While Adelaide may be well known for its year-round calendar of events, regional South Australia can give it a run for its money.
The regions beckon with quirky festivals, friendly locals, stellar wining and dining, as well as a rich cultural heritage. So, pack your bags for a weekend getaway to explore all the festivals, celebrations and gatherings that regional South Australia has to offer.
Opening image: Coober Pedy Opal Festival 2022. Image: Sieh Mchawala.
April
Salt Festival
May
Clare Valley Gourmet Week
Set to make a comeback in 2024 for its milestone 40th year, Clare Valley Gourmet Week is Australia’s longest-running food and wine festival in the beautiful Clare Valley, just a 2-hour drive from Adelaide. The Clare Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, and chock-full of heritage towns, trails, boutique wineries and delicious local produce. This festival celebrates the very best of the Clare. Visit award-winning wineries and indulge in music, food and wine by the vines.
June
Coober Pedy Opal Festival
An outback festival like no other, this annual community event brings Coober Pedy to life! Perfect for families, Coober Pedy Opal Festival showcases events over the weekend that celebrate Coober Pedy’s vibrant and culturally diverse community, opals and mining heritage. With a grand parade, games and workshops for the kids, food stalls, markets and entertainment, this is a fun and social festival for all ages.
July
Winter Reds, Adelaide Hills
If nothing says winter to you like drinking beautiful red wines by a warming fire – then Winter Reds in the Adelaide Hills is your happy place. This festival gives you the opportunity to indulge in some the region’s best wineries and iconic venues. From cosy long lunching and fireside feasts to live music, art, trails and family friendly affairs – there’s something for everyone!
August
SALA Festival
The South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival stands as the preeminent visual arts festival in Australia. Held across the state, the festival engages over 3,000 artists and 500 venues, offering a platform to showcase the diverse talents of South Australian artists. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore some of this year’s finest collections, presented in various studios and galleries across South Australia.
October
Fleurieu Folk Festival
Fleurieu Folk Festival transforms Willunga’s Recreation Park into South Australia’s largest and friendliest folk music event. The best local, national and international folk musicians come together for a three-day music extravaganza. All genres of folk music are celebrated, including traditional and contemporary folk, acoustic, Celtic, blues, Americana, roots, bluegrass and more. With workshops, sessions, dancers, concerts, musical theatre, poetry, spoken word and children’s entertainment, local food, wine and market stalls, it is a musical event that’s not to be missed.
October
Ceduna Oysterfest
For lovers of oysters and seafood, make your way to the oyster capital of Australia to indulge in Ceduna Oysterfest. Enjoy live entertainment, a kid’s zone and carnival rides, competitions for all ages, specialty cuisines, stunt performances, cooking demonstrations and the ever-popular S.A Premium Oyster’s Connoisseur Class. As the weather warms up, enjoy a uniquely spectacular and relaxing place to holiday with the family while enjoying some of the country’s freshest seafood.
October
Bay to Birdwood, Adelaide Hills
Bay to Birdwood is a historic motoring event that has been an iconic fixture on the calendar in South Australia since 1980. Make sure to get out and line the streets across the 67-kilometre route to view the procession of 1,500 vintage vehicles as it passes from West Beach to Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills.
Loved reading about events in regional South Australia? For more awesome things to do in this beautiful state, click here.
Travel to South Australia
Rex flies to Adelaide, Ceduna and Port Lincoln. Book your flights here and check out the route map below.
