The charming town of Willunga is about to burst into bloom with the return of the much-loved Almond Blossom Festival this July!
Returning with it is wholesome fun for the whole family, and the perfect excuse for a trip down south. There will be scones, there will be fireworks, there will be toe-tapping live music, and there will definitely be almonds.
Running across the weekend of July 26 and 27, the festival transforms Willunga Recreation Park into a bustling hub of rides, animals, live music, market stalls, and almond-themed everything, from cookery competitions to craft activities and even sugared almonds to snack on.
The long-running event, now in its 55th year, is a celebration of the region’s heritage, local growers, and its beautiful and unmistakable winter beauty, when the town is coated in soft pink and white almond blossoms.
“The festival has become woven into the fabric of the Willunga community – we now have three generations attending,” says festival organiser Heather Williams.
And special to this year, there’s “Yarn Bombing” happening, with pink blossoms springing up all over the High Street and Recreation Park grounds.”
The 2025 line-up is packed to the brim with family fun. There will be carnival rides, kids’ bubble shows, South Coast Circus come’n’try sessions, SciWorld’s interactive science performances, and even a tractor display on the oval with target golf and sausage sizzles thanks to the Willunga Cricket Club.
Wander and enjoy a variety of food options, including tacos, burgers, loaded fries, pizza, carnival food, hot doughnuts, ice cream, strawberry pancakes, cheese toasties, chicken skewers, scones at and tea at the CWA rooms, as well as plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
There will also be local wine, beer, and coffee stalls, and local musicians will help keep the good vibes flowing all weekend under the big white marquee.
But the real hero of the weekend is the almonds.
There’s a much-anticipated almond-inspired cookery competition, running since the festival’s inception, and open to all ages and skill levels. The only requirement is that almonds must be part of the recipe.
Entries to the competition will be on display in the Almond Hub, which will also host free almond blossom-themed crafts for the little ones. While you’re there, say hi to Graeme, he’s your go-to for all things almond cultivation, and make sure to grab a cone of local grower Pauline’s legendary sugared almonds.
There’s also a yearly festival cake, made by a different local celebrity chef each year. This year’s festival cake is by Andrea Ball of the Green Gourmet, and it’s “fragrant, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth,” using South Australian extra virgin olive oil instead of butter. The Festival Cake is available at the Strawberries and Cream Dessert trailer over the weekend.
Saturday gates open at 11am, and you’ll want to stick around for the fireworks at 7pm. On Sunday, the fun kicks off at 10am and wraps up at 4pm, with a performance by Aerokids and more family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. There will be beer, wine, food and vibes all weekend long.
Heather says the event is all about giving back to the community, preserving local traditions, and “fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.”
“The festival still has a country, community, friendly and safe feel. Every dollar raised from the festival goes back into supporting the clubs and organisations that call Willunga Recreation Park their home,” she says.
So whether you’re there for the food, the festivities, or just a hit of good ol’ country town charm, this is one weekend you don’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars for July 26 and 27, pack your picnic rug, and prepare to fall in love with Willunga in full bloom.
Want to linger in Willunga a little longer? Organisers have put together a self drive map outlining information on blossom timing, as they bloom across 3-4 weeks in July. The map can be found at local businesses in the region or on the website.
WHAT: Willunga Almond Blossom Festival
WHEN: July 26 and 27, Saturday 11am – 9pm (Fireworks 7pm) & Sunday 10am – 4pm
WHERE: 5 Main Rd, Willunga SA
Tickets: Family $25 / Single $10 / Student & Concession $5 / Children < 5 free. Purchase online or cash/card at the gate
Public transport: Bus stop right out front on Main Road Willunga. Information via Adelaide Metro options are catch the train to Seaford and bus to Willunga Stop 97. Seaford bus #751 Adelaide Metro Routes/751 Seaford bus #751W & Aldinga Bus #755 & Port Willunga Bus #756
For more info and to purchase tickets, click here.
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