Longer days. Louder gigs. Lush new festivals. September doesn’t hold back – from fortified wine in McLaren Vale to bonfires in the Riverland, this month’s events are big on flavour and full of surprises. Get amongst it!
Laughed and Loaded
4-6 September
Three comedians. Three country towns. Unlimited chaos. A no-holds-barred comedy roadshow is hitting regional pubs in Strathalbyn, Robe and Mt Gambier, led by Clay McMath, Bill Egan and Justin Sorre – three heavy-hitters with zero filter and very questionable advice. Expect wild punchlines, pub banter, and “Cold Blooded Advice”, a live segment where punters submit their life dilemmas for the comics to solve on stage (badly). From relationship drama to weird rashes, nothing’s off limits. Whether you’re in the front row or posted up at the bar, it’s guaranteed laughs.
SYNTHONY No. 5
6 September
Orchestral meets EDM in this full-sensory rave with strings. SYNTHONY is back at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre – reimagining three decades of dancefloor anthems with the Southern Cross Symphony Orchestra, DJs, vocalists and a massive light show. You’ll hear tracks from Tiësto, Avicii, Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia and more, rebuilt for live performance in a stadium setting that feels more club night than concert hall. It’s loud, immersive and fully electric – with a vibe that somehow blends rave nostalgia, classical drama and the best house party you’ve ever been to.
Wintersend
6 September
Winter’s out. Longer days, cold beers and live music are in. Wintersend is the Riverland’s way of giving the cold season a big send-off – with riverside views, American-style BBQ from Fuzion Foodz, and a stacked live music lineup featuring Constellation Prize, Witch Hunt, Cheese Dreams and Groove Garden. Held at the Woolshed Brewery, it’s part festival, part farewell party, and all good vibes. Just add mates, beer and a sunset over the Murray.
A Brush With Art: Flinders Ranges
6 September – 12 October
The Flinders Ranges have inspired generations of artists – and this event is your excuse to see why. Now in its 21st year, this regional arts trail brings together over 50 exhibitions and workshops across more than 20 stunning outback locations. From solo shows in shearing sheds to hands-on sessions in historic halls, the trail spans towns, gorges and backroads, all anchored by the Art Beat Hub in Jamestown. Whether you’re road-tripping for the views or the creativity, it’s a choose-your-own adventure for art lovers.
Neat Sips
6-7 September
Fortifieds are back, baby – and this festival will show you why. This award-winning wine festival is Australia’s only dedicated celebration of fortifieds, mixing rare cellar releases with open-fire food from Arkhe, live music, cocktails and kid-friendly fun. You’ll find sherry, tawny, muscat and more from across the country, plus masterclasses, oyster bars, gelato, and even potato gems (elevated, obviously). Held on the lawns at McLaren Vale Distillery, it’s a flavour-packed weekend for wine nerds, curious sippers, and families alike.
Father’s Day Festival at Jacob’s Creek
7 September
Crackling fire pits. Rosé in the sunshine. Toasties, wood-fired pizza and live acoustic tunes. This Barossa event leans into grown-up picnic energy – with French-inspired snacks from What the Croque!, laid-back vibes, and a chance to unwind among the vines. Kids can run free, grown-ups can sip limited release wines (grab the Father’s Day Package for a welcome pour), and there’s plenty of space to settle in with a rug. It’s low-key luxe with a family twist.
Father’s Day Pizza & Tunes
7 September
If your dad’s the “beer, banter and backyard cricket” type, this one’s for him. Raidis Estate brings a laid-back lawn party to the Coonawarra, with woodfired pizza, live music by Brenton Williams, a fully stocked bar and plenty of space for kids and dogs to roam. It’s a chill afternoon for families who’d rather swap formal dining for food, fun and sunshine – and maybe a glass (or bottle) of something good.
Father’s Day at Paxton Wines
7 September
This one’s for the chill dads – the ones who love good tunes, woodfired pizza and a crisp white in the sunshine. The celebration is set on spacious lawns in the heart of McLaren Vale, with live music by Courtney Hooper, biodynamic wines, craft beer, cider and mixed drinks by 23rd Street Distillery. DoughballsSA will be slinging pizzas, gelato and snacks, and there’s plenty of room to stretch out for the afternoon. It’s an easy-going, family-friendly way to do Father’s Day – no fuss, just good food, good drinks and great company.
Surfrider SA – Concert for the Coast
10 September
South Australia’s coast is under pressure right now – and Surfrider SA is stepping up. This youth-led movement is protecting our ocean and coastline through activism, community and events, and this gig marks their official launch. It’s more than just a party (though it’s definitely that too). Held at Lion Arts Factory, it’s a night of live music, drinks, prizes and purpose – raising funds and awareness for ocean conservation right here in SA. Tickets start at $25, with all proceeds supporting Surfrider’s local projects. Come for the vibes, stay for the cause.
Support the sea (and the scene)
Adelaide Guitar Festival
10 September – 12 October
Strings attached – in the best possible way. This six-stringed fest returns with more than a month of riffing, shredding and soulful strumming across Adelaide and beyond. Kicking off with John Butler’s Prism show on 10 September, this year’s lineup includes everyone from Catalan virtuosa Lau Noah to country icon Troy Cassar-Daley. Expect world premieres, storytelling shows, Guitars in Bars, and a whole lot of musical wizardry. Whether you’re into Led Zeppelin or lullabies, you’ll find something to tune into.
AirTouch 500 at The Bend
12-14 September
South Australia’s biggest motorsport weekend hits top gear! This 500-kilometre Supercars endurance race kicks off the Enduro Cup – and it’s more than just fast cars. With stunt shows, karting championships, live music and trackside camping, it’s a full-on weekend of adrenaline and action. General admission gets you everywhere – grandstands, paddocks, the works – and kids under 15 go free. If you’re into V8s, this is your September pilgrimage. Bonus: free parking and shuttles.
Papercuts Comics Festival
12-14 September
Zines, panels and more than 100 comic creators – this is a love letter to the illustrated word. Held across Adelaide, this free festival includes creator talks, live readings, workshops and a stacked market day. Whether you’re deep into graphic novels, make comics yourself, or just appreciate good art and storytelling, Papercuts is a warm, welcoming space to nerd out. And yes, you’ll probably leave with a tote bag full of new favourites.
MOSAIC Adelaide
13 September
Multicultural meets multicolour at this youth-led intercultural celebration featuring live performances, storytelling, global cuisine and one epic fashion show. Over 30 communities come together in Adelaide’s Dom Polski Centre for a night that celebrates culture, connection and food (lots of food). Your ticket gets you three meal servings, a packed evening of entertainment and a front-row seat to the Intercultural Fashion Show. It’s vibrant, community-driven and completely unforgettable – like the best kind of passport-free world tour.
The Whisky Show
13 September
More than 80 whiskies. Two sessions. One very nice souvenir glass. Held at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide, this is Australia’s premier whisky tasting event, featuring pours from Scotland, the US, Australia and beyond – including exclusive drops new to the Aussie market. Each ticket includes tastings, a $20 food voucher, and access to a pop-up bottle shop with special show pricing. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious sipper, this is your chance to taste rare drams, meet distillers and maybe find your new favourite bottle.
Clare Valley Festival of the Lambs
17-21 September
Flame-filled long lunches. Cambodian-inspired dinners. Wool-themed fashion. Yep, it’s time to celebrate all things lamb again in the Clare Valley – and this year’s five-day feast is bigger than ever. From Wednesday’s Opening Dinner and Women in the Sheep Industry Forum to Sunday’s lamb-and-live-music spreads in historic shearing sheds, this festival blends paddock-to-plate dining with art, community and agriculture. Come hungry for lamb spring rolls, deconstructed yiros and slow-roasted meat – or get hands-on at butchery demos, cooking workshops and wool markets.
Sink your teeth into the program
St. ALi Italian Film Festival
17 September – 14 October
Ciao, cinema lovers! Held at Palace Nova Eastend & Prospect Cinemas, this festival brings Italy’s biggest box office hits, boldest dramas and sharpest comedies to the big screen. Opening night features Somebody to Love (FolleMente) – a wildly awkward first date brought to life by Perfect Strangers director Paolo Genovese. From costume dramas (Diamonds) to WWII family sagas (The Mountain Bride), and comedies with Garibaldi reboots (The Illusion), it’s a full month of cinematic gelato – rich, romantic, occasionally ridiculous, and very, very Italian.
McLaren Vale Grenache & Gourmet
19 September – 6 October
Long lunches. Intimate tastings. Fireside pairings. Discover McLaren Vale at its most indulgent during 18 days of food, wine, and relaxed regional magic – all built around the region’s signature grape. The program features exclusive tastings, blending workshops, live music and the kind of long-table feasts that make spring in SA so iconic. Whether you’re new to Grenache or know your single-vineyard blends like a pro, this festival invites you to slow down and savour every sip.
HYPE HOUSE @ the Lyrup Club
20 September
Get ready, Lyrup! For one night only, this Riverland party is bringing the bass, the beats and the chaos, with local legends Bradtke, DJ Jeff, Radak, Nagy and Sav spinning everything from house to RnB. There’s drink specials, cheap taxi fares and wall-to-wall energy. Whether you’re on the floor or out on the deck, this is one of those nights you’ll talk about for weeks. The only rule? Bring the hype.
Hostplus SANFL Grand Final
21 September
Whether you’re backing a team or just there for the atmosphere, this is the ultimate South Aussie footy fix. With three big matches – including the SANFL Futures Game and Reserves Grand Final – it’s a full day of action at Adelaide Oval, capped off by the Hostplus League decider at 2.30pm. Under 18s get in free, public transport is covered, and there’s even an afterparty with DJs and live entertainment included in the ticket price. For diehards and casual fans alike, this is a passionate celebration of our state’s sporting talent.
Nature Festival
26 September – 12 October
With over 400 events across SA, the Nature Festival is your excuse to slow down, look around, and reconnect with the world outside your inbox. This year’s theme – Flow – explores rivers, oceans, water and creative energy, through a mix of art, food, music, science, and hands-in-the-dirt experiences. From immersive installations to family bushwalks and First Nations knowledge sharing, it’s a wide-ranging, feel-good festival powered by community.
