Images by Juan Van Staden
If you’re looking for a new spot to catch up with friends, grab a date night drink or simply to soak in all the Illuminate vibes, one of Adelaide’s favourite pop-up bars is back! Until July 19th, Lumen Bar is back, transforming Adelaide University’s Goodman Lawns into the ultimate after-dark winter destination.
Lumen is returning as part of Illuminate Adelaide’s popular City Lights trail, giving festivalgoers a place to warm up and enjoy the atmosphere between exploring the city’s spectacular light installations.
If you remember last year’s 1970s lounge theme or 2024’s Japan in the 1960s theme, you’ll know that Lumen knows how to get the party started. This year is no different, with the bar taking inspiration from London’s iconic nu jazz movement of the 1990s, combining jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop and house music into a venue that’s sure to keep the party going well into the evening.
Adelaide University’s Director Events Ross Ganf shared, “The look and feel took inspiration from early 90s clubs in London, and the way that sound found its own aesthetic in Adelaide through places like Cargo Club and Club Foote. The spirit of this music has existed in Adelaide for more than three decades, and it is having its time in the light again at Lumen Bar.”
Each afternoon will begin with interactive Jukebox Sessions, where visitors can request tracks to help shape the playlist before vinyl DJs take over into the evening. Fridays and Saturdays will also feature a rotating lineup of free live performances from some of Adelaide’s top musicians, including Elder Conservatorium alumni.
Bargoers will be able to catch performances from Duck Soup, 5 Sided Cube, Alexander Flood, A Funk Odyssey, Surahn and Cargo Ago Go, delivering everything from acid jazz and funk fusion to dancefloor hits.
There’s a menu to match, which has been created by the National Wine Centre’s head chef Satoshi Kikuchi, alongside Waite Chef in Residence Karena Armstrong and former Chef in Residence Kane Pollard.
Karena’s dishes include fried fava beans seasoned with saltbush and mountain pepper, with fresh Coffin Bay oysters served with karkalla pickle or lilly pilly vinegar. Kane’s tomato whipped hemp seed ricotta with spent brewers’ grain bark also features among the snack-style offerings.
“The Lumen snacks are full of flavour, with the right amount of salt and umami,” shared Karena. “I love meeting up with friends over a glass of wine and something good to eat. It might be a quick drink, or it might turn into a meandering few hours.”
Alongside food, attendees can enjoy classic cocktails alongside a carefully curated wine list celebrating Adelaide University alumni winemakers, with special midweek wine tastings also on the calendar.
Illuminate Adelaide Co-Founder and Creative Director Rachael Azzopard shared, “Lumen is back on campus this year with a great menu, a killer wine list and a seamless blend of jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop and house inspired by London’s Nu Jazz movement. It is a great place to stop in, get warm and refuel on your Illuminate adventure.”
Lumen Bar is the perfect base for exploring the free City Lights installations across the North Terrace campus.
Inside Bonython Hall, French digital artist Miguel Chevalier will present Pixel Waves, an immersive installation where glowing animated patterns flow across the floor, creating a constantly shifting digital landscape.
Nearby, experiences also include Under Pressure by Slovak artist Pavol Truben, which is an interactive light and sound installation exploring society’s obsession with health and self-improvement. The wider City Lights trail is also a highlight with giant illuminated inflatable animals in Nocturnal, created by UK studio Glow Art Creations.
So if you’re looking for a fantastic venue with live music, great cocktails, and a place to warm up with a vibe that’s equally as hot, Lumen Bar is sure to be one of Illuminate Adelaide’s must-visit destinations.
Lumen Bar
When: Friday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 19th
Where: Goodman Crescent Lawns, Adelaide University, North Terrace
For more information, click here.
