If you’re feeling like this year has sped by quicker than a jet above the Adelaide 500 you’re not alone. We swear that just a minute ago we were getting ready for Fringe season, then we blinked, and now it’s December.
Our heads are all still collectively spinning around thinking what else can 2020 throw our way. Well, if you’re wanting to finish off the year on a high, why not check out one of these 10 epic events that are sure to entertain, delight and/or surprise you.
From myriad markets, to art fairs and more there is stacks on this month. Here are our picks for the best, ordered by date, to help you ease into the season’s festivities.
Homebrewed Beer and BBQ Festival
Adelaide Showgrounds, Wayville
From Friday 4 December to Sunday 6 December
COVID-19 has really put a spanner in the works of all our South Australian events this year, with many postponed, or even cancelled. For the avid Beer and BBQ Festival fans out there, fear not, as the Beer and BBQ Festival team are bringing their beloved festival back for another year in a slightly different format.
For more information click here.

Christmas Markets
All over the city
From as early as this weekend
Of course this wouldn’t be an Xmas events list without a mention of all the wonderful Christmas markets, which happen across the city throughout the month. From food and drink in Ebenezer Place, to the big old Bowerbird Markets and Gilles at the Grounds which celebrates vintage clothing and homewares, there’s something for most people to get excited about.

Beautiful Spaces: Workshop & Market
Burnside Ballroom, Burnside.
Saturday 5 December
Markus Hamence is an Interior Designer and a lecturer of design at TAFESA with a long standing love of indoor plants who’s own home boasts over 400+ indoor plants. He thinks every home could use a plant or two, and wants to show people how to style and care for their leafy babies. Register for his masterclass happening at 9am, then trawl the plant market for something to spice up your own space.
For more information click here.

Party with Wine Country on Rymill Park Island
East Terrace, Adelaide.
Saturday 5 December and Thursday 19 December
Local party boy Mark Kamleh and wine expert Nick Stock are offering Adelaide residents a series of premium one-day staycation experiences during December and January. Over five summer weekends you’re invited to take a trip to scenic Murlawirrapurka Rymill Park island for boozy parties aplenty. Each event will showcase a different wine region, style or grape.
For more information click here.

Santa’s Wonderland
Jubilee Pavilion, Adelaide Showground
Friday 10 December – Thursday 24 December
This annual month-long children’s festival consistently ranks as one of the best thing to do with kids during December, and for good reason. As the Adelaide Showgrounds transforms into Santa’s grotto, families can expect amusement rides, spectacular Christmas stage shows, magnificent ice skating rink, tobogganing slides and a magical Christmas activity trail. Make sure you pre-book, as sessions are filling up quickly.
For more information click here.
Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize Exhibition
South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide.
From Wednesday 11 December
The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize commemorates the birth of the South Australian Museum’s first curator, Frederick George Waterhouse. The biennial prize is an opportunity for artists to investigate the world around them and present their perspectives on natural science. It encourages artists to make a statement about the scientific issues facing our planet and offers a valuable platform for them to contribute to the environmental debate. Over the years the competition has become a much-loved fixture on the arts calendar, allowing artists and audiences to explore natural science through a range of creative outlets
For more information click here.
Virtual Carols by Candlelight
At your house
Sunday 13 December
Adelaide’s Sealink Travel Group Carols by Candlelight event is adapting to the times of 2020, with a virtual celebration featuring performances from across Australia to be broadcast on Sunday 13 December on the Seven Network’s video on-demand service, 7plus. It may not be at Elder Park like previous years, but Adelaide families will be happy to see 7NEWS favourites Rosanna Mangiarelli, Mark Soderstrom and Amelia Mulcahy, who are thrilled to be returning to co-host this year’s virtual event.
For more information click here.

A Very Out In The Paddock Christmas Party
South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide
Saturday 19 December
‘A Very Out in the Paddock Christmas’ will be a night filled with delicious food, drinks, live entertainment and many surprises. Happening under the stars at one of Adelaide’s iconic locations, the South Australian Museum Armoury Lawns, the night will feature an all-inclusive three-course dinner, paired with an incredible array of South Australian beer, wine and spirits.
For more information click here.
NYE Big Bash
Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide.
Saturday 28 December and Monday 30 December
The Strikers are scheduled to play the Perth Scorchers on Monday 28 December 2020 and again on New Year’s Eve at Adelaide Oval in what’s sure to be an incredible match. There won’t be an intermission for the Elder Park fireworks this year, but the warm beer in plastic cups and dodgy hotdogs are sure to keep this quintessentially Adelaide NYE experience a fun one.
For more information click here.
Summer Sounds Festival
Bonython Park, Adelaide
From Monday 30 December 2020
Get excited for what is gearing up to be a summer to remember thanks to Summer Sounds Festival with Aussie icons, triple j favourites, a bunch of the hottest newcomers and a couple of supersized sing-alongs coming in hot. Happening between 30 December 2020 and 30 January 2021, you can expect more than 20 epic shows staged during the summer festive season at Bonython Park/Tulya Wodli, in Adelaide’s beautiful Park Lands.
For more information click here.