Images: Meghan Coles
Easter is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for something fun to do with the girls, a group of friends or even the family, there’s an Adelaide Hills tradition you should add to your list.
The Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival reaches a huge milestone this year, celebrating 150 years of racing at one of the state’s most iconic country racecourses. This historic event has long been a highlight on the Hills Easter calendar, attracting thousands of attendees from across the state for a weekend that’s as much about community as it is about racing.
The Oakbank Racing Club is just a short 30-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD, and each year sees the grounds transformed with an unbeatable festival atmosphere over the Easter long weekend.
Over the years, the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival has become equally renowned for its relaxed picnic-style setting and welcoming community feel as it has for the quality on-track action. Many racegoers make a full weekend of the iconic carnival, setting up along the famous hillside with picnic rugs, barbecues and eskies while enjoying local food trucks, drinks and entertainment throughout the day.
For generations, South Australians have made the trip to Oakbank, creating memories that have become part of the racecourse’s rich history. As the club celebrates its milestone 150th anniversary, the 2026 carnival is set to be bigger than ever. This year’s celebrations will pay tribute to the people, stories and history that have shaped Oakbank racing, blending nostalgia with a vibrant festival atmosphere. It’s a landmark edition of the carnival that racegoers won’t want to miss.
Visitors will be able to take their race day experience to the next level with a range of hospitality options on offer. Starting with casual trackside spots and picnic tables, to premium marquee packages, alongside plenty of food and beverage vendors, there’s something to make everyone’s experience perfectly customised to them.
Taking place over two days, the Carnival kicks off with Easter Saturday bright and early, as gates open at 7am for eager racegoers to secure their spots and a full day of racing and festivities ahead. Tickets are $33 online or $40 at the gate, with children under 16 admitted free.
The celebrations continue on Easter Monday, with gates opening at midday for another lively afternoon trackside. Tickets for Monday are $22 online or $25 at the gate, again with free entry for kids under 16.
For those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the experience, trackside camping is available across the weekend, allowing visitors to wake up amongst the Adelaide Hills fun, truly being a part of the action all weekend! With Buses running from Adelaide, it doesn’t get any easier to attend.
With a packed schedule of racing, food and family-friendly fun, the 150th anniversary of the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival is sure to be a standout celebration this Easter long weekend!
Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival
When: April 4th and April 6th
Where: Oakbank Racecourse
Price: Easter Saturday: $33 online or $40 at the gate
Easter Monday: $22 online or $25 at the gate
For more information, click here.
