Photos: Company Works
Last Friday night, Hindmarsh Square buzzed with yapping, sipping and grazing as the sun went down.
Friends sprawled across picnic rugs strewn with natural wine bottles as a pop-up bar poured local drinks, Gang Gang flipped burgers, and DJs Sam Lavers and David Musch spun and auctioned vinyl.
It was the debut of Park Up, a new Friday night community series inspired by Europe’s park culture, offering an after-work retreat this October as the city warms into summer.
“Park Up is a deliberately lax, low-pressure environment for anyone and everyone in the city after work to kick back, soak up spring and listen to some lush music together,” explains Elliott Jamie from Company, Adelaide design and production collective.
“We’re offering a casual in-between that encourages people to spend time in the city’s parks and create a simple ritual for socialising and connection with people and place.”
Park Up is a response to a recent City of Adelaide initiative designed to encourage more casual, social use of the Park Lands, with Company brought on board to bring the series to life.
Elliott is joined at Company by Henry Jarman, David Musch and Oscar Harding, the team behind boutique electronic music festival Sidebyside and pop-up open-air nightclub Sanctuary. Together, they’re curating ambitious and creative events, adding more colour and dimension to the city’s social fabric.
“Adelaide’s culture is diverse and creatively committed,” Elliott says.
“Through Company, we’re aiming to provide unique events and world-building, and to encourage an adventurous and inclusive scene. We hope Park Up adds something community-minded, laid-back and designed to lift the weight of the work week off your back.”
With upcoming Park Up dates on October 17 and 24, and a second three-week stint in January to February, the series will evolve with each event, bringing different local collaborators on board and highlighting some of the city’s record selectors, either playing or selling wax.
“We wanted to highlight one DJ per event to allow them to stretch out over a few hours,” Elliott says. “A blend of friends and local selectors who we felt would set the tone nicely for an afternoon in the park.”
This Friday, Sharni Honor of Porch Records takes over the turntables as Staazi and Co cook up vegan Greek food, while the bar pours Delinquente, Pluto Spirits, Laneway Beverage Co, Pirate Life and Mischief Brew throughout the series.
Company has a big summer ahead, working on special installations for Beyond the Valley and MOD. Museum, and preparing for Sanctuary and Sidebyside early next year.
For the meantime, Park Up is easing us into summer amid the city’s evening charm and after-work golden light.
Park Up: Fridays 17 & 24 October 2025 // 23 & 30 January + 6 February 2026 // Hindmarsh Square/Mukata, Adelaide 5000
