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Boost your business: Key dates for planning your 2025

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Research and planning

As a small business owner in South Australia, staying ahead of key events throughout the year is essential for successful forward planning.

This guide highlights key dates in 2025, providing you with the tools to forward-plan, boost your visibility, and leverage opportunities for growth.

By aligning your marketing efforts with significant dates, you can take advantage of peak times when consumer interest is high. Whether it’s a national holiday, a major local event, or a global celebration, strategically timing your campaigns ensures that your business remains relevant and top-of-mind.

January

Wednesday 1 January: New Year's Day (Public Holiday)

The start of the new year is a great opportunity for businesses to kick off their promotional activities with fresh sales or special offers. Many businesses use the month of January to launch new products or services.

Friday 17 - Sunday 26 January: Tour Down Under

The Tour Down Under is Australia's premier international cycling event, attracting thousands of visitors and sports fans to South Australia. It's a fantastic time for metro and regional businesses to capitalise on the influx of tourists and cycling enthusiasts.

Sunday 26 January: Australia Day (Public Holiday)

Monday 27 January (Observed)

Australia Day is a national holiday observed across the country, but may be sensitive for many people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ensure any business strategy involving this public holiday is carefully considered and respectful to First Nation Australians.

Tuesday 28 January: Term 1 begins for state schools

The Term 1 back to school rush is prime time for retailers that sell school supplies, electronics, shoes and sporting goods. Consider special promotions and ‘back-to-school’ campaigns to leverage this period of need. Be sure to stand out from the crowd, as this period becomes saturated with messaging.

Wednesday 29 January: Chinese New Year

Celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year by tapping into the vibrant cultural energy of Chinese New Year. Businesses in hospitality, retail, and tourism could promote special offers or host themed events – ensuring that cultural appropriateness and sensitivities are considered.


February

Friday 14 February: Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to tap into the mood of romance and love, especially if your business is in the hospitality or retail industry. Create a catered experience for couples to enjoy a romantic experience or offer irresistible gifting ideas.

Friday 14 – Sunday 16 February: LIV Golf

LIV Golf brings top-tier international golf players to Adelaide, drawing significant attention to the sport and attracting crowds to the CBD. It's a perfect time for businesses to cater to sports fans and luxury seekers, and accommodation businesses to host interstate guests.

Friday 21 February - Sunday 23 March: Adelaide Fringe

This is one of the world’s largest open-access arts festivals, drawing large crowds to South Australia. Small businesses can take advantage of the influx of visitors for promotions, especially those in hospitality, arts, tourism and accommodation.

Thursday 27 February – Saturday 29 March: Ramadan

Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslim communities, marked by fasting and reflection. Businesses can cater to this period by offering halal options, promoting evening dining experiences for Iftar, or aligning with the spirit of community and giving.

Friday 28 February – Sunday 26 March: Adelaide Festival

One of South Australia’s premier arts festivals, the Adelaide Festival attracts cultural enthusiasts from near and far. It’s a prime opportunity for businesses in hospitality, retail, and tourism to connect with a creative and engaged audience.

March

Monday 10 March: Adelaide Cup Day (Public Holiday)

The Adelaide Cup is a horse race typically hosted on the second Monday of March. It’s one of the city’s biggest racing events, drawing large crowds to the track and related venues. It’s a day of fashion, food, and festivities.

Saturday 8 March: International Women's Day (IWD)

International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women and promotes gender equality. Many businesses use this day to highlight female empowerment and support women’s causes, often aligning activities to the specific theme for each year.

Friday 7 - Monday 10 March: WOMADelaide

WOMADelaide is a world-renowned music festival celebrating diverse global sounds, cultures, and arts. With thousands of attendees, it's an excellent time for local businesses to engage with a vibrant and diverse audience.

Tuesday 25 March: Federal Budget 2025/26

The federal budget details the intended expenditures of the government into the local economy and any financial assistance toward the cost-of-living and business operations.

April

Thursday 10 April - Sunday 12 April: AFL Gather Round

The AFL Gather Round brings all 18 AFL teams to Adelaide for a weekend of football action. This highly anticipated event draws major crowds, with opportunities for businesses to engage with sports fans.

Saturday 12 April – Sunday 27 April: Term 1 School Holidays

The first school break of the year sees families looking for local activities, entertainment, and travel opportunities. Tailor your campaigns to attract family-oriented customers.

Friday 18 April: Good Friday (Public Holiday)

Good Friday marks the start of the Easter weekend, a significant religious holiday. Easter is a time for families, and many businesses have sales around this long weekend. It’s a good time for special offers, particularly those related to food, gifts, or family-friendly products.

Saturday 19 April: Easter Saturday (Public Holiday)

Sunday 20 April: Easter Sunday (Public Holiday)

Monday 21 April: Easter Monday (Public Holiday)

Friday 25 April: Anzac Day (Public Holiday)

A day to commemorate Australian and New Zealand soldiers, ANZAC Day can be a reflective, patriotic time for your customers, and often people will start their day with a 6:00am Dawn Service.

May

Sunday 11 May: Mother’s Day

Businesses offering giftable products or services that have a high appeal to women often see increased demand leading up to this day. Be aware that for some people, Mother’s Day can be a difficult day and consider whether your audience can ‘opt out’ of Mother’s Day related communications.

May 27 to June 3: National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is an important time to reflect on the relationship between First Nations peoples and the wider Australian community. It’s an opportunity for businesses to show support for reconciliation through meaningful initiatives, collaborations, and events that promote understanding, inclusion, and respect.

June

Monday 9 June: The King’s Official Birthday (Public Holiday)

A public holiday that marks the official birthday of the British monarch.

Friday 27 June: Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day

This day recognises the vital contribution of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the global economy. It's a perfect time for small businesses to promote their own achievements and build community support.

Monday 30 June: End of Financial Year

Consumers have become accustomed to businesses offering end of financial year clearance sales and promotions. Special offers can be particularly enticing to those expecting a sizeable tax return and find themselves with additional disposable income at hand.

July

Saturday 5 July – Sunday 20 July: Term 2 School Holidays

A winter break perfect for promoting indoor experiences, warm comfort foods, and family-friendly activities. Consider special offers to draw families seeking school holiday fun.

Sunday 6 – Sunday 13 July: NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Small businesses can use this week to participate in local events, or highlight Indigenous products and suppliers, fostering a deeper connection with the community and celebrating Australia’s rich cultural diversity.

August

Friday 1 – Sunday 31 August: SALA Festival
The South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival is a month-long celebration of local art. Businesses can support and collaborate with artists, host exhibitions, or offer creative experiences to attract festival-goers.

September

Sunday 7 September: Father’s Day

Consumers will be on the look-out for gifting opportunities to celebrate the fathers in their lives. Retailers specialising in camping, sporting, electronic or similar types of goods see a particular influx of demand and should promote their offering with appeal towards this day. As with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day can be a difficult day for some people, so please consider if your customers can ‘opt out’ of Father’s Day related communications.

Saturday 27 September – Sunday 12 October: Term 3 School Holidays

Spring holidays bring families outdoors. Focus your marketing on travel, adventure, and outdoor experiences to tap into this active and vibrant period.

October

Monday 6 October: Labour Day (Public Holiday)

This public holiday recognises the achievements of the Australian workforce.

Monday 20 Oct 2025: Diwali

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated by many South Asian communities. Businesses can embrace the festive atmosphere with special promotions, events, or products that reflect the joy and vibrancy of this occasion.

Friday 31 October: Halloween

Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with many businesses embracing the spooky season through themed promotions, events, and products. It’s an opportunity to attract customers looking for costumes, decorations, treats, and Halloween-themed experiences.

November

Wednesday 19 November: International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the positive contributions men make to society and to raise awareness around issues that impact men’s health and well-being.

Thursday 27 - Sunday 30 November: VAILO ADL 500

The VAILO Adelaide 500 is one of Australia’s premier motorsport events, drawing large crowds for high-speed racing, concerts, and festivities. It’s a key event on the South Australian calendar, attracting motorsport fans from across the country.

Friday 28 November: Black Friday

Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Retailers offer some of their steepest discounts of the year, attracting bargain-hungry consumers.

December

Monday 1 December: Cyber Monday

Following Black Friday, Cyber Monday focuses on online shopping. E-commerce businesses can leverage a significant increase in web traffic and buying intent during this period through special deals and marketing campaigns.

Saturday 13 December 2025 – Tuesday 27 January 2026: School Summer Holidays
The longest break of the year offers a significant opportunity for promotions in tourism, retail, and hospitality. Plan ahead to capture holiday shoppers and those looking for seasonal experiences.

Wednesday 24 December: Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is a time of anticipation and excitement, kicking off Christmas celebrations for many families. Businesses can create a festive atmosphere with decorations, special events, and extended shopping hours.

Thursday 25 December: Christmas Day (Public Holiday)

The holiday season comes to fruition, with many people choosing to partake in celebrations of gift-giving and family gatherings.

Friday 26 December: Proclamation Day / Boxing Day (Public Holiday)

Many consumers are again on the look-out for a bargain as businesses offer steep discounts for stock leftover from the holiday period.

Wednesday 31 December: New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve is a time of excitement in anticipation for new beginnings. Hospitality businesses can host special events or offer New Year's Eve packages to help customers celebrate this momentous occasion.

Additional events

Afterpay Day(s) - Seasonal

Depending on your business and target audience, you may want to align with Afterpay Days. These are periods when customers using the ‘buy now, pay later’ service are more likely to make purchases.

Cultural and religious dates

For a more comprehensive guide of cultural and religious dates, acknowledged and celebrated in Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs.

2025 Calendar of cultural and religious dates
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