The 7 Best Things To Do In Adelaide This October
Sure, September might have been a month when the calendar forgot to tell the weather it was spring, but October is already set to be a scorcher – and we’re not just talking about the climate. Make the most of a long weekend in the South Australian capital with a few of these fun, foolproof activities. [listicle]
Vegan Festival
Pals of plants, rejoice! October brings with it an entire festival based on your culinary preferences. Running over two days in the CBD, Vegan Festival is dedicated to everything Mother Earth, from yoga classes and workshops to stalls spruiking a whole spectrum of vegan-friendly goodies from natural soap to donuts and tanning products.
The on-site initiatives are pretty cool, too: The Gratitude Exchange gives you the chance to offer your skills in exchange for points redeemable with other volunteers, and then there’s the adorably named Vegan Single Mingle, where you can register for a wristband that indicates your interests to other singletons.
Tickets are $5 and kids can attend for free.
Where: Victoria Square, Tarntanyangga
When: From 10am, October 28 to 29, 2017
Image: Taylor Kiser
Zombie Walk
Raising money for FOODBANK is reason enough to sign yourself up for this unique experience but, let’s face it: you’re really taking part to find out what’d happen in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
Zombie Walk sees a pretty sizeable group of the undead wander the streets of Adelaide to raise money for charity, and it’s quite a sight to behold. All you need to do is dress like you’re on the hunt for human flesh, bring a gold coin and a non-perishable food item and you’re in.
Oh, and bring your Insta A-game – it’s worth it.
Where: Rundle Park
When: 3pm, 14 October, 2017
Image: Adelaide Zombie Walk / Facebook
Ferment The Festival
Are you starting to see why SA is known as The Festival State? Of all the festivals though, Ferment The Festival is at the top of every local’s list. Formerly known as CheeseFest, it’s a seriously tasty idea for a get together, with the aim of educating the public on produce that’s carefully and lovingly fermented, with over 120 South Australian-based businesses set to turn up. And if you think about it, you’ll realise that fermented goods are basically everything that’s delicious.
“Fermentation is the invisible catalyst that links all the foods and beverages I love: chocolate, charcuterie, sourdough bread, cultured butter, gin, wine, beer, cider and (of course) cheese,” festival founder Kris Lloyd says. We couldn’t agree more.
An all-day pass will set you back $30, and a weekend pass is $50.
Where: Rundle Park, cnr of East Terrace and Rundle Street, Kadlitpina
When: October 19 to 22, 2017
Image: Ferment The Festival
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
Sure, the OG Oktoberfest is actually in September, but that doesn’t stop Adelaide locals from squeezing in a little beer-and-sausage-laden fun in its namesake month for Oktoberfest In The Gardens.
In the gardens of the Adelaide Showground, the 6000-person capacity beerhall is where punters are treated to a staggering range of imported German beers, a 20-piece brass band, as well as yodellers, accordion players and pretzel fräuleins making their way joyfully through the crowd.
The best part? Your ticket ($61.25 per person) includes a commemorative 550ml stein glass and a can of German beer. Score.
Where: Adelaide Showgrounds, Goodwood Road, Wayville
When: 2pm to 10pm, October 7 2017
Image: Oktoberfest In The Gardens
Tarnathi Art Fair
Run as part of the Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art running at the Art Gallery of South Australia until January, the Tarnarthi Art Fair is a highlight in the celebration of Indigenous art and culture.
The art fair stretches across 40 venues, with work from over 200 emerging, regional, urban and established artists, connecting them directly with art lovers. With art being a major source of income for many Indigenous Australians, it’s a great way to spruce up your home and give back to your community at the same time. Artworks range from $50 to $5,000.
Where: Various venues around Adelaide
When: October 13 to 15, 2017
Image: Tarnanthi / Facebook
Adelaide Film Festival
An impressive display of locally and internationally made films, the Adelaide Film Festival isn’t your average visit to the movies. It’s like taking an eleven-day dive into some of the world’s most-buzzed-about films.
There’s everything from documentary, animation, and shorts, along with traditional films, but there’s also a bunch of fascinating forums and talks and even city walking tours, giving visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in film culture.
Your best bet is the adult multi-pass ($89) which will give you access to five films, plus a bonus. The more you buy on multi-pass, the more extra flicks you get.
Where: Various venues around Adelaide
When: October 5 to 15, 2017
Image: Call Me By Your Name, Adelaide Film Festival
Stop Into Slow Fashion
In October, fashionistas flock to town for the Adelaide Fashion Festival, but if you’re looking for a more tangible take-away from the week, try popping into Slow Fashion. The pop-up gallery of goods has a focuses on ethical and sustainable fashion, according to local makers, with a range of Adelaide-based artisans like linen lovers Weft Textiles, seriously stylish Good Studios, and vintage connoisseurs SWOP Exchange all selling their wares on-site.
You’ll look fab and you’ll be doing the local creators a favour in the process.
Where: Ensemble Studios, 94 Gilles Street, Adelaide
When: October 6 to 15, 2017
Image: Adelaide Fashion Festival
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(Lead image: Tony Knight)
