There’s something special about a warm evening spent outdoors; the kids running on the grass, the smell of picnic food in the air, and the sound of live music drifting through the park. It’s one of those simple pleasures that feels like summer in South Australia.
The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters’ Concerts in the Park series captures that feeling perfectly. Each event invites families to roll out their picnic blankets, pack a few snacks, and settle in for an evening of music, community and connection. With a line-up that spans toe-tapping jazz, orchestral pop, and kids’ entertainment with a message, there’s something for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents (and every age in between).
So grab the sunscreen, the kids, and your best picnic spread… Here’s what’s happening in the park this season.
Jazz in the Park
Lucky Seven
Get ready to swing, shuffle and smile as Adelaide’s own Lucky Seven bring their big-band brilliance to the park this season. This seven-piece sensation blends the golden glow of 1950s Americana with the unmistakable buzz of live music under the stars; a recipe for pure, toe-tapping joy.
With guitar, double bass, drums, trumpet and a trio of saxophones (alto, tenor and baritone), Lucky Seven serve up that brassy, bold sound that gets audiences of all ages moving. Think classic swing and rhythm & blues with a dash of rockabilly charm, the kind of music that fills the park, gets feet tapping, and brings strangers together for an impromptu dance or two.
Formed right here in Adelaide more than two decades ago, Lucky Seven have built their name on passion, rhythm and a whole lot of heart. From their early days winning the Adelaide Casino band competition to performing at major international events including the Singapore Formula 1 and Shanghai Exhibition Centre, they’ve grown into one of South Australia’s most-loved live acts. But for this band, it’s not about the spotlight… It’s about the crowd.
Regular collaborators with the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, Lucky Seven are familiar faces at local festivals, street parties and open-air concerts. Their infectious energy and unmistakable sound have made them a firm favourite across Adelaide, proof that great music doesn’t just fill the air, it connects people.
As the sun sets and the first notes float through the park, you’ll feel it too; that unmistakable rhythm that makes you want to move. Bring your picnic rug, your friends, and maybe a pair of dancing shoes, because Lucky Seven’s blend of vintage swing and contemporary fun will have everyone from toddlers to grandparents smiling from the first trumpet blast to the final bow.
So pack your snacks, pour a drink, and get ready for a night of music that feels like summer itself. As the band loves to say: “Forget your cares and woes, just dance!”
Melodies in the Park
Sea Star Rock
There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a sunny park filled with music, movement, and laughter, and Sea Star Rock Productions bring that magic to life. For over a decade, this South Australian favourite has been inspiring kids and families to sing, dance, and explore the natural world, all while having an absolute blast.
At Melodies in the Park, Sea Star Rock fills the stage with colourful characters, original songs, and high-energy performances that get everyone moving. From toddlers twirling in front of the stage to older kids clapping and singing along, their shows are a whirlwind of fun and creativity.
With tunes like Jellyfish Fizzies, Big Blue Bopping Whale, and Fossil Rock, every performance blends catchy music with gentle messages about caring for the planet, noticing nature, and celebrating the world around us. The songs are playful and interactive, encouraging kids to move, jump, and dance while connecting with the environment in a joyful, natural way.
It’s not just the music that makes Sea Star Rock special, it’s the energy they bring to the whole park. Families spread out on picnic rugs, friends catch up while kids twirl and bounce to the beat, and grandparents can’t help but smile as the whole crowd joins in the fun. It’s community, creativity, and learning all rolled into one colourful, laughter-filled afternoon.
When Sea Star Rock takes the stage, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. Bright, playful, and full of heart, their shows are the perfect way for families to enjoy music together, and maybe even discover a little love for the natural world along the way.
Symphony in the Park
Fusion Pops Orchestra
If you think orchestras are all about tuxedos and violins in concert halls, think again. The Fusion Pops Orchestra (FPO) is rewriting the rules, bringing together the power of a full orchestra with the joy and familiarity of pop and rock music. And the result? Pure magic.
Founded in 2011 right here in South Australia, FPO is made up of more than 50 passionate musicians and 16 incredible vocalists who perform simply for the love of it. Together, they create a sound that’s both spectacular and down-to-earth; a mix of lush strings, punchy brass and powerhouse vocals that turn classic hits into something totally new.
The orchestra’s repertoire reads like the ultimate family playlist: Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, Simon & Garfunkel, The Eagles, Beyoncé; all reimagined with a cinematic twist. It’s music that brings generations together, with parents singing along, kids dancing barefoot, and grandparents smiling to songs they grew up with.
Fusion Pops Orchestra is proud to be Adelaide’s only orchestra dedicated entirely to pop and rock, and their passion for making orchestral music accessible to everyone shines through in every performance. Their concerts are vibrant, welcoming and full of energy — perfect for families who might be hearing an orchestra live for the very first time.
At Symphony in the Park, the FPO creates something truly special: a shared experience that connects the whole community through music. It’s the kind of evening that makes you stop, listen, and realise just how good live music feels.
What started as a local project has become one of Adelaide’s most beloved community ensembles, supported by loyal audiences and a whole lot of word-of-mouth love. The Fusion Pops Orchestra continues to grow, not just in size but in spirit; a shining example of the creativity and collaboration that makes SA’s arts scene so vibrant.
Community, connection and creativity
Whether you’re chasing a night of jazz, a family-friendly afternoon of singing and dancing, or a cinematic symphony under the stars, these free community events remind us why local arts matter.
They offer families a space to connect, unwind and experience live performance in a setting that’s relaxed, inclusive and full of heart. The kids can dance, parents can chat, and everyone can soak up that perfect South Australian evening energy.
Each event also celebrates the talent that thrives right here in our own backyard, from local musicians to homegrown production teams who keep creativity alive in our communities.
So this season, trade the screens for a picnic rug, grab your favourite snacks, and get ready to make some musical memories. Because when the sun’s out, the grass is green, and the band starts to play, there’s no better place to be than right here, in the park.
Event Details
City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters Proudly presenting the 2026 Concerts in the Park series
7 February – 28 March 2026
Jazz in the Park
Saturday 7 February – Lucky Seven
Melodies in the Park
Saturday 28 February – Sea Star Rock
Symphony in the Park
Saturday 28 March – Fusion Pops Orchestra
Enjoy free live music under the stars all month long.
For event updates and locations: npsp.sa.gov.au
