FOMO Fridays program announced

Four Fridays over the next four weeks will see Australia’s most liveable city offer even more, as part of the $700,000 FOMO Fridays initiative – all while supporting local jobs and businesses.

It kicks off this Friday, 17 September with day-time activities in Victoria Square including morning yoga, basketball, live music and art installations; and from 4pm, office workers will be enticed to #GoToTown with a Westpac House Party as well as offers from local restaurants, bars and hotels, city retailers, car park and transport providers.

Friday 24 September will activate Adelaide’s riverbank in the morning, Rundle Mall at lunch, and Gresham and Gilbert laneways after work. The next two Fridays include Light Square and Waymouth Street, as well as Hindmarsh Square and the East End.

Premier Steven Marshall said the FOMO Fridays initiative will get people, jobs and dollars back into the CBD and showcase all the reasons why South Australians need no longer work from home.

“On the back of announcing the #GoToTown campaign, more than 90,000 Great State Vouchers for tours, experiences and accommodation, and further targeted support to tourism and hospitality businesses state-wide, the FOMO Fridays initiative is another way we’re supporting SA jobs and keeping our economy strong,” Premier Marshall said.

“We know the city has been disproportionately impacted by extended interstate lockdowns and the downturn in corporate travel and corporates in city offices.

“Until we get closer to our vaccination target and can reopen borders, we’re giving more reasons for South Australians to enjoy the country’s most liveable city and we’re getting city workers back into town and back spending with the many cafes, restaurants, hotels and retailers across the square mile.”

The FOMO Fridays program is delivered in partnership with the City of Adelaide, the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), and the Property Council South Australia.

In addition to the street parties, live music and games, the City of Adelaide will offer free parking at selected UParks and discounted parking will also be available at Wilson Parking. Visitors to the CBD will also be enticed to the Rundle Mall shopping precinct with offers available for shoppers. 

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the City of Adelaide would continue to work hard with the
State Government and all stakeholders to encourage people back to the city.

“FOMO Fridays is about generating more activity in our laneways, squares and parklands and it fits so well with the work we’re doing as a Council to support city businesses through programs like Reignite Adelaide,” she said. 

“We’re calling on city workers to get in bright and early this Friday to enjoy the roving performers or some yoga, and to stay on late into the evening for a meal and drinks with friends.”    

Property Council South Australia executive director Daniel Gannon said: “It’s not just offices or workplaces that are missing out on the collaboration and productivity benefits of having people together – our CBD retailers and hospitality providers are also under duress.

“While flexibility is here to stay, we need to bring people and life back into the Adelaide CBD and go to town to help save businesses and jobs. Let’s put the fun back into Friday – there’s no time to waste.”

FOMO Fridays schedule:

To see the full program of FOMO Fridays events, and deals and offers, go to southaustralia.com/fomofridays.