South Australia is blooming, and it’s time to get out there and do the same: Sip Cabernet in the Coonawarra, sit front row at a fashion show, walk the red carpet at a movie premiere or dance the day away at a distillery. Want more options? Here are October’s best events and festivals:
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations
1-20 October
Coonwarra’s unbeatable Cab Sav is the star of this gourmet spring festival, featuring over 50 unique food and wine experiences. From degustation dinners to masterclasses, vertical tastings to winery tours, there’s something for every palate. Don’t miss the chance to blend your own wine or indulge in a sparkling cabernet breakfast.
Yuldea by Bangarra Dance Theatre
1-12 October
Experience the incomparable storytelling of Bangarra Dance Theatre with their major new work, Yuldea. This ceremonial affirmation of history and heritage explores the story of the Anangu people of the Great Victorian Desert. Touring across Whyalla, Port Pirie, Renmark and Mount Gambier, this powerful performance combines original music, stunning set design and breathtaking choreography.
Odyssey Greek Festival
4 October – 2 November
Embark on a journey of art, culture, food, music and film at this Hellenic party where everyone is welcome. With over 15 events held across Adelaide, this cherished celebration incorporates the Greek Film Festival, concerts, paint and sip events, cooking workshops and an art exhibition. Don’t miss the inaugural Grattan Street Paniyiri for an authentic Greek experience.
Semaphore Music Festival
4-7 October
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Adelaide’s original alt-country, roots and blues festival. Held on the Semaphore foreshore, the 2024 event’s stellar lineup includes the Audreys, Coloured Stone and the Lachy Doley Group. So grab a group of friends, head for the beach and enjoy a long weekend of great music, carnival rides and party vibes, plus all the best local food and drink you can handle.
Ceduna Oysterfest
5-6 October
Sip, shuck and “shellebrate” by the seaside as Australia’s Oyster Capital pulls out all the stops to welcome you to town. This free event offers a program of activities including live entertainment, a kid’s zone, funfair, specialty cuisines and cooking demonstrations – not to mention mountains of freshly-caught seafood. Don’t miss the chance to join the fun of the quirky competitions, which include a monster tug of war, swallowing oysters blindfolded, and even filleting fish.
Festival of Halloween
5 October
Get spooked in the best way at Adelaide’s inaugural Festival of Halloween. Held at Port Adelaide’s Waterside Workers Hall, this family-friendly event features a trick-or-treat trail, spine-tingling markets, haunted experiences and costume competitions. Enjoy DIY Halloween demonstrations, photo opportunities with roving characters and special show bags filled with festive goodies.
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
5 October
Australia’s largest Oktoberfest celebration returns to Adelaide’s Pinky Flat. Enjoy colossal beer halls, authentic German food stalls, roving performers thrill rides and an eclectic mix of live entertainment. Sip on imported German beer, cider and wine while soaking up the big party energy.
Socceroos vs China
10 October
Cheer on the Socceroos as they take on China PR in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification match at Adelaide Oval. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see Australia’s national team in action for the first time in Adelaide since 2017.
ADL Fashion Week
11-13 October
Adelaide shows off its stylish side at this three-day fashion extravaganza. Unique events, experiences and innovative collaborations are happening right across the city, complemented by shopping offers, prizes and in-store events. Two highlights not to miss are the ‘Icons Only’ campaign featuring influential SA personalities and the ‘Sense of Place’ spotlight on Adelaide’s iconic landmarks.
West Thebarton Cocktail Trail
19 October
Discover West Torrens’ hidden gems during this inaugural self-guided event. Follow the interactive map to explore the best venues and indulge in seriously good beverages. Sample unique beers and cocktails from local distilleries and breweries, enjoy live music, wander among street performers, and savor delicious local eats.
Sun & Sounds Renmark
19 October
Get ready to groove to the beat at this hot new festival in the Riverland. Held at 23rd Street Distillery, it’s a day of live music, delicious food and top-tier spirits. Dance the day away to live music from Adelaide’s Day Drive band, Homegrown and local DJs, or chill out on the lawns with your mates and a frosty cocktail or two.
Cheesefest
19-20 October
Indulge in Australia’s biggest outdoor cheese festival at Rundle Park, Kadlitpina. Sample a wide variety of cheeses from South Australian artisan producers, along with local food, wine, and spirits. There’s also live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and cheese masterclasses to enjoy. Fun fact: Last year’s cheese was so good festival goers got through a whopping 13.5 tonnes of it during the event.
Bay to Birdwood
20 October
Witness one of the world’s great historic motoring events as thousands of vintage and classic vehicles parade from West Beach to the National Motor Museum in Birdwood. Enjoy the spectacle of period-dressed participants and join in the fun by dressing up yourself and joining in the joy of the crowd as they cheer on the cars.
Adelaide Film Festival
23 October – 3 November
South Australia’s premier screen event is a celebration of courageous cinema where filmmakers and viewers come together for a program of premieres, art, talks and parties. Highlights of this year’s program include the world premiere of The Correspondent; the screening of All We Imagine as Light, winner of the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival; and a preview of Zak Hilditch’s new horror film, We Bury the Dead.
OzAsia Festival
24 October – 10 November
Experience Australia’s leading contemporary arts festival engaging with Asia. Now in its seventeenth year, OzAsia boasts a bold, genre-defying lineup featuring 300 artists from 12 countries. Highlights include Taylor Sheesh’s electrifying Taylor Swift impersonation, the vibrant AnimeGO!, and the Bollywood extravaganza A Passage to Bollywood. Don’t forget to visit the popular Lucky Dumpling Market and Moon Lantern Trail.
The Bend Classic
25-27 October
Car enthusiasts and country music fans, this one’s for you. Rev up your engines and head to Tailem Bend for a thrilling three-day event at the track featuring classic cars, nostalgia drag races and the first-ever “Bull Throttle” rodeo show. The Country Music Festival lineup includes Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, and Brad Cox. For the full experience, camp under the stars at the circuit.
Sea to Shore Glenelg Seafood Festival
26-27 October
Indulge in South Australia’s finest seafood at this weekend-long event on the Glenelg foreshore. Curated by festival ambassador Chef Laura Sharrad, the delights on offer will include fresh seafood dishes created by SA chefs, paired with local wine and gin. Watch live cooking demonstrations and participate in oyster shucking, prawn peeling and sashimi slicing activities.
Wellness Wander Festival
26-27 October
Escape to the Adelaide Hills for a festival where you can destress, rejuvenate and reset. Immerse yourself in a curated selection of events offered by local producers, wellness practitioners, and passionate restaurateurs – all aimed at boosting your mental, physical, and emotional health. The program of 50 locally-led experiences ranges from yoga retreats and forest bathing to mindful cooking and equine therapy, allowing you to craft your own personalised wellness trail through the region.
