History is for everyone, not just dusty old books or school lessons about the world wars, and that’s exactly what History Festival 2026 is celebrating.
With the 2026 theme ‘Connections,’ everyone old and young is encouraged to talk with each other and reminisce on the history shared or otherwise.
While kids might roll their eyes at stories from grandparents now, those stories are part of the history that helps shape who they are today. These fun events and activities are a great way to show that history can be engaging, meaningful and something worth celebrating.
Here’s a list of the best History Festival 2026 events that you can do with the kids!
Gnomeland Children’s Picnic
Gnomes at Lot 50 Cafe, AI generated image, 2026, Yankalilla District Historical Society & Lot 50
Did you know that Lot 50 was once the location of a magical place called Gnomeland? Now, for history Festival 2026, some of that magic has been re-created for a fun and games picnic for preschoolers. Join Ruth and the cafe team to discover Yankalilla gnomes and friends.
When: Thursday May 14 from 10am-11.30am
Where: Lot 50 – 64 Main Street, Yankalilla
For more info, click here.
Travel Through Time Transport Trail
All aboard! Join the Noarlunga Library children’s transport trail and discover their past transport history. Learn how innovations in transport created lasting community connections. From a mobile library to a travelling butcher, follow clues to discover the secret destination word and receive your train ticket entry into the prize draw.
When: Open Friday 1 May, Monday 4 May, Tuesday 5 May and Wednesday 6 May from 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 2 May and Saturday 9 May from 10am to 3pm, and Thursday 7 May from 9.30am to 7pm.
Where: Hannah Rd, Noarlunga Centre, SA, 5168
For more info, click here.
The F Factor: A Taste of Nostalgia
Get (re-)acquainted with the foods South Australians have known for generations on this two-hour walking tour! Delve into the history of SA products such as Fruchocs, fritz and frog cakes with a born-and-raised Adelaidean. It’ll be sure to give your tastebuds a hit of nostalgia with samples along the way and goodies to take home.
P.s. lunch is included!
When: Friday May 22 & Tuesday May 26 from 11am – 1pm
Where: Meeting at Haigh’s Chocolates – Adelaide Arcade, 118 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
Dublin: 2001 – 2026 – 2051
Travel through time at the Dublin Institute, where the Dublin Lions Park Time Capsule has been opened to reveal memories from 2001. Now it’s your turn, kids and families are invited to help create a brand-new capsule, telling today’s stories for people to discover in 2051.
When: Sunday May 17, from 1pm-4pm
Where: Dublin Institute – 9 Sixth Street, Dublin
For more info, click here.
For a list of all the events happen for History Festival 2026 in South Australia, click here.
