Dark Tides Festival Returns: A Winter Solstice Celebration in the Heart of Port Adelaide
As the longest night of the year approaches, Port Adelaide is once again preparing to come alive with the warm glow of lanterns, the buzz of live music, and the clink of glasses raised in midwinter cheer. The beloved Dark Tides Festival is back—bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever.
Held in late June to mark the Winter Solstice, this enchanting festival invites locals and visitors alike to embrace the beauty of the darkness and the hope of returning light. It’s a celebration of contrasts: chilly air and warm hearts, long nights and longer laughs, old traditions and fresh experiences.
❄ What to Expect at Dark Tides 2025
Whether you’re a returning reveller or a curious first-timer, this year’s Dark Tides will not disappoint. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:
🌕 Winter Solstice Pub Crawl
Grab your lantern and meander through the historic streets of Port Adelaide, stopping in at participating pubs and bars along the way. Each venue will offer unique festival specials, from mulled wine and spiced cocktails to hot toddies and locally brewed winter ales.
🎶 Live Music at Fossils
From acoustic duos tucked into cosy corners to energetic bands the music never stops.
🍽 Hearty Winter Fare
Fuel your wanderings with soul-warming dishes crafted by some of Port Adelaide’s most beloved kitchens. Think slow-cooked meats, fire-roasted veggies, cheesy bakes, and decadent desserts designed to keep the cold at bay.
🕯 Lantern Magic
Expect to be dazzled. The Festival’s signature lantern installations, will light the way through the heart of Port. Every creation is a symbol of hope, creativity, and renewal.
🗺 A Walkable Wonderland
The beauty of Dark Tides? It’s all within easy reach. All venues are located within a 15-minute walk, creating an immersive, intimate, and highly explorable festival trail.
🎉 Participating Venues
This years participating venues are as follows.
🎉 Festival Highlights:
🔥 The Port Admiral Hotel – Cosy up with all the toasty winter cocktails you’ve come to expect: Hot Buttered Rums, Hot Toddys, and Mulled Cider served all weekend long.
🦀 Salty Dog Seafood Bar & Grill – Dive into a menu of Winter Warmers celebrating fresh seafood with seasonal flair.
🍷 Fergie Mac’s – Serving warm German-style Glühwein and gluten-free berry brownies on Friday & Saturday night — the perfect winter treat.
🎬 10 Gallon Hat – “Hex” – A Pagan Film Ritual
4 X films screening nightly from 6pm in a transformed beer garden, complete with free popcorn, red lighting, heaters, and blankets.
“Relax with your favourite poison and descend into madness.”
🍇 Port & Vine – Offering 1 x 2-for-1 drinks per person, per day. A perfect spot to warm up with boutique wines and good company.
🎧 Confession –
Friday 20 June: Afterdark club night with DJs from 9pm–late and happy hour 9–10pm.
Saturday 21 June: Doors open to the public from midnight post-private event.
🥃 MacGregor & Young –
Friday night: Enjoy signature gin cocktails.
Saturday night: Gather around as the first fire is lit, with winter drinks and bites to match the moment.
🎶 Fossils Wine Bar – Your cosy retro hideaway featuring live music, local wines and plenty of atmosphere to carry you deep into the night.
🕯️ SA Maritime Museum – Winter Special
Visit during Dark Tides or any time from 1 June to 31 August, and receive free entry to the National Motor Museum with your Maritime Museum ticket.
📍Open daily 10am–5pm. Look for the glowing lanterns and enjoy a bit of history with your solstice.
🎼 Milledges Distillery – Close out the festival on a high note with the Tim Sheehan Duo performing live from 3pm–6pm on Sunday 22nd. Sip handcrafted spirits and soak in the final sunset of the solstice weekend.
🕯️ Lanterns by the Port Adelaide Artists Forum will illuminate the path and spark your sense of wonder throughout the weekend.
courtyard to sip wine, or a cosy nook to escape the chill, Port Adelaide has a space for every kind of winter soul.
**Mark your calendars kicking off Friday June 20th, gather your crew, and layer up—**Dark Tides Festival is your chance to celebrate the coldest season with the warmest of vibes.
Follow us for venue announcements, event updates, and sneak peeks of what’s to come. Let the darkness glow, Port Adelaide.
