Your essential guide to what’s on in Adelaide, South Australia
FROM festivals and fashion to art, play and family fun – we have your essential guide to all the events happening across Adelaide.
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FROM festivals and fashion to art, play and family fun – we have your essential guide to all the events happening across Adelaide.
Wednesday, December 20
NORTH
The Santa Clause Screening
While the kids enjoy a screening of The Santa Clause with popcorn, treat yourself to a beverage to get into the festive spirit. The Gully Public House & Garden, 1349 North East Rd, Tea Tree Gully, 6pm. Free. Details: 8397 4300
WEST
Festive Fun at The Brocas
Bring the family for some festive fun with activities, art and craft, games, face painting and a delicious barbecue lunch. Come dressed in festive colours or as characters, elves, fairies and mini Santas. The Brocas, 111 Woodville Rd, St Clair, 11am-2pm. Free. Details here
Thursday, December 21
CITY
Victorian Christmas Family Fun
Escape from the business of Christmas and head to Ayers House Museum where you can experience some old fashioned fun. As well as exploring a 160-year-old mansion, children can make Christmas decorations and cards, as well as play dress ups, a game of chess and dominoes. Families can stay for as long as they like and take their handmade cards and decorations with them. 288 North Tce, city, 10am-4pm daily (excluding Mondays) until Sunday, December 24. Cost: adults $10, children $8, ages five and below free. Details here
Best of Science Club 2017
Did you miss out on a Science Club session or two this year? The Hutt St Library is hosting an encore performance of some of its most popular experiments so you can come along and join the fun. Hutt St Library, 235 Hutt St, city, 11.30am-1.30pm. Free. Details: 8203 7990
SOUTH
Open Mic Cabaret Cafe
Try your hand at performing live in front of a crowd at this open mic night. All ages and talents are encouraged to participate. Marion Cultural Centre, 287 Diagonal Rd, Oaklands Park, 7pm-10pm. Details: 8375 6855
Christmas Cupcake Class
Impress the family at Christmas with cupcakes you’ve created in this cooking class. Participants will learn how to prepare their cupcakes to be covered in fondant, and how to use texture mats to create patterns. Bake Boss, 897 South Rd, Clarence Gardens, 6.30pm-9.30pm. Cost: $69. Details here
EAST
Movie Afternoon
Head to Payneham Library with a pillow or beanbag and settle in to watch Rise of The Guardians, rated PG. 2 Turner St, Felixstow, 2pm-4pm. Free. Details here
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
It’s a Christmas miracle that happened in 1914. In the first year of war thousands of men put down their guns and met their enemies to exchange gifts of tobacco, rum and chocolates, sing songs and play games. Then they returned to war which lasted the next four years. In this musical production an all-male cast will perform this story. The Goodwood Institute, 166 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood, 8pm. Also various times until Saturday, December 23. Details here
Discovery Club December: Christmas
Participants will craft and create a simple electrical circuit, only using a LED light and battery. 171 Montacute Rd, Newton, 11am-12.30pm. Details here
WEST
Semaphore Summer Carnival
Enjoy this summer carnival with loads of rides, amusements, food, drinks, entertainment and more. Semaphore Foreshore, Semaphore Rd and Esplanade, Semaphore, various days and times until Sunday, January 28. Details here
Friday, December 22
CITY
KFC BBL07 Match 4: Adelaide Strikers vs. Sydney Thunder
Watch as the Adelaide Strikers battle it out against Sydney Thunder in Match 4 of the Big Bash League. Adelaide Oval, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide, gates open 5pm, game begins 7.10pm. Tickets from $5. Details here
Carols Around the World
Enjoy festive songs such as Carol the Bells and Candlelight Carol performed by Kapelle Singers and guest director Kim Worley, who is a graduate of the Elder Conservatorium, Queensland Conservatorium and the Australian National Academy of Music. St John’s Halifax Church, Halifax St, city, 7.30pm. Cost: adults $30, concessions $25, children ages 14 and below free. Details here
Walking in Walkerville with the Heart Foundation
Pop on your runners and take part in this walking event to support the Heart Foundation. It’s a great excuse to get your fitness levels up while raising money for a cause. Walk begins in Town of Walkerville carpark, 66 Walkerville Tce, Gilberton, 4.30pm-5pm. Free. Details here
NORTH
New Romantics at The Village
New Romantics will be bringing its ’80s tunes to Golden Grove, so people can pull up a seat in the beer garden and enjoy the show. Village Tavern, The Grove Way, Golden Grove, 9pm-midnight. Free entry. Details: 8289 2622
SOUTH
Movie Under the Stars
Pack a picnic and sprawl out on the grass while watching Elf under the stars. It’s a story of a man who is raised as an elf at the North Pole, but gets sent back to America to find his true identity. Marion Cultural Centre, 287 Diagonal Rd, Oaklands Park, 8.30pm. Free. Details: 8375 6855
Summer Solstice Forest Bathing: Mindful Nature Walk
Have your stress levels lowered as you are taken on a mindful nature walk. The concept of forest bathing comes from studies which show it decreases heart rate, as well as improves mood and feelings of personal health. Come along and participate in a variety of mindfulness and sensory activities. Meet at 62 Aldinga Rd, Willunga, 6.30pm-9.30pm. Cost: $25. Details: 8528 9113
The Ultimate Nirvana Tribute
Celebrate the end of 2017 with a concert on the beach. In Bloom will perform all the Nirvana classics. Beach Hotel Seaford, corner of Commercial Rd and Griffiths Drive, Seaford, 9pm. Free entry. Details here
EAST
Nights on Mayfair concert
Sip on a pina colada, cosmopolitan or espresso martini while listening to live music by local band Nights on Mayfair. Arkaba Hotel, 150 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton, 8pm-11pm. Free entry. Details here
StArt Arts: Papermaking
Come and try different papermaking techniques using high quality pulp made from recycled materials. Artist Jeninda Fletcher will guide the class to create a gift tag or bi-fold gift card. Pepper Street Arts Centre, 558 Magill Rd, Magill, 10am-12.30pm. Cost: $15. Details: 8364 6154
WEST
Frequi Fridays: Email 101
Come along and hear some of the most frequently asked digital questions. The session will also give participants the opportunity to ask their own. Civic Library – Digital Hub, 72 Woodville Rd, Woodville, 10am-11am. Free. Details here
A Very Hairy Christmas with the Adam Page 4tet
Listen to a bunch of Christmas carols performed, but not as you know them. The show will feature Adam Page, James Brown, Paul White and Steve Neville. The Wheatsheaf Hotel, 39 George St, Thebarton, 9pm. Free. Details here
James Reyne concert
For nearly 40 years, James Reyne’s songs have provided the soundtrack to endless Australian summers, including The Boys Light Up, Reckless and Beautiful People. Come along and watch as he takes to the stage in this unmissable concert experience performing Australian crawl. The Gov, 59 Port Rd, Hindmarsh, doors open 7.30pm. Cost: $49.50. Details here
Saturday, December 23
CITY
City East Markets
At these bustling city markets you will find handmade wares, souvenirs, home decor, crafts, art, jewellery, vintage items and loads more. 230 Flinders St, city, 10am-3pm. Free entry. Details here
Leigh Street Christmas Markets
Got some last minute Christmas shopping you need to do? Head to the Leigh Street Markets and shop up a storm with a range of local businesses selling their products. There will also be plenty of activities for the kids, as well as entertainment, food and drinks. Leigh St (between Hindley and Currie streets), 8am-2pm. Free entry. Details: 8231 5160
SOUTH
Willunga Farmers Market
More than 80 local families bring their produce to this market for the community to enjoy. It’s a chance to stock up on fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, poultry, wine, plants, breakfast and more. Willunga Town Square, corner of Main Rd and St Peter’s Tce, Willunga, 8am-12.30pm. Free. Details here
Blind Arry Concert
Spend the night relaxing to live acoustic music performed by musician Blind Arry. Alma Hotel, 11 Hill St, Willunga, 8pm-11.30pm. Details here
EAST
Ashes to Ashes: The David Bowie Experience
Band Ashes to Ashes, along with special guest Harbourside, will bring the best of David Bowie to the stage during this concert. Finn MacCool’s Irish Pub, 97 The Parade, Norwood, 8pm-11pm. Cost: $30. Details here
Adelaide Health & Wellbeing Market
More than 25 market stalls will offer a variety of mind, body and soul products including books and essential oils. There will also be massages, tarot readers, life coaching and herbal and nutritional advice. The atmosphere will be bubbling with live music throughout the day. Church of The Trinity, 318 Goodwood Rd, Clarence Park, 10am-3pm. Free entry. Details: goddessdawn62@gmail.com
Come Celebrate Christmas
The community with gather to celebrate Christmas and sing along to carols during this festive event. Burnside Family Church, 88 Lockwood Rd, Burnside, 6.30pm-8pm. Free. Details here
WEST
Incredibles Christmas Extravaganza
It’s time to get festive with the Incredibles Christmas Extravaganza. There will be special guests, prizes and dress ups. Club West Lakes, 21 Edwin St, West Lakes, 7pm-12.30am. Cost: $15. Details: 0426 472 872
Sunday, December 24
CITY
Kid’s Christmas at Trinity City
Celebrate the festive season with this family-friendly event. There will be storytelling, carol singing, food and more to keep the little ones entertained. Trinity City, 88 North Tce, city, 10.30am. Free. Details: 8213 7300
NORTH
Christmas Eve Carols
Celebrate Christmas at this carols service, where there will be a Kid’s Christmas Fun Zone with face painting, an obstacle course, games and a barbecue. Pedare Junior School, 150 Bicentennial Drive, Golden Grove, 4pm-6pm. Details here
Christmas at The Gully
Bring on Christmas Eve with live music in the afternoon and a DJ right through the night. On Christmas Day, Santa will visit while families enjoy a buffet lunch. The Gully Public House & Garden, 1349 North East Rd, Tea Tree Gully, Christmas Eve 2pm-2am, Christmas Day 11.30am-2.30pm. Details here
SOUTH
Blackwood Hills Baptist Church Christmas Eve Carols
Bring the family along for camel rides, a live nativity, sausage sizzle and bouncy castle. There will also be carol singing, a choir and puppet show. Hewett Oval, Coromandel Parade, Blackwood, 6pm-10pm. Free. Details here
Christmas Eve In the Seen Acoustic Sessions by the Sea
Five local musicians will perform 30 minute acoustic sets, which will be followed by an open mic hour. Funds raised from the night will go towards surf life saving and the local music scene. Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club, 248 Esplanade, Seacliff, 3pm-6pm. Details: 8377 0788
EAST
Christmas Eve Garden Party
Dress in your Sunday best and come along to this garden party where DJs will play music throughout the afternoon. Robin Hood Hotel, 315 Portrush Rd, Norwood, 11am-midnight. Cost: $15.Details here
Christmas Eve at the Adelaide Farmers’ Market
The Amazing Drumming Monkeys will play African drums, do magic tricks and get the audience singing and dancing. Santa will also stop by in the morning before his busy night ahead. It’s a good chance to stock up on produce for Christmas lunch, including seasonal stone fruit, citrus, berries, vegetables, meats, cakes and wine. Adelaide Showground, Leader St, Wayville, 9am-1pm. Details here
WEST
Fisherman’s Wharf Mark et
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Fisherman’s Wharf Market which offers two floors of variety stalls. Here you will find everything from books, toys and antiques to jewellery, lighting and dolls houses. Black Diamond Square, Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide, 9am-5pm. Free entry. Details here
Monday, December 25
CITY
Argentinian Christmas Lunch Buffet
Want to take the fuss out of cooking this Christmas? Head to La Boca and enjoy a traditional Argentinian and seafood buffet which will include a range of slow cooked meats. La Boca Bar and Grill, 150 North Tce, city, 12.30pm-3.30pm. Cost: from $59. Details: 8461 0394
NORTH
Christmas Day Lunch
Meet the family on Christmas Day and enjoy a three-course lunch without the hassle of preparing or cleaning up. Village Tavern, The Grove Way, Golden Grove, noon-3pm. Cost: adults $85, children ages four to 12 $30. Details here
SOUTH
Christmas Day Church Service
Join the community for this morning Christmas service to celebrate the birth of Christ. Happy Valley Church of Christ, 179 Hub Drive, Aberfoyle Park, 9.30am. Details: 8370 6006
Christmas Day Lunch
Enjoy a variety of food at this buffet Christmas lunch, from roasts to oven baked fish. Charlie’s Diner, 466 Brighton Rd, Brighton, 12.45pm-2.30pm. Details: 8358 3288
Christmas Day Buffet Lunch
Jungle Jooce will provide the musical entertainment at this Christmas Day lunch. A buffet selection of food will be available and the children will be entertained in the play room, filled with DVDs, games and a visit from Santa. The Grand Ballroom, 2 Jetty Rd, Glenelg, noon-3pm. Details: 8376 1222
EAST
Christmas Day Lunch
Splurge on a three-course Christmas lunch with the music of a gentle piano played by Bill Parton in the background. Alternatively, opt for a Christmas buffet with seafood, meat and three-hour drinks package. Arkaba Hotel, 150 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton, noon-3pm. Details here
WEST
West End Brewery Christmas Lights
Enjoy this free community display featuring a water wheel, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the red brewery truck laden with gifts, Vulcan’s volcano and Moby Dick who swims along the Torrens towards the Port Road bridge. Corner of Adam St and Port Rd, Thebarton, various days and times until Tuesday, January 2. Free. Details here
Tuesday, December 26
CITY
Lunchtime Talk
Selected works of art in Tarnanthi will be presented during this engaging lunchtime talk. Art Gallery of SA, North Tce, city, 12.30pm. Free. Details here
SOUTH
Adelaide Galvanising Boxing Day Races
The family won’t be bored on Boxing Day, with multiple activities including Build-A-Bear – an opportunity for children to create their own teddy. There will also be face painting, a jumping castle and a special visit from Miss Fairy and Mr Ooopy. Morphettville Racecourse, 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville, 11am. Cost: adults $15, children free. Details here
Bay Sheffield
Cheer from the sidelines as the South Australian Athletic League hosts the 131st Bay Sheffield Carnival. Athletes from a range of age groups will compete in various lengths, from 70m to 1600m. Colley Reserve, Colley Tce, Glenelg, 11am-6.30pm. Until Thursday, December 28. Details: 8443 6177
Wednesday, December 27
SOUTH
Syn at Sunset
Wind down from Christmas with a picnic, as well as entertainment by swing dancers and band The Satellites which will perform high energy music. Leconfield Wines, 439 Main Rd, McLaren Vale, 5pm-9pm. Details here
Thursday, December 28
CITY
The Rocky Horror Show
Bursting at the seams with timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet and Time Warp, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is a non-stop party. The performance, starring Craig McLachlan, follows the story of two clean cut kids, Brad Majors and his fiancee Janet Weiss, who run into tyre trouble and seek help at the site of a light down the road. It’s coming from the Frankenstein place, where Dr Frank N Furter is in the midst of one of his maniacal experiments. Adelaide Festival Centre, King William Rd, city, various days and times until Saturday, January 13. Tickets from $59.90. Details here
Sunday, December 31
CITY
NYE at Elder Park
As the sun sets over Adelaide, thousands will gather in Elder Park and along the Riverbank to farewell 2017 and celebrate another year ticking over. The annual New Year’s Eve celebration, will feature local music, food from around the world, roving entertainment and a new Kids’ Zone brimming with children’s performances and special activities. Elder Park and Adelaide Riverbank, King William Rd, City, from 6pm. Free. Details here
NORTH
Newyearootpa at Stein’s Taplhouse
Put on your dancing shoes and ring in the New Year with a ’70s tribute party. Bell-bottoms, platforms and chunky gold medallions are all necessary so you can get down and boogie the night away in style. There will also be drinks, finger food, door prizes for the best dressed and loads more. 28 Tanunda Rd, Nuriootpa, from 8.30pm. Tickets: pre-purchase $125, at the door $150. Details: 8562 2899
SOUTH
The Sailing Club
The Sailing Club will activate the Fleurieu Peninsula with a nautical adventure filled with great food, wine, music and dancing. Taking to the stage for the New Year’s Eve celebration will be Jimmy Flamingo & The Party Cartelm, Double Trouble Acoustic Duo, Ri Granger and DJs Sneaky Beats and Vyce Verso. Soldiers Memorial Gardens, Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor, noon-1am. Tickets: pre-purchase $20, after 3pm $30. Details here
EAST
Hello Dolly NYE Screening
Celebrate the end of another year with Adelaide media legends Anne Wills and Peter Goers. The night will be brimming with nostalgia and music as the theatre presents a special screening of the 1969 classic Hello Dolly. Before the show, enjoy a glass of bubbles and an organ performance. Capri Theatre, 141 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood, from 7pm. Tickets: adults $25, members $20, children ages 15 and below $15. Details: 8272 1177
WEST
NYE at the Bay
Round up the family and prepare for New Year’s Eve by the sea. Come early, secure a spot on the grass and enjoy a free concert, followed by a fireworks display off the jetty at 9.30pm and when the clock ticks over, signalling the beginning of a new year. Glenelg Foreshore, Jetty Rd and Moseley Square, Glenelg, from 6pm. Free entry. Details here
Thursday, January 4
CITY
Operation Ouch! Live on Stage
TV’s favourite identical twins have been hard at work, creating more incredible medical stunts and even crazier experiments. The show will be packed with fascinating facts about biology and the awesome things your body can do. Plus they’ll share their favourite bits from the TV show. Adelaide Festival Centre, King William Rd, city, various times. Also on Friday, January 5. Tickets from $44.90. Details here
Saturday, January 6
CITY
Cirque Nocturne
The event features come-and-try workshops in a variety of basic circus skills and concludes with a spectacular free circus show performed by the best of Adelaide’s local circus performers, featuring artists with national and international performance prestige. Rundle Park, East Tce, city, from 3pm. Details here
NORTH
Ceduna Cup
Style and fashion take to the field when the Ceduna Cup comes to town. Ceduna Racecourse, Decres Bay Rd, Ceduna, various times. Tickets and details here
WEST
South Aussie Festival of Harmonica
SA’s first harmonica festival features the talents of Snooks La Vie & Soursob Bob, Bobby Blues, Iron Dwarf, The Fleurieu Blues Breakers, solo folk acts and a rocking all star jam session. The Gov, 59 Port Rd, Hindmarsh, from 5.30pm. Tickets: $15. Details here
Sunday, January 7
CITY
Deadly 60 Down Under
After two sellout Australian tours, Steve Backshall, the star of thehit TV show Deadly 60 is returning to Australia with his brand new stage show, Deadly 60 Down Under. But for this tour, there is a big difference. Deadly 60 Down Under will for the first time feature Steve live on stage with some of Australia’s deadliest animals. Plus there will be loads of audience participation, on stage fun and opportunities to ask Steve questions about all his adventures. Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote St, city, various times. Details here
WEST
Elvis’s Birthday
Tribute artist Geir is celebrating Elvis’ Birthday in style. He’s a huge fan of Elvis, and has an incredible voice for it. He will be showcasing other vocal greats too. The Gov, 59 Port Rd, Hindmarsh, 7.30pm. Tickets: $29.95. Details here
Monday, January 8
CITY
World Tennis Challenge
Watch as legends take on current players in a range of matches. Memorial Drive, North Adelaide, various times until Wednesday, January 10. Details here
Bookings may be required for events. Please check all details before attending.
Know of an event we’ve missed? Comment below. For future events, email messengerevents@news.com.au
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