Panoramic sunsets. Breath-taking views. Road trips along the coastline. These are the dreams we fantasise about all year before we manifest it into reality during the summer months. As the sun comes out to play, so do hundreds of people up and down the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, to experience some of the best destinations in South Australia.
But no more digging for hidden gems. The gems are coming to you in the form of a HUGE Onkaparinga-wide activation called ‘Encore’. From twilight markets and live entertainment to pop-up bars and dining experiences, the Encore Summer Series promises to furnish your summer social calendar with fun, flavour, and everything Fleurieu. Throw “free entry” and “family-friendly” into the mix, and you’ve hit the jackpot.
ALDINGA BEACH
Pizzateca Beach
Starting off strong, one of McLaren Vale’s favourite Italian eateries, Pizzateca, is going beachside once again with its summer beach pop-up. Taking over the Aldinga Beach foreshore, Pizzateca Beach will be serving pizza by the seaside, complete with a full licensed bar and gelato stand.
We heard pizza, bar, beach, and gelato, so we’re hooked. For optimal vibey-ness, you can also drive directly onto the beach and watch the sun go down, with pizza in one hand and gelato in the other. All you need is a car beach pass, which can be purchased from the ramp.
Where: End of Norman Road, Aldinga Beach SA 5173 (near Silver Sands Beach Club).
When: 16 Dec 2022 – 29 Jan 2023, daily 4pm to 11pm.
Find out more here.
CHRISTIES BEACH
TJS Twilight Markets presented by TJS Events
Celebrating its fifth year in operation, the beloved beachside twilight market is back and showcasing some of our favourite things. Plant stalls? Check. Candles? Check. Jewellery? Also, check. There’s also plenty of food and entertainment on site, as well as a free bouncy castle for the kids.
When you’re all marketed out, some food options include: Original Turkish Rolls, Kylie’s Dumplings and Snacks, Staazi & Co, Vietshack, Bubble Tea Team, Slush Happy, and TaCHs Stroopwafels.
Where: Rotary Park, Christies Beach.
When: Fortnightly on Fridays. 4 Nov 2022 – 24 Mar 2023, 5pm to 9pm. Next one 16th December 2022.
Find out more here.
The SandBAR presented by TJS Events
Also returning to the Christies Beach foreshore this summer is The SandBAR. In essence, the outdoor pop-up bar and eatery is showcasing Onkaparinga breweries, wineries, and produce.
After a day of snorkelling the stunning Whitton Bluff reef or strolling through the beachside shopping precinct, try out Chubby Unicorn’s Hard Lemonade at the SandBAR (it comes highly recommended). You can also expect full table service provided by a variety of neighbouring Beach Rood eateries, if you’re hungry, and an extensive live music line-up throughout the holiday season.
Just some of the featured musicians include Lucas Day, E’nuf Said, Mason Lloyde, and more. A special Triple J Hottest 100 Party will also be kicking off on Saturday 18th January, so look out for that one. Find the full gig guide here.
Where: The Esplanade, Christies Beach.
When: 1 Dec 2022 – 26 Feb 2023. Thursdays to Sundays from midday (extended trading 22 Dec to 1 Jan).
Find out more here.
MCLAREN VALE
Tipi Lane Summer Series
Giant tipis are setting up shop at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre to host their own mini summer series, featuring an array of events, retreats, workshops, and magical experiences.
The star of the show is the Tipi Gin Bar, which will be collaborating with local businesses like Ginny Pig Distillery, Emmalene Wines, Bent Creek Wines, and more. Ginny Pig will be taking over the Tipi on various dates across December and January. The picnic-style activation will also feature lawn games and nature play for kids.
In January 2023, Jeni Watson from Roaming Zen will host Vin – Yin – Gin, a one-of-a-kind twilight vinyasa yin yoga class, followed by a grazing style dinner and Ginny Pig Gin. If your new year goals involve wellness and self-care, Vin – Yin – Gin sounds like a dream.
Where: McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitors Centre, 796 Main Road, McLaren Vale.
When: 16 Dec 2022 – 28 Feb 2023.
Find out more here.
MOANA
No Bad Days presented by Kick Back Brewing
Family-owned brewery and tap house, Kick Back Brewing, is promising to deliver comfort food, craft beers and good times with its Encore activation. The relatively new independent brewery is known for “kicking back” and living by its business motto, “no bad days”.
Now the brewery is making its motto into a full-blown party, bringing a rotation of local food trucks and local craft beverages (beer, cider, wine and spirits) to one place. Hosted at the Nashwauk Reserve in Moana, No Bad Days will also feature live music and family (and dog) friendly lawn games.
Where: Nashwauk Reserve, 326 Esplanade, Moana.
When: 2 Dec 2022 – 26 Feb 2023. Open every weekend and select weekdays during the school holidays from 12 midday.
Find out more here.
PORT NOARLUNGA
Cabana Club presented by Hortas
Award-winning seafood restaurant, Hortas, is once again bringing back the Cabana Club – a beachside pop-up bar with a Portuguese twist. The licenced outdoor bar and eatery will feature live entertainment and dancing, as well as Mediterranean-inspired drinks and both contemporary Australian and Portuguese dishes.
Spend the day swimming, snorkelling, and diving around the Port Noarlunga Reef before transitioning from day to night at the Cabana Club. With outdoor umbrellas, fairy lights and cocktails galore, this is the summer-long beachside place to be down south.
Where: 2 Saltfleet Street, Port Noarlunga.
When: 16 Dec 2022 – 29 Jan 2023, daily from 11am.
Find out more here.
WILLUNGA
Summer in the Square presented by Willunga Business and Tourism Association Willunga Town Square
The picturesque historic township of Willunga will be a hive of activity this summer season, with its new Encore activation, Summer in the Square, introducing weekly markets and twilight events to the area.
With a focus on showcasing local talent, businesses, and products, Summer in the Square will be a central hub for fashion, history, literature, art, jewellery, delicious snacks and beverages, plus much more.
Every second Saturday, Summer in the Square hosts Second Hand Saturdays – a gorgeous vintage market organised by local vintage store, Whatever at Willunga.
Special edition markets coming up include a New Year’s Eve “Chill & Greet” morning, with food trucks, tea & coffee, and local promotions from 9am – 1pm. In the new year, Summer in the Square will host “Brews & BBQs” on 6th January, featuring local breweries and food trucks.
Where: Town Square, Main Road, Willunga.
When: 3 Dec 2022 – 26 Feb 2023. Various dates and times, click here for details.
Find out more here.
To learn more about the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast or discover accommodation options, visit the region’s dedicated website.
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