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If anyone knows how to throw a festival, it’s South Australia. This long-underrated state has been crowned Australia’s Best Event State for the past four years, thanks to its stacked calendar of arts, music, sport, and seriously good food and drink. While culture vultures across the country are gearing up for Adelaide Fringe, there’s one festival foodies should put on their radar for 2026 – Tasting Australia.
Now in its 19th year, the nation’s longest-running eating and drinking festival returns to South Australia from May 8 to 17. This ultimate gastronomic celebration spotlights the nation’s favourite culinary stars and local producers across more than 150 events. Adelaide will be at the heart of the action, but the flavour spreads far beyond the city to the Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, Flinders Ranges and Limestone Coast.
With more than 150 events on the program, figuring out where to eat and drink at Tasting Australia can feel quite overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We’ve sifted through the 2026 line-up and handpicked ten of the best events at Tasting Australia, ranging from cheap-and-cheerful markets to splurge-worthy one-off dinners.
1. Club Series
Adelaide’s treasured cultural clubs are opening their doors to some of Australia’s top chefs for a series of one-off feasts celebrating the culture and community of their venue. The Club Series spans Italian, Austrian, Polish, Hellenic and Slovenian cuisines.
When: May 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
Where: Multiple locations
Price: $110
2. Hotpot Express
Picture a DIY hotpot delivered in sushi-train style. That’s the vibe of this simmering takeover of Mr Hotpoter, where top Aussie chefs will riff on the Asian classic.
When: May 11-12
Where: Mr Hotpoter
Price: $125
3. Punk Royale
For the first time ever, Scandinavia’s most disruptive chef collective, Punk Royale, is heading to Australia to cook up an absolute storm. Prepare to be wowed by 20 knock-your-socks-off courses, paired with premium beverages.
When: May 15
Where: 99 Gang Gang
Price: $649
4. Matchmakers
Think of this as speed dating, but with wine. At each casual tasting, you’ll get to sample a diverse line-up of South Australian vino, with sessions dedicated to fun reds, grenache, riesling and white.
When: May 9, 10, 16, 17
Where: Drinks Academy (Adelaide Town Square)
Price: From $49
5. Flavours of the Market
For a free foodie outing, head to Adelaide Central Market and discover 70 of the state’s best producers under one roof. Sample local flavours, take a free self-guided audio tour and watch MasterChef alumni demonstrate signature recipes in the Community Kitchen.
When: May 8, 15
Where: Adelaide Central Market
Price: Free
6. Good Neighbour
New to Town Square in 2026, Good Neighbour is the festival’s very own neighbourhood wine bar, hosting a line-up of exclusive chef-collab events. Think a hearty Sunday roast-inspired long lunch, a tasting with American sommelier André Hueston Mack, a quiz night paired with antipasto platters and more.
When: May 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Where: Town Square
Price: From $50
7. Plates with Purpose
This sustainable three-course dinner collaboration by OzHarvest and Adelaide Oval is our definition of a feel-good feast. Guests will enjoy creative canapés and a three-course menu made from rescued and locally sourced produce, alongside live cooking demos, engaging speakers and entertainment.
When: May 14
Where: Adelaide Oval
Price: $145
8. Under One Sky
For one incredibly special night, Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned and operated cultural centre, Tandanya, will host a celebration of Kungkarrakalpa Tjukurrpa (Seven Sisters Dreaming). Chefs Mindy Woods, Duncan Welgemoed, Sarah Glover and Alex Crawford will treat diners to a fire-kissed, four-course feast, paired with wines, music and art.
When: May 9
Where: Tandanya
Price: $295
9. Festival of Rice
This new hawker-style street market celebrates the world’s most loved ingredient: rice. Expect authentic rice-based dishes from Asian and Middle Eastern chefs, market stalls selling artisan goods and ingredients, and live cultural entertainment.
When: May 9
Where: Oxford Terrace, Unley
Price: Free
10. Aperitivo Hour
Right in the heart of Adelaide CBD, Aperitivo Hour is the perfect prelude to a night out on the town. You’ll enjoy two drinks and two snacks, paired together by top chefs from Corner 75, Lee Hoo Fook, O.MY and Ottelia.
When: May 9, 14, 15, 16
Where: Drinks Academy (Town Square)
Price: $65