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OUTBACK FESTIVALS, SHOWS AND EVENTS
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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South Australia Shows, Festivals & Events
For details and dates of all the Agricultural Shows and Field Days held in South Australia each year, check out the web site at:
Country Shows: Agricultural Societies Council of South Australia: http://www.sacountryshows.com/
The following web sites are worth a look to see what festivals and events might be happening in South Australia:
http://www.southaustralia.com/events.aspx
http://www.events.southaustralia.com/eventsfestivities.htm
Cape Jaffa Seafood & Wine Festival – January
Enjoy succulent seafood and local produce cooked by the finest local community groups and caterers. Taste the local wines and beers whilst enjoying live music. There will be fun for the kids with face painting and a sandcastle competition. For more information check out their website: http://www.capejaffafest.comPort Lincoln Tunarama Festival – Port Lincoln – Australia Day Weekend in January
Venue: Tasman Terrace Foreshore Lawns and Beach, web: www.tunarama.net/. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=tunarama%20festival. Port Lincoln Tunarama is one of the largest and most popular free regional festivals in Australia held over the Australia Day long weekend. It’s a family friendly festival where you'll find filled stalls, sideshows and rides, with fun events, activities and competitions for all ages, including the annual World Championship Tuna Toss competition. Competitors attempting to fling a fish weighing between eight and ten kilograms as far as they can.Angaston Show – February
Saddle up as the rural SA community of Angaston celebrates 120 years of country fair traditions, plus a three-day program of equine action with harness, show hack and show-jumping events. For more information check out their website: http://www.angastonshow.org.au
ARB 4X4 Culture Live – Loveday, March
This inaugural event will take place on March 21-22, 2020. There will be product demonstrations, food trucks, live music, cinema under the stars, fishing workshops and entertainment for the kids. Tickets include three nights camping and park access. Half of all adult ticket sales will go to charities supporting the bushfire crisis. For more information check out their website: https://www.arb.com.au/4x4culture-live
Keith Diesel and Dirt Derby – Keith, March
Venue: Keith Showgrounds
This fun and action packed weekend features loads of great events such as: the Header Demolition Derby, tractor pull, moto X, modified lawnmower pull, vintage tractor pull, classic car display, show rides, live music and much much more. To see the full program go to their website: https://www.keithdieselanddirtderby.com.au. Also check out the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeithDDD/Peterborough Art & Cultural Festival - held around Easter annually
The Peterborough Art Prize was an idea conceived by Willem and Judith Kempen. With support from volunteers, this 10-day exhibition has grown into one of SA's best Art Prize events.
Local ladies Mary Martin, Judy Evans and Valda Graefe then had an idea "Why don't we build a whole festival around the Art Prize?" The idea gained support and the Peterborough Art & Cultural Festival came into being.
The Festival is held around Easter annually and is supported by the District Council of Peterborough & local sponsors (businesses and individuals).
For all the details on these events, check out the web site http://www.ourpeterboroughsouthaustralia.com.au. There's also a Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pafc2011/Whyalla UneARTh Festival - Easter Weekend
For two days and two nights Whyalla comes alive with circus music, cabaret and more when all the fun of the Adelaide Fringe makes its way to the Eyre Peninsula city.
For details check out the Country Arts SA web site: https://www.countryarts.org.au/events/unearth-festival/Penola Cup - Easter Sunday
Spend Easter Sunday amongst the vines of the Coonawarra. Watch the amazing races while kids can enjoy the extra entertainment at the track.
For details check out their website: https://www.theracessa.com.au/racing-club/penolaCoober Pedy Opal Festival - April
Coober Pedy -The famous outback town and opal capital of the world is set to showcase its mining heritage on Easter Saturday with an action packed weekend of entertainment for all the family. There will lots of things happening during Opal Festival for the whole family. Activities for young people including: Animals Anonymous, car racing machines, sand pit play, arts & crafts, face painting and the ever popular box car races. You can experience the thrill of finding opal in the noodling pit – a mound of sandstone sand. This sand, from a rich, old, mining area near Coober Pedy, hides fantastic opal and great prizes. Try your hand at using mining equipment with the Backhoe Competition where entrants use a backhoe to move golf balls with a spoon into a bucket. A number of exciting carnival rides and side show activities, including a jumping castle are open all day, and there'll be fun novelty events will entertain the crowd.
For all the details on the Festival, and dates, see: http://www.opalfestival.com.au/Geltwood Festival - April
Browse the blanketed retail precinct for exquisite quilts or make your own with Celtic knot, needle-turn applique and quilt-making workshops, plus music, food and storytelling and kids crafts. For more information have a look at their website: https://www.geltwoodfestival.comKernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival – May
Three fairs, street parade and party, maypole dancing and furry dances, street stalls, Cornish pasty bake-offs, Queen’s Square entertainment and the monster RAA Cavalcade of Cars and Motorcycles travelling to Moonta and on to Kadina, culminating at Kadina oval for the Cavalcade Fun Fair. A must if you are in the area.
Check out their web site for all the details at: http://www.kernewek.orgHawker Cup – May
Experience true country hospitality and try your luck in the fashion stakes or through studying the form guide in one of the region's most highly anticipated social events out on the tracks.
Check out their web site for all the details at: https://www.theracessa.com.au/racing-club/hawkerPenola Coonawarra Arts Festival – May
Enjoy art in all its forms, with literary appreciation, a comprehensive live music program, theatrical performances, exhibitions and awards in art and design.
Check out their web site for all the details at: https://artsfestival.com.auMarree Gymkhana & Motorkhana - June
Held over the June long weekend enjoy entertainment Friday and Saturday night, extreme trials motorbike show performance, market stalls and much more.
For more information check out the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MarreeGymkhanaMotorkhanaMarree Australian Camel Cup - 1st Saturday of July
The Australian Camel Cup is generally held on the first Saturday of July each year at the Marree Race Course.
Being the home of the legendary Afghan Cameleers, visitors will experience the traditional dress, food and atmosphere as the descendants of these magnificent animals kick up their hooves. There are 13 races on the day with live music, pony rides for the kids, donkey races and heap of fun that will entertain all the family throughout the day.
For more information on the cup, and other events that happen in Marree, check out the web site: http://www.marree.com.auPort Augusta Cup - July
Enjoy a day at the races with views of the Flinders Ranges with racing, fashion and entertainment.
For more information on the cup check out the web site https://www.theracessa.com.au/racing-club/port-august
Adelaide Beer and BBQ Festival- July
Sample craft ciders and brews as leading chefs barbecue up a storm, with live music Friday and Saturday night. The Brick Cattle Pavillion and Adelaide Showground lawns.
For more information check out the web site http://adelaidebeerfest.com.auStrathalbyn Antique Fair - August
Sales, displays and collections will be held across a variety of venues, with live entertainment throughout the fair and a Sunday Treasure Market.
Check out their web page for more information: http://strathalbynsa.com.au/about/strathalbyn-antique-fair/Port Lincoln Show – Port Lincoln – August
Held at the Ravendale Park Racecourse, Proper Bay Road Port Lincoln. Each year thousands of people flock to this regional show where there is something for every-one. See a variety of horse events in the arena as well as pets on parade, a car parade and live entertainment and bands. In the pavilions you will see a variety of displays, from flowers and arrangements, to vegetables, animals, cookery, children's hobbies, art and photography, needlework and more. Please refer to the website for program and entry fees.
For more information contact: Mobile 0427 842 005, web: http://www.portlincolnshow.com.au/ .Kadina Annual Show - August
A family friendly event featuring crafts, literature, photography, wood exhibitions, animal displays, sideshows, cooking, fresh produce and competitions.
For more information have a look at the Country Shows website: http://www.sacountryshows.com/pages/sa-country-shows/kadinaThe Lower Lakes Stockman's Challenge & Bush Festival - September - Strathalbyn
The Lower Lakes Stockman’s Challenge and Bush Festival is a 3 day event held in Strathalbyn, South Australia with local and interstate competitors showcasing their skills in whip cracking, bareback obstacles, stock handling, packhorse, horse shoeing and cross country events.
The partnership between horse and rider, the trust and respect they have for each other, and the way they work together showcases true aussie bush spirit. For more information check out their website: http://lakeschallenge.com.auInnamincka Picnic Races & Gymkhana – September
Held on the Saturday and Sunday prior to the Birdsville Races, the Innamincka Picnic Races and Gymkhana is an entertaining warm up for the Birdsville extravaganza. The Gymkhana provides a unique opportunity to witness some outstanding displays of outback horsemanship whilst the picnic races provide an insight into the way bush racing used to be. For more details and dates, go to the Innamincka Sporting Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/innaminckagymkhana/
Robe River Rodeo and Campdraft – September
Held just outside the Pilbara town of Pannawonica, this event attracts competitors and spectators from all over the state. For more details and dates, go to their website: https://roberiverrodeo.com
Yorke Peninsula Field Days – Paskeville - September
Venue: Copper Coast Highway, Paskeville SA 5552.
Established in 1894, the Yorke Peninsula Field Days are acknowledged as the oldest in Australia. The three day highly acclaimed event has a major focus on agriculture and the future with extensive displays of the latest agriculture machinery and equipment, technology, information and services on a 30 hectare static display site area. The event program includes fashion parades, working sheep dogs, wool and sheep, excellent guest speaker presentations, quality crafts and general interest products and services. Overall the event provides a wide variety of quality display and demonstrations designed to be of interest and appeal to both rural and urban families.
For more information contact: ph: (08) 8827 2040, web: http://www.ypfielddays.com.au/Ceduna Oysterfest - late Sept/early October Long Weekend
Oysterfest is an annual community event that was established in 1991 to showcase the best of Ceduna's oysters. The Oysterfest has grown into an innovative and outstanding grass roots festival which attracts between 6,000 - 8,000 visitors over the 2 day event - held every October long weekend. With a variety of entertainment including, Magicians, Comedians, Celebrity Chefs, a range of local acts as well as the Seafood Cook-off, the Oyster Shucking Competition and Stein Holding Competition Ceduna Oysterfest promises to be a fun filled weekend.
Check out the web: http://www.ceduna.sa.gov.au/oysterfestStrathalbyn Show - October
Plenty of country show action with agricultural displays, horses in action plus crafts, fresh local foods and activities for the kids.
Check out the web: http://www.strathalbynshow.com.auMinlaton Show - October
Enjoy true country festivities with rides, shearing, horses in action, cooking and art meets, livestock, trade exhibits, gardening seminars and the Freestyle Motorcross Championships.
Check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Minlaton%20ShowPort Pirie Country Music Festival - October
The Port Pirie Music Festival is held every year usually in October. It is primarily a country music festival but is open to other genres. Top Australian artists perform over the three and a half days. With the iconic Flinders Ranges nearby and a host of 4WD tracks you'll have more than great music to entertain to. For more details go to: http://northerncountrymusicassociation.org/2017-port-pirie-county-music-festival/Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show - October
All the latest 4WD products on show in one location at the Adelaide Showground. Runs Fri/Sat/Sun. (Plus Club MarineSA Boat & Fishing Show.) Contact: (08) 8379 4785, web: http://adelaide.4wdshow.com.au/index.phtml.Redarc 4WD Octoberfest - October
The upcoming fourth edition of Octoberfest is a fun, non-competitive event designed to bring 4WD clubs from all over South Australia to Peterborough in a similar scenario to the successful Biannual Whyalla Weekend. No catering is provided, it is a self catering event apart from Monday breakfast.
Bush camping is available at Willangi Bush Escapes, with bush toilets and bush showers provided. The cost of camping is included in your registration cost.
Peterborough has a range of accommodation.
There is an Entry Cost, and lots of activities.Run by the Mount Lofty Rangers 4WD club you need to register & express your interest beforehand. To receive your pre-registration number by emailing octoberfest@; or check the web at: http://mountloftyrangers.com.au/octoberfest/
Fleurieu Folk Festival - October
Enjoy folk performances encompassing traditional, acoustic, Celtic, blues, roots and bluegrass styles plus workshops, sessions, dancers, and kids entertainment, plus local food, wine and market stalls. Web: https://sites.google.com/view/fleurieufolkfestival/homeKapunda & Light Agricultural Show - November
Kapunda Show was founded 156 years ago to promote Agricultural, Horticultural and related resources of the Kapunda & Light District. Today it is still an Annual Event on Kapunda’s Calendar with crafts, cooking, horses in action, vintage cars and tractors exhibitions. Held at the Kapunda Harness Racing Complex. For more information have a look at web: http://kapundashow.org.au/web/.Bordertown Spring Festival & Show, South Australia - November
Held at the Bordertown Showgrounds, Cnr Naracoorte Road & South Terrace, Bordertown. Activities include: Motorbike muster, Machinery displays, Clay spreader displays, Animals, Crafts, Market & Trade stalls, Cooking - Semi Finals Rich Fruit & Genoa Cake, CWA - Sweet Scones, Show Rides, Circus Elements, Xtreme Trials Show - Motorbike Stunt Rider Display, Old Fashioned favourites, and lots more.
Check out the web site: http://www.sacountryshows.com/pages/sa-country-shows/bordertown-spring-festival-show.php. They also have a Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bordertownspringfestivalandshow"All Steamed Up" Engine, Blacksmith & Mannum Fresh Water Classic Boat Festival - November
The "All Steamed Up" Stationary Engines, Blacksmiths & Mannum Fresh Water Classic Festival will be held at Mannum on the weekend of 19 & 20 November 2022.
Family Fun Weekend – River Festival
On the banks of the Murray River at Mannum Dock Museum, Arnold Park & Mary Ann reserve.
- Largest display of Blacksmith demonstrations in South Australia
- Diesel – Steam Vintage / Historical / Rare Engines in operation
- Murray River Cruises
And lots more.Clare Cup - November
With great food, excellent wine and plenty of entertainment both on and off the track, there's nothing quite like experiencing race day, Clare Valley style. For those who love to be fashion forward, there will also be a 'Fashions on the Field' competition. For more information check the website: https://www.theracessa.com.au/racing-club/clare-valleyBordertown Cup - December
The annual Bordertown Cup is a great excuse to get together with family and friends to toast the festive season, featuring the popular Fashion at the Races competition with excellent prizes, live music and free kids' entertainment. For more information check the website: https://www.theracessa.com.au/racing-club/bordertown
Jamestown Mural Festival - May
Located at the east end of Ayr Street, Jamestown. A serious but fun interaction between artists who travel to Jamestown from all areas of Australia with very different outlooks on a specific theme.
For more information and dates, contacts: ph: (08) 8664 0897, Mob: 0428 363 369, web: http://www.jamestownmuralfest.com.au/.Pic: Winning Entry for 2012: J Rowland Wregg & Colin Wregg: Earth Under Stress
Hawker Races and Cabaret - May
The Hawker Cup is the major highlight on the Hawker district calendar, attracting a large crowd from all over the state as well as those just passing through. The annual Hawker Races are held in late May. The Hawker Jockey Club was first registered in 1882, however it lapsed for a period starting in the 1920’s but was reactivated in 1953 as The Hawker RSL Racing Club and has been active ever since, changing the name again in 1962 to The Hawker Racing Club as it is still called today. Public interest in country racing has been growing considerably and Hawker has averaged 1000 attendees for the past few years. These numbers were also boosted by the re-introduction of the after races Cabaret which is still proving to be a popular way to finish off the day.
For all the details of the day check out the web: http://www.hawkersa.info/events/races.htmMelrose Fat Tyre Festival - long weekend on June
The award winning Melrose Fat Tyre Festival is usually held over the long weekend on June, out of Melrose, in the southern Flinders Ranges.The event is a celebration of mountain biking, where you can come and enjoy the awesome single-track trails in Melrose with other like minded people without the worry of serious competition. There is a plethora of guided rides from Epic to short sharp blasts. Also skill sessions, maintenance workshops and entertainment for young and old.
For more information check out their web site: http://melrosemountainbike.com/fat-tyre-festival-melrose.phpQuorn Show - August
The Quorn Show showcases local arts and produce, agriculture, livestock, machinery displays, market stalls and the traditional sideshow alley. Events & activities also include: Vintage Cars, Old McDonalds Travelling Farm, Griffini Shows, Spencer Gulf Dog Obedience Show, there's lots more to keep the whole family entertained.
For more details and dates, go to: http://www.sacountryshows.com/pages/sa-country-shows/quorn-show.phpA Brush with Art - Sept/October
Artists have traveled to the area from other parts of Australia and overseas to draw inspiration for their work, many of them choosing to stay. Flinders communities have recognised the contribution of art to their local economies and have increasingly supported artists with exhibition opportunities. In 2004, a number of the exhibition organizers came together with a view to establishing an 'Art Trail' in the region and in 2005 it grew into a Spring Arts Festival called 'Flinders Ranges – A Brush with Art'. The Festival has grown enormously, and attracted new venues and become established as an exciting event eagerly anticipated by contributing arts practitioners as well as enthusiasts and collectors.
For more information and dates, go to web: http://www.abrushwithart.com.au/Port Pirie Music Festival - second weekend in October
N.C.M.A.Clubrooms and Hall, 28-30 Afford
Road, Pt. Pirie, and also shows are held at the at the Port Football Clubrooms.
http://www.northerncountrymusicassociation.org/index.html
The Port Pirie Music Festival is held every year around the second weekend in October. It is primarily a country music festival but is open to other genres. Top Australian artists perform over three and a half days.
