Rundle Mall has kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations, with city-goers encouraged to share their fondest memories of the southern hemisphere’s largest pedestrian mall.
The Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), which manages the Precinct, has invited people to share stories about the Mall, which was opened by then-Premier Don Dunstan in September 1976.
The initiative is part of year-long golden jubilee celebrations, which kicked off on Monday, 12 January 2026, with the launch of new anniversary branding.
The jubilee logo will be seen on South Australian streets this month as part of the Santos Tour Down Under convoy.
In short:
- Rundle Mall will celebrate its 50-year anniversary in 2026.
- People are invited to share their memories of the Mall.
- The State Government of South Australia will provide $250,000 in funding to support anniversary celebrations.
AEDA Executive Manager, Rundle Mall, Andrew White, says the program is built around history, social connection and legacy.
“Across 2026, we’ll deliver a year-long program of activations, events and collaborations that elevate the everyday, spark curiosity and invite people to rediscover the Mall—building to a major Golden Jubilee moment on 1 September,” Mr White says.
“Rundle Mall is no longer just a street—it’s a day-and-night destination of retail, food, entertainment, culture and public life.
“This anniversary is about honouring that legacy while setting the direction for what comes next.”
To support the anniversary celebrations, the State Government of South Australia has committed $250,000 towards programming.
The government’s investment will support a program of events, activations and community initiatives, ensuring the celebrations deliver benefits for the Mall, the city and the wider community.
The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, says the funding recognises Rundle Mall’s significance to South Australians as a social, cultural and economic hub.
“Rundle Mall is the heart of Adelaide—a place that has shaped how South Australians shop, gather, celebrate and connect for five decades,” Mr Malinauskas says.
“It’s not just a retail precinct; it’s a shared civic space that belongs to everyone.
“Economically, culturally and socially, Rundle Mall is the pulse of the city. It supports thousands of jobs, drives CBD visitation and small business success, and plays a central role in the major events and festivals that define Adelaide.”
Rundle Mall, the busiest shopping precinct in Australia, was inspired by European piazzas and designed as a human-centred city space for connection, culture, performance and everyday life.
It welcomes 52 million visitors each year and is home to 1,000 businesses, featuring a blend of international and national flagships and local retailers.
The South Australian landmark, home to the iconic ‘Mall’s Balls’, has been the setting for memorable moments, including royal visits and impromptu performances.
AEDA is responsible for Mall programming, which includes more than 300 events, activations and performances.
Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM says the Mall’s 50th anniversary was an invitation to the entire community to reminisce about the Mall’s past and look forward to the future.
“Rundle Mall belongs to everyone,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
“This is a chance to celebrate the memories—first jobs, first dates, shopping with grandparents, the Magic Cave, meeting ‘at the Balls’, while also setting the stage for the next half-century.
“We invite South Australians to share their stories and be part of this celebration, and we acknowledge the thousands of workers, retailers and business owners who bring the Mall to life every day.”
Visit https://www.rundlemall.com/50-years/stories for more information.
Images
Image One: AEDA Executive Manager, Rundle Mall, Andrew White
Image Two: Rundle Mall 50-year anniversary car.
Image Three: The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia