As COVID-19 restrictions continue to change, we are all left wondering what is happening with some of those upcoming events we had planned to attend.
The good news is that most of our South Australian events are going ahead in some format. Whether that be at a limited capacity, on a more local level showcasing Australian talent, online, outdoors, or with some, simply a change of date being announced.
To help you figure out what’s happening, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of Adelaide’s big festivals and events.
We will continue to monitor the situation and update this guide as further information comes in.
Spring Racing Carnival
Status: Going ahead
Date: From 5 September 2020
Spring Racing Carnival is kicking off this year as planned from 5 September. Morphettville race course is still hosting all their main events including Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. These events are running at a lower capacity due to social distancing regulations. Events that usually draw in interstate horses and jockeys will instead showcase local competitors.
For more information click here.
Feast Festival
Status: Going ahead
Date: From 7 November til’ 29 November 2020
The fabulous glitz and glamour of Adelaide’s annual LGBTIQ+ Queer Arts and Cultural Festival will be returning this November as planned. This year is more important than ever to support that arts sector after it was dramatically affected by the COVID-19 crisis. In 2020 the Feast program will continue to showcase LGBTIQ+ artists with events in cabaret, comedy, theatre, visual art, music, dance, film, literary events, forums, sport and community events.
For more information click here.
Adelaide Film Festival
Status: Going ahead
Date: October 14 – 25
The Adelaide Film Festival is officially going ahead this year, which is great news for film buffs. The opening night film will be announced next week, with the full program set to be revealed on September 9.
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
Status: Going ahead
Date: Saturday 14 November 2020
The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will take place in 2020, as confirmed by Premier Steven Marshall. In a historical first, the Pageant will be held at Adelaide Oval at twilight, with a crowd in attendance, and broadcast live for those who can’t be there. The challenges of COVID-19 have changed the parade location and design for the safety and wellbeing of the South Australian community.
For more information click here.
Novita Carols by Candlelight in Elder Park
Status: Cancelled
“As a consequence of the on-going COVID-19 regulations and restrictions, and in the interests of public health and safety, the difficult decision has been made to cancel Carols by Candlelight in its traditional format in Elder Park for 2020,” says Novita CEO Greg Ward. There is still hope, as an online format of the event may go ahead.
Santa’s Wonderland
Status: To be confirmed
Date: 4 December 2020 to 24 December 2020
Adelaide’s biggest Christmas event is under consideration for its 5th annual event. Due to ever-changing capacity restrictions, Santa’s Wonderland was not able to confirm nor deny if this year’s event will continue. If things do go ahead, you can expect new rides, new activities, new stage shows and new games to enjoy in the Jubilee Pavilion at the Adelaide Showgrounds. Fingers crossed for this event!
For more information click here.
Polo in the City
Status: Going ahead
Date: 11 December 2020
You can stress a little less for this year’s staff Christmas party, as Polo in the City is scheduled to go ahead. The extravagant event has become somewhat of a summer staple for fabulous fashion, premium champagne and, of course, polo. Unlike previous years, which saw international teams compete, this year will have a homegrown appeal with Australian teams competing. There is expected to be a reduction in capacity due to social distancing regulations.
For more information click here.
Tour Down Under
Status: Going ahead
Date: 14 January 2021 to 24 January 2021
Like many of our great events that attract an international scope of talent, this year will see a different version of the Tour Down Under going ahead. At this stage, the team are working on a number of different scenarios to ensure it is a safe event for spectators, teams and all key stakeholders. The Santos Women’s Tour Down Under will be staged from 14 to 17 January 2021, followed by the Schwalbe Classic on 17 January, and the six-stage men’s Santos Tour Down Under from 19 to 24 January.
For more information click here.
Adelaide Fringe
Status: Going ahead
Date: 19 February 2021 to 21 March 2021
Our most sacred event, the Adelaide Fringe will go ahead next year. It is unsure how the event will unfold, but we have confirmation that you can expect to attend a myriad of events as part of the Adelaide Fringe 2021.
“Adelaide Fringe is preparing for a month-long Festival in 2021 and will operate within government guidelines that may be in place at the time,” said Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall.
“We are in discussions with venues and artists about their planning for 2021, and plans are being made to accommodate performers in line with any potential restrictions to ensure they feel confident in participating.
“While Fringe is going to look a little different in 2021, we are all looking forward to the Festival returning, and we can’t wait to stage the brilliant, magical and world-class event that people know and love.”
For more information click here.
Under the Southern Stars
Status: Postponed from Easter 2020
New Date: 19 February 2021
Under the Southern Stars was originally scheduled to happen in April of this year, but has now been postponed to next February. Taking place in Bonython Park, you’ll get to see rock legends like Bush, Live, Stone Temple Pilots, Rose Tattoo and Electric Mary. All 2020 tour tickets are valid for the rescheduled festival dates.
For more information click here.
Civic Park Carols
Status: Cancelled
The annual Civic Park Carols have been cancelled this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tea Tree Gully Council will explore hosting a series of Christmas events and activities for the community to keep the spirit of the carols alive.
Adelaide Festival
Status: Going ahead
Date: 26 February 2021 to 14 March 2021
At this stage, the Adelaide Festival will go ahead. The launch date for the program is locked in for 17 November. Officials say there will be additional outdoor venues as well as some extra streaming options to cater for indoor capacity constraints. The Adelaide Festival team have been working through the incredibly challenging logistics and are working with what’s within their control to bring the festival to life.
For more information click here.
WOMADelaide
Status: Going ahead
Date: 5 March 2021 – 8 March 2021
The team behind WOMADelaide has confirmed that they are busy planning the festival’s 2021 schedule. While there remain many obvious challenges, they are working through the evolving landscape of COVID-19 to ensure they can still deliver the fantastic festival we’ve all grown to love. So for now, it’s a save the date for next year. More to come.
For more information click here.
Superloop Adelaide 500
Status: Going ahead
Date: To be confirmed
Car fans rejoice, as it looks like the Superloop Adelaide 500 will be returning. Superloop officials have been in constant communications with The Supercars Championships, with the aim of achieving the best result for the State in 2021. The 2021 Virgin Australia Supercars Calendar is expected to be released in coming months, stay tuned.
For more information click here.
Red Hot Summer Tour
Status: Postponed
Date: Saturday 12 March 2022
The all Australian line-up included headliners, and ARIA Hall of Fame inductees, Hunters & Collectors, with special guests James Reyne, The Living End, The Angels, Baby Animals, Killing Heidi and Boom Crash Opera. The Red Hot Summer Tour was meant to celebrate 10 years of Red Hot Rock in 2020 but has now been postponed until March next year. This incredible line-up will be a day to remember as you sip on wine at Seppeltsfield and enjoy the music of some Aussie legends.
For more information click here.
Tasting Australia
Status: Postponed from 2020 to 2021
New Date: 30 April 2021 to 9 May 2021
Unfortunately, this year’s festival was sadly cancelled. But, hope is on the horizon with Byron Bay based culinary king, Darren Robertson, being appointed as the 2021 Tasting Australia Food Curator. The 10-day event is your passport to premium, unprecedented eating and drinking experiences. For those who can’t wait until next year for the main event, there is a range of local events showcasing the SA food and beverage industry running throughout October 2020. In these tough times, it’s more important than ever to support our local industries.
For more information click here.
Disney on Ice
Status: Postponed
Date: 2021, exact dates to be confirmed
A fan favourite for children and adults alike, this event was sadly cancelled in June. However, we can confirm that at this stage Disney on Ice will return as normal next year. Keep an eye out on their website to see which Disney heroes will be returning to our shores in 2021. Let’s hope Mickey and Minnie aren’t gone for too much longer.
For more information click here.
A Day on the Green
Status: Cancelled
Date: To be confirmed
This year we were meant to see performances from James Blunt with special guest, Jason Mraz. We can confirm that James Blunt’s tour has sadly been cancelled with no rescheduled date. We have had confirmation that organisers are hoping to get another Day on the Green next year if international and national travel allows.
For more information click here.
Cirque du Soleil
Status: Postponed
Date: To be confirmed
Until further notice, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has suspended its shows temporarily across the globe. Organisers have said the KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities show will be returning next year if international travel allows.
For more information click here.
Groovin The Moo
Status: Postponed
Date: Friday 23 April 2021
Don’t throw out those gumboots just yet. Groovin The Moo has been rescheduled for next May. If you purchased a ticket for the 2020 event, it is automatically valid for the 2021 Groovin.
For more information click here.
All of these events and dates may change as restrictions flex over the coming months. Please check with each event’s website for the most up to date status.
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