And with that, lovely ladies and gents, we say goodbye to the year that was 2015. Hopefully it was a good one, but we want to help make 2016 even better! And what better way to kick off the new year than with an absolutely cracking, jam packed January?! So here it is, our epic guide to all things Adelaide and South Australia for the first month of the new year…
New Year’s Race Day- Jan 1 There’s nothing like a day at the races… If you’re feeling up to it after welcoming in the New Year why not head to the New Year’s Day Races at Murray Bridge? Excitement, food, some bubbles… It is the perfect hangover cure!
First Fridays New Year’s Day Recovery Party- Jan 1 What better way to cure the hangover than with some fun at the Art Gallery of South Australia? From 5pm – 9pm, the Art Gallery will be offering a range of different activities including a special screening of the Aboriginal musical comedy-drama Bran Nue Dae, some soulful tunes from Indigenous R&B artist Big Sexy, a tour of Tarnanthi with an expert guide, plus Art Gallery Food + Wine will be serving up all of the yumminess. But maybe just a mocktail this time…
Wirra Wirra Twilight Tastings- Jan 4-7 The perfect Summer night drop is awaiting you at the beautiful Wirra Wirra Cellar door. They will be serving up tastings from 5pm – 7pm as the sun gets ready to set. The perfect end to a day.
Oklahoma The Musical- Jan 7-10 You have probably heard of this famous musical but it has never been seen like this before. Forget the stage, this show is on the farmstead featuring local artists, real horses and a rural South Australian backdrop. This is seriously a musical with a difference.
Australian Deaf Games- Jan 9-16 Adelaide is playing host to the Deaf Games this year, and with a plethora of sports on display and a great vibe, it would be well worth your while checking it out.
Blessing of The Waters 2016- Jan 10 If you’re a lover of Greek food and free things we suggest you get yourself down to Glenelg. The traditional religious ceremony will be taking place on the foreshore for the most part. However the traditional ceremony where a priest throws a cross into the sea and the Greek men dive to find it will take place at the end of the Jetty. It’s fantastic to watch, and there will undoubtedly be more baklava than you can poke a stick at afterwards. Wahoo.
Paxton Sunday Sessions #1 Taste of Spain- Jan 10 Holaaaaaa! What a brilliant way to spend a day as the weather continues to be absolute Summer perfection. Sipping wine, listening to beautiful tunes from a live musician AND stuffing your face with Spanish food (hello, Paella). It is basically heaven.
The perfect setting for a Spanish fiesta!
Electra House Presents Diamonds and Ice- Jan 10 If you’re a lady (or gent) of luxury then look no further. Sponsored by the high rollers at Belvedere, there will be ice shot luges and sculptures, confetti cannons and they’re giving away REAL diamonds. Electra House has been showing us the goods lately and they aren’t stopping…
Bushfire Relief Concert- Jan 10 When something as tragic as the Pinery Bushfires occurs, Adelaide comes together. This family friendly fundraiser event will have live bands, a sausage sizzle, kid’s activities and raffles. All funds raised on the day will be donated to the Pinery Bushfire community and related aid appeal associations. Let’s rally behind a community who have suffered so much.
World Tennis Challenge- Jan 12-14 This event is always a bit of fun! With an amazing line up including eight players formerly ranked in the top 10 and six of them Grand Slam champions, this year’s World Tennis Challenge might just be the best yet! Plus Adelaide’s Thanasi Kokkinakis will be hitting his hometown for the big event!
Labels Style Market- Jan 14 This is the fourth installation of this awesome market and we just can’t get enough! But it’s only on for 3 hours so you’ve got to get in quick. There will be second hand designer clothing from a plethora of brands we love. And with prices starting from $2, you could find an absolute bargain. We hope you’re ready to search, but boy is it worth it for these treasures.
Coonawarra Vignerons Cup- Jan 14 This is a highlight on the country race meeting calendar. It attracts over 3000 eager punters, with 700 of those hosted in a stunning marquee (obviously for an extra cost that is totally worth it). Guests are spoilt to a day of fun, food, fashion and delicious Coonawarra wine. Sounds like our kind of day…
And they’re off and racing!
McLaren Vale Harvest Festival Feast on the Fleurieu- Jan 15 Dining under the stars… Yes please! With amazing canapés on arrival, followed by a mind blowing feast cooked up by Chef Steele using only the best of the Fleurieu’s local produce, this is our type of event. Did we mention you get to wash all of the tastiness down with McLaren Vale wine and beer. Oh yes!
McLaren Vale Harvest Festival- Jan 16 A celebration of everything McLaren Vale, you know this is going to be a good (and delicious) one. With masterclasses and cooking demos from some of the region’s most amazing restaurants, music, kid’s activities and so much more, it is a jam packed program in 2016! Did we mention that one of our faves Peter Reschke from d’Arrys Veranda, will be there on the day showing off his skills? Wine and food on show from one of South Australia’s most renowned regions… Say no more.
Ceduna Cup- Jan 16 Well worth the trip, this day is all about style and fashion. Oh, and the races! Soak up all the fun as you enjoy yummy food, some bubbly drinks and some fast paced racing action.
Love Velo Seaside- Jan 16 This is one of the highlights on the Tour Down Under Program, and it has nothing to do with bikes. This will absolutely sell out, and just read on to see why… Held on the stunning Port Willunga beach, up to 400 guests will dine on a delicious three course regional produce menu on one continuous table. Throw into the mix some McLaren Vale wines and local beers, live music, roving fire jugglers and light projections over the cliffs and you have one mind blowing and totally unmissable event. Get your tickets ASAP. Seriously.
Tour Down Under- Jan 16-24 All eyes will be on Adelaide. The lycra is back and with it comes one of the most watched cycling events in the world. More than just the bikes, the TDU program has a little something for everyone. Plus did you hear the news? Jessica Mauboy will be hitting up Adelaide for the Tour Down Under Team Presentation Concert. Check out the entire events guide here.
Semaphore Greek Cultural Festival- Jan 16 & 17 Where there is Greek food, we will be. As if we haven’t done enough eating lately! But, stretchy pants in tow, we will soldier on. However, this event isn’t just all about the food, it’s a real chance to immerse yourself in everything that the Greek culture has to offer. Enjoy music, dancing and meet the community. As far as we can tell, the Greek culture seems to centre largely around food and hugs. So naturally, we’re in.
Ginza Miyako’s Fusion Japanese High Tea- Jan 17 Oh yes, the high tea is back for 2016, and we can’t wait! With a bento box full of savoury amazingness, plus a boat full of the sweetest desserts, this is a high tea like no other. Ginza Miyako have transformed the traditional English tradition into something very special as you get a taste of some truly magical Japanese fusion dishes. With a glass of sparkling on arrival and what can only be described as unreal hospitality, you had better book in now before it is too late! Call (08) 8221 6147 to secure your spot.
Gilles Street New Year Market- Jan 17 The first Gilles Street Market for 2016 will not disappoint! But does it ever? With so much fashion, homewares, food, music and fun, we think not! We have already got our eye on so many of the goodies. Sorry bank account.
2016 UBET Strathalbyn Cup- Jan 17 The most glamorous provincial cup, this is where the country meets the city. The picturesque setting of neatly manicured lawns and stunning rose gardens create the amazing backdrop for a day of fun, food, fashion, a little drinking and lots of racing!
People’s Choice Undies Run- Jan 17 We hope your undies are washed and you’ve been doing some squats! But even if you haven’t, it’s time to bare it all for a brilliant cause. Even though the cause is serious, you’ve got to giggle. With 100,000 spectators, a ready-made racing arena, a carnival atmosphere and more than 1,000 runners decked out in matching underwear, this will be a cracking run to raise money and awareness for a wonderful cause. The 1.7km circuit can be walked or run, but if you’re not feeling up to the challenge, you’re more than welcome to support and watch.
Remember The Days Festival- Jan 18 If you love a good boogie, then this is the event for you. The Old Adelaide Gaol plays host to this fun event involving lots of live music from DJs and bands, plus lots of dancing. Of course!
Tourrific Prospect- Jan 18 Bring on all of the Tour Down Under street parties! Prospect’s will be a family-friendly affair with a bunch of awesome activities and attractions to keep you entertained. There will be four stages jam packed with live music, dance and performances including Lucky Seven. Plus there will be an Official Guinness World Record attempt. It will involve an epic amount of ukuleles as the record for Largest Ukulele Ensemble is going to attempt to be broken. And that will be led by none other than the legend that is, Peter Combe! We wonder if he can play ‘Wash Your Face in Orange Juice’ on the ukulele?
Harry Potter-a-thon- Jan 18 If you were lucky enough to snag tickets to this now sold out event, then you will be enjoying all of the epicness. This event is basically every Harry Potter fan’s dream. After being told so many times that their Mortlock Chamber looks like a scene from Harry Potter, the guys over at the State Library, along with the geniuses at Splash Adelaide decided to act on that. So the Chamber will play host to the most amazing Harry Potter movie marathon ever! All 8 movies played back to back over two days. We are still dealing with the awesomeness of this…
It really does look like something out of Harry Potter…
Unley Gourmet Gala- Jan 19 Food, wine, fashion and cycling all rolled into one! This Tour Down Under event just couldn’t go by without getting its own special mention. With live cooking demos from Masterchef’s Justine Schofield, plenty of activities for the kids, the Mini Stunt Bike Team, parades on the Porsche Fashion Stage and so many food and wine stalls to keep your tummy and tastebuds satisfied. Plus it’s all free! Just one of the fantastic popular events coming under the TDU umbrella.
Norwood On Tour- Jan 21 Norwood is known for its cycling and cafe culture. Basically donning the lycra and enjoying a coffee go hand in hand down The Parade. So it makes sense that it will play host to another epic street party as part of the Tour Down Under! Delicious food, wine, music and children’s entertainment… Yep, there is something for everyone.
Uncorked with The Lane Vineyard- Jan 22 The first Uncorked of 2016 is set to be an absolute cracker. Why? Well because it will involve an amazing selection from one of our faves from the Adelaide Hills, The Lane Vineyard. The event is free (yay for free) and begins at 4.30pm. The perfect knock off drinks if you ask us! Just head to the National Wine Centre for all of the deliciousness. There will even be complimentary cheese platters. Is this some kind of heaven?
Cycle Markets- Jan 22 We love a good market but when there are three uniquely themed markets added to the amazing program of the 2016 Tour Down Under, you have our attention. Created with the idea that you can cycle the 7kms of stunning views and landscape between each of the markets, there will also be a free local shuttle bus taking market goers from one location to the next. And the locations… Well, they won’t disappoint. The Vale Markets are perfect to taste beautiful food and wine from the region, then you can make your way to the special edition of the Willunga Farmers Market and grab some fresh produce, plus there will be art, craft and fashion at the funky Fridays After Five in Aldinga. Market lover or not, you will love this event!
Crush Festival- Jan 22-24 Now this is one of our fave wine events of the year (but you can see the other wine events not to miss here) This one is packed with an abundance of different events and locations. From food degustations, ‘meet the winemakers’ and just big ol’ parties, the hardest part is picking where to spend your time!
Port Lincoln Tunarama Festival- Jan 22-26 Ah yes. Tuna tossing. Totally normal when you are in Port Lincoln for the World Famous Tuna Toss as part of the Tunarama Festival. Held annually on the closest weekend to the Australia Day holiday, this event has a little something for everyone. From arts and cultural displays, local market stalls, and so much more, we will be heading there just to dive into eating some of the freshest seafood in the world. Yum!
The famous tuna toss…
Cinema Among The Vines – Jan 23 Great wine and local beers X a classic family movie = an awesome evening! For a gold coin dontation you can relax on the lawns and catch one of the greatest family films of all time. Pack a picnic and bring a rug as you take in all of the action under the stars. Bar facilities will be available and there is no BYO – but who needs it when De Lisio Wines and Vale Brewing are attending?!
TDU Family Day- Jan 24 Elder Park will transform for a special Family Day as part of the Tour Down Under 2016. The inner child in us is doing cartwheels over the list of amazing activities on offer… From face painting, a jumping castle, the chance to get arty and crafty at the Plaster Fun House, the opportunity to see a MFS fire truck, to cook their own breakfast in the Dirty Girl Kitchen, or even climb the Scouts SA rock wall… We just want to know at what age is it inappropriate to join in?
Kangaroo Island Gourmet Gallop- Jan 24 The pristine beauty that is Kangaroo Island will play host to an awesome event. Food lovers will be in heaven with the some of the Island’s amazing produce on show – from smoked meats, olives, cheeses, honey and wine (of course) – as punters take in all of the racing action.
Australia Day- Jan 26 Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. Oi, oi, oi. We are going to call it… This is potentially one of the best Public Holidays of the year. There are so many ways to celebrate this patriotic day but a few of the bigger events happening are:
Australia Day in the City – Elder Park becomes a sea of 40,000+ people. From the street parade, a concert and, of course, the fireworks, this is a family friendly event that seems to grow bigger every year.
The fireworks are always amazing at the Australia Day in the City event.
KFC T20 INTL: Australia vs India – It might just be one of the most Australian sports, and when India hits Adelaide to play Australia in the T20, Adelaide Oval will be the place to be! Basically this is big!
Adelaide Oval will turn it on for this huge clash between two cricket loving countries!
Best Day Ever Wedding Festival – Jan 29-31 Getting married? Or wish you were… Then this is the Festival for you! Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, this will be a bride-to-be’s dream with some of Adelaide and South Australia’s amazing wedding venues including Howard Vineyard, Longview Vineyard, the InterContinental and the Hilton Adelaide, wedding dress designers, cake makers, decorators etc. all on display. Basically it will means you can get that list out and start ticking!
John Butler Trio at Bird In Hand- Jan 29 & 30 We were in no way surprised or shocked to hear that this concert sold out. But we were super glad when a second concert was put on to meet the obvious demand! So, if chilling out at one of the most visually breathtaking wineries in the Adelaide Hills, whilst listening to the awesome tunes from one of Australia’s most successful bands, all while you enjoy a picnic and delicious wine sounds like your cup of tea… Then you might want to be quick and get tickets to the Friday night show before they sell out too!
Bird in Hand + John Butler Trio = perfection!
Schützenfest- Jan 29 & 30 Ah yes, Schützenfest… Use your imagination and read this in your best German accent. We will have all of the sausage and sauerkraut washed down with a huge stein of beer! On top of the delicious German fare there will be entertainment and activities for the kids, plus special guest Jebediah will rock out on the Friday night. It will be awesome. Ja, ja.
Brighton Jetty Classic Sculptures Exhibition- Jan 29-Feb 7 This Community Arts event has been running for 8 years and gets bigger and better every year. Artists are invited to enter their sculpture/s into the exhibition with the chance to win fantastic cash prizes. However, we just think that the transformation of the beach into an outdoor gallery is something pretty special.
Karise Eden at Top of The Ark- Jan 30 The winner of The Voice 2012 will bring her Janis Joplin style vocals to the Arkaba Hotel. Rock out as Karise shows of her undeniable talent as she performs hits from her first album as well as some incredible new songs that she has written from her new album. Tickets are only $35!
Gawler Farmer’s Market- Jan 30 This will be the first ever Gawler Farmer’s Market! The Mayor of Gawler, Karen Redman, will officially open the inaugural market, which will feature more than 30 producers selling a diverse mix of meats, fruits, vegetables, breads and small goods directly to customers. Sounds tasty! The Market will continue to operate every Saturday morning from 8am – 12pm. Check it out!
Glenelg Triathlon- Jan 30 & 31 Consider yourself a bit of a triathlete? We can’t say we put ourselves in that category, but hey if it is down your alley then you won’t want to miss this. The triathlon is set out using an Olympic distance format. That means a 1500 metre swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run. Oh lord!
Adelaide Night Market- Jan 31 Get ready for instalment #4. Gourmet grub, amazing craft stalls and a fun night time atmosphere in the city… This is an absolutely cracking event and the perfect way to spend a Sunday night.
Eco Beach and Aquatic Adventure- Jan 31 Let us just throw a few words your way. Free. Fun. Beach. Yep, it got our attention too! This is definitely one for the kids as they have the opportunity to enjoy a fun filled nature play day at Port Noarlunga Beach. Check out this list of awesome activities:
– Reef snorkel tours to discover marine life
– Learn how to fish
– Shallow water nipper activities
– Join a coastal discovery tour
– Discover Hoodies
– Meet the Royal Australian Navy
– Join in with big bash beach cricket
Where do we sign up?
Anytime in January
Cellar Door Fest – We love that all of our faves come to play in the city! It is just such a convenient food and wine event. We know that it might not be until the end of February but we definitely think it is well worth your while checking out the program and buying your tickets on the ASAP! You wouldn’t want to regret it when all the tickets are gone and you missed out.
The new look Cellar Door Fest will be mind blowing.
Adelaide Fringe – If the Program Launch was anything to go by, then we think that this year’s Fringe Festival will be all kinds of epic! Get your hands on Fringe Guide and get to planning. Book those tickets people. No one likes to miss out.
The Adelaide Fringe is always unmissable.
Travel plans – Planning a holiday in 2016? Well get organised and make it happen. The experts at Peregrine Travel Centre Adelaide have some absolutely amazing bespoke holidays including the most ridiculous sounding Wine Tour of Spain and an epic Craft Beer Tour of the USA. Awesome, hey?
Did someone say wine tour of Spain? Sign us up!
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival – Hart’s Mill will transform into a music lover’s heaven when Laneway comes back to Adelaide. Based on the awesomeness of previous years, don’t miss out on tickets to this bad boy!
Look out for Laneway Festival!
Sass Place – When we heard about this amazing co-working office space we instantly fell in love. This place is all about offering the space and support so that you can flourish. Plus there is an onsite creche for female change makers. Win! They have some amazing January special offers that are definitely worth checking out. Plus keep your eye out on Glam as we bring you more information about their upcoming Sass Summit in February!
Moonlight Cinema – While the weather is hot and the skies are clear, we suggest you hit up the amazing Moonlight Cinema while it is set up at Botanic Park. Bean bags, a sneaky ice cream and a whole lot of fun.
The Moonlight Cinema – the perfect Summer activity.
The Big Wedgie/Trippo – Giant inflatable waterslides. Need we say more? There are two in South Australia at the same time! Sooo much waterslide fun! Check out more about these unmissable inflatable experiences here.
Yes, this is real!
Have a wonderful, fun filled and fantastic start to 2016!
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