As Adelaide slips into cooler days and earlier nights, it might not seem like the obvious time for tourists to pack their bags and head down this way, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
June through September marks travel’s best-kept secrets, the shoulder season. This sweet spot, tucked between the busyness of peak summer and the quiet of winter, offers a more relaxed, affordable, and crowd-free escape. You’ll find better rates, easier bookings, and all the charm of the city, just without the hustle. For those chasing holiday vibes without the holiday chaos, this is the perfect time to explore.
Skyscanner has named Adelaide as one of the top destinations to travel to in June, with the average seat price at $305. As winter rolls in, June brings a packed calendar of events to Adelaide.
Kicking off the month on June 1st is the new Bastille Festival. Across the last weekend of May and into June, Festival Plaza will be transformed into a petit Paris. The Bastille Festival Adelaide will be the perfect way to ring in winter, complete with mouth-watering food stalls, pop-up wine bars, artisan markets, art installations and a lively lineup of entertainment, all with that unmistakable French style.
From June 5th until the 21st, Adelaide’s most glamorous winter festival returns. This year, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival is celebrating its 25th year, with a theme of ‘Bling it On,’ encouraging guests to dress in whatever makes them sparkle. The Cabaret Festival is known for bringing a curated line-up featuring the crème de la crème of talent. From brilliant theatrical performances to side-splitting comedy, mind-blowing music and some incredibly sexy circus acts, there is something for everyone.
Later in the month, from June 20th to 22nd, the Adelaide Gin Festival returns to the heart of the city. Over the weekend, North Terrace will be transformed into a spot to grab world-class G&Ts from your favourite distillers and discover new boutique brands. You’ll have the chance to try some new gins and get involved in Adelaide’s thriving gin culture.
If you can’t get down to Adelaide until later in the year, or are simply looking for something to do this winter, there’s plenty more on. In July, the city will light up with the Illuminate festival that runs for most of the month. There are plenty of shows on too, in August, the Australian Ballet will be in town performing The Sleeping Beauty and catch The Lord of the Rings in concert, both at the Festival Theatre. We’ve also got the SALA art festival, heaps of footy at Adelaide Oval, markets every weekend, and much, much more.
So, whether you need an excuse for a staycation, are thinking of visiting the City of Churches, or need a reason to nudge your friends or family to come down, here’s your perfect excuse!
To see Skyscanner’s full list, click here.
To see more of what’s on over the winter, check out our calendar!
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