The countdown is on for SA Youth Week 2025! From leadership summits to laser tag, cooking classes and cosplay comps, discover what’s on near you.
Step away from the scroll – SA Youth Week has arrived with actual plans worth making. From 9-17 April, South Australia transforms into a hub of opportunity for young people aged 12-25.
The statewide celebration features everything from gaming tournaments to hands-on workshops, artistic showcases, and social justice forums – showcasing opportunities for young South Australians to connect and grow.
Here are three standout events that capture the essence of SA Youth Week – connection, empowerment, and young people creating real change.
Cooking up confidence: EYDN’s Accessible Cooking Class
The reality of solo living hits different when you realise your culinary repertoire stops at microwave meals. For young people with disability, kitchen confidence isn’t just about avoiding instant noodles – it’s a crucial stepping stone toward independence and empowerment.
That’s where an Enabled Youth Disability Network (EYDN) and Sprout Cooking School collaboration comes in.
This free, hands-on cooking class isn’t just about following recipes – it’s about mastering real kitchen skills. Funded by the state government, it teaches young people with disability (aged 16-25) how to cook a three-course meal they can proudly serve to family and friends.
“We want young people with disability to feel included in their communities,” says Louie Dempsey, Project Leader at EYDN.
“This class isn’t just about cooking – it’s about building independence, social engagement, and confidence in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.”
Hosted in an industrial-style, fully-accessible kitchen, participants prepare meals from scratch, develop new skills, and share the food they’ve created.
According to Louie, past participants consistently rank this among their top EDYN experiences. “It’s one of those events that people keep asking us to bring back,” she says. “It’s empowering, it’s social, and most of all – it’s fun.”
No experience necessary – just bring your appetite for learning.
EYDN isn’t just leading the charge for accessible events during Youth Week – they’re fighting for inclusion all year round.
As an organisation run by and for young people with disability, EYDN provides advocacy, capacity-building, and practical support to ensure young South Australians with disability have opportunities to participate fully in their communities.
“We’d love to see all community events designed with accessibility in mind from the start,” Louie says. “It’s not just about ramps and accessible bathrooms – it’s about creating spaces where people feel welcome, seen, and valued.”
With EYDN’s “by youth, for youth” approach, they’re proving that truly inclusive events start with accessibility at the core – not as a checkbox, but by involving people with disability in every step of the planning process.
The Youth Impact Summit: Turning talk into action
While Youth Week is packed with fun and skill-building events, it’s also a time for young people to have a say in shaping their future.
The Youth Impact Summit, organised by the Commissioner for Children & Young People, takes place on 5 April at the University of Adelaide and transforms aspirations into concrete plans.
This free, one-day event connects emerging changemakers with decision-makers and community organisers to explore pathways for youth-led change. The agenda includes panel discussions, focused table talks, networking opportunities, and food trucks serving complimentary meals throughout the day.
Whether your passion lies in climate justice, social equity, or local community development, the summit offers both inspiration and practical next steps. Registration closes 3 April.
Kicking things off: The SA Youth Week Launch event
The official launch celebration, hosted by the state government, drops on 9 April at City Skate, West Terrace Adelaide.
The lineup features live music performances, skate clinics, interactive workshops, catering, and a dedicated sensory-friendly space.
More highlights worth checking out
The statewide program extends well beyond these featured events:
- Wardli Block Party (11 April, Christie Downs) – A youth-led celebration featuring live music, skating, food, interactive activities, and a youth market.
- Harmony Fest (11 April, Salisbury) – Dive into a multicultural festival of dance, live music, henna art and delicious food.
- GeekFest (12 April, Burnside) – Immerse yourself in cosplay competitions, VR gaming stations, laser tag arenas, and a curated Artist’s Alley showcasing local creators.
- SYP Sounds (13 April, Yorketown) – Discover emerging musicians, sample regional food vendors, and witness the unveiling of a new community songwriting collective.
- Rainbow Run (14 April, Whyalla) – Experience the sensory rush of being showered in vibrant colour powders while supporting LGBTQIA+ youth initiatives.
- Come & Try Surfing (14 April, Moana Beach) – Catch your first wave with professional instructors in a judgment-free environment designed for beginners.
- Urban Art with Gawler Youth (17 April, Gawler) – Transform discarded objects into street art through guided spray-painting workshops.
This represents just a fraction of the full program, which spans tech tournaments, career expos, neighbourhood celebrations, and footy-themed cake decoration classes across metropolitan and regional South Australia.
Making the most of the week
This year’s expanded program – powered by a $70,000 state government funding boost – offers more opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, develop practical skills, and experience what the state has to offer its young residents.
Browse the full event calendar at SA Youth Week and book your spot
