Sanctuary: Adelaide’s Open-Air Club Experience Returns

As the vibrant summer nights warm up the city, Adelaide is buzzing with excitement over the return of the Sanctuary open-air club series. Taking place along the picturesque riverbank, this annual event has once again brought a kaleidoscope of music, art, and community dance culture back to life. This season marks the longest run yet, spanning 11 Saturdays, offering attendees a sensory experience unlike any other.

A Stellar Line-Up of Musical Talent

Kicking off the series was a spectacular opening party featuring Merve, a Berlin-based Melbourne native, who headlined alongside other incredible acts like Fishermen’s Friend, Alley O, Wallace & Malone, and the event’s creator, David Musch himself. With each weekend, the lineup boasts a blend of local and global talent across various electronic genres.

For those who missed the initial events, fear not! The festival continues through the balmy nights of February, leading into early March. Upcoming highlights include an exclusive performance by Danilo Plessow, known to many as Motor City Drum Ensemble. After more than a decade away from South Australia, his anticipated set promises to be a highlight of this season.

Engaging Community Elements

What sets Sanctuary apart from standard music events is its ethos of community involvement and artistic expression. Organized by Company Works in collaboration with FutureJuice, the event emphasizes a holistic blend of music, design, and art. Each week, attendees find themselves enveloped in an immersive environment crafted by local artists and designers, transforming the space with installations that reflect the spirit of Adelaide’s creative community.

David Musch, the visionary behind the project, emphasizes, “Design, art, and world-building play a large role in the Sanctuary experience, from our brutalist architectural stage to car-dance podiums.” This unique approach has fostered an environment where participants can escape from their daily routines and simply enjoy the rhythm of the night.

Weekly Highlights and Special Guests

Every Saturday night, attendees can anticipate the unveiling of surprise guest performers. This tradition keeps anticipation high within the community. For instance, upcoming performances feature the talented Jennifer Loveless, bringing her unique sound from Berlin to the scene, alongside local acts like Club Sandwich, Elsie Craig, Mikayla, and Pierre Honey.

It’s evident that each event is designed not just for entertainment, but for connection—a celebration of unity through music and dance.

Community-Centric Approach

One of the core missions of Sanctuary is to ensure it remains accessible and inclusive. Musch notes a steady turnout of around 800-1200 attendees each week, showcasing the overwhelming support from the community. “It’s built by our community, for the community,” he asserts, reinforcing the event’s foundational belief in collective experience.

This open-air club encourages a diverse audience to partake in its offerings, whether they are seasoned festival-goers or newcomers looking to explore the vibrant local scene.

Closing Celebration: What to Expect

As the series approaches its grand finale on Saturday, March 28, whispers of a special closing party filled with surprises are already generating buzz. Attendees can expect an unforgettable night celebrating the culmination of a memorable season. With every detail meticulously planned, the closing event promises to uphold the high standards set throughout the season.

Practical Information for Attendees

For those looking to join the revelry, Sanctuary runs from January 17 to March 28, each Saturday from 7 PM to 3 AM, with a special one-off party on Friday, February 27, from 7 PM to 2 AM. Located at Helen Mayo Park/Tulya Wardli, this venue serves as a stunning backdrop for the ongoing celebrations.

Tickets for the Friday event can be purchased in advance, while Saturday nights operate on a door-sale basis only. For ongoing updates about headlining acts, ticket information, and overall event details, attendees are encouraged to visit the official Sanctuary page.

Preparing for a night at Sanctuary means stepping into a world where art, connection, and music coalesce into a uniquely Adelaide experience. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy the evolving landscape of local art and music, Sanctuary promises not to disappoint.