Image credit: Allison Croft
Looking to spice up your weekend with an incredible mix of diverse backgrounds, delicious authentic food, and one-of-a-kind giftware, all while bringing some culture to your life? The Australian Refugee Association has got you covered with their award-winning Souk market, returning to Tonsley this June.
The ARA Souk offers a truly unique chance to explore authentic street food from different corners of the world. Get a henna tattoo and your children’s faces painted, and discover exquisite spices and oils. Green thumbs are covered too, with a great selection of plants available to browse and buy.
Wander the aisles and browse a wide selection of handcrafted items, sparkling jewellery, and stunning artwork. Pick up a few heartfelt gifts and know that you’re directly supporting local businesses.
More than just shopping and food, what truly sets the ARA Souk apart are the expressive and meaningful performances by over ten cultural groups, creating an immersive experience rich with colour, scent, sound, and texture—unlike any typical Australian market.
Make your way to Tonsley between 10am and 6pm on Saturday, 21st June for a blend of cultural performance, food, and artisanal shopping.
In its first year, 2023, the event drew a whopping 3,500 attendees. Its success was so impressive that it was officially recognised and awarded the 2023 City of Marion Community Event of the Year.
Significantly growing in popularity since, this year the market is expected to almost double in size with over 6,000 festival-goers rolling into Tonsley.
The event promises to be an even grander affair in 2025, featuring even more small business stalls, many managed by refugees and migrants. Notably, it will coincide with the final day of annual Refugee Week celebrations.
The event is held at a fully undercover venue, so you won’t need to think twice about the weather. Plenty of parking and seating will also be available.
Chris Chalubek, CEO of Australian Refugee Association, said, “ARA’s Souk is a powerful celebration of culture, resilience and connection. It’s more than a market, it’s a moment to honour the contributions of refugees and multicultural communities to South Australia.”
“I’m proud to be part of an organisation that creates spaces like this to share food, stories, and traditions in a way that builds understanding and unity.”
The Australian Refugee Association is a non-profit helping refugees settle in Australia with support, advocacy, and services. Through events like Refugee Week, ARA raises awareness and celebrates the diversity refugees bring to our communities.
What started as a grassroots movement supporting refugees in urgent need has grown into a force for change, improving the lives of refugees as they build a new, better life in Australia to ensure they can reach their full potential.
Now in its 50th year, the Australian Refugee Association is commemorating the milestone by bringing back this award-winning market and joining the community in celebration.
Entry to the Souk Market is completely free, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance to receive important updates about performance schedules, parking, and more. You can register here.
Head down this June to soak up the delicious aromas and experience something truly special. You’ll quickly see why the Souk is an award-winning event.
The Australian Refugee Association Souk
Where: 6 MAB Eastern Promenade, Tonsley Innovation District
When: Saturday, 21 June
For more information, and free tickets, click here.
