For the fifth edition of Illuminate, we sat down with Co-Creators Lee Cumberlidge and Rachael Azzopardi to learn more in their own words on what to see in the thriving winter program.

Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge, Illuminate Adelaide Co-Founders and Creative Directors. Photo: Frankie The Creative.

Want to see something completely new?

“For our milestone fifth year, we wanted to headline the program with Night Visions – an after-dark adventure that not only takes visitors on an emotional and sensory journey but transports them into parallel realms – so it was hard not to return to the magnificent Adelaide Botanic Garden!

For this brand-new event we have brought together the unique talents of six visionary artists to create a series of immersive, ‘other worldly’ environments across the garden using thousands of lights, lasers, projections, and sound. Tree canopies will be transformed into evocative living monuments, walkways will become atmospheric gateways pulsing with colour and sound, and the Bicentennial Conservatory will burst with an array of cutting-edge laser and sound technology”.

Want to see something unexpected?

“Unsound Adelaide delivers cutting edge international experimental music once again with an exhilarating array of Australian premieres and exclusive shows from legendary artists and newcomers alike. Featuring legendary Velvet Underground founding member John Cale, improvisational US noise duo Yellow Swans, and German producer and DJ Wolfgang Voigt presenting his influential GAS project, this is the perfect bit for any bold music fan”.

Want to be wowed?

“Prepare to be captivated by awe-inspiring drone formations, dynamic video animations, and dazzling lighting effects at Horizons – this spectacular stadium experience that celebrates South Australia. We have pulled together an amazing team of creators and technicians together with the support of RAA as presenting partner to realise our dream of a major drone and light spectacular at the iconic Adelaide Oval!”

Want somewhere to relax?

“The Offline Club’s mission is to create spaces where people can disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves, others, and the world around them. Taking place in café’s, restaurants, and spaces throughout Adelaide, it has become a big movement in Europe, and we are thrilled to have the founders introduce the concept to Adelaide audiences”.

Want something quick?

“10 MINUTE DANCE PARTIES is a celebration of art and colour, costume and community, and the universal nature of dance. Collaborating with three DJs across the season, this is an all-ages event that asks you to have as much fun as you can – with one catch: you only have 10 minutes to dance. And dance you will!

Whether you're warming up for the night or just need a dance-fuelled pick-me-up, 10 MINUTE DANCE PARTIES is your invitation to move like no one's watching - because for 10 minutes, no one else exists”.

Want somewhere to take the kids?

"This is an experience that will ignite imaginations of all ages. Universal Kingdom: The Next Era is an unforgettable journey that brings the magic of dinosaurs to life in a way that is both spectacular and educational. Universal Kingdom invites visitors to see the zoo in a whole new light, journeying through a spectacular world of prehistoric creatures that are sure to captivate audiences of all ages, including favourites like the Triceratops, Pterodactyl, and the mighty Tyrannosaurs Rex”.

Want something unique?

“The Streetlights and Long Nights experience involves people sitting in a series of stationary cars after dark, transported into intimate stories through shared audio technology. It is created by local company Vitalstatistix who is one of Australia’s leading creative hubs for contemporary performance and interdisciplinary art. The organisation is nationally recognised for its feminist and socially engaged ethos, and for championing the development and presentation of new Australian works”.

More information from the 2025 Illuminate Adelaide edition of WeekendPlus: