Adelaide’s Festivals and Events: A Year-Round Guide

Credit: Adelaide Festival

 

A city that’s often (unfairly) overlooked in favour of Sydney and Melbourne’s cultural drawcards, Adelaide is in fact bursting with festivals and events all year round.

An integral part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network, the city has 11 major arts and culture festivals scheduled throughout the year.

Alongside exciting sports, food and wine events, there isn’t a month that goes by without a celebration. So, what festivals are coming up in Adelaide? Keep reading to discover all the biggest and best Adelaide festivals and events throughout the year, from January to December.

 

Your Quick Month-By-Month Guide

 

 

January: A Summer of Sport and Sunshine

 

Santos Tour Down Under

Every January, the world’s top cyclists (and plenty of passionate fans) flock to Adelaide for the Santos Tour Down Under. This multi-stage race takes riders through city streets and into the picturesque Adelaide Hills, with pop-up festivals, street parties, and family activities at each stage. It’s a thrilling way to kick off the year.

 

February and March: Festival Season Hits its Peak

 

Credit: Adelaide Fringe

 

Beachside Food & Wine Fest

On the southern fringe of Adelaide (where some of the most stunning beaches and coastlines in Australia call home), The City of Onkaparinga’s Beachside Food & Wine Fest graces Rotary Park at Christies Beach each February.

This favourite coastal festival shines a light on the region’s top food, wine, beer and spirit makers, alongside bustling market stalls filled with one-of-a-kind finds from local artists and artisans.
 

Adelaide Fringe

What is the biggest festival in Adelaide? Common consensus is that it’s the Adelaide Fringe.

One of the city’s most exciting cultural celebrations and the world’s second-largest annual arts festival (contested only by the one and only Edinburgh Festival Fringe), Adelaide Fringe houses everything from stand-up and circus shows to immersive installations and pop-up bars. 

The best part? It’s open-access, which means you’ll discover big names alongside up-and-coming local acts!

 

Adelaide Festival

Running alongside the Fringe, and perhaps taking the coveted spot of 'the most prestigious culture festival Adelaide has to offer,' the Adelaide Festival is packed with international and local acts. 

It's a more curated program than the Fringe that brings acclaimed international and Australian theatre, opera, dance, and visual arts to iconic venues around the city. 

Adelaide Writers’ Week also takes place during the festival, drawing together the nation’s best writers from all genres and providing workshops, talks and showcases for emerging writers.

 

WOMADelaide

This world-famous festival of music, arts, and dance takes over Botanic Park and Tainmuntilla for four days every March.

Among the 700 artists who lit up the stage and park in 2025 were nationally-acclaimed performers PJ Harvey, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Nils Frahm and the Yoann Bourgeois Art Company. The 2026 line-up will be announced in October, and we know there will be plenty of excitement on the cards.

 

Adelaide Motorsport Festival

February and March may be culture-heavy, but one event draws sports fans’ eyes every year.

The Adelaide Motorsport Festival is a celebration of classic and modern racing vehicles, with street demonstrations, static displays and special appearances by legendary drivers. It’s a must for any rev head!

 

LIV Golf 

LIV Golf Adelaide returns to Grange Golf Club each February, bringing together the biggest names in professional golf for an electrifying three-day tournament. This viral golf tournament has captured global headlines and promises a weekend of world-class golf, entertainment, hospitality, and exploration.

 

April and May: Sporting Showdowns and Gourmet Gatherings

 

Credit: AFL Gather Round

 

Gather Round 

Held annually in April, the AFL Gather Round transforms Adelaide into the epicentre of Australian football. All 18 AFL teams converge for nine matches over four days, with games hosted at iconic venues like Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval, and the newly developed Barossa Park in Lyndoch. 

Beyond the matches, the city buzzes with fan zones, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. 

Elder Park also hosts the incredible Macca’s Footy Festival, which includes carnival rides, interactive games and a 150-meter zipline over the River Torrens.

 

Tasting Australia

Every May, Tasting Australia invites food and wine enthusiasts to explore South Australia's diverse culinary landscape. Spanning 10 delicious days, the festival features over 150 events across Adelaide and regional areas, showcasing the state's finest produce, chefs and winemakers. 

The heart of the festival is Town Square in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, where visitors can enjoy free entry to a bustling hub of food stalls, bars and live entertainment. 

For those seeking unique experiences, the program includes long-table lunches, masterclasses, and even culinary adventures like houseboat dining on the Murray River.

 

May and June: Stories, Songs and Spectacle

 

South Australia’s History Festival

South Australia’s History Festival is a month-long celebration held every May, inviting locals and visitors alike to delve into the rich tapestry of the state's past.

Spanning Adelaide's urban centres, South Australia's regional towns, and the state's natural heritage sites, expect everything from guided tours to immersive exhibitions and hands-on workshops that transport you back to various eras in the state's rich past.

 

DreamBIG Children’s Festival

Every two years, Adelaide comes alive with creativity for DreamBIG Children’s Festival, South Australia’s biggest arts celebration for kids and families. 

This biennial showcase is actually the oldest children’s festival in the world, and marked its 50th anniversary in 2025 with a huge program of performances and playful activities. 

With everything from theatre and music to interactive art, DreamBIG is all about sparking imaginations and making sure kids of all ages—and backgrounds—can join in the magic.

The next DreamBIG Children's Festival will run in 2027, so keep an eye on their website for updates to coincide with your family's travel dates.

 

Adelaide Cabaret Festival

When winter rolls into Adelaide, so does the sparkle of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, the largest event of its kind anywhere in the world. Each June, the Adelaide Festival Centre transforms into a lively playground of music, satire, burlesque and storytelling, with up to six shows happening at once. 

Expect everything from Broadway legends to edgy newcomers delivering witty one-liners and powerful performances. The festival captures cabaret’s true spirit, all while nurturing the next generation of stars through special programs and mentorships. 

 

July and August: Lights, Art and Winter Warmers

 

Credit: Adelaide Town Hall

 

Illuminate Adelaide

Each July, Adelaide’s winter nights come alive with Illuminate Adelaide, a celebration of light, art, music, and technology held on Kaurna Country.

Guests are in store for awe-inspiring drone shows above Adelaide Oval, after-dark immersions in the Botanic Garden, and even dinosaurs lighting up the Adelaide Zoo. Illuminate is all about staying up late, exploring something new, and seeing the city in a whole new light. It’s Adelaide’s brightest reason to rug up and head out.

 

SALA Festival (South Australian Living Artists)

Every August, South Australia bursts into colour with the month-long SALA Festival to celebrate the state’s vibrant visual arts scene in the CBD and nearby regions like Hahndorf, Victor Harbor and Maslin Beach.

Highlights of the 2025 program include kaleidoscopic wearable art at Scots Church, thought-provoking pieces at Lion Arts Centre, and tranquil sculpture walks through Centennial Park. 

It’s Australia’s largest visual arts festival and a perfect way to forge your own art trail through the CBD and surrounding regional areas if you're planning on doing some day trips.

 

Winter Reds (July)

Winter Reds is a beloved Adelaide Hills festival held over the last weekend in July, featuring fireside feasts, live music, art, trails and family-friendly affairs. This popular winter festival celebrates the incredible diversity of red wines from the Adelaide Hills wine region, attracting thousands of revellers to cellar doors across the region.

 

September: Spring Bursts with Events

 

Royal Adelaide Show

If you’re travelling to Adelaide with little ones in tow, you’ll want to add a day at the iconic Royal Adelaide Show to your itinerary.

Over ten lively days in September, the Adelaide Showground comes alive with rural events including sheepdog trials, wood chopping competitions and livestock parades.

Then, of course, there are the show rides, mountains of fairy floss, sideshow alley games, endless showbags, and bustling pavilions packed with everything from award-winning cakes to prize pumpkins.

As the sun sets, nightly fireworks light up the sky, capping off days that blend old-fashioned country fun with all the energy of a city carnival.

 

City to Bay 

This friendly fun run (or walk) is a favourite on the Adelaide festivals calendar, attracting everyone from serious competitors chasing a personal best to families and friends strolling side by side. 

City to Bay provides plenty of options to suit all fitness levels and desired experiences: choose from the 3km, 6km, 12km or half-marathon races. The 12km route is especially beautiful.

It winds from the heart of the CBD all the way to the sand of Glenelg Beach, and offers a wonderful way to join in the local community spirit and contribute to meaningful fundraising efforts. 

Plus, it's the perfect excuse to cool off with an ice cream by the sea at the finish line!

 

Nature Festival 

The Nature Festival of South Australia runs from September 26 to October 12, featuring over 400 events, encounters, and experiences to celebrate our love of nature. Now in its 6th year, the festival includes art, adventure, music, food, wine, wellbeing, and Aboriginal culture, with many free and family-friendly events.

 

October: Food, Fashion and Culture

 

Credit: OzAsia Festival

 

Adelaide Fashion Week

One of the biggest and most internationally-acclaimed Adelaide festivals, ADL Fashion Week takes over iconic locations like Rundle Mall, the Botanic Garden, and the Art Gallery of South Australia with runway shows, pop-ups and immersive experiences.

Expect a mix of vibrant cultural showcases, exclusive shopping events, and innovative collaborations that capture Adelaide’s unique sense of style.

 

Bay to Birdwood

One of the world’s great historic motoring events, Bay to Birdwood sees vintage car enthusiasts and curious onlookers line the route from Glenelg to the Adelaide Hills. Every spring, hundreds of lovingly restored vehicles (like century-old roadsters and classic '60s muscle cars) cruise the picturesque drive through townships and vineyards. Many participants also dress to match the era of their cars, adding a touch of theatre to the event. 

 

OzAsia Festival

What are some cultural festivals in Australia? One of the biggest is OzAsia Festival, a vibrant celebration of Asian arts, music, theatre and dance that hits Adelaide streets from the end of November to the start of October.

Each year, families flock to the Moon Lantern Trail, a dazzling four-day outdoor spectacle that lights up Adelaide with giant lanterns and vibrant displays.

Food lovers head straight for the Lucky Dumpling Market, the lively heart of OzAsia Festival, filled with mouth-watering Asian-inspired dishes, buzzing bars and free performances all festival long. 

 

Adelaide Film Festival 

Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) is South Australia's premier screen event and one of Australia's leading film festivals, featuring an annual celebration of courageous cinema held in October. The festival runs from October 15-26 and showcases feature films, feature documentaries, series, and short films made in Australia and internationally.

 

November: Motorsport and Pride

 

Adelaide 500

As the final round of the Repco Supercars Championship, the bp Adelaide Grand Final is Australia’s biggest domestic motorsport event. It's an adrenaline-charged weekend of high-speed racing, live entertainment and festival-style energy that tops the Adelaide festivals calendar every year.

Held on the iconic Adelaide Street Circuit, this 3.2km track is known globally for its thrilling racing and electric atmosphere that spills across the city. 

This year, spectators can expect a packed program with driver meet-and-greets, exotic car displays, family zones, sideshows, and evening concerts featuring some of the biggest names in music, including Lenny Kravitz and AC/DC.

 

Feast Festival

Each November, Adelaide bursts with pride, colour and celebration for Feast Festival, South Australia’s premier LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural event. The city comes alive with a vibrant program of theatre, cabaret, live music, comedy, visual art and community gatherings that champion diversity and creativity. 

Beyond the stage, you’ll find pride parades, dance parties, thought-provoking talks and pop-ups in laneways and bars. It's a wonderful chance to join in the spirit of inclusion and support local and international artists city-wide.

 

Adelaide Italian Festival

For two delicious weeks in November, the Adelaide Italian Festival invites everyone to embrace la dolce vita. 

This much-loved culture festival is a toast to Italian heritage and cuisine, showcasing everything from pasta masterclasses and wine tastings to traditional music, family feasts and elegant long-table lunches. 

Restaurants, piazzas and local producers across Adelaide join in, offering special menus and experiences that celebrate the enduring influence of Italian culture on South Australia. It’s a seriously delicious time of year in the city.

 

November and December: Festive Magic

 

Credit: National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant

 

National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant

Christmas festivities arrive early in Adelaide with the long-loved National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant. This gorgeous culture festival in Adelaide is the largest public parade in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s been a tradition since 1933, with floats, bands and Santa himself marking the start of the festive season.

The Christmas Pageant is a truly magical, free event that brings joy to all ages and has been shared by generations of families.

It’s a genuine spectacle to witness in the heart of the CBD, so if you’re considering an end-of-year trip to Adelaide, we highly recommend stopping by to see all the action.

 

Carols by Candlelight

Nothing says Christmas in Adelaide quite like Carols by Candlelight. 

Held each December in Elder Park, this magical evening draws families and friends together to sing along with nationally-renowned icons to festive tunes under the stars.  With performances by choirs, local artists and world-class acts (think Dami Im, Natalie Bassingthwaite, the Adelaide Concert Orchestra and the State Opera SA), plus a visit from Santa himself, it’s a beautiful way to soak up the holiday spirit and share in the joy of the season.

 

What Are the Best Tips for Getting the Most Out of Adelaide's Events?

 

Plan ahead: Book accommodation and tickets well in advance, especially for Mad March. Popular shows sell out quickly.

Use festival passes: Many festivals offer multi-show passes that provide better value and guaranteed entry to popular events.

Explore beyond the main venues: Some of the best experiences happen in smaller, unconventional spaces during festivals like the Fringe.

Take advantage of free events: Many festivals include free outdoor performances, street entertainment, and cultural activities.

Download festival apps: Most major festivals have apps with schedules, maps, and real-time updates.

Book restaurants early: The city gets busy during festival season, so make dining reservations in advance.

Use public transport: The city provides excellent public transport options, and many festivals offer special transport deals.

Pack layers: Adelaide weather can change quickly, especially during outdoor events.

 

Plan Your Adelaide Festivals Getaway With The Chancellor on Currie

 

From arts and music to food, wine and sport, there’s always something on in Adelaide. 

Stay at The Chancellor on Currie and you’ll be perfectly placed in the heart of the action, close to festival venues, local restaurants and buzzing city streets. 

Whenever you choose to visit, we’ll help make your South Australian escape as memorable (and comfortable) as possible.

Ready to start planning? Book your stay today.