What’s on in Adelaide and SA for New Year’s Eve 21/22

Dancing’s off the table again but the New Year in Adelaide is still set to go off with a bang. SEE THE EVENT LIST

Alice Skocz and Jon Dawson of West Beach enjoying a drink on the sand at the Moseley Beach Club with concierge Olivia Ley. The Beach Club will be open until 6pm on NYE. Pic: Brenton Edwards

The reintroduction of extra Covid-19 restrictions hasn’t put a dampener on New Year’s Eve festivities around SA as partygoers look to toast the arrival of 2022.

While dancing is again off the agenda, there’s still a host of Covid-safe events to end the year with a bang.

The inaugural Light Up event at Rymill Park will replace the traditional Elder Park NYE fireworks, which has been scrapped for a second consecutive year due to the pandemic.

The family-friendly show will feature lighting and pyrotechnic displays at both 9.30pm and midnight, along with roving entertainment for a crowd of up to 5000.

The midnight fireworks display at Adelaide’s Elder Park. Picture: David Brand

Event director Daniel Michael said attendees will have to follow Covid rules including wearing a mask unless eating, drinking or when seated, and social distancing.

“We’re really looking forward to bringing in the New Year in style in the beautiful and open Rymill Park,” he said. With 36C forecast for Friday, The Moseley Beach Club at Glenelg is sure to be a popular destination.

The European-style bar on the foreshore will be serving food and drinks until 6pm, with patrons set to kick on at nearby bars and restaurants.

Luke Donaldson, operations director of RD Jones Group, said the beach club was the “perfect spot” for NYE.

Alice Skocz and Jon Dawson of West Beach enjoying a drink on the sand at the Moseley Beach Club with concierge Olivia Ley. The Beach Club will be open until 6pm on NYE. Pic: Brenton Edwards.

“While restrictions have made it difficult for many … we have ample space within the beach club so we sufficiently maintain social distancing guidelines,” he said.

Annual fireworks displays at Glenelg, Brighton and Semaphore have been axed due to Covid concerns but regional events across the state, including Victor Harbor, Robe, Port Lincoln and Wallaroo, are expected to proceed as planned. Smaller, ticketed firework shows will go-ahead at various locations, including a street party at North Adelaide venue The Lion Hotel.

Marketing manager Luke Schapel said bookings had been strong despite the uncertainty over restrictions, and the venue was expecting up to 500 people.

“It’s the first time we’ve done this and we’ve had a pretty good response. The weather is looking peachy too,” he said.

But the tightened rules, which limit pubs, restaurants and cafes to just 1 person per 4 sqm indoors and 1 person per 2 sqm outdoors, have forced some hospitality venues to shut their doors over the holiday period.

The Lion Hotel staff members Cody Mirabello and Sarah Davies. Picture: Tom Huntley

A planned Peel Street New Year’s Eve Street Party has been scaled back as most of the businesses along the popular West End strip close until next month.

Scott Quick, owner of small bars Alfred’s and Malt & Juniper, said the restrictions left him with no choice but to cancel plans to open up this week – despite “what should have been the busiest period of the year”.

What's on this New Year's Eve around SA

LIGHT UP - NEW YEAR’S EVE IN RYMILL PARK 
Two lighting and pyrotechnic shows at 9.30pm and midnight
Bookings essential: gluttony.net.au/lightup

BIG BASH T20 CRICKET AT ADELAIDE OVAL
Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder
First ball at 6.45pm
Tickets: adelaidestrikers.com.au

GEPPS CROSS MAINLINE DRIVE-IN
Ghostbusters Afterlife premiere followed by Sydney fireworks 
Starts at 9pm
Tickets: wallis.com.au/cinemas/mainline-drive-in

LION HOTEL STREET PARTY
Jerningham Street, North Adelaide
Live music, DJs, and a fireworks display

SPARKKE AT THE WHITMORE
Whitmore Square, Adelaide
Three events including an outdoor dinner at Bartel’s Lane and a rooftop party 
Tickets: sparkke.com

MOSELEY BEACH CLUB 
Glenelg foreshore
Bookings: themoseley.com.au 

GLENELG/BRIGHTON/SEMAPHORE
Holdfast Bay and Port Adelaide Enfield councils have cancelled their fireworks displays at Glenelg, Brighton and Semaphore due to the pandemic. However, the Semaphore Summer Carnival is still running at the foreshore daily from 11am, until January 26. 

VICTOR HARBOR
The holiday hotspot will go ahead with its New Year’s Eve celebrations at Warland Reserve, featuring family entertainment from 7.30pm. There will be a children’s fireworks display at 9.45pm and another at midnight. The event also includes carnival rides, mini golf and a band. Vulnerable residents are encouraged to watch the fireworks from home or afar. 

MURRAY BRIDGE
Families can bring in the new year at Sturt Reserve at a party featuring local musicians, a kids’ zone, food and drink, with a fireworks display planned at 9.45pm. The event will be held from 5-10pm. This year will be the second that fireworks will be launched from the iconic Murray Bridge. 

MANNUM
New Year’s Eve Fireworks will light up the night at Randell St, Mannum, at 11.59pm (subject to weather conditions).

ROBE
Robe’s fireworks can be viewed at Guichen Bay on December 31, from 9.30pm.

PORT LINCOLN
Fireworks displays will be held at 9.30pm and midnight at the Port Lincoln Foreshore. 
There won’t be any foreshore activities this year, but locals are encouraged to make their own fun at the beach. Masks must be worn if you are unable to physical distance. 

WALLAROO
New Year’s Eve celebrations will be held in Wallaroo at 9.30pm and again at midnight.
However, the associated sideshows and stalls will not be held this year due to the restrictions and volunteer numbers.

WHYALLA
Whyalla’s Summer Fun Fair will be held at the foreshore every day until January 10, from midday to 10pm – including on NewYear’s Eve. It features sideshow games, carnival food, light up sharks and unicorns, and rides for children and their families.