Adelaide, the capital of South Australia is definitely worth a visit. The area is well-known for its superb wineries, cool cafes, bars and greenery. The city is easily accessible and true ‘Adelaiders’ say that it takes only 20 minutes to get anywhere. There are a lot of events and festivals regularly held in Adelaide. Yet another reason to get there and check it out. Now is a wonderful time to book a stay in Adelaide and enjoy these upcoming events.
2018 Australian Barefoot Water-skiing National Championships (56th year)
9th – 15th April
Hosted by Barefoot SA on the Adelaide Riverbank, this water-skiing championship is for anyone who wants to enter and participate and also for those who are fans of the sport and want to watch. The event attracts more than 100 registered skiers, and this year they are expecting a few thousand spectators!
Tasting Australia
13-22 April
Calling all foodies! Tasting Australia is the country’s longest running food festival and it is coming up again this year. For 10 days, be amazed and blown away by all the fresh produce, delicacies and drinks that South Australia has to offer. This year, expect five-star dinners by world-class chefs at the Glasshouse Kitchen, charters to South Australia’s best food destinations and more than 130 events to choose from.
East End Cellars Masterclasses:
During Tasting Australia, East End Cellars are holding masterclasses around town where you can learn to understand your palette, as well as gain more knowledge about Australian wine, beer and spirits. Experts guiding you through these journeys include Chester and D’arry Osborn of d’Arenberg, Stephen Henschke and Taras Ochota.
Hot Dub Time Machine
14 April
Put on your dancing shoes and hit the dance floor at this year’s smash-hit DJ experience, Hot Dub Time Machine. Hot Dub (Sydney DJ, Tom Loud) has been a success all over the world, with festival slots at Coachella, Reading and Leeds Festival, T in the Park, Splendour in the Grass and more.
Makers & Shakers Market
21 April
Only held twice a year, the Makers & Shakers Market is a must-visit market. Held indoors, the market sells goods such as handmade homewares, lifestyle products and scrumptious, gourmet foods. With more than 50 stalls, you are sure to find something.
Groovin The Moo
27 April
This epic music festival is back for another year and the line-up looks awesome! Catch your favourite acts, including The Amity Affliction, Ball Park Music, Duke Dumont, Flight Facilities and Paul Kelly – just to name a few. This is a day packed with fun, drinks, food and fantastic music, plus it is an all ages event.
History Festival 2018
The whole month of May
This year, the History Festival will have something for everyone, from events, tours, talks, walks, exhibitions and concerts – all about history. The opening weekend on the 28-29th April will focus on South Australia’s buildings and architectural history. The full program comes out on April 7, so stay tuned.
South Australian Derby Day
12 May
Everyone loves a derby day and this year is set to be more exciting than ever! Derby Day is a chance to dress up in your favourite dress, put on your favourite pair of heels and grab a glass of champagne. There are three black-type races on the day, including the $600k Group 1 UBET South Australian Derby. The Festival Gardens precinct will have a line-up of live DJs, food and beverages.
Darley Goodwood Day
19 May
The Darley Goodwood Day is Adelaide’s finest race day, featuring seven black-type races, including the $1 million Group 1 Darley Goodwood. These are some of Australia’s best race horses and on the day, a huge $2,175,000 in prize money is up for grabs. Dress up and head down to the tracks for one of the biggest race days in South Australia.
Urban Wine Walk Adelaide
19 May
This is an absolute must-do for all lovers of wine. The city of Adelaide will open their doors to transform into the ultimate cellar-door experience. Get a group of friends together and join in this self-guided wine tasting experience. All restaurants and bars offer unique wine-tasting experiences. Some include; Electra House, Cantina Sociale, The Lane Vineyard and Long Yarn.
Adelaide Colourfest
27 May
Get your festival shoes on, the Colourfest is coming to town! A full day of music, including EDM, commercial, RNB, pop and house, Adelaide’s best DJs will be spinning tracks all day long. People are able to paint themselves and throw colourful powder in the air to express freedom, hence the name ‘Colourfest’. This is a fantastic day that the whole family can enjoy.
Adelaide Marathon Festival 2018
27 May
Adelaide’s 40th Marathon is taking place on the 27th of May. With an all-new route, this marathon will be the first large State Marathon on the Australian calendar for the year. Participants come from far and wide (some even internationally) to run this race, starting and finishing at the Adelaide Oval. You can opt to run in the full, half, 10km and 2km Fun Run, and everyone receives a medal.
World Environment Fair
2-3 June
Come down to the World Environment Day to hear speakers including Craig Reucassel from War on Waste and Ranger Stacey from Totally Wild, share their pearls of wisdom. This fair is all about celebrating the natural environment and talking about how we can make positive changes. There will be nature play areas, displays of water and energy saving ideas, talks and debates on issues about the environment, a bush café, reptile and native animal displays and lots of activities for young and old.
SALA Festival
The whole month of August
Celebrate South Australian living visual artists during the SALA Festival. The art displayed during the festival is unique, with exhibitions including digital media, drawing, photography, glass, textiles and more. It is a fantastic event for emerging artists to launch their first exhibition. This festival goes beyond Adelaide city and heads into the Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley, Barossa Valley, Eyre Peninsula, Limestone Coast and beyond.
Next time you are thinking about what to do in South Australia, check out one of the above events or festivals. Adelaide always has something to offer for everyone.
