South Australia’s beloved library festival returns for its fourth year, with Libraries SA bringing more than 300 events to the state’s network of 130 public libraries throughout July 2026.
Firstival runs from Wednesday 1 July to Friday 31 July, and this year’s program has something for every age and interest, with many events free to attend.
For adults, the lineup includes Sourdough and Gluten Free Bread Making, Lacto Fermentation 101 (covering sauerkraut and kimchi), Puppy Yoga, Mat Pilates in the Library, Sips and Circus Tricks Workshops, Interactive Book Tastings with drinks paired to book themes, How to Make Your Own Low Tox Skincare, Rhythmic Drumming Workshops, Inclusive Friendship Evenings and an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. For the single bookworms, there is even Speed Dating in the Library.
Families and kids are well catered for across the winter school holidays, with children’s activities including Kids Yoga, Homemade Book Week Costume Workshops, Biscuit Decorating and Kite Making, and teen offerings such as Dungeons and Dragons, Astrology for Beginners and Brush Pen Calligraphy.
State Library of SA Director Megan Berghuis says Firstival has become a genuine driver of community connection. “Firstival is about more than just activities. These are wonderful opportunities for people of all ages to reconnect with their local library and each other and try something new. Our public libraries are vibrant, safe and welcoming spaces where people can play, learn, make and be inspired.”
Since launching in July 2023, Libraries SA has welcomed more than 20,000 new members to the Libraries SA One Card Network during festival periods. In 2025 alone, almost 9,000 people attended events across the network, with close to 7,000 new members joining during July.
Some events require advance booking, so it pays to review the program before you go. Full details and bookings are available at firstival.com.au
