Easter in Adelaide 2026

Easter is one of the most magical times of year for young children — and Adelaide never disappoints when it comes to making the most of it. Whether you’re planning a big family outing, a relaxed Hills adventure or a fun-filled day closer to home, the city and its surrounds are bursting with wonderful events, experiences and activities to enjoy across the long weekend and school holidays. From wildlife encounters and carnival rides to community markets and Easter egg trails, here is your guide to the best Easter experiences Adelaide has to offer in 2026.

Meadows Easter Fair  

If you’re looking for a relaxed, community-spirited way to celebrate Easter this year, the Meadows Easter Fair is not to be missed. This beloved annual event returns across the four days of Easter 2026 — and it’s one of the region’s most anticipated family-friendly celebrations.

Welcoming over 21,000 visitors each year, the Meadows Easter Fair is a true community celebration that brings together families, local makers, musicians and entertainers for four days of Easter fun. With over 150 stallholders calling the fair home, there is something wonderful to discover around every corner.

Browse an incredible variety of:

•  Handmade crafts and artisan goods
• Plants and fresh produce
• Delicious food and gourmet treats
• Homewares, collectables and unique finds
• Live music and entertainment
• Family activities and fun for all ages

Whether you’re strolling with a pram, chasing toddlers between stalls or simply soaking up the relaxed Hills atmosphere, the Meadows Easter Fair offers the kind of unhurried, joyful Easter experience that families cherish year after year.

Where: Meadows

When: April 3 – 6

Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cost: Free entry

Adelaide Easter Carnival 

Looking for something special to do with the little ones these Easter school holidays? The Adelaide Easter Carnival 2026 is back for its second year — and it’s shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.

Running from 2–6 April 2026 at Civic Park, Modbury (Tea Tree Gully), the carnival offers five action-packed days of entertainment for the whole family — and best of all, entry is free.

From thrilling amusement rides and classic sideshow alley games to a magical Easter egg hunt and spectacular fireworks, there is truly something for every age to enjoy. Families can also browse vibrant market stalls, grab a bite from the food trucks, and treat the kids to face painting and hair braiding — making for a full day of fun and unforgettable Easter memories.

Want to make the most of your visit? Grab discounted ride coupons online before the carnival begins and save on the day. Please note that presale pricing — including discounted ride coupons and Easter egg hunt tickets — will not be available for purchase at the event, so be sure to secure yours in advance.

Where: Civic Park, Modbury

When: April 2 – 6

Time: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Cost: Free entry

Easter at Adelaide Zoo 

Looking for a meaningful and memorable way to celebrate Easter with the little ones this long weekend? Adelaide Zoo is open across the entire Easter weekend — Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April, including public holidays — and they have something truly special planned.

This Easter, Adelaide Zoo is shining a spotlight on one of Australia’s most remarkable and beloved native species — the Greater Bilby. Affectionately known as Australia’s “Easter Bilby,” this unique nocturnal marsupial plays a vital role in healthy ecosystems and is at the heart of important conservation efforts working to secure its future in the wild.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce young children to the world of native wildlife, conservation and what it means to care for the planet we share.

What’s On Across the Long Weekend

Bilby Keeper Talks — get up close and learn from the experts caring for these incredible animals every day

Giant Easter Egg Trail — follow the trail and discover fun facts along the way

Melba’s Chocolate Giveaways — sweet treats for the whole family (Easter Sunday only, while stocks last)

Creative Colouring Activities — perfect for little hands and big imaginations

Prize Giveaways — with the chance to score some great Easter prizes

Whether you’re an educator looking for inspiration for nature-based learning or a family searching for an Easter experience that’s as educational as it is enjoyable, a visit to Adelaide Zoo this long weekend ticks every box.

Where: Adelaide Zoo & Monarto Zoo

When: April 3 – 6

Cost: see Easter at the Zoo – Adelaide Zoo for ticket prices and bookings.

Melba’s Easter Long Weekend

No Adelaide Easter guide would be complete without a visit to Melba’s — and this year they are pulling out all the stops across not one, but two stunning locations. Whether you’re heading to the Adelaide Hills or exploring the Barossa Valley, Melba’s is open across the entire Easter long weekend from Friday 3 to Sunday 6 April, 9:00am to 4:30pm daily, with free family entertainment, delicious food and — of course — an endless supply of Easter chocolate.

Don’t miss the chance to pick up a Chocolate Bilby at either location, with proceeds supporting the Zoos SA Greater Bilby Conservation program. A sweet way to give back.

Melba’s Woodside Factory | Adelaide Hills 22 Henry Street, Woodside SA

Spend the day on the lawns of Melba’s beautiful Woodside Factory and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly Easter experience in the heart of the Adelaide Hills.

Free Entertainment (12:00pm – 4:30pm daily, 3–6 April) Free Face Painting and Free Balloon Twisters

Food & Drinks Maxine’s Baked Potatoes  3–6 April, 9:00am–4:30pm daily, Territory Jaffle & Co  3–4 April, 9:00am–4:30pm daily,  Melba’s Hot Chocolates and Coffees.

Melba’s Angaston Dessert Bar & Lolly Shop | Barossa Valley Angaston, Barossa Valley SA

Head to the Barossa for an Easter celebration with a gorgeous valley backdrop, indulgent treats and plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family smiling all day long.

Free Entertainment (12:00pm – 4:30pm daily)  Free Nylon Zoo  3–5 April and Free Face Painting  3–6 April

Food & Drinks Pizza Master & The Slice  3-6 April, 9:00am–4:30pm daily, Paellas SA  3–6 April, 9:00am–4:30pm daily, Melba’s Hot Chocolates and Coffees.

Two incredible locations, one unforgettable Easter weekend. Whether you choose the Hills, the Barossa or manage both — Melba’s is guaranteed to deliver the sweetest of Easter memories for the whole family.

Adelaide International Kite Festival 2026

Okay, so it might not be strictly Easter-themed — but the Semaphore Kite Festival is without doubt one of the most joyful and visually spectacular family events on Adelaide’s autumn calendar, and it falls perfectly across the Easter long weekend.

Held along the beautiful Semaphore foreshore, this beloved community event transforms the sky above the beach into a breathtaking canvas of colour, with kites of every shape, size and design soaring overhead. It’s the kind of experience that stops children in their tracks and reminds grown-ups to look up and simply enjoy the moment.

For families with young children, the festival offers a wonderful sensory experience — the colours, the movement, the sea breeze and the buzz of a happy crowd all coming together to create something genuinely magical. Pack a picnic, kick off your shoes and let the little ones run free while the sky does the entertaining.

A refreshing change of pace from the chocolate and egg hunts — and honestly, one of the highlights of the Adelaide Easter calendar.

Where: Semaphore Beach and Foreshore

When: April 4 – 6. Kite flying each day from 11:00am-4:00pm, Festival Marketplace open 11:00am-5:00pm daily.

Looking for passionate early childhood educators across Adelaide and South Australia? Get in touch with the Entrée Early Years team today. Phone (08) 8100 8877.