New year, new vibes, same epic SA summer. Whether you’re into beachy hangs, big beats, bold flavours or blockbuster sport, January is serving it all — with sunshine on top. Grab your mates, pack your sunscreen and jump into the good times.
Perlubie Beach Sports Day
1 January
Kick off the New Year in classic Streaky Bay style at the iconic Perlubie Beach Sports Day. Now 112 years strong, this family favourite brings sand sprints, the legendary 1600m Endurance Race and plenty of seaside fun. Race, cheer or chill — it’s the perfect way to start your year on the Eyre Peninsula.
BBL
6 January
Start 2026 with a bang – or bash – as the Adelaide Strikers take on Sydney Thunder in their first home match for 2026. Expect big hits, big energy and bigger noise under the lights at our home of cricket, Adelaide Oval. Tickets start from $7 (no seat) or $12 for a junior(seated).
Cirque Alice
8-18 January
Relive your childhood with this stunning reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s iconic novel at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Step into an acrobatic wonderland filled with high fliers, contortionists, dancers, puppets and special guest musical and comedic artists. With breathtaking twists and gravity-defying feats, it’s an extravaganza you won’t want to miss.
Peek through the looking glass
Gather in the Garden
9-24 January
Spend a magical balmy summer’s evening with friends and family in Adelaide Botanic Garden. Pick your spot, lay down your rug and enjoy delicious food truck bites, drinks and live music on lush lawns under the trees. While there, check out the impressive Wildlife Photographer of the Year or Tails from the Coasts exhibitions or try your hand at a gin masterclass thanks to Prohibition Liquor Co.
AYO Summer Music Festival 2026
10-17 January
Experience new sonic realms as 200 Australian Youth Orchestra musicians perform everything from ballet and orchestral suites to contemporary Australian works – think Beethoven and Stravinsky to kung fu fighters, puppets and Cinderella. Tickets start at just $10 – prepare to be moved by the music.
Adelaide International 2026
12-17 January
It’s game on as world-class tennis returns to The Drive to serve up another action-packed event. The Adelaide International brings top players like Alexei Popyrin, Jessica Pegula, Tommy Paul and Clara Tauson alongside Aussie Open 2025 semi-finalist Paula Badosa. Off-court, enjoy food trucks, kids’ zones, and chill-out spaces. Take advantage of tickets starting at just $10.
Run the Loop
16 January
Get your sneakers sorted for this fun race around Adelaide’s iconic Uni Loop. Flat, fast and just 2.2km, it’s the perfect race for runners of all abilities. Starting at 6.30pm, it beats the heat of the day and is a great way to kickstart 2026. And the view’s pretty great, too.
Tunarama
16-18 January
Get hooked in Port Lincoln as the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival returns for another year packed with fish, fun and frivolity. From fresh seafood tastings and demonstrations to live music, local wine and produce showcases, multicultural experiences and a wide range of family-friendly activities – including the legendary Tuna Toss – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Santos Tour Down Under
16-25 January
The world’s top cyclists put their pedals to the metal as they race through streets and towns across South Australia. But it’s not all about the bikes – enjoy live music, street parties and take in the vibe at the electric City of Adelaide Tour Village at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. Whether you’re a cycling fan or just love a good party, you’re guaranteed a wheelie good time.
SummerVines Festival
16–26 January
Eleven days of summer wines, fresh produce and laid-back coastal vines – what better way to savour summer? SummerVines celebrates all-things McLaren Vale, with long lunches under endless blue skies, tastings, chef-curated pairings and idyllic beach views.
Reunion Festival Adelaide
17 January
Gallop along to Morphettville – not for the horse racing but for an epic celebration of old-school Adelaide dance legends. Techno and classic house master HMC will bring the vibes along with Australian superstar DJ Groove Terminator and a host of DJs and MCs. Enjoy a tub thumping day of RnB classics, house trance, big room club, drum & bass, jungle, hard dance and ‘90s rave anthems.
Semaphore Greek Festival
17-18 January
Head to the stunning Semaphore foreshore to discover and celebrate the vibrant culture of Greece. Enjoy traditional foods including loukoumades, yiros, and souvlaki while taking in classic Greek music and dance. One of the biggest and best cultural festivals in Australia, grab a picnic rug and your friends and family to enjoy a fun weekend.
Giant Kites at Beachport
18 January
Watch giant kites take over the Beachport sky as these colourful creatures dance above the surf! With kids’ kite-making, a sausage sizzle by the surf lifesaving club and plenty of seaside spectacle, it’s a breezy, feel-good day out for the whole family. Don’t miss the summer fun at Beachport.
Cellar Door Fest
30 January – 1 February
Love your wine? Then you won’t want to miss the return of one of Adelaide’s favourite food and drink festival. More than 100 wineries, distilleries and food producers fill the Adelaide Convention Centre to showcase their mouthwatering wares. Explore the flavours of SA’s food and wine regions, chat with producers and get hands-on with masterclasses.
A Day on the Green – Jimmy Barnes
31 January
Yes it’s 40 years old but Barnsey’s iconic For the Working Class Man album sounds as fresh as ever – and it’s even better live. Australia’s favourite adopted Scotsman will be joined at Peter Lehmann Wines by special guests Icehouse, Ian Moss and Kate Ceberano for a day of music, dance, sunshine and wine. Prepare to get your groove on among the beautiful Barossa vines.
