South Australia’s epic start to 2024 features events and festivals that celebrate everything from cycling and tennis to music and fantastic food. So whether your idea of a great day out is watching elite athletes battle it out live, dancing up a storm at a music festival, or chilling out by the sea with a yiros or ice cream, we’ve got the lowdown on what’s happening in this state this month.
ILCA 2024 World Regatta
1 January-10 February
This is going to be big! Adelaide Sailing Club is hosting 800 boats, plus 1,500 competitors, coaches, supporters and teams from around the globe for this massive event at Adelaide’s West Beach. The Australian, Oceania and Youth Championships, the ILCA World Masters Championship and the ILCA 7 World Championship – an Olympic Qualifier event. This is one of sailing’s most high-profile events, and all those sails on the metropolitan Adelaide skyline will make a stunning vista for anyone heading to West Beach this January.
Heaps Good Festival
6 January
The Heaps Good festival is back, heaps bigger, and living up to its name with a lineup that’s set to welcome in 2024 with an epic party. The main stage at the Adelaide Showground event will host Flume, Foals, The Avalanches, Declan McKenna, Griff, Holly Humberstone, May-A, Sycco and Logan. The dedicated dance stage, Adelaide’s Sound Archive, also returns in 2024 with a lineup featuring Mall Grab, Kettama, salute, Logic1000, Rona. and Denim. All that plus multiple bars and plenty of food to keep you fuelled up throughout the day. Sounds like a heaps good time to us!
Wildlands Festival
7 January
Take a walk on the wild side as this festival returns for a sonic summer party among the lush green surrounds Adelaide’s Ellis Park/Tampawardli. The line-up boasts some of the most epic international and home-grown dance, electronic, indie and hip-hop acts. Dropping some serious beats on the day will be Grammy-winning local legends RÜFÜS DU SOL, grime star Central Cee and Berlin-based DJ producer Peggy Gou. They’ll be joined by Ferg, The Jungle Giants, G Flip, Becca Hatch and Forest Claudette for one massive day that’s sure to be a highlight of the summer for all live music fans.
Adelaide International
8-13 January
Tennis hits home as the Adelaide International returns for 2024! Get up close to the action this summer as some of the world’s best players head to The Drive. The men’s lineup includes hometown favourite and 2022 champion Thanasi Kokkinakis, as well as young Italian up-and-comer Lorenzo Musetti. Three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber will headline the women’s field alongside Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic. But the Adelaide International is not just about tennis – there’s everything from live music, bars, food trucks, themed days and a family zone happening as well – all at The Drive’s fantastic new facilities. Tickets start at $20 with access to everything, so you’re guaranteed a great day out whether you’re an avid tennis fanatic or just a casual fan.
Glenelg Ice Cream Festival
12 January
If you scream for ice cream during the heat of January, catch the tram to Glenelg for this festival by the sea. The event sees Jetty Road come alive with pop-up bars, fashion parades, great tunes, food stalls, kid’s activities and an avalanche of ice creamy goodness from South Australia’s best ice creameries. We can’t think of a better way to spend a balmy summer evening than sitting on the dock of the bay enjoying an ice cream cone with your friends – and Glenelg is definitely the place to do it. After all, SA is famous for both its ice cream and beaches.
Santos Tour Down Under
12-21 January
The greats of world cycling will once again battle it out through the streets of Adelaide and surrounding regions during the largest cycling event in the southern hemisphere. Join in the fun at this Lycra-fest as a spectator, or get on your bike for one of the participation rides – they cater for all ages and levels. Then there are the community celebrations and live entertainment that make this festival of cycling so much fun for even the least sporty South Australian. Check out the huge program of events to find a street party near you, or discover the free fun of the City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. As well as panel discussions with riders and the race live streamed on the big screen, the village will host daily knock off hour drinks, tasty treats and a space for fans to cool off, featuring ice baths, physio and localised cryotherapy.
Semaphore Greek Festival
13-14 January
The Semaphore Greek Festival is one of the largest events of its kind in Australia, celebrating a culture that knows how to savour life, family and community. Generations of local volunteers dedicate endless hours to creating this free beachside festival of food, music, and dance. Savour the authentic tastes of Greece with an array of traditional dishes. Think yiros, lamb kontosouvli, souvlakia and the crowd-favorite loukoumades. Then get swept away by the energy of traditional Greek dances and music from local Greek-Australian talents. It’s a mix of classic and modern vibes so there’s something for everyone.
UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup
13-17 January
In a first for SA, Adelaide will host a round of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup as part of the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under’s festival of events – highlighting the inclusivity of cycling. More than 300 of the world’s best para-cycling athletes will converge on Adelaide to take part, including SA’s own Paralympic champion cyclist Darren Hicks. Fans will be able to cheer on the para-cycling athletes as they compete on the 1.35km TDU Adelaide city track before the event moves to The Bend Motorsport Park near Tailem Bend for two days of fast and furious on-track action.
SummerVines Festival
19-28 January
The very best of Mclaren Vale is on offer at this festival for the gourmands and wine connoisseurs – plus anyone who wants to escape the city heat for a great day out in a coastal wine region. Enjoy a glass of wine in the sun and experience how the region’s gorgeous natural landscape influences everything – from its bright contemporary wines to its vibrant foodie culture. There’ll also be the chance to check out the wares of the region’s creative artisans and soak in the slower pace of its laid-back coastal lifestyle. Join the festival’s mailing list to be the first to hear when more details of its events are released.
Unley Gala
20 January
The last event attracted 20,000 people and in 2024 it’s back! The Unley Gala’s returning to King William Road for a celebration of all things food, fashion, entertainment and cycling. As the prelude to the final stage of the Santos Tour Down Under, this event – which was first held 20 years ago – brings an alfresco summer party to one of Adelaide’s premier main streets. Get set for an entertainment line-up featuring something for all ages, from stellar live music, DJs and fashion parades, to roving performers and children’s entertainment zones. There will also be stalls selling delicious gourmet delights, drinks and gifts from some of Unley’s best shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.
Vintage Vibes Festival
27-28 January
Head to the hills this summer for one of SA’s most exciting music festivals! Headliners include indie-rockers Ball Park Music, UK drum and bass band Rudimental and 90s house legends Groove Armada. They’ll be joined by the likes of Sea Girls, Milky Chance, The Teskey Brothers and more. As well as the music, festival goers can enjoy seriously tasty treats – think Motherlode’s famous fried chicken sandwiches, Sookii La La’s Asian street food and Golden North ice cream. Wash it down with a glass of premium wine or a few delicious mocktails. Set in green fields among the gumtrees and vineyards of Tomich Wines in Woodside, Vintage Vibes is set to be two glorious days of music, food, wine and fun.
