Autumn Comes to Adelaide
Kuitpo Forest is a beautiful place for a hike and to observe the colourful effects of autumn in South Australia.
Autumn is arguably the best season in Adelaide. Sure, the other seasons have their merits – bikinis on the beach in summer, flourishing flowers in spring, the cleansing rainfall of winter, and so on. Autumn, however, comes with many wonderful attractions including, but by no means limited to, the magnificent display of deciduous foliage, fallen yet golden. It's also the time of year when we welcome to town an abundance of exciting world-class events and others that are lesser known but no less fantastic. There's a lot to see and do all over South Australia so let's go month by month.
March Madness
It's the month affectionately known as Mad March because Adelaide is inundated with over 1000 events and trying to cram it all in four weeks can send even the sanest person silly. With more shows than can possibly be seen, it can be an expensive month for many. Luckily some bright spark created a guide to the
Festival Season for the Frugal.
It all begins with the country's largest arts event, the
Adelaide Fringe, from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, March 16, 2014. There's something for everyone with comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, music, circus acts, and so much more. Meanwhile, the
Adelaide Festival is on Friday, February 28 until Sunday, March 16, 2014 with even more arts action to be had.
A stand out event of the Adelaide Festival and an experience like no other is
WOMADelaide. The festival is on from Friday, March 7 to Monday, March 10, 2014 in Botanic Park. Arrested Development, Billy Bragg, Lior, and Megan Washington are just some of the unique performers appearing on stage, while Peter Garrett and other notable speakers will be discussing environmental issues as part of The Planet Talks.
Get your guides out and start planning because there are quite literally thousands of things to do during festival season.
If you'd rather watch fast cars zoom around the city, then
Clipsal 500 is for you. It's been described as the "best touring car event in the world" and is on Thursday, February 27 until Sunday, March 2, 2014. The Clipsal concerts are held each night and this year feature the likes of Keith Urban, Guy Sebastian, Boom Crash Opera, Empire of the Sun, Kimbra, Bliss n Eso, and The Potbelleez.
Music fans won't want to miss
Future Music Festival on Monday, March 10, 2014 (a public holiday courtesy of the Adelaide Cup) at the Adelaide Showground in Wayville. Headlining the festival is Pharrell Williams, the man responsible for some of the most highly rotated hits of the past year including "Happy", "Get Lucky", and "Blurred Lines". You'll also be able to see Cut Copy, Tinie Tempah, Knife Party, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Rudimental, and other popular performers.
Also at the Adelaide Showground, but with a totally different vibe is
Mathilda's Market on Sunday, March 23. The market sells creative and unique merchandise designed especially for babies, toddlers, and children. Don't worry if you can't make it in March because it happens again on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Travis Collins, The Borderers, Sandra Humphries and more country musicians will be performing at the
Swan Reach Country Music Festival from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30, 2014. There's lots of fun to be had with a ute muster, talent quest, line dancing, and cruises aboard the Paddle Steamer Marion.
April ActionIf March is madness, then April is action-packed and equally eventful. It kicks off with the
Adelaide Food and Wine Festival in a showcase of the best South Australian products and produce from the beach to the city, the markets and beyond. Indulge yourself with the state's finest on Friday, April 4 until Sunday, April 13, 2014.
Oz Comic-Con is on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the Adelaide Showground. The ultimate pop culture expo has a stellar line up including Sam Lloyd, Billie Piper, Robert Maschio, Shannen Doherty, and other famous faces from television and cinema.
Take a trip back in time at the
Rock n Roll Rendezvous on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood. It's a full day of retro fun with classic cars, vintage fashion, and catchy tunes from yesteryear.
They don't make them like they used to and the Rock n Roll Rendezvous will have classic cars, like this one, on display.
The annual
Coober Pedy Opal Festival marks the end of a long hot summer and the start of a prosperous opal mining season. Visitors can enjoy a street parade, live music, fireworks display, and lots of fun activities on Saturday, April 19, 2014.
Another popular holiday destination is Kangaroo Island and the best time to visit is during the
Kangaroo Island FEASTival. There are many different dining experiences planned so you can eat and drink your way around the island from Thursday, April 24 to Monday, April 28, 2014.
Head to the Adelaide Showground from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, 2014 and you'll be able to explore not one, but three different expos. The
Sunday Mail Home Living Expo costs $10 for adults and allows access to the
Animal Expo and the
April Gift and Craft Fair.
Tasting Australia is held from Sunday, April 27 to Sunday, May 4, 2014 and is a festival dedicated to eating and drinking. With a variety of activities held all around the city and regional areas, there's bound to be something delicious happening near you.
May Mayhem
Put the
Bowerbird Bazaar in your diary and stock up on distinctive furnishing, clothing, stationery, and accessories. The design market is only held twice a year and the first edition is on Friday, May 2 until Sunday, May 4, 2014 at the Adelaide Showground.
There's no better way to celebrate the season than the
Stirling Autumn Garden Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2014. Admire the colourful effect autumn has on the Adelaide Hills and learn more about gardening, the great outdoors, and sustainable living.
Be among the first to sample the year's vintage at the
Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend. It's on from Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18, 2014 at participating wineries in the area. If you need more convincing, then here are
10 Reasons to Visit Clare Valley.
Known for its rustic charm and premium wine, the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend is the perfect way to explore the region.
Penola's arts community joins forces with Coonawarra's wine producers for the
Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival in one of regional Australia's leading arts events. There are exhibitions, performances, workshops, and activities held from Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, May 25, 2014.
The Riverland will be bootscootin' with around 90 performances in 20 venues over 10 days at the
South Australian Country Music Festival & Awards. It all happens from Friday, May 30 to Monday, June 9, 2014 around Barmera.
The Adelaide Showground is the place to be on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2014. Australia's largest well-being festival, the
Body, Mind & Psychic Expo, is on and the $15 admittance fee allows entry to the inaugural
Adelaide's Eco Living Expo, so you can save the planet and feel good doing it!
Let's finish with one for the young and young at heart. The
Mega Toy Fair is also on at the Adelaide Showground on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2014. With classic toys and modern collectibles, you'll find jigsaws, slot cars, dolls, books, and other fun things to play with. Now get your skates on and go enjoy autumn and all that it has to offer.