River Night Walk Transforms Port Adelaide Into a Cultural Hotspot This August

Port Adelaide continues to put its hand up as South Australia's most exciting and underrated arts and culture precinct with the announcement of River Night Walk.

Transforming the Port into an immersive, family-friendly destination spotlighting sound, light, sculpture and food, this new event is expected to attract over 10,000 people across three nights from Friday 14 to Sunday 15 August.

"Get ready to see Port Adelaide burst with colour, art, song and winter revelry like you've never seen before," Port Adelaide Mayor Claire Boan said. "River Night Walk is an exciting activation that shows how one of the state's most historic and beloved precincts can come alive in such a unique way."

The centrepiece of this new initiative from the City of Port Adelaide Enfield is Night Walkers: eight giant, neon-lit frogs installed along Commercial Road by creative studio Amigo & Amigo. Each sculpture is accompanied by sound design, with punters encouraged to walk among the illuminated amphibians and immerse themselves in the environment, with each frog representing an endangered species. 

Artists Laura Willis and Louise Flaherty, with Violet Buckskin, are presenting new artworks under the banner Shore Lines for SALA Festival. Projecting their work onto buildings, Laura and Louise will showcase their animation Halophyte Hotel - paired with a score by local musicians Naomi Keyte and Belinda Gelhert – while Nations artist Violet Buckskin will draw live each night. 

The Note favourites Porch Records are also getting involved, curating a music stage featuring the Harrison Smith Trio, DJ Nantale, Kara Manansala, DJ Sam Lavers and Siberian Tiger. 

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Across the three nights, there will be roaming performers, watercolour workshops, the photography exhibition Proof of Life and SALA Up Late, a guided tour hosted by a local artist where punters can discover the Port's art and hospitality after dark.

The Meandering Market brings South Australia's finest makers to Commercial Road with everything from handmade jewellery and homewares to vinyl records and designer vintage up for grabs.

There will also be a feast of local food producers, with all your favourite restaurants, bars and pubs open across the weekend.

River Night Walk takes over Port Adelaide from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August. Entry is free, with each day running from 5:30pm-9pm. More details are available at cityofpae.sa.gov.au.