6 top festivals in South Australia
30 Sep 2015
South Australia may not have the extravagant glamour of Sydney or the same European culture as Melbourne, but the Festival State really does know how to throw a great event. Here’s our pick of six great festivals for everyone to enjoy.
1. Tunarama
Photography by Take 2 Photography
DATE: 22 – 26 January, 2016
VISIT: tunarama.net
Who knew that a festival could be most famous for a tuna throwing competition? Tunarama was first launched in 1962 in an effort to promote the tuna industry in Port Lincoln, home to the largest fishing fleet in Australia. Back in the 60s, the event included a street parade and a Miss Tunarama competition, but it’s now most famous for the World Championship Tuna Toss, where contestants battle it out to win large cash prizes. The Tunarama Festival program also includes 50 events and activities including live bands, a Long Table event, fireworks, a Gala Ball, workshops and exhibitions. To celebrate Tunarama’s emerald year in 2016, there will be a spectacular laser show for everyone to enjoy, too.
2. Adelaide Fringe
Photography by Tony Virgo
DATE: 12 February – 14 March, 2016
VISIT: adelaidefringe.com.au
Watch the city come alive when this festival takes place during the summer. A diverse and vibrant event that supports independent artists, the Adelaide Fringe is jam-packed with more than 1000 exciting, fresh performances across a number of genres including visual art, comedy, circus, film, design and music. Events are staged in quirky pop-up venues in parks and warehouses, as well as established theatres and art galleries. The well-established Adelaide Festival also coincides with the event, as does the Adelaide International Buskers Festival, making even just a short stroll through Rundle Mall highly entertaining.
3. Clipsal 500
Photography by Nathan Wong
DATE: March, 2016
VISIT: clipsal500.com.au
When this major world-famous annual motor racing event is in town, the vroom-vroom-vrooming of V8 supercars can be heard all over the city. Held over four days, the Clipsal includes two 125-kilometre races and one 250-kilometre race, as well as a host of other events including the Clipsal Challenge, where old rivals Holden and Ford go head to head in a slalom course, a Harley Davidson parade, vintage car displays and more. Not just for revheads, the family-friendly event also includes a Ferrari kids zone, sideshows, and a family fun area.
4. Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Photography by Adelaide Festival Centre
DATE: 10-25 June 2016
VISIT: adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au
When this festival first launched 15 years ago, legendary Australian jazz musician James Morrison performed on stage and was accompanied by musical theatre star Caroline O’Connor. Since then, many illustrious performers have graced the stage, including a host of local artists such as Anthony Warlow, Paul Kelly and Olivia Newton-John, as well as international guests like Natalie Cole, Bernadette Peters and Idina Menzel. The fortnight-long program is packed with a host of intimate soirees, free events and shows for the kids, too.
5. Barossa Gourmet Weekend
Photography by Nathanial Mason
DATE: 14-16 August, 2015
VISIT: barossagourmet.com
Loved for its bounty of local produce and world-renowned wine, the Barossa Valley is one of the great highlights of South Australia and this event showcases the delicious goods created by manufacturers, winemakers and artisans in the region. Consider yourself a wine connoisseur? Sign up for a wine master class. Or you can learn how to whip up a gourmet meal during a cooking class, or simply indulge in a long lunch or dinner. A shuttle bus is also available to help you get about during the weekend.
6. WOMADelaide
Photography by WOMADelaide, South Australia Tourism
DATE: 11 - 14 March 2016
VISIT: womadelaide.com.au
This four-day award-winning festival features hundreds of great artists and musicians from all over the world each year and in addition to performances, the diverse program also includes talks, street theatre, workshops, artists in conversation and food programs.
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