Feature Image: Callum Hann and David Lovett. (Provided)
After drawing crowds for its debut last year, one of Adelaide’s newest free food festivals is coming back for seconds this September, with two of the city’s best-known food personalities stepping into the kitchen.
Free to attend and open to everyone, Riverlea Food Fest will return to Milner Place at Riverlea Park on Saturday, 19 September, from 11am to 3pm, just 25 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD. MasterChef Australia favourite Callum Hann and renowned chef David Lovett will headline the culinary program.
Callum Hann rose to fame as the runner-up on season two of MasterChef Australia in 2010. Since then, he has built an impressive career in the South Australian food scene, including as co-owner of Sprout Cooking School and Pantry on Prospect, as well as Roma and Olive in the city.
Joining him is chef David Lovett, known for his rustic, regional approach to Italian cooking and his expertise with dough. Lovett made his mark on the Sydney dining scene, working across kitchens including Bills, North Bondi Italian and Uccello, where he was head chef and helped the Merivale restaurant earn a coveted chef’s hat.
Riverlea Food Fest 2025. (Provided).
This year’s event is bigger and better, with more food trucks, extended live cooking demonstrations, giveaways, a photo booth, live music and plenty of family entertainment.
Throughout the festival, Hann and Lovett will host three live cooking sessions, with each demonstration featuring two recipes alongside tips and techniques that home cooks can take back to their own kitchens.
Little foodies won’t miss out, either. Kids can get hands-on with free cooking classes guided by the team at Sprout Cooking School, alongside a range of other activities designed to keep the whole family entertained.
For Walker Corporation, the developer behind Riverlea, the event is about more than just good food.
“We’re proud to be creating Adelaide’s most exciting masterplanned community, and events like these give people the opportunity to come together, meet their neighbours and build genuine community connections,” says Michaela Keirl, Community Engagement Officer.
Riverlea Food Fest 2025. (Provided).
“It has something for everyone,” Michaela said.
“Bring along a picnic rug and make a day of it.”
She added that the celebration also provides a way to welcome visitors to Riverlea and create shared experiences as the community continues to grow.
“There’s something special about sharing food. It brings people to the table, starts conversations and creates memories. Over time, those moments can grow into friendships and the sense of belonging that makes a community feel like home,” Michaela said.
With organisers aiming to welcome more than twice as many people this year, Riverlea Food Fest is shaping up to be one of the community’s biggest days on the calendar and a delicious excuse to make the trip out to Riverlea this September.
Riverlea Food Festival
When: Sat, 19 Sep, 11am – 3pm ACST
Where: Milner Place, Riverlea Park
Cost: Free entry, with various costs at the venue for food trucks and more
To find out more, click here.
