River Night Walk brings free, family-friendly nights of light, sound, sculpture, food and markets to the Port River
The Port River waterfront will transform into an immersive, glowing, after-dark destination with River Night Walk — a free, family-friendly and interactive night-time experience running from 5pm to 9pm, Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026.
The centrepiece is Night Walkers, a major sculptural installation by Amigo & Amigo, which will see a colony of eight giant, neon-lit frogs take up residence along Commercial Road.
Joining them is Shore Lines, a new work by artists Laura Wills and Louise Flaherty with Violet Buckskin for SALA Festival, as well as SALA Up Late, a guided tour by local artists that allow you to experience Port Adelaide art and hospitality after dark in a unique way.
Beyond the illuminated frogs, the activation will blend light, sound and fire along a trail leading to the river, with the waterfront brought to life by live music courtesy of Porch Records, live music in some of the area’s most iconic venues, and site-specific artworks from local and interstate artists.
The festival-like atmosphere will include a feast of dining options from some of the Port's most loved food identities as well as local markets, with the event expected to attract 10,000 people across the three nights.
River Night Walk is an immersive activation that encourages visitors to discover, gather, and interact with works from local artists, storytellers, makers and friends of the living shoreline.
Event details:
- What: River Night Walk, featuring Night Walkers by Amigo & Amigo and Shore Lines by Laura Wills, Louise Flaherty and Violet Buckskin, SALA Up Late, Porch Records’ curated music stage, and local markets, food trucks, and more
- Where: Commercial Road and the Port River waterfront, Port Adelaide
- When: Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August, 5pm–9pm
- Cost: Free
River Night Walk
Fri 14 August - Sunday 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Commercial Road and Black Diamond Square, Port Adelaide
Hop to the City of Port Adelaide Enfield to see the Port River waterfront come to life with a free, family-friendly and interactive night‑time experience as part of SALA Festival. The centrepiece is Night Walkers, a major sculptural installation by Amigo & Amigo, which will see eight giant, neon-lit frogs visit Commercial Road. The three-night event will blend light, sound and fire with Port Adelaide brought to life by live music courtesy of Porch Records. The festival-like atmosphere will include a feast of dining options from some of the Port's most loved food identities as well as local markets.
1. Featuring
Amigo & Amigo’s Night Walkers
Commercial Road and Black Diamond Square
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Eight giant illuminated frogs will invite visitors to move among them on Commercial Road. Each sculpture is accompanied by sound design, with the work conceived to inspire discovery of one’s inner melody and to guide visitors toward a sense of harmony as they walk among them. Night Walkers supersizes these wondrous amphibians to highlight not just their beauty but also their ecological importance.
Each of these giant frogs represent an endangered species.
Shore Lines by Laura Wills and Louise Flaherty with Violet Buckskin
Black Diamond Square
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026
Sharing the unique ecological environment of Yerta Bulti Port Adelaide, Shore Lines will employ large scale projection and live light drawing to shine a light on the ecological restoration and community work happening locally.
The projection work layers Laura and Lousie’s animation Halophyte Hotel, community group field work and First Nations artist Violet Buckskin’s live light drawing, paired with a score by musicians Naomi Keyte and Belinda Gelhert, as live performances each night.
2. Workshops and Activities
1. Shore Lines Clay Painting Workshops
Black Diamond Square
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 8.30pm
Delivered by Plant Notes (Laura Wills, Louise Flaherty and friends), the Clay Painting Workshops use street paintings to share the story of the local ecosystem and our relationships to it.
The public is invited to write a letter to the River and to add to the drawings and paintings of local animals and plants.
Plant Notes are artists who motivate action and expand advocacy for our ecosystems.
2. EscarGlow (roving performers)
Commercial Road and Black Diamond Square
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
EscarGlow brings two epic, brightly coloured creatures to River Night Walk, each standing an enormous three metres tall.
Meandering through the event over three nights, these magnificent illuminated beings captivate with glowing eyes and shimmering shells that shine in alternating light patterns. Enormous, mesmerising and full of wonder, EscarGlow adds a touch of magic to River Night Walk, sure to delight visitors of all ages as light and colour illuminate the night.
3. POP Watercolour Workshops
Post Office Projects | 175 St Vincent St Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026
Explore the colours of the land and the flow of water in these beginner friendly watercolour workshops with contemporary artist Bianca Hoffrichter. She teaches small group classes regularly and creates a welcoming space for anyone wanting to learn more about watercolour.
You will be guided through the use of different brushes, and the basics of colour mixing. The classes will be inspired by the river and the ecology of the Port. Beginner and kid friendly. All materials will be provided for you including artist paper so you can take your painting home or turn it into another art project.
Bookings essential.
4. Hidden Marine Garden - Torch Light Tours
Port Environment Centre | 27 North Parade, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August 2026 | 5pm - 8.30pm
Join the Port Environment Centre, for a nocturnal torch light discovery tour and discover the underwater life of the Port River. Come and try, drop in format, limited to nine participants per tour.
The Port Environment Centre is a community driven organisation and gathering place that supports the community in living sustainably, valuing, caring for, learning about and enjoying the experience of the natural coastal, marine and estuarine environment.
5. Proof Of Life - Photographic Exhibition
Port Environment Centre | 27 North Parade, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 and Sat 15 August 2026 | 5pm - 8.30pm
Proof of Life is a photographic exhibition by Peter Hunt of the Malacological Society of South Australia. The images were created during an experimental nocturnal exploration of the Port River by torch and moonlight. The images detail a hidden marine garden wonderland in the Port River.
The Malacalogical Society promotes and facilitates the ecologically sustainable interest and study of mollusca and marine invertebrates.
6. Travelling Sea Garden - Community Art Project
Port Environment Centre | 27 North Parade, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August 2026 | 5pm - 8.30pm
Led by Patricia Wozniak and Mawarini, the Travelling Sea Garden is a collaborative, community-driven art initiative inspired by the seaweeds, seagrasses, and underwater “gardens” of the Saint Vincent Gulf. Through hands-on workshops, participants from diverse community groups – including PAAF (Port Adelaide Artists’ Forum) and Co-Art – will co-create a soft, tactile, and immersive reef installation.
Have some fun and foster your creativity while being a part of this community art project! Delivered in collaboration with PAAF.
7. SALA UP LATE
Begin at POP | 175 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide and meandering through Port Adelaide venues
Sat 15 August 2026 | 5.30pm, 6pm & 6.30pm
SALA UP LATE is your invitation to experience Port Adelaide after dark and soak up its atmosphere. Wander through the precinct with local artists as your guides and discover the creative hub of The Port. Bring your friends, your date, your family or come solo and make some new connections. The tour wraps up in one of Port Adelaide’s vibrant hospitality venues, but the night doesn’t have to end there. You are welcome to revisit any venue that caught your eye and continue exploring at your own pace.
Cost: $25 + booking fee.
Bookings essential.8. Meandering Markets
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Shop local under the lights. The Meandering Market brings South Australia's finest makers to Commercial Road across all three nights of River Night Walk — handmade jewellery, art, homewares and treats. Set within and around the historic Port Admiral Hotel, Meandering Markets brings together a curated collective of South Australian makers, artists, designers, vintage curators and specialty food producers. Visitors move through laneways, balconies and neighbouring spaces, uncovering handmade ceramics, small batch preserves, slow fashion, original art, homewares, botanicals and thoughtfully crafted gifts.
3. Music Program
1. Porch Records x River Night Walk
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Porch Records are Kaurna Country's own resident 'Makers of Nice Times'. Curating quality shows across Adelaide, they are a record store, vinyl DJs, one half of Summertown Studio and the creators behind annual winter festival, Porch & Recreation. Porch Records champion quality South Australian music and are passionate curators of live music experience. Their line-up includes Harrison Smith Trio, DJ Nantale, Kara Manansala, DJ Sam Lavers, and Siberian Tiger.
2. Porch Records DJs
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August 2026 | 5pm - 6pm
Local record store and resident ‘Makers of Nice Times’ bring to you an all vinyl set with Porch Records DJs. Specialising in jazz, funk, soul & international groove music, a Porch Records DJ set is diverse in nature, rooted in quality music from across the globe.
3. Harrison Smith Trio
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August 2026 | 6pm - 7.45pm
A jazz trio put together by one of South Australia's most in-demand contemporary trumpeters, flugelhornists, and arrangers, Harrison Smith. Based in Adelaide and performing across Kaurna Land, he is recognised for his work in jazz fusion, funk, neo-soul, big band arranging, and classical improvisation.
This trio regularly plays in the courtyard of Ern Malley on a Sunday afternoon, traversing lovely relaxed jazz standards with some improvisation thrown into the mix.
4. DJ Nantale
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Sat 15 August 2026 | 5pm - 6pm
As South Australia’s resident queen of vinyl, Nantale has been creating musical backdrops to our state’s buzzing food, wine & bar scene for over a decade. With an incredible ability to read a room and choose the perfect selections for the spaces she soundtracks, expect her set to span soul, funk, jazz, and beyond.
5. Kara Manansala
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Sat 15 August 2026 | 6pm - 7.45pm
Kara Manansala is Filipino-Italian music maker and storyteller, living and creating in Adelaide/Tarntanya. Jazz trained at the Elder Conservatorium, Kara’s music evolved out of a love for neo-soul, R&B, and jazz. Collaborating with the likes of Alexander Flood, and having performed at WOMADelaide, Kara is a much sought after live and recording vocalist. For River Night Walk, Kara will perform original music with some covers, accompanied by Jake Dawson.
6. Sam Lavers
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 6pm
Adelaide’s favourite curly headed DJ. A great selection of music you know and love, Sam Lavers knows how to set the perfect mood for all types of occasions.
7. Siberian Tiger
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Sun 16 August 2026 | 6pm - 7.45pm
Siberian Tiger is the project of partners in music and life, Bree Tranter (The Middle East, Matt Corby) and Chris Panousakis (Timberwolf). Creating the very definition of fireside music – Siberian Tiger traverses landscapes of indie folk and alternative singer/songwriting to create simply beautiful music. Comprising keys, guitar, and flute, Siberian Tiger’s music just seeps into your bones.
4. Local Dining and SALA Special Events
10 Gallon Hat
158 St. Vincent Street, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | until late
Channelling the dimly-lit, old-world charms of Austin, Texas, in a very Port Adelaide way, 10 Gallon Hat bar are open every night for drinks and snacks, featuring a live music program on Saturday 15 August.
Colac Port Adl
1 Santo Parade, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Follow the river to warm fires and live tunes. Gather around fire pits for s’mores and hot chocolate, while adults enjoy warming hot toddies and spiced mulled wine.
Dutch Coffee Lab
255 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide
Sat 15 August 2026 | 4pm - 8pm
Coffee, food, secondhand market and DJs.
Lipson Café
117A Lipson Street, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 and Sat 15 August 2026 | 4pm - 9pm
Open late with a special winter warming menu, enjoy the vintage vibe at this unique café, steeped in history.
Mash Café & Restaurant
230 St Vincent Street, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Discover local art, relaxing Middle Eastern music and family-friendly treats. Children under 10 dining in can enjoy a free hot chocolate and River Night Walk-themed colouring fun.
Pirate Life
18 Baker Street, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 11am - 9pm
Open for dining and with live music each night, and part of SALA Up Late Talks, Tours and Exhibitions.
SALA Festival exhibition: Divine Synchronicity, by Erykah JennettePort Community Arts Centre - Live Art Demonstrations
Black Diamond Gallery | 66 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Step inside the Port Community Arts Centre (PCAC) and experience live art demonstrations during River Night Walk. Explore SALA exhibition Living and Creating, in Black Diamond Gallery.
Port River Cruises
Black Diamond Square - McLaren Pde, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August 2026 | 5pm - 6.30pm
Take in sunset views and the magic of the river at dusk. Enjoy a glass of wine provided on arrival, unwind with friends, and discover the maritime history, and potential sightings of the iconic local dolphins in this unique waterfront destination.
Salty Dog
31 McLaren Parade, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 10am - 8pm
Nestled in the heart of Port’s iconic laneways, serving delicious gourmet burgers, fish and chips.
Second Shot Cocktail Bar
101a Lipson Street, Port Adelaide
Sat 15 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Signature cocktails, art and all the ambience of historical Port Adelaide.
The Banksia Tree Cafe
147 St Vincent Street, Port Adelaide
Friday, 14 August | 7pm - 10pm
Banksia's Winter Fire Dinner with exhibition and live art from Elle Owen.
The Dock Wine Bar
5 Divett Street, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August and Sat 15 August 2026 | 5pm - midnight
Sun 16 August 2026 | 1pm - 6.30pmDrop into this cosy nautical-themed wine bar in Port Adelaide and enjoy delicious food, great local South Australian wines, beers & cocktails and stay for the free live music. Enter off Divett Street or if you are adventurous, follow the secret laneway entrance off Commercial Road.
Vivu Vietnamese Kitchen
47 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Fri 14 August - Sun 16 August 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Inspired by the vibrant flavours of Vietnam, reimagined with a modern touch. A destination for exceptional warmth, food and great company.
Event FAQs
In shamanic lore, frogs are revered as intermediaries between realms - amphibious walkers, bridging water and earth. Often hidden due to their diminutive size, these nocturnal creatures now emerge adorned in vibrant neon patterns, magnified by the artists to reveal their beauty.
Each giant frog in the installation represents a real endangered species. Considered the ‘walker’ between the worlds of water and earth in shamanic cultures, the frogs are intended as both a celebration of these often-overlooked creatures and a reminder of their role as environmental bellwethers.
Ranging from 2.2m - 6m in height, and up to 10m wide, these may be the largest visitors to Port Adelaide yet! Night Walkers comprises 8 inflatable installations in varying super-sized scales.
Artist Statement – Amigo & Amigo
Night Walkers supersizes these wondrous amphibians to highlight not just their beauty but also their ecological importance. These unique creatures – considered the 'walker' between the two worlds of water and earth in shamanic cultures - are considered bellwethers by environmentalists, as a decline in their population can signal serious environmental damage.
Each of these giant frogs represent an endangered species. They inspire the discovery of one’s inner melody, serving as guides to unearth the soul’s harmony.
This is a mostly free event for the community to attend, bookings are required for some activities and food and drink is available to be purchased on the night.
The event takes place along Commercial Road from St. Vincent Street to Black Diamond Square and the Riverfront and includes POP Gallery at 175 St. Vincent Street and the Port Environment Centre at 27 North Parade in Port Adelaide.
TRAIN
City to Port Dock lineDisembark at Port Dock Railway Station, approximately 350 metres to the Lighthouse.
Port Dock Railway Station is wheelchair accessible.
City to Outer Harbour line
Disembark at Port Adelaide Railway Station, approximately 900 metres to the Lighthouse.
Please note that the Port Adelaide Station Ramp has a steep decline.
BUS
Adelaide Metro Bus Services run many public buses that drop off in the area including:
Routes 118, 150, 235, 239, 254X, 252
Disembark on Commercial Road into the event precinct.
Weekend routes may change, please check all information with Adelaide Metro before departing.
To plan your journey, refer to Adelaide Metro Plan a Trip www.adelaidemetro.com.au/plan-a-trip/plan-my-journey
In the sidebar of Google maps look for ‘Route options’.
You can select routes that are wheelchair accessible, have less walking or fewer transfers.
TAXI
You may also wish to consider a taxi, rideshare or drop off.
Drop-off zones will be available throughout the event precinct. (see Accessibility Guide for locations which will be published closer to the event).
Yes. Temporary toilets will be installed in two positions within the event area (site map to be published closer to the event). Accessible toilets will be located in Black Diamond Square.
Yes, additional bins and waste management staffing will be in action throughout the event.
River Night Walk is an all-weather event. The event will run rain or shine – unless weather conditions become extreme and pose a dangerous risk to safety.
We recommend wearing appropriate clothing and footwear suited to the time of year and an outdoor event and suggest monitoring weather conditions on the day.
Local and mobile food operators will operate throughout the precinct offering a range of food options including some venues. We also understand that pre-packed snacks are important for people, so these are items are permitted into the River Night Walk precinct.
Some surrounding venues are licenced, and responsible service of alcohol will be in place.
Free water is available outside the Visitor Information Centre on Commercial Road.
First Aid will be situated on Nile Street adjacent the PAE Town Hall. Please see dedicated security or event staff if First Aid is required.
In a medical emergency during the event, call 000 and seek assistance.
Event staff and security will be available to assist with questions or information during the event, they will be easily identified with event branded accreditation or SRS Security branded clothing.
An Event Information Desk will be set up on the corner of St. Vincent Street and Commercial Road where you can collect maps and find out more information.
Reporting a lost child to security staff, event staff or a SAPOL officer is the first step. A lost children’s protocol is in place with all staff, security and police briefed in the procedures. The protocols cover both children that become lost, as well as parents / guardians that have lost a child.
If you lose your property during the event a lost and found station will be located at The Town Hall.
Please read our Event Access Guide for more information.
For more information we encourage you to contact one of the PAE event team in advance of the event to discuss your access requirements. Email events@cityofpae.sa.gov.au
To ensure that everyone can enjoy the event safely, partial and full road closures will be in place on Commercial Road from Tuesday 11 August through to Monday 17 August. Please refer to our Event Road Closure Map for the full list of event road closures.
Resident FAQs
Residents on or near Commercial Road, and in surrounding suburbs will receive a letterbox-delivered notification letter approximately 4 weeks ahead of the event, with a reminder communication issued 1 week prior. PAE Customer Service are also available to answer questions.
The event includes ambient live music and amplified sound as part of the program between 5 – 9pm across the three nights.
All enquiries relating to River Night Walk, can be directed to our friendly PAE Customer Service team. They will direct enquiries to other council teams as needed.
General enquiries can be made via to email to service@cityofpae.sa.gov.au or phone on 8405 6600.
Yes. Pedestrian and resident vehicle access will be maintained throughout the closure period, with specific arrangements confirmed directly with affected households ahead of the event.
For more information, please refer to our Event Road Closure Map.
A post-event feedback channel will be available for residents to share their experience, which will help inform planning for future events.