The curtains open at Hopgood Theatre – Free Family Fun Day for all.

Published on 26 September 2025

The much-loved Hopgood Theatre will welcome the community for a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday 25 October from 1–4pm, celebrating the completion of its $6 million transformation, supported by a state government grant.

The event features a packed program of free activities for all ages (full details below), including outdoor entertainment, creative workshops, performances, story time, and behind-the-scenes tours. Families can drop in anytime or stay for the whole afternoon.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said, “The Hopgood Theatre has long been a cultural hub for our region, and this transformation ensures it will continue to inspire and connect our community for generations to come. We invite everyone to come and experience the new-look theatre at our Free Family Fun Day.”

All arts activities are free, with food and drinks available to purchase. The Free Family Fun Day is also a chance to discover the theatre’s exciting calendar of upcoming shows – delivered through a renewed partnership between the City of Onkaparinga and Country Arts SA. Upcoming shows include one of Australia’s most talented comedians Anh Do on 25 November, and the internationally acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir on 17 February. For more information, visit hopgoodtheatre.com.au.

Free Family Fun Day program:

  • Outdoor entertainment and a community BBQ
  • Cardboard city construction (suitable 5–12-year-olds)
  • Puppet making (4–8-year-olds)
  • Animation workshops (5–15-year-olds)
  • Short film screenings (suitable 4–8-year-olds)
  • Music concerts and demonstrations (all ages)
  • Storytime sessions (suitable 1–6-year-olds)
  • Costume creation and parades (suitable all ages)
  • Family-friendly chill zone
  • Behind-the-scenes tours (suitable ages 12+)
  • And more!

About the Hopgood’s transformation

As the largest theatre in southern Adelaide, the Hopgood’s upgrade – funded by the Government of South Australia, led by the City of Onkaparinga and designed by Grieve Gillett Architects – includes:

  • fresh interiors with state-of-the-art sound, lighting and acoustics
  • a bold new vibrant pink identity
  • improved accessibility, including 10 new wheelchair and companion seating spaces
  • a revitalised front of house and bar
  • a second, new intimate performance space for smaller productions
  • improved back of house, green room and rehearsal spaces.

The decision to renovate the theatre was inspired by passionate advocacy from the local community, City of Onkaparinga, the Save the Hopgood group (now known as the Onkaparinga Arts Theatres Supporters) and South Australia's arts sector.

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