Festivals and events in South Australia are soon to be in full bloom as the spring season approaches.
From drag racing to wine tasting to concert-watching, there is something for everyone to enjoy this September through November.
Lumary City-Bay Fun Run: 15 September
Are you looking to get your sweat on? If so, the Lumary City-Bay Fun Run in Adelaide is the event for you. Whether you complete the 3km, 6km, or 12km race – or the half marathon – you’re sure to have a good time. And, this race is for a good cause: helping support athletics in South Australia. In fact, the funds have previously been used to send people to the Olympics!
After the race, enjoy music, food, and refreshments and explore local South Australian businesses. Make sure to bring the whole family – there is something for everyone, whether they are running or cheering from the sidelines.
Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb: 18 September to 22 September
Just a two hour drive from Adelaide, the Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb is an annual spring equinox festival that combines wine and lamb.
Be sure to check out the launch dinner, which features lamb from Martindale Farm and hand-crafted, estate grown wines. And don’t forget to stop by the Wool Fashion Design Awards and Exhibition, which features work from high school and university students.
A significant focus of the event is to be ethical about lamb preparation. For example, every participating restaurant takes a full lamb from a local farmer and uses it in consultation with them and their butcher.
Grenache & Gourmet Festival: 20 September to 7 October
Located in the McLaren Vale Wine Region, about 1.5 hours from Adelaide, this two-week long festival is all about great views and even better wine. Tap into your inner wine critic at the Grenache & Gourmet Festival, with a plethora of wine tastings, starting at $20.
And, for the foodies out there, indulge in crispy confit duck leg, generations-old Italian gnocchi, and several styles of cured meats when visiting any of the participating restaurants and bistros.
The festival is sure to be fun – check out Blewitt Springs Wine Co. for a full range of wines, cheese platters, and live music. Plus, Australian music star Alex Lloyd will be performing on 20 September.
Chihuly’s Garden Cycle Exhibition: 27 September to 29 April
This Adelaide Botanic Garden event is hosted by none other than Dale Chihuly, the world’s most celebrated contemporary glass artist. This year, his Garden Cycle exhibition is making its debut in Australia, exclusively in Adelaide. Expect to see beautiful glass sculptures and join in on several programmed activities. Plus, don’t forget to buy a ticket for Chihuly nights, where you’ll get the chance to see how changing light from the sunset adds new dimensions to Chihuly’s artwork.
It’s an all encompassing experience – enjoy live music, food, and drinks in the heart of the garden. The exhibition will run until the end of April, so there is ample time to enjoy Chihuly’s work.
Nature Festival of South Australia: 28 September to 13 October
This Adelaide festival is all about embracing nature – especially in a time of climate change and global disasters. It includes over 400 nature-inspired events, ranging from art to wellbeing to Aboriginal culture and more. Featured events include art in the park, a sunrise walk by the ocean with included breakfast, and a family nature and culture walk through Scott Creek Conservation Park.
Many of the events at the Nature Festival are free and family-friendly, making them a perfect outing for the school holidays.
The theme of this year’s festival is “awe” – and it’s safe to say it will be pretty “awe”some.
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebration: 1 October to 20 October
This Coonawarra wine-based event is all about the region’s signature red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy winery tours, master classes, and even a chocolate and wine tasting while experiencing the best of country hospitality. And, make sure to try blending your own wine.
For those looking for a well rounded experience, there’s more than just drinks available: check out the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail or play golf at the scenic Penola Golf Course.
Coonawarra is located about 45 minutes away from Mount Gambier, which is accessible through Rex Airlines flights from Adelaide.
Oysterfest Ceduna: 5 October to 6 October
Located just a short flight away from Adelaide, Oysterfest Ceduna is one of the nation’s largest oyster festivals. In fact, Ceduna is known as the oyster capital of Australia and has hosted the event every South Australian labor day weekend since 1991.
Expect a street parade, cooking demonstrations, and even a fish filleting competition. For the kids, expect a clown, magician, and travelling farm.
And, of course, prepare to eat a whole lot of oysters as you enjoy the weekend festivities. No tickets are required; just show up and enjoy a weekend escape from city life in the coastal town of Ceduna!
Australian Top Fuel Championship: 18 October to 20 October
Rev up your engines and head over to Tailem Bend, just an hour outside of Adelaide, for an epic Spring Nationals and Australian Top Fuel Championship. Witness cars go over 500 kilometers per hour, watch drag racing sedans, and see flame throwing missile Nitro Funny Cars.
Tickets are between $30 to $7,000, with options ranging from general admission to premium suites. Plus, enjoy free entry for kids under 15. Kids activities include amusement park rides and face painting.
If you’re looking to stay the night, camp out at the BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park, starting from $40 per night.
OzAsia Festival: 24 October to 10 November
OzAsia is a festival that celebrates Asia through theatre, dance, visual arts, cuisine, and cultural events. It’s Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival all about Asia, and takes place right in Adelaide.
Highlights of the festival include the Moon Lantern Trail – which is filled with more than a dozen lanterns that light up the night. And, for Taylor Swift lovers, check out impersonator Taylor Sheesh, who will be performing in October.
Indulge your taste buds at OzAsia’s Lucky Dumpling Market, which features authentic Asian cuisine from Korea, Vietnam, India, Thailand, and more. Don’t forget to try the dumplings, which are a fan-favourite.
The Bend Classic featuring Country Music Festival: 25 October to 27 October
This exciting three-day event in Tailem Bend includes circuit racing, a rodeo show, and a country music festival featuring iconic local Aussies. There’s even a chance to go karting!
At the Bull Throttle rodeo show, check out professional bull riders and incredible bike stunts that are guaranteed to set your heart racing.
If music is more your scene, head over to the first ever country music festival at The Bend, where artists like Brad Cox, Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, and Beccy Cole will be performing. It’s sure to be filled with good vibes.
Plus, don’t miss a cook off between more than 25 of Australia’s best pitmasters and on-stage cooking demonstrations.
Handpicked Festival: 9 November
If you’re searching for an excuse to pull out your picnic blanket, the Handpicked Festival is the right place to do it. Its casual vibe and hidden presence among vineyards and gumtrees make it a perfect one-day getaway. just one hour outside of Adelaide.
Check out performances by Angus & Julia Stone, The Jungle Giants, Matt Corby, and more. Sip on drinks served under a gumtree, and stop by the food garden for a bite to eat from an array of South Australian food trucks.
Be sure to purchase your tickets now – the final batch of general admission tickets have been released and they are available starting from $135.
VAILO Adelaide 500: 14 November to 17 November
Looking to finish out the spring season right? Check out the Adelaide 500, Australia’s largest ticketed motorsport event. It is the season finale event for the Repco Supercars Championship, a touring car race category in Australia and New Zealand.
There will be driver autograph sessions, displays of exotic vehicles, and a plethora of activities for the family. And, there will be an after-race concert with performances by rock bands Crowded House and Ocean Alley, as well as singer Meg Mac.
General admission tickets for adults start from $39 and include concert admission.
If you enjoyed our story about events in South Australia, check out our feature on the top restaurants in Adelaide.
