March is a jam-packed month in South Australia. From literary legends and racing royalty to street food feasts and open-air concerts, there’s something for every kind of festival-goer.
Adelaide Writers’ Week
1-6 March
One of Australia’s biggest literary events returns, bringing six days of free conversations with world-renowned authors, journalists, and thinkers in the leafy surrounds of the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden. This year’s theme, Words Matter, features more than 230 writers across 151 sessions, covering politics, history, poetry, and storytelling. Special guests include Sir Simon Schama, Tim Winton, Helen Garner and Marcus Zusak.
South Australian Women’s Week 2025
1-8 March
Celebrate the achievements of women and girls across SA with a week of events inspired by the UN Women’s “March Forward” theme. From the International Working Women’s Day March to high teas, breakfasts, and a celebration of radical women in art at the Art Gallery of South Australia, there’s plenty to inspire and connect. Plus, Adelaide Fringe and the Office for Women are offering discounted tickets to SA women-led Fringe shows from 1-8 March. Explore the Fringe’s SA Women’s Week Picks for more details!
Kaurna Day 2025 – Tirkanthi – Ngutu – Taikurrinthi
3 March
Celebrate culture, language, and traditions at the University of Adelaide’s annual Kaurna Day – Tirkanthi – Ngutu – Taikurrinthi (Learning – Knowledge – Be United Together). Begin with a sunrise smoking ceremony, then enjoy music, dance, storytelling, workshops, and traditional games. This year also marks the launch of the Kaurna Songbook, a resource for learning Kaurna language through music. Free and open to all, with breakfast and coffee at the smoking ceremony.
WOMADelaide
7-10 March
SA’s iconic open-air festival celebrating cultural discovery, WOMADelaide (that stands for World Of Music, Arts and Dance btw) will once again transform Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla into a global village. This year’s line up includes Róisín Murphy (Ireland), PJ Harvey (UK), Mariza (Portugal), Khruangbin (USA), Nitin Sawhney (UK) and Digable Planets (USA), as well as plenty of homegrown talent. Off stage there’s a village of international food to enjoy, plus markets, roving circus performers and workshops.
Riverland Food & Wine Festival
8 March
The much-loved Riverland Food & Wine Festival is back with a fresh new look! Set along the Berri riverfront, this festival pairs the region’s best wines with locally sourced dishes, live music, and a spectacular riverside setting. Expect tasting flights, food trucks, and performances from McKenzie and Homegrown: The Ultimate 80s, 90s, 00s.
Day on the Grass!
8 March
Kick back at the Meadows Hotel for a laid-back day of live rock and blues. The lineup features Cold Chisel harmonica legend David Blight, blues guitarist Mick Kidd, and father-son duo Pigsy & Kye John. Expect an Aussie BBQ, pop-up bars, market stalls, and even a bucking bull to test your rodeo skills. Entry is just a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to the local CFS.
Colour Tumby Festival
8-9 March
Where street art meets the sea! This vibrant festival in Tumby Bay delivers a packed program of music, markets, performers, and live mural painting. Explore the street art trail, join a sand sculpting session, or watch kite displays on the beach. Whether you’re into cabaret, comedy, or creative workshops, this Eyre Peninsula event has it all.
Adelaide Motorsport Festival
8-9 March
If you love fast cars, nostalgia, and cutting-edge tech, this is for you. Classic Formula 1 machines, V8 Supercars, and exotic sports cars will race on a section of Adelaide’s historic Grand Prix circuit. Off-track, check out the E-Motion Zone, luxury brand precinct, and interactive displays. Formula 1 legends headlining this year’s event include Valtteri Bottas, Damon Hill, and Guenther Steiner.
Streaky Sounds Music Festival
9 March
This coastal festival brings indie, rock, and acoustic tunes to Streaky Bay. Headliners include The Cat Empire, The Tullamarines, Revel and Audio Reign. Alongside the music, enjoy food vans, a licensed bar, and kids’ entertainment – all set against the stunning Far West Coast seascape.
The Great Aussie G&T Off
9 March
McLaren Vale’s Never Never Distilling Co. is teaming up with StrangeLove to bring back its sell-out gin showdown! This one-day event includes three curated G&Ts, a goody bag, live DJ sets, and lawn games. Expect inventive cocktails featuring everything from Cyclone ice blocks to blue curaçao inspired by Sydney Harbour.
Nepal Festival Adelaide
9 March
Elder Park hosts this fun celebration of Nepalese culture, with traditional performances, authentic street food, and a colourful marketplace. Organised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association, the event brings the community together while showcasing Nepal’s rich heritage to the wider public.
Sportsbet Adelaide Cup
10 March
Get your race-day outfit ready: Adelaide’s premier horse racing event is back! Whether you’re trackside soaking up the atmosphere or enjoying a long lunch at the First Class Champagne Lounge, this public holiday tradition blends high stakes with high style.
arkhé & friends
13 March
A culinary collaboration like no other: The final arkhé & friends dinner sees Michelin-starred chef Sean Gray (ex-Momofuku Ko, NYC) take over the arkhé kitchen in Norwood for one night only. Known for his inventive takes on Americana, Sean will serve up a five-course feast paired with premium wines and a Laphroaig cocktail on arrival.
Barossa Wine-a-Thon: Seppeltsfield Road Edition
15 March
This brand-new “wine-a-thon” takes you on a minibus tour of five top Barossa venues, including Paulmara Estate and Seppeltsfield Road Distillers. With wine tastings, gourmet bites, live entertainment, and a keepsake wine cup, it’s the ultimate way to explore the region’s best drops.
Westbound 2025
15 March
Westbound brings live music, artisan markets, and workshops to Lion Arts Precinct for a free one-day festival. The lineup includes Alexander Flood, The Empty Threats, Any Young Mechanic, Live Slug Reaction, Ebony A Million, and DJ sets from WET//DREEMS (DJs from rock band Bad//Dreems) and Romi. Enjoy ceramics, jewellery, and fashion stalls, plus pop-up bars and food vendors serving porchetta, pizza, vegan eats, and more.
Alliance Française French Film Festival
19 March – 23 April
Step into the spell-binding world of contemporary French cinema as this festival returns to Adelaide with 42 films spanning drama, comedy, and documentary. Highlights include The Count of Monte Cristo and Holy Cow – straight from Cannes, plus regional screenings in Mt Gambier and Renmark.
Colours of Asia Festival
21-23 March
Rundle Mall transforms into a bustling Asian street market, complete with lantern-lit walkways, Balinese huts, and 16 incredible food vendors. Expect sizzling satays, fragrant curries, and live cultural performances, plus a pop-up artisan market on the weekend.
Caltowie Chilled Out ‘n’ Fired Up Music Festival
22 March
Great tunes, bonfires, and a big cause: This Mid North festival raises funds for Lifeline while delivering 12 hours of live music. With headliners The Superjesus, Molly Rocket, and Funk Me, plus food trucks and licensed bars, it’s set to be an unforgettable day. Free camping available!
Ocean Film Festival Tour
22 March
Celebrate the beauty and power of the ocean with this mesmerising selection of short films screening in Adelaide (and in Victor Harbor in June). Featuring awe-inspiring cinematography, deep-sea adventure, and marine conservation stories, this festival is a must for ocean lovers.
Seafood on Spencer
29 March
Port Broughton’s “Gulf to Plate” experience brings together freshly-caught Spencer Gulf seafood, top chefs, and premium regional wines. Meet local fishermen, watch cooking demos, and enjoy live music by the beach.
SummerSalt
29-30 March
Missy Higgins, John Butler, and The Waifs are set to soundtrack your summer at this beloved live music festival. Touring Mount Gambier and Victor Harbor this March, SummerSalt blends stellar Aussie acts with stunning regional backdrops to create an all-ages event that’s always a great day out.
A Taste of The Hills Festival
29-30 March
This festival showcases the best of the Adelaide Hills in one location, with a whole lot of fine wines, spirits, beer, and food. You can taste your way through 50-plus local producers, enjoy live music headlined by Kingswood, and even take in the scenery from a luxury helicopter ride.
