Whether you're a hungry foodie, wine connoisseur, adventure junky or just looking to experience something completely different, South Australia's jam-packed calendar of events means there's always something to discover! Pack your bags for a weekend getaway and check out the best regional events in South Australia.
1. Clare Valley Gourmet Week: May
Set to return in 2024 for its 40th year, Clare Valley Gourmet Week is filled with various immersive, educational, and experiential events. As Australia's longest-running food and wine festival, this celebration showcases all things Clare Valley - award winning wine, delicious produce, heritage buildings and the region's Australian landscape. Join as wineries turn it on for visitors bringing music, food and wines out of the cellar ready to take to you on a sensory journey for the taste buds.
2. Winter Reds, Adelaide Hills: July
Celebrate winter in the warmth of the Adelaide Hills with Winter Reds. Indulge in the region's wineries and iconic venues with open fires, red wines and rustic flare. From cosy long lunching and fireside feasts to live music, art, trails and family friendly affairs - there's something for everyone! Plan your weekend
3. National Dragway Championships, Murray River Lakes and Coorong: October, January, April
Start your engines and get ready as The Bend Motorsport Park hosts the fire-breathing National Dragway Championships in 2023/24. There will be no shortage of on-track action as five-support categories race wheel-to-wheel to conquer The Bend. Off track there will be activations throughout the venue including family entertainment, drag car demonstrations and so much more!
4. Barossa Vintage Festival: April (biennal)
As the leaves fall and the vineyards change, indulge in a foodie feast while celebrating one of the greatest wine regions in the world. As memorable as the vintage itself this biennial event is set to take place again in 2025 and a must to do on the South Australian events calendar.
5. Webex Player Series, Fleurieu Peninsula: October
Teeing off at the Willunga Golf Course this October is the Webex Players Series hosted by PGA. Attracting leading male and female golfers from across the country and internationally, watch as players line up one one field to compete against each other. Showcasing how men's and women's sport at an elite level can compete equally against each other, this free ticketed event is one not to miss.
6. Ceduna Oyster Festival, Eyre Peninsula: October
Journey to the Eyre Peninsula in October and celebrate the labour day long weekend with the Ceduna Oyster Festival. This free entry event has something for everyone including live entertainment, 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 uncrowded place to holiday with the family while enjoying a varied program of activities.
7. Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations, Limestone Coast: October
Kick off the spring-time celebrations this October with Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations in the Limestone Coast. Serving over 60 unique food and wine experiences, celebrate the region's signature red wine - cabernet sauvignon. With varied celebrations across the month of October with themes across each weekend, get into the spirit of the festival and enjoy one of South Australia's best regional wine based events. Book your getaway to the Limestone Coast with our accommodation guide!
8. Bay to Birdwood, Adelaide Hills: October
One of the world's great historic motoring events, Bay to Birdwood, has been an iconic fixture on the events calendar in South Australia since 1980 - and returns for 2023. Mark October on your calendars and line the streets across the 67-kilometre route to view the parade as it passes from West Beach to Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills. Dress up for the occasion by spotting your favourite periodic look and match the era of the vehicles as they drive on by.
9. Riverland Rose and Garden Festival: October
October in the Riverland is the perfect time of year to stop and smell the roses at the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival. Drawing people together to celebrate the beautiful Riverland region in bloom, enjoy a ten-day festival of gorgeous gardens, stunning roses and food and wine.
10. Handpicked Festival, Fleurieu Peninsula: November
Hidden amongst the vineyards, unplug and reconnect with amazing wine, world class music, barefoot dancing and so much more at Handpicked Festival. Held annually in November in the heart of the boutique Langhorne Creek wine region, grab a picnic rug, sip on the region's best wines, sample local produce and enjoy a full day of live entertainment from your favourite musicians.
FIND OUT WHAT'S ON IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
There's so much to see and do in South Australia so why not make a weekend out of it? Stay a little longer and discover the best places to stay.
