Our top five events to see at Adelaide Design Week 2026
Rejoice. The Adelaide Design Week program in all its glory is out - and that means the 2026 event is almost here.
And, in the 88 events across five days, there's something for everyone.
We'll be diving deeper in to what's happening over the next month before the opening party on October 14 - but, for now, here's our top five to get excited about.
ADW OPENING PARTY x SHORT NOTICE
The Meeting Hall, Adelaide CBD
Wednesday, October 14, 6pm - super late
Who doesn't love a party? Especially one that won't finish until super late - their words, not ours. Everyone will be there. More info.
SHOPFRONT DESIGN CIRCUIT
Various locations, East End, Adelaide CBD
Wednesday, October 14 - Saturday, October 17 (all day)
Sunday, October 18 - Walking tour and farewell, 2pm-5pm (ticketed)
No one really needs another excuse to venture down to the East End when out in Adelaide's CBD. But we've got one. And this year's showcase is bigger, with more businesses handing over their shopfronts to selected Adelaide designers and architects. We're excited to see what they will all come up with this time. And of course for the chance to win a prize from AESOP and the farewell at Honeydripper. Tickets.
Who: Jewel of Thought Records x Tom Borgas, Galeria Grafika x Tristan Kerr, Utopian Creations x Jake Lane, Naomi Murrell x Sophia Moore, Shop Pond / Filter Store x Moraene Architecture & Design Collective, Nudie Jeans x Will Cheeseman and Oliver Hyde, Miss Gladys Sym Choon x Claire Markwick-Smith, Aesop x Andrew Carvolth
TOKEN
Wednesday, October 14 at SHORT NOTICE (The Meeting Hall, Adelaide CBD)
Thursday, October 15 at SHOP GENERATOR (Common Uncommon, Adelaide CBD)
Saturday, October 17 at BENCHED (Queens Theatre, Adelaide CBD)
Sick of the kids enjoying all the vending machine surprises? Treat yourself this ADW. Take home something affordable and delightfully unexpected from the adult vending machine of sorts, with all proceeds donated to Carclew. More info.
WASTE RECONSIDERED
Plant 3, Bowden
Wednesday, October 14 - Sunday, October 18, 10am - 8pm
An exhibition described as an exploration of beauty within the discarded. Fascinating words for fascinating work. Landfill waste in elegant usable forms in our homes? We want to see it to believe it, too. Open daily with all furniture, homewares and lighting made for sale. Tickets.
Who: Esse Bio Designs, Something Special Concept Store, Rebecca Hartman Kearns, Rachel Mifsud
CO-DESIGNING YITPI YARTAPUULTIKU
Allan Scott Auditorium, Adelaide University, Fenn Place
Wednesday, October 14, 4-5.30pm
The story behind an award-winning place - now that sounds up our alley. Yitpi Yartapuultiku, meaning 'Soul of Port Adelaide' in Kaurna, is the multi-award-winning public realm project that has transformed the heart of the community. This one-off, free event will take us behind the scenes of a project now recognised for its design excellence and contribution to public life.
Who: Ashley Halliday (Ashley Halliday Architects), Warwick Keates (WAX Design). Tickets
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