Monday, 26th January 2026 | 5pm – 11pm  | Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama, Adelaide SA
Aus Lights on the River is back again for 2026, with a free program of events that reminds us that we are all part of the story. The event will showcase our SA Story through immersive, visually engaging light, vision, and sound installations, complemented by children’s activations.  Â
Under the theme of Respect, Reflect, Celebrate. The 2026 Aus Lights on the River Program will be inspired by creative visions of our continuous story.   
The Aus Lights on the River program enables us to reflect on this great land and its peoples, starting with the oldest living cultures, our First Nations, to our most recent arrivals, the refugees who call Australia home. This Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to deepen our connection to nature and belonging to Country. Our increasingly fragile world reminds us of our great country’s extraordinary beauty, richness, and expansiveness and the incredible diversity of its people. We can look back at our history, acknowledge the times we are now living through, and manifest our future on the foundations of respect, inclusivity and shared values. 
Jan Chorley, CEO Australia Day Council of SA
South Australians are warmly invited to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, histories, cultures and perspectives at the Australia Day Council of SA’s Mourning in the Morning  event early on 26 January 2026. Â
Together, we will continue to create a respectful and inclusive ceremony focused on Our Continuing Story, led and shaped by South Australian First Nations community leaders. Â
Held in Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama on the banks of Adelaide’s River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri, this groundbreaking First Nations-led event is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. Â
Gather at 7.30am for a welcome to Kaurna country, followed by First Nations speakers, musicians, dancers, and interactive activities grounded in respect. The event will feature a smoking ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner. Â
Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony community support partners Adelaide PHN, Adelaide University, Credit Union SA, Sarah Constructions, SDA , SA Power Networks and Sofitel Adelaide. Â
The program is assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and the City the Adelaide and is supported by the Government of South Australia.Â
Starting at 6 pm, the parade will travel along King William Street, finishing at Torrens Parade Ground, Victoria Drive. Visitors can view the parade map for the full route and best viewing areas.Â
This vibrant celebration brings together more than 60 South Australian community organisations, showcasing the diversity, creativity and spirit of our state. It is a moment of inclusion, respect and shared belonging — filled with colour, music, dance, cultural groups, performers and charities that enrich our community.Â
As the Aus Lights Parade concludes join us in Elder Park, to continue the celebration the main stage will feature energetic performances from the Aus Lights Parade community organisations.Â
Aus Lights Parade support partner South Australian Aquatic & Leisure Centre and Altus Traffic. Â
Aus Lights on the River will be a vibrant and inclusive FREE program of events that remind us we are all part of the story.  The program invites all South Australians to reflect on this great land and its people. Â
The evening kicks off with the Aus Lights Parade on King William Street. This vibrant Parade honours  our  diverse community organisations, reflecting the rich diversity of South Australians at their best. Â
The Official Ceremony features live performances from the dynamic Diana Rouvas (Winner of The Voice Australia), Festival Statesmen Choir, Young Adelaide Voices and musical collaborations with the Adelaide Youth Orchestra.  Â
The program concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the River Torrens - an experience not to be missed. Â
Aus Lights on the River 2026 is assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and the City of Adelaide City the Adelaide and is supported by the Government of South Australia.  Â
