Forget the winter blues – June in Adelaide means sipping premium gin, dancing in McLaren Vale vineyards, exploring Coober Pedy’s quirky charm, and soaking up soulful cabaret nights.
Winter Whale Fest
1-30 June
Southern Right Whales are making their annual pilgrimage to the Fleurieu Peninsula, and the locals are celebrating in style. This month-long festival offers a rare chance to learn from marine conservation experts, immerse yourself in the world of underwater wonders, and participate in a range of educational and cultural experiences. Through thoughtfully curated events, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for our coastal landscapes and the magnificent creatures that visit our shores each winter.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
5-21 June
Bling it on! Adelaide Cabaret Festival turns 25 this year and they’re throwing a party so fabulous, even the confetti will be covered in sequins. For 12 glorious days and nights, Adelaide transforms into a haven of music, mischief and mayhem. Catch Aussie legend Jessica Mauboy baring her soul, international icon Jacob Collier making musical magic, and the brutally hilarious Reuben Kaye leaving you gasping for air (and maybe a stiff drink). This milestone celebration features 11 world premieres and 11 Australian exclusives – so dust off your diamonds and join the cabaret chaos!
Viking Festival
6, 13, 27-29 June
Immerse yourself in Norse history and culture at the South Australian Museum’s free Viking Festival, celebrating the Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard exhibition. Enjoy Friday evening events on 6, 13 and 27 June, then join the hoard when it all kicks off on the final weekend for VikingFest from 28-29 June. Viking Festival events will feature live medieval music, mead tasting from local producers, rune readings, Norse storytelling, artisan workshops, and spectacular medieval combat demonstrations. The exhibition will be open as well, so you can buy tickets and explore one of Europe’s most important archaeological finds, showcasing over 100 rare objects, including jewellery buried around 900 AD.
Adelaide Beer & BBQ Fest 2025
6-8 June
It’s last drinks for this beloved festival, which is celebrating 10 years of beers at its final shindig in 2025. Over 40 breweries from across Australia will pour their finest, while BBQ vendors like Belles Hot Chicken and Bread & Bone Wood Grill serve up mouth-watering eats. The music lineup is equally impressive, with Wolfmother, The Chats, and Tim Finn headlining across the three days. Don’t miss your last chance to experience the fun of one of Australia’s most original festivals!
Gutsy Kangaroo Island
6-9 June
Embrace the wild beauty of winter on Kangaroo Island at this unique eating and drinking celebration. Gutsy Kangaroo Island showcases the determination and brilliance of local producers who craft exceptional wines, spirits, cider, beer, and food despite the challenges of island life. Bring your coat, beanie, and boots – the fires will be roaring, the stills will be full, and the barrels will be open as you experience island hospitality at its finest. It’s a chance to connect with the passionate people behind KI’s food and drink scene while enjoying their delicious creations in the stunning island setting. Remember: Nobody leaves hungry.
Gin Fest at Glen Ewin Estate
7 June
Celebrate World Gin Day at Glen Ewin Estate’s Gin Fest – the perfect fusion of gin tasting and partying! Sample offerings from local distilleries in The Pulpshed, a rustic 180-year-old building transformed into the perfect tasting room. Meet the talented distillers behind your favourite gins, enjoy drinks prepared directly by the makers, and take home bottles of your discoveries. With live music from Mr Buzzy, delicious food, and exclusive masterclasses, this celebration of all things gin promises to be a spirited affair.
Day Dance
7-8 June
McLaren Vale’s legendary long weekend wine festival returns with its signature blend of spectacular scenery, incredible tunes, and premium local drops at Simon Hackett Winery. Take a musical journey over two days and dance among picturesque vineyards to live acts and DJ sets while sipping on exceptional wines. The event features excellent food trucks, chill-out spaces for when your dancing feet need a break, and that special festival atmosphere that’s made Day Dance a must-attend event. Grab your friends and prepare for an unforgettable experience in one of South Australia’s most beautiful wine regions.
June Long Weekend at Hedonbar Brewing Company
7-8 June
Road-tripping to the Yorke Peninsula for the long weekend? Make Hedonbar Brewing Company in Kadina a pit stop. This craft brewery is throwing a two-day celebration showcasing their locally brewed beers alongside gin cocktails, seltzers, and hard lemonade on tap. Grab a tasting paddle to sample their range, then settle in with your favourite pour as Caleb Raymond and Rob Elliott provide the perfect weekend soundtrack live. Hungry? Mi Thai Food Van will be serving up authentic flavours, with cheese and charcuterie packs available all weekend.
Adelaide Wine Festival
8 June
The iconic Adelaide Central Market hosts this one-day-only celebration of South Australia’s world-class wine scene. With 40+ wineries offering tastings, you’ll journey from the rolling hills of the Barossa Valley to the cool climates of the Adelaide Hills without leaving the market. Your ticket includes access to SA’s best vineyards in one location, all tastings, a free wine glass, and live music from great bands and artists. It’s the perfect introduction to our state’s liquid treasures.
Long Weekender @ Sidewood
8 June
Don’t let the winter chill dampen your spirits – Sidewood Estate has bocce, wood oven pizza, and chill-out day beds warmed by firepits to keep the vibes high all day long. DJs Audioporn, Ezee G, Sarez and Souli, and Lesley Williams on vocals will set the mood while you enjoy winter warming cocktails, Sidewood wines and cider. No need for a designated driver to miss out either – buses will depart from the CBD at 12:30pm and return after the event wraps at 8pm.
Coastal Sounds
9 June
Now in its fifth year, this free, family-friendly event transforms 11 beachfront locations along a 13km stretch from West Beach to Semaphore into a dynamic coastal trail of live music, dance workshops, and art experiences. Featuring 26 performances from South Australian artists, you can stroll between shows along the coastal walkway or kick back in one spot with a picnic rug. Grab your family, friends – even your dog – and immerse yourself in this celebration of community and creativity by the sea.
Australian Swimming Trials
9-14 June
Don’t miss your chance to see Australia’s aquatic elite battle it out for a spot on the team heading to the 2025 World Championships in Singapore. Taking place at the South Australia Aquatic & Leisure Centre, these trials will showcase the country’s top swimmers as they push themselves to the limit. Watch the drama unfold as dreams are made and hearts are broken in the pursuit of representing the green and gold on the world stage.
2025 HSBC Spanish Film Festival
11 June – 2 July
¡Olé! The HSBC Spanish Film Festival returns with a curated selection of thirty films from Spain and Latin America. From the comedy Samana Sunrise on opening night to the 4K remastered classic Nine Queens at the closing, this festival offers a cinematic journey through the Spanish-speaking world. Highlights include EL 47, winner of five Goya Awards, and Undercover, co-winner of Best Film at the 2025 Goya Awards. With documentaries on flamenco guitar and fine dining, plus dramas and comedies for every taste, this fiesta of film is fabulous fun.
Coober Pedy Opal Festival
13-15 June
Now in its 36th year, this three-day celebration showcases everything that makes Coober Pedy unique – from the mesmerising beauty of opals to the fascinating underground world and the vastness of the outback. The Town Oval becomes a hub of excitement with activities for children, delicious food stalls, unique crafts, and a lively street parade. It’s a chance to celebrate the ‘Heart of the Outback’ through discovering opal heritage, underground marvels, and the warmth of this multicultural community.
Future Sounds
14 June
This new, all-ages mini-festival at the University of Adelaide is headlined by BIG NOTER – a new project from Briggs that taps into his hardcore, punk, and metal roots. Sydney’s Shady Nasty will play their new material live for the first time in Adelaide, while Bones & Jones bring their record In Colour to our city after supporting King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Plus, there’s a whole lot of local talent on show, including babyteeth to bring the noise. With tickets starting at under $25 for students, it’s an affordable way to discover tomorrow’s sounds today.
Hills Winter Lantern Festival
14 June
Get ready for a magical evening as the Adelaide Hills community comes together for this enchanting free festival in Echunga. Now in its 10th year, this artist-run event showcases stunning handcrafted lanterns made by children and community members. The highlight is the beautiful dusk lantern parade followed by a spectacular fire finale. With live music, food stalls, instant lantern making, face painting, and henna artists, it’s the perfect family-friendly way to embrace winter and connect with the Hills community in a truly atmospheric setting.
Z Ward Wine Fair
14-15 June
One of South Australia’s most eerie heritage buildings is opening its doors for a unique wine experience. Roam the ground and upper floors of the historic Z Ward at Glenside, where you’ll find a variety of winemakers set up in former cells, offering complimentary tastings of their products. Built in 1885 to house the “criminally insane,” this hauntingly beautiful example of Victorian architecture provides an atmospheric backdrop for discovering your new favourite drop. With food trucks and live music adding to the vibe, it’s a wine tasting experience like no other.
Guildhouse Greets: Shared Studios with The Rundle Collective
18 June
Curious about how shared creative spaces work? This event offers a behind-the-scenes look at The Rundle Collective, a vibrant community of makers focused on supporting emerging and independent artists. Meet directors Cassie and Nic, tour the studios, and hear about the joys, challenges, and unexpected inspiration that comes from creating side by side. With snacks and drinks provided by Stage Door Wines, it’s a perfect opportunity to mingle with other artists and expand your creative community.
Adelaide Gin Festival
20-22 June
Gin aficionados, rejoice! The Adelaide Gin Festival returns to the Convention Centre with five sessions across three days. Meet 55 of Australia’s most talented gin distillers, sample their finest creations (all included in your ticket price), and take home your favourites in the complimentary tote bag. With masterclasses from Square 1 Distillery and Seppeltsfield Rd, plus tasty food options and Long Rays mixers, it’s the ultimate celebration of all things juniper.
Winter Flame
21 June
Experience the spectacle of a flaming torchlight parade as massed Pipe Bands, Highland Dancers, and Highland Strong Men and Women march through Tanunda. This free community event has become the Barossa’s favourite annual celebration of the winter solstice. The parade kicks off from Jane Place at 6pm and culminates in a spectacular performance of Scottish bagpipe music and dance at the intersection of Murray Street and Basedow Road. If you love the sounds of Scotland, this is the event for you.
1984 by George Orwell
26-28 June
Big Brother is back in this electrifying – and terrifying – adaptation of George Orwell’s classic at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Created by the multi-award-winning minds at Shake & Stir, this production brings the dystopian nightmare to vivid life. Follow Winston Smith as he commits the ultimate act of rebellion in a world of surveillance and thought control. With its stark portrayal of a totalitarian regime and chilling insights into the power of oppressive governance, this is a timely reminder of the enduring relevance of Orwell’s cautionary tale.
