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South Australia has well and truly earned its reputation as the nation’s ultimate festival state. Not only is it home to the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest-ever arts festival, but it also hosts exclusive sporting comps, lively foodie celebrations and grassroots gigs you won’t find anywhere else in Oz. Last year, the state cemented its status by being crowned the Best Event State at the 2025 Australian Event Awards. This marks the fourth time it’s claimed this national honour, which recognises the state or territory that delivers the highest number of superior quality events.
Summer is the most magical time to be in South Australia, as crowds descend in their droves to Adelaide Fringe. From fire breathers and cabaret stars to food tents devoted to all things gluttony, this massive arts and culture extravaganza brings together more than 8,000 diverse artists from all over the world in one place. However, the fun doesn’t stop there. If you’re headed to South Australia this summer, here are five epic events to add to your calendar.
Santos Tour Down Under + Hot Dub Time Machine
When: January 16-25
Adelaide’s very own version of the Tour de France marks the first stop on the International Cycling Union's major global race circuit. Over ten action-packed days, sports fans can watch world-class cyclists cover 1,198 kilometres of South Australian terrain, winding through the Barossa, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. This year, time-travelling DJ Hot Dub Time Machine will kick things off with a free concert in Victoria Square on Friday, January 16, spinning your favourite hits from across the decades.
Sidebyside Festival
When: January 31
Take your dance moves out of the club and into the open air at this grassroots electronic music and arts festival in Adelaide. Returning for its sixth year at Helen Mayo Park, this independent Aussie rave takes inspo from European day parties, showcasing a mix of international and local talent, including Alex Kassian, DJ Seinfeld, Harrison BDP and Kia. Even cooler, Sidebyside is trialling a time-based ticketing system – so the earlier you go, the more affordable it is (and the more artists you get to support).
LIV Golf Adelaide
When: February 12-15
Every summer, South Australia throws golf's wildest party: LIV Golf. Faster, louder and far more fun than your typical golfing tournament, it attracts crowds of 100,000 each year. LIV Golf is equal parts festival and elite competition, featuring powerhouse players alongside legendary musical acts like Peking Duck, Royel Otis and Fisher. Tee up your trip in mid-Feb!
Asia Street Food By The Sea
When: February 15-18
Spend your balmy summer nights at Glenelg Foreshore, which will once again transform into a tropical street-food village with lots of tasty eats. Inspired by Asia's coastal night markets, the event features more than 100 food vendors selling everything from sizzling seafood and handmade dumplings to wok-tossed noodles and smoky grilled meats. This year, Lunar New Year festivities will join the program, complete with lion dances, drum processions, firecracker celebrations, cultural photo booths and live performances from diverse community groups.
Adelaide Fringe
When: February 20 to March 22
Among South Australia’s many eclectic and exciting events, Adelaide Fringe is the biggest of the year. The 2026 program features more than 8,000 global artists performing across 500 venues in an impressive 1,500-plus shows. The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony transform Adelaide’s eastern parklands into buzzing hubs full of food, music and eclectic energy, making it easy to stay and play all night long. Check out our round-up of the best shows to see at Adelaide Fringe in 2026 here.