Celebrating Worker’s Struggles and Victories
May Day, or International Workers’ Day, has been a global day of protest, solidarity, and celebration of workers’ rights since 1886. It began with the fight for an eight-hour workday, culminating in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago. Since then, working people around the world have gathered on May 1st to honour past struggles and continue the fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and social justice.
In South Australia, the SA May Day Collective is a volunteer group committed to keeping this proud tradition alive. Every year, we organise events to bring together unionists, activists, and families to celebrate our collective strength and advocate for a fairer future.
SA May Day – 2026 Events
May Day Dinner
📅 Friday 1st May | 6:30pm
📍 Cypriot Hall
Join us for the annual May Day Dinner, an evening of solidarity, great food, and inspiring speakers. This is a chance for unionists and community members to come together to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the challenges and victories to come.
May Day March & Family Fun Day
📅 Saturday 2nd May | 10:00am to 2:00pm
📍 Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga and Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden
The May Day March will kick off at 10:00am at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. We will march up King William St to the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden, at the corner of King William Rd and Victoria Dr.
Until 2:00pm, the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden will host the May Day Family Fun Day, where comrades can enjoy live music, food trucks, and activities for the kids, including face painters and mini golf.
Bring your banners, bring your family, and let’s rally together for a better future!
Honouring Union Legends:
The May Day Awards
Each year, the SA May Day Collective recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the workers’ movement. Nominations are now open for:
🏆 The Spanner Award – Celebrating a lifelong commitment to working people and the May Day Collective. This award honours those who have dedicated their lives to the fight for workers’ rights.
🔥 The Trailblazer Award – Recognising rank-and-file unionists who have never been employed by a union but have been instrumental in their workplace and community activism.
Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate a comrade via our form now.
Nominations are open until 11:59pm on Friday 17th April.
