Images: Sam Roberts
As usual, autumn in the Adelaide Hills is putting on a total show. So, if you’re looking to do something this weekend, all while enjoying the stunning weather, there’s no better place to soak it all in than the season finale of the much-loved Stirling Laneways Market, returning this Sunday, April 26th.
Taking over the streets of Stirling, this award-winning market is closing out its season in peak form, with this cosy little town transformed into a bustling marketplace.
Running as a free, family-friendly and dog-friendly event, the April edition is set to be one of the best yet. Visitors can expect a boutique-style market experience, with high-quality artisanal stalls throughout the laneways, inviting you to wander and explore everything on offer.
“I love the way you feel in the Adelaide Hills, there’s something so special about autumn,” shared Anya McNicol-Windram from the Stirling Laneways team. “I love being able to celebrate this and curate an experience and an opportunity for visitors to absolutely soak it in. It really is so much more than a market.”
The Stirling Laneways will see two stages of live music showcasing some of South Australia’s best talent, creating a relaxed, open-air soundtrack to your Sunday. Among the lineup is Kelly Menhennett, who’s performed everywhere from Nashville stages alongside Paul Kelly to major festivals like WOMADelaide and the Woodford Folk Festival. Expect a mix of soulful sounds, street performances, and roaming acts, including circus and sideshow moments from Malachi Frost, plus global-inspired tunes from guitar and accordion duo Tzigane.
Food is, of course, a major part of the experience, with a lineup designed for grazing as you go. There’ll be warm cinnamon-dusted doughnuts from OMG Decadent Donuts, drinks from Life Lemonade, and street eats from favourites like Staazi & Co. You’ll also spot Hokey Pokey Ice Cream serving small-batch scoops from a charming refurbished horse trailer.
For something a little more sit-down, Stirling’s main street is packed with local favourites offering alfresco dining, including the iconic Stirling Hotel, Miss Perez Kitchen & Bar, Marshi’s Kitchen, and The Organic Market & Café, alongside more indulgent stops like Red Cacao.
“The sunny days are absolutely savoured at this time of year as there’s a chill in the air in the mornings and nights that remind us that the seasons are ever changing, and to make the most of the days,” shared Anya. “When the days are colder and rainier, we’re celebrating those first fires with woodsmoke rising from houses, the smell of roasting chestnuts on the street in Stirling, wandering around gazing at the colourful canopy, clutching a hot beverage, there’s so much to love! Having an annual ‘season’ for the Laneways (September-April, monthly) gives us this wonderful opportunity to keep things fresh, have a reset over winter, but also to celebrate the opening and closing of the season, and April is always such a beautiful celebration of Autumn!”
This Sunday’s event marks the final Stirling Laneways Market before it takes its annual winter break, returning in September. While smaller markets will continue throughout the cooler months, this is the last chance to experience the Laneways in full swing, and arguably its most stunning setting of the year.
If you have been meaning to head up to the Hills, this is your sign.
Stirling Laneways Market
When: Sunday, April 26th, 9am to 3pm
Where: Pedestrian laneways and spaces which stem directly from the main street (Mt Barker Road).
For more information, click here.
