Gourmet Gathering: The Top Food Festivals in Adelaide
From A Taste of The Hills Festival showcasing local goods to Bougie Brasserie brimming with upscale nosh, the city’s gastronomic gatherings are worth the moolah and time—and we’re ready to serve you all the deets!
Here are the food festivals in and near Adelaide you shouldn’t miss.
A Taste of The Hills Festival
Address: 41 Waters Rd, Mount George, SA 5155
Contact Details: 0452 425 044
Date: Late March
Distance From the Adelaide CBD: 22 mins
If you have an appetite for the flavors of the Adelaide Hills, A Taste of The Hills Festival is where you need to be. Gourmet eats, like loaded grilled cheese sandwiches, creamy burrata, and fluffy doughnuts, are everywhere here.
The festival is also famous for its oyster and wine pairing masterclasses where attendees can discover the perfect harmony between briny bivalves and local vintages.
For those looking to get hands-on, there are tours of the Adelaide Hills doubling as cooking lessons, providing a unique opportunity to learn from the region’s culinary experts while checking the neighborhood landmarks.
| Tip: The festival is outdoors, so protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. |
Waite 100 Gala
Address: Andrewartha Gate, 39 Claremont Avenue, Netherby, Adelaide, SA, 5062
Contact Details: (08) 83133743
Date: May 4, 2024
The Waite 100 Gala, part of Tasting Australia’s top-notch lineup, is a stand-up bash commemorating a century of the iconic Waite Gift.
Celebrity chef Matt Moran will whip up canapes and other culinary delights that cater to all, including those with veggie and gluten-free cravings. The price currently runs for $242 per person.
Drinks like wines, sparkling sips, whiskies, and cold brews will also flow freely. Plus, premium wine tastings will be available for bigshots seeking a little extra somethin’ something.
| Tip: Get tickets ASAP. Waite 100 Gala is a hit not just for foodies but for everyone who wants to celebrate viticulture and agriculture. |
Flavour Center Stage
Address: Adelaide Festival Center, King William Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8216 8600
Date: May 11, 2024
If your definition of a food festival is a fusion of flavor and performance, Flavour Center Stage should be your first pick. Led by Chef Ryan Willard’s gastronomic genius, this event promises an unforgettable blend of SA cuisine and captivating live acts.
Here, you’ll be treated to Indigenous, Asian, French, and other global delicacies. And as you feast, electrifying performances by groups like the Tjarutja Dance Company and Casa de Flamenco will keep things pumped up.
Each delectable course is also expertly paired with Kaesler wines, ensuring that every sip complements the flavors on your plate perfectly. Vegetarians and vegans can join too.
| Tip: The entire $210 event will run for about 5 hours. Wear comfortable clothing, especially with May 11’s forecast looking mostly sunny. |
Dining Galleries – Fiesta
Address: Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga, Adelaide, SA, 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8463 4706
Date: May 5, 2024
Dining Galleries – Fiesta is an ode to Mexican cuisine and culture. This $295 Cinco de Mayo soiree will feature true-blue Mex grub, such as buñuelos (traditional Latin dough treat), lamb shoulder with consommé and beans, and different salsas.
The drink of choice is tequila, while the primary dessert is horchata ice cream. Plus, diners will get their groove on to the lively tunes of a mariachi band, adding an extra dose of energy to the festivities.
| Tip: Keep in mind that while the event is open to all ages, attendees aged 16 years or younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. |
Flamefest – Harts Mill
From samantha.buttery
Address: Mundy St, Port Adelaide, SA 5015
Dates: May 31 to Saturday 1, 2024
Look no further than Flamefest at Harts Mill if you want to wolf down bites while jamming to slow or rocking tunes.
This epic food and music festival boasts a lineup of pop-up food trucks, BBQ stalls, and a beer hall overflowing with ciders, spirits, and wines. You can also expect caterers to dish out fresh spring rolls, umami noodle meals, and timeless fried chicken.
Moreover, the event is packed with fiery entertainment, from heart-pounding fire shows to jaw-dropping stunts.
| Tip: Bring your kids to the festival. Flamefest has games and shows for the little ones. |
Bougie Brasserie
Address: Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga, Adelaide, SA, 5000
Contact Details: 08 8463 4706
Date: May 11, 2024
Bougie Brasserie is where French flavors mingle with haute flair, resulting in a culinary affair that’s as fancy as it gets.
This isn’t your average Saturday night food trip. We’re talking about a black-tie event complete with a Gallic spread curated by Valerie Henbest of The Smelly Cheese Shop and French fare ranging from entrees to desserts.
The chefs will make use of Adelaide’s local and seasonal produce, so freshness and quality are guaranteed. To get a spot, food fans need to shell out $295.
| Tip: Keep an eye on the event’s social media platforms for live updates, including announcements about participating restaurants and exclusive offerings. |
The Bubbles Festival Adelaide
Address: Corner of Botanic & Hackney Roads Adelaide, SA 5000
Date: May 18, 2024
The Bubbles Festival Adelaide is all about popping bottles and sipping on some sparkling goodness while digging into canapes.
Bottles of sparkling wines, champagnes, and proseccos are the event’s stars, but you should also expect street food galore with fish and chips and burgers as the usual picks.
As of March 2024, the general tickets cost $115.29. You better score some as fast as you can if you want a slice of this festival.
| Tips: Purchase the VIP ticket for priority access to wine and food tastings. You also need to buy tickets before the event, as there will be no door sales. |
Sunset, Food, and Wine
Address: Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga, Adelaide, SA, 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8132 8333
Date: May 6, 2024
Sunset, Food, and Wine is where savory delights meet scenic indulgences—an experience that’s as satisfying to the taste buds as it is to the eyes.
During the event, South Australian chefs will present delectable main courses, shared side dishes, freshly baked bread, and a glass of exquisite wine, all set against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset.
Kangaroo Island seafood and rare Ligurian honey are open for the taking too. On top of that, the $49 food fete will feature vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.
| Tips: Arrive promptly at 12 pm to make the most of the event. Don’t forget to check the nearest parking spots at Victoria Square too. |
