Destination SA: events and festivals you need to know

Get ready to marvel at the skill and speed of cyclists racing across the region. Witness the women take on 394.6km of action, enduring punishing climbs and blistering paces as the best of the best battle it out for podium glory. Next, saddle up for a fierce 5-stage battle amongst the men, covering 758.9km and featuring two ascensions of the Corkscrew and three climbs up Willunga Hill before a Stirling-sprint finish.

When: Watch the women ride from January 16, and the men take off from January 20.

More information: tourdownunder.com.au

Held over 4 weeks during February and March, Adelaide Fringe is a world-renowned annual arts festival celebrating culture, place and artists from around the world. From mind-boggling magic shows to captivating cabaret performances, comedy and music, Fringe invites you to immerse yourself in a playground of creativity and community.

When: 20 February until 22 March.

More information: adelaidefringe.com.au

Grab your team gear and get set for a 4-day footy frenzy, where all 18 teams head south for their chance to claim another 4 premiership points. Make the most of free activities, food trucks and entertainment courtesy of the Macca’s Footy Festival, and catch a match at Norwood Oval, Adelaide Oval or Barossa Park.

When: 9–12 April.

More information: afl.com.au/gather-round

If you backed a losing team during Gather Round, don’t worry. You can forget your team’s woes at the Norwood Food & Wine festival that same Sunday. Head over to The Parade for an afternoon of tasty bites, local wines, craft beer, live music and roving entertainment. Well played, SA. Well played.

When: 12 April.

More information: southaustralia.com

A night-time spectacle of art, music and technology awaits you in Adelaide this winter. Running since 2021, Illuminate Adelaide beckons you to rug up, grab your mates and see the city in a whole new light. In 2025, an incredible 173 artists were featured across 134 free and ticketed events.

When: 1–19 July.

More information: illuminateadelaide.com

Yearning to get back in touch with nature? This festival might be just what you need. Boasting a program packed with hundreds of free and ticketed events and activities, the festival is one giant show of love for the flora, fauna and indigenous culture of the region.

When: 26 September until 12 October.

More information: naturefestival.org.au