Top Free Things to do in Adelaide - June 2014
A Policeman on Rundle Street ca 1963 Before it Became Rundle Mall (Courtesy State Records)
Adelaide's unpredictable weather continues to be a topic of much conversation with taxi drivers, and anyone stuck in a lift with someone that you really abhor. After having our complexions fried and dried during summer, now we can't even show off our new winter wear because it's still unseasonably warm.
All the of the event planners and public servants busily activating our fine city have been caught out by this, so most free events and free things to do in Adelaide are indoors this month. But we still have managed to find some choice activities for kids and families from our research.
Singles and students have probably already started hibernating for the long winter of discontent after the Budget announcements, but we'll do our best for you too.
What's On in Adelaide - Free Events
There Are Many Port Adelaide Attractions
It's not actually free, but for two dollars you can explore one of Adelaide's tall ships - the One and All on
its Open Day. Make a day of it afterward in Port Adelaide and explore the ships graveyards at nearby
Jervois Basin or
Mutton Cove. Seventy years ago a determined band of men and women stood guard in the
top secret Fort Malta at Taperoo to protect Port Adelaide from attack by the Japanese. Unfortunately the fort was demolished after the war, but it still makes an interesting story.
Adelaide kids will love the
free screening of Le Chat du Rabbin by Alliance Francaise on June 6 - entertain them and pick up a little French culture at the same time.
Enjoy a Complementary Glass of Wine at Edible-izing Adelaide
In these tight economic times we need to learn how to do more with less money, and the free event
Edible-izing Adelaide is all about making the most of our food and garden produce. Don't forget to register in advance and get a free glass of wine too.
Free Lectures at The Hawke Centre - UniSA City West Campus
There are a couple of free public lectures coming up too - about South Australia's
world heritage bid for the Mount Lofty Ranges, and another titled
Unmasking Austerity. Does austerity really need to be unmasked in the current climate? Perhaps not, but the lecture does explore some interesting ideas.
Not Free, but Fun Things to Do
If you have a few dollars to spend then your choice of what to do in Adelaide becomes much wider. Check out the
Eco Living Expo at the Adelaide Showgrounds and see the largest solar setup in Australia, or visit the
Salisbury Craft & Hobby Fair over the June long weekend.
Adelaide Kids & Parents at Sea and Vines
Also being held on the June long weekend is the
Sea and Vines Festival in McLaren Vale. There's a whole range of food and wine experiences to suit most budgets, and of course plenty of activities for kids so they don't get bored watching you misbehave. If the crowds start getting the better of you, it's easy to escape to
the Battunga country down the road, where the wineries will be less busy.
June is not without its festivals too - the inaugural
Feast Film Festival is spread over two weekends in June at the Mercury Cinema with around twenty films to choose from, and the
Adelaide Cabaret Festival is back too.
Art Gallery of South Australia
If you're in your twenties or thirties give
Departure at the Art Gallery a try - it's an event that entices younger people to explore and enjoy the gallery. More cerebral types might prefer a
charity quiz night where they can show off their hidden talent.
Have you still got a few dollars left over? Try our updated recommendations for
cheap eats in Adelaide - it shows that you can easily find tasty food for ten bucks and under.
Field Kitchen Display at Military Vehciles Museum
For a fun family outing try the
National Military Vehicle Museum at Edinburgh Park - there's heaps of militaria to see there. If you like military planes the
Classic Jets Fighter Museum is not far away too.
Other Things to See and Do in Adelaide
Kids Love Sport - Cumberland United Soccer Players
Adelaide kids love a bit of weekend sport, and if you're in the south of Adelaide why not let them try out for
In-Line Hockey on a Saturday afternoon?
Winter hasn't yet arrived but I've already put on a bit of weight. I'm planning to try Ann Lund's suggestion of a
walk from Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty - it's a very scenic route and perfect on a cool dry day. Luckily there's a cafe at the end of the hike too.
For people who work in the city (or if you just have some spare time in the CBD), there are some
fantastic new free walks out that showcase the architecture, engineering, history and art in Adelaide. You can take as long as you want, and if you have a smart phone it's even better.
Breakfast Ideas from Froth & Fodder
After an early morning walk you may well want some brunch - take a look at
this new place in the inner suburbs that is flavour of the month. The breakfast burger comes well recommended.
My mind turns to travel in winter - especially dreaming of fun things to do in the warmer climes of the northern hemisphere. But there are still plenty of places around South Australia to visit if you can't get away for long. If you want to discover what to do in Adelaide's country areas, Hayley Rich recommends
this place with a view on Kangaroo Island. While you're there take a look at
these other places to visit.
