The best South Australian eating and drinking experiences will feature when the Norwood Food & Wine Festival returns as part of AFL Gather Round celebrations this month.
All the fun is taking place along The Parade from 11am on Sunday 13 April, with free entry, a headline performance from Australian rock band Birds of Tokyo and a new offering from Penfolds among highlights.
Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas said "We know how much fans love the AFL Gather Round atmosphere, plus the chance to explore Adelaide and beyond."
"More than 70,000 people enjoyed the Norwood Food & Wine Festival last year - discovering the best of our state and its capacity to host major events in style," Premier Malinauskas said.
"This is an enormous opportunity for our state to showcase our sensational produce to an audience around the country. It will be accessible to everyone - whether you have a Gather Round ticket or not."
Footy and festival supporters can take their pick from more than 50 traders including arkhé, Gullyview Estate X The Watervale Hotel, Fair Seafood, Bickford's and many more.
The day's three AFL games - including a 2:50pm clash between St Kilda and the GWS Giants at Norwood Oval - will be broadcast across dedicated watch zones and in a sensory area at Norwood Hoyts.
South Australian winery Penfolds is showcasing its internationally renowned range through a stylish new space set to welcome walk-in guests for canapés and tastings, while leading local chefs including Callum Hann will star in Tasting Australia Kitchen cooking demonstrations.
Birds of Tokyo will take the stage about 6pm for a performance of greatest hits including Good Lord, Plans, Lanterns, Two of Us, Brace and Unbreakable. The band, at the forefront of Australian rock for more than 20 years, has twice headlined the AFL Grand Final.
"We are super excited to be heading back to Adelaide for a festival of footy celebrating South Australia's amazing food, wine, beer and spirits," band member Ian Kenny said.
"Birds of Tokyo has a long and special history with the AFL, and we're proud to be extending that in Norwood as part of Gather Round."
More than $17.6 million was spent in the City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters during the 2024 AFL Gather Round weekend - up from $14.2 million in 2023 - with 83 per cent attributed to patrons from outside the area.
City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Mayor Robert Bria said local traders were eagerly anticipating the Norwood Food & Wine Festival's return.
"We saw a massive boost to businesses through the festival last year, with a 48 per cent increase in city-wide spend and a 68 per cent increase in spend within Norwood, across the dining and hospitality sector, compared to AFL Gather Round 2023," he said.
"Now we're preparing to host another big party on The Parade, welcoming footy fans from across Australia and everyone who loves South Australian food and beverages."
Businesses along The Parade will be able to trade as usual on Saturday 12 April ahead of the Norwood Food Wine Festival. Details of road closures associated with the event can be found on the event website.
Gather Round patrons attending the Norwood Food & Wine Festival can travel free on the City-Norwood bus shuttle with a valid Gather Round match ticket.
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