With more than 350 unique events on offer, the month-long festival is all about encouraging everyone to try something for the first time—and it’s all happening at your local library.
Since its launch, Firstival has sparked joy and discovery across the state, drawing more than 42,000 attendees in 2024 alone. Whether it’s a ukulele class for your little one, a pasta-making workshop with your teens, or a paint and sip session just for you, this winter’s program is bigger and more inclusive than ever.
Public Libraries Association of SA (PLSA) President, Pepper Mickan, says the festival is creating lasting impact.
“We are delighted the festival has built momentum and increased visitation to our state’s public library network. People of all ages are discovering the unique and wonderful ways to connect with their local library through Firstival,” Ms Mickan says.
“Coming into its third year we expect that again the program will offer more than 80% of events for free with the remaining low cost, providing an accessible and inclusive program for all South Australians to enjoy, particularly as households are tightly managing costs.”
Families looking to keep the kids engaged during the winter school holidays will find no shortage of hands-on fun. Think explosive science shows, a Mario Kart Challenge, beginner ukulele lessons and nature journalling.
Teenagers can take the plunge into real-world skills with sessions on selling through Etsy, exploring STEMM careers, or even Pizza and Politics—a unique event where they can speak their minds while enjoying a slice.
Meanwhile, parents and young adults won’t feel left out. One standout event this year is Bricks and Brews at Noarlunga Library—a night designed just for grown-ups to relax, socialise, and build LEGO with mates over a cold one.
Also on the program? K-Pop dance classes, ride-share driver info sessions, social media influencer tips, and good old-fashioned pasta making.
Program highlights for families:
What: Holdfast Bay Libraries Young Writer’s Competition
When: 1-31 July
Open to any kind of writing, including poetry, short stories, and factual accounts.
Ages 8 -18
What: Magical Fairytale Ball at the Library
When: 4 July
Where: Mawson Lakes Library
Dress up and enjoy a magical fairy tale ball at the library.
What: Disco Dance Party at the Library
When: 6 July
Where: Striling Library
Hit the dance floor at the library with Monski Mouse’s Baby Dico Dance Hall. A fabulous retro music and dance event for under 5s.
What: Jaw Dropping Chemistry Workshop
When: Various dates
Where: Mitcham and Blackwood libraries
Get ready to be amazed by mind blowing experiments and mind-boggling chemical reactions at a Jaw Dropping Chemistry Workshop.
8-12 years
What: Create your first nature journal
When: 10 July
Where: Park Holme Library
Join Hannah from Wattle and Wonder as she guides Children through exploration of a section of native plants.
5-10 years
What: Kaurna Night Skies Stories and Star Gazing for Families
When: 10 July
Join Aunty Eliane fir a night of sharing Kaurna stories under the stars.
What: Mario Kart Tournament
When: 16 July
Where: Walkerville Town Hall
Get ready to race and join in the first ever Mario Kart tournament at Walkerville.
Ages 5-8 and 9-12
Firstival runs from Tuesday 1 July to Thursday 31 July, across all 130 public libraries in South Australia. To check out the full calendar of events and make bookings, head to firstival.com.au
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