Winter’s arrival doesn’t have to mean the end of fun in South Australia. Explore festivals of wine, whales, opals and dance, yarn bomb a city square, and immerse yourself in “dark winter energy”.
Cuttlefest
1 June – 31 July
Every winter, Whyalla hosts one of nature’s most extraordinary events as tens of thousands of Australian Giant Cuttlefish gather to breed. Don your snorkelling or diving gear or jump in a glass-bottom boat to see these incredible cephalopods in action, or stay on shore for markets, art, talks, workshops and family-friendly activities.
Gutsy Kangaroo Island
1 June – 31 August
Pack your winter woollies and head to KI where the fires will be lit, the stills will be full and the barrels filled with the latest vintage. This winter-long food and wine event showcases the best of the Island’s talented producers. Program highlights include the False Cape Winter Feast and Mithho at Millie’s.
Winter Whale Fest
1-30 June
Explore more than 30 wonderful events across the Fleurieu Peninsula, including exhibitions, creative workshops, live music, markets, film screenings, and guided outdoor adventures. At the heart of the 2026 program is the ancient story of Kondoli – the whale from Ngarrindjeri Dreaming who gave fire to the people.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
4-21 June
Adelaide Cabaret Festival is known for glitter, chaos, politics, torch songs and late-night weirdness, and this year’s program is no exception. Artistic Director Reuben Kaye has curated 18 days of showstoppers, including a collaboration between Lime Cordiale and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra; Casey Donovan’s tribute to Amy Winehouse; and Jordan Gray’s hilarious Is That a Cock In Your Pocket, Or Are You Just Here to Kill Me?
First Fridays at AGSA
5 June
This First Friday, experience the 2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art: Yield Strength on its final weekend – where artists see just how far their mediums can bend before they snap. Join a guided tour, grab a bite to eat, then enjoy a performance by Adelaide-based ensemble San Ureshi.
Winter Wine Down Festival
6 June
If you need an excuse to visit the Riverland, this is it. This festival brings the best of the region’s amazing wine industry under one marquee set along the Renmark Riverfront, with food trucks, fire pits, and all-day entertainment. Bold reds and acoustic music, what’s not to love?
Day Dance
6-7 June
One of our favourite dance festivals is back for the June long weekend in McLaren Vale. Head to picturesque Simon Hackett Winery for good wine, good music and a seriously good time. If you don’t feel like driving, jump on one of the festival buses which’ll take you there and back for $35.
Adelaide Wine Festival
7 June
This one-day festival at Adelaide Central Market brings 50 of South Australia’s finest wineries and five distilleries together for the perfect winter vibe. Discover new flavours, learn from the makers, and create memories with your mates.
Coastal Sounds
7 June
This year, Coastal Sounds returns bigger and better with free live music, dance workshops, art experiences and kids activities along a 13km coastal trail from West Beach to Semaphore. The 32-strong lineup includes performances by the Ciara Louise Ferguson Trio, Katie Aspel and TJIKK – plus a baby dinosaur petting zoo for the little ones.
Market St Live
12 June
Head to Market St in the CBD for an evening of music, food and drink. There’ll be DJs and roaming fire performances, stalls from Southern Noodle Bar and Simon Taste Chinese BBQ, and a pop-up gallery showcasing works by Adelaide artist Frank Grauso. Did we mention it’s free? Don’t forget to visit the Adelaide Central Market while you’re there.
Porch & Recreation: A Music and Arts Festival
12-13 June
Head to the Burnside Ballroom for a two-day celebration of music and arts. Run by local record store Porch Records, it’s the perfect event for lovers of music – no matter what age. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Adelaide Gin and Spirits Festival
12-14 June
A festival for gin? Yes please. Across three days, sample gins from 45 of Australia’s most talented gin distillers, and – if you’re in the mood for learning as much as drinking – join a three-hour masterclass with Threefold Distillery or Hillmartin Distillery. Tickets to the Convention Centre event include unlimited gin samples (drink responsibly!), and there’ll be a bunch of tasty food options.
Coober Pedy Opal Festival
13-15 June
The Coober Pedy Opal Festival celebrates its 37th year with a bumper program of underground breakfasts, fireworks, heritage walks, desert speed racing and a whole lot of opals. This long-standing festival is a celebration of one of Australia’s most fascinating and unique towns.
Yarn Bombing Day
13 June
Help bring Hurtle Square/Tangkaira to life during a free day of yarn art, crochet, and community connection! Enjoy the acoustic music, get cosy by the flame heaters and munch on a provided barbeque lunch while you get creative. If you’ve never stitched before, fear not – all are welcome.
Home of Plenty Winter Solstice – Strange Strains
21 June
If you’re one for “dark winter energy, weird ferments, the alternative and unknown”, this Currency Creek festival is for you. Expect music, art and food all day – and well into the night – including wines from the region’s best producers, performances from Maajela and Silk, and an Audio Immersion Space by Inside Out Audio.
