South Australia really has it all…
From feasts of wine and food, to fast-paced trackside fun and celebrations of music, regional South Australia sure knows how to throw a festival.
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!
Save the date for your Big Lap and check out our 10 best regional events in South Australia.
- 1. ASIAN LE MANS, TAILEM BEND
- 2. TUNARAMA, EYRE PENINSULA
- 3. CRUSH FESTIVAL, ADELAIDE HILLS
- 4. KANGAROO ISLAND SEALINK RACING CARNIVAL
- 5. CLARE VALLEY GOURMET WEEKEND
- 6. COOBER PEDY OPAL FESTIVAL, FLINDERS RANGES AND OUTBACK
- 7. WINTER REDS WEEKEND, ADELAIDE HILLS
- 8. OTR THE BEND 500, MURRAY RIVER, LAKES & COORONG
- 9. BAROSSA GOURMET WEEKEND
- 10. COONAWARRA CABERNET CELEBRATIONS, LIMESTONE COAST
- 11. HANDPICKED FESTIVAL, FLEURIEU PENINSULA
- 12. ADELAIDE FESTIVAL
1. ASIAN LE MANS, TAILEM BEND
Prepare yourself for a day of some wicked racing.
As one of the most significant events in the international motor sport calendar, any racing enthusiasts out there will not want to miss out on this biggie. Racing royalty will descend upon Adelaide, including ex F1 drivers, current Ferrari F1 development drivers, a 24 Hours of Le Mans GTE winner and World Endurance Champion, as well as GT factory drivers from BMW, Ferrari and Aston Martin.
Find out more here.
2. TUNARAMA, EYRE PENINSULA
Tunarama is truly one of the country’s most unique free festivals. This place has it all: see the World Championship Tuna tossing competition, sample some of the freshest seafood Australia has to offer, check out local market stalls, incredible arts displays and immerse yourself in the seaside culture of Port Lincoln.
Find out more here.
3. CRUSH FESTIVAL, ADELAIDE HILLS
The Adelaide Hills – breathtaking views, gorgeous scenery, and an endless expanse of stunning grasslands. Perfection at its finest – but who knew it could get any more perfect than that?
Crush Festival is here to elevate your summer weekend in the Adelaide Hills into something truly memorable. With amazing wine, food, and music, you’ll never want the weekend to end. Enjoy a quintessential Adelaide Hills long lunch featuring a stellar line-up of regional produce, treat your taste buds with Australia’s best cool climate wines, and enjoy some spectacular music from local musicians.
Find out more here.
4. KANGAROO ISLAND SEALINK RACING CARNIVAL
The Kangaroo Island SeaLink Racing Carnival is where the heart racing action of Australian horse races meet delicious food and wine for all to enjoy. Hope on board the SeaLink ferry and journey a quick 45 minutes to Kangaroo Island for an excellent experience. There’s no better way to spend a day at the races!
Don’t hold your horses!
Find out more here.
5. CLARE VALLEY GOURMET WEEKEND
This is the ultimate weekend escape for foodies and wine lovers.
The Clare Valley has an amazing festival planned for your palette, and it’s one hell of an amazing time. Eat and drink your way through the beautiful Clare Valley with Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend. Take your pick of amazing food and wine samples, and meet the owners of the hands that worked so hard to make them.
Find out more here.
6. COOBER PEDY OPAL FESTIVAL, FLINDERS RANGES AND OUTBACK
The Coober Pedy Opal Festival takes the outback experience to a whole new level. Experience nature at its finest with a touch of man-made entertainment, with fireworks, a street parade, true-blue bush dance, live music and Australia’s famed opals.
Find out more here.
7. WINTER REDS WEEKEND, ADELAIDE HILLS
Escape the winter blues and head to the Adelaide Hills for a weekend of reds. With more than 30 wineries showing off their incredible wines and a smorgasbord of sumptuous food, you’ll wish the Winter Reds Weekend lasted all winter long. Delicious wine and stunning views – what more could you want?
Find out more here.
8. OTR THE BEND 500, MURRAY RIVER, LAKES & COORONG
The Bend Motorsport Park is not only home to some wicked racing and fast-paced fun, but some amazing activities for everyone to enjoy. Embark on some hot laps around Australia’s newest national supercar circuit, or cruise at your own speed with some exhilarating go-karting.
Warning: not for the faint-hearted.
Find out more here.
9. BAROSSA GOURMET WEEKEND
Three days of delicious food and wine and some wonderful activities for the kid. This is the Barossa Gourmet Weekend. This event nevers ceases to amaze foodies and visitors each year, and continues to raise the culinary bar again and again. This gourmet experience is just an hour’s drive from the Adelaide CBD, and provides you the chance to truly indulge in Barossa’s culinary masterpieces.
Find out more here.
10. COONAWARRA CABERNET CELEBRATIONS, LIMESTONE COAST
A whole month celebrating wine? We’re in! Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations is a wine enthusiast’s dream with a generous helping of food on the side and good old-fashioned country hospitality. This October festival is complimented perfectly by a weekend getaway to the beautiful Limestone Coast. Trust us – you don’t want to miss out on this biggie.
Find out more here.
11. HANDPICKED FESTIVAL, FLEURIEU PENINSULA
Some of the biggest names in Australian music are showcased at Handpicked Festival. With the surrounding stunning vineyard as your backdrop, this is the perfect place to kick back and relax while you enjoy the music. 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 more here.
12. ADELAIDE FESTIVAL
This is one of the world’s greatest art events. This festival has charmed audiences for over 50 years, so you can expect the absolute best. Featuring an outstanding array of internationally acclaimed theatre productions, world-class musicians, dance pieces, renowned writers, and impactful art displays, prepare to have your mind burst with wonder at the Adelaide Festival.
Find out more here.