What’s on at Adelaide Central Market

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 04/08/2024

Reading time: 4 mins

Find out what’s happening at the Adelaide Central Market year-round!

Calling all market lovers, come visit the Adelaide Central Market, a thriving hub in the city that is filled with fresh food. This market is also the largest undercover fresh produce in the Southern Hemisphere! With over 70 stalls under one roof, there is a lot to see and buy while here.

When the Market is Open

Between Tuesday and Saturday, the Adelaide Central Market is open with different trading hours. The Market is also closed on public holidays.

Tuesday: 7 AM to 5:30 PM

Wednesday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

Thursday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

Friday: 7 AM to 9 PM

Saturday: 7 AM to 3 PM

How to Get to the Market

Thankfully with the Market located in the middle of Adelaide City, there are plenty of ways to get there! If you’re close by, you can walk or cycle, or if you’re a bit further out, you can catch a tram or bus or even drive.

If you plan to drive, there are three hours of free parking available on Saturdays at UPark Andrew and UPark Grote. On entry, grab a ticket and validate it at The Market Stall before 3 PM to receive three hours free. Otherwise, there is parking available at the UPark Central Market with the first hour free.

What’s On at the Markets

Throughout the year pop up events take place, with kid friendly events during the school holidays. There are of course stalls available at all times at the Market to check out every day.

Audio tour

Learn more about the Market’s history on this amazing audio tour, guided by Adam Liaw and Katie Spain. The free audio tour takes you through the 150 years of history at the Market where you learn about the early days and a chance to discover hidden gems.

You can listen to the tour wherever you listen to your podcasts, just search for Adelaide Central Market Audio Tour.

Live music

Every Friday evening there is live music from Adelaide’s favourite musicians! Between 6 to 8 PM, you could listen to an acoustic set from Alice Haddy, Brian Ruiz, Ollie English, and many more.

Kids face painting

Bring along your kids and have them get a free face painting every Saturday morning! There are plenty of designs, for your kids to pick from a fairy, dinosaur, or even a flower.

Cooking demonstrations 

The Market often holds some cooking demonstrations to share ways how to cook, ways to make cooking more fun, and more. Keep an eye out to see what the next upcoming cooking demonstration could be!

Stalls

There are over 70 stalls trading all year round at the Adelaide Central Market! Here is where you can get your fresh food from fruit and veggies to seafood, bakery goods, meat and poultry, cheeses, and much more.

Around the Market, you will also notice plenty of amazing cafes and eateries to pop into for a fresh coffee or a bite to eat.

School holiday activities

Over the school holidays, the Market runs events for the kids to enjoy. Generally, the activities are free or low cost!

  • Kids Market Trail

The Kids Market Trail allows your little foodie to learn about the produce the Market has. Each child will receive a market bag and map for them to follow to visit each stop listed on the map. The stops listed will allow them to try a range of items like yoghurt, fruit, cheese, and a yummy treat.

  • Little Market Chef

The Little Market Chef is for children between 6 to 12 who are keen to learn about how to prep healthy meals. At the end of the class, the kids will take home the small meal they prepared during the class!

  • Art Workshop

The Art Workshop is a free drop in style event run by the artist Scott Rathman. The class is best suited for children between the ages of 6 to 12 who want to get involved in their artistic side.

What are you most looking forward to when visiting the Adelaide Central Market?

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.