide. Just turn up and POWER UP.
POWER UP 2026
Where: Rundle Mall Plaza, Rundle Mall, Adelaide
When: Friday 2 October, 5pm to 9pm and Saturday 3 October, 10am to 5pm
Cost: Free
More info: rundlemallplaza.com.au
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