Image: Jack Fenby
When most people think of the Royal Adelaide Show, their mind might go straight to showbags, Ferris wheels, and some sugar rush-induced fun. But this year, Drakes are presenting a whole world of free entertainment and experiences included in the program, and they’re definitely worth checking out.
Kicking off with entertainment, Gluttony is bringing its eclectic style of live performances to the Boulevard Stage, with a jam-packed line-up you’d usually expect to find in the middle of festival season. They’ve got everything from live music and comedy to circus acts and theatre, giving you a front-row seat to some of Adelaide’s best talent.
For all the food and wine lovers, you’ll want to add the ever-popular Cellar Door Experience to your schedule. You’ll be able to indulge in tastings that showcase some of South Australia’s very best wines, chocolate, ice cream, cider, and beer. This is all held within the Taste SA Pavilion and presented by Drakes. To make it even better, the tasting sessions are guided by industry experts, but seats are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you’re keen to get in on all the fun, make a beeline to the tent to secure your spot.
If you’re looking for a quiet moment in and amongst all the craziness, the Horticulture Stage is going to be your happy place. Whether you’re a certified green thumb or simply houseplant obsessed, here you’ll be able to hear advice from the experts. Gardening Australia’s Sophie Thomson and Masterchef runner-up, Callum Hann, will be on deck, joining a packed program of horticulture talks and demos from professional gardeners.
We can’t forget about our furry friends either, as pups make up a huge part of the program! The Vilis Dog Pavillion takes over the State Basketball Centre with dog judging, Best in Breed titles, and a chance to meet the breeders. If you’re looking for something with a bit more action, the final Sunday is your moment, as the main arena will be filled with four-legged athletes showing off sheepdog skills, flyball, and more.
Once you’ve spent your day at the show, filling it with all things entertainment, food and wine, and a touch of gardening and furry friends, there’s no better way to conclude it than with fireworks. This year, it’s set to be better than ever, with an epic thirty-minute fireworks, drone, and pyrotechnics show, nicknamed the ‘Southern Lights Spectacular’. This will be paired with death-defying stunts from the Airtime Freestyle Motocross Team, and the V8 Utes will face off in a head-to-head race. This is the perfect finale for your day at the Show!
While the rides and showbags will always have their place, it’s the free, unexpected moments that give the Royal Adelaide Show its magic. So if you’re looking to head off the beaten path and explore something fresh, these are the perfect additions to any day at the show.
Royal Adelaide Show
When: August 30th to September 7th
Where: Adelaide Showground, 39 Goodwood Rd, Wayville, SA 5034
For more information, click here.
