The 7 Best Things To Do In Adelaide This May
Lobbing right between festival season and tax return season, May can create something of a low-point in one’s social calendar. While the streets of Adelaide may appear a little quieter compared to summer months, beneath the surface simmers a vibrant and diverse scene of parties, events and bona fide good times. You just have to know where to look.
#1 South Australia now makes world class whiskey
South Australia – and McLaren Vale in particular – is renowned for producing world class wines. As it turns out, our climate is also ideal for distilling, and the newly opened McLaren Vale Distillery is out to capitalise on that. The ambitious operation sources as many ingredients as possible from local producers, and specialises in single-batch malting.
Tour the facility and learn what makes a first-class distillery tick, or get cosy at the bar exploring fine single malt whiskies of the world. They also host regular tasting master classes and dinners, so check their Facebook page for details.
#2 Dance like everybody is watching at a rave party built on naff nightclub nostalgia
At Adelaide’s first Crap Music Rave Party Dance, nothing is taboo. Self-described “party monster”, Tomás Ford, has packed dancefloors at the Edinburgh Fringe and sold out clubs around Europe and Australia. Everything from ’80s movie themes to that Miley Cyrus song everyone secretly likes are on the decks. Whip to daggy divas, nay-nay to bad boy-band bop and ride the Vengabus on a one-way ticket to Echo Beach. May 20, 8 ‘til late at Tuxedo Cat.
#3 See the sights, meet the knights at The Gumeracha Medieval fair… m’Lady
Gather the clan and march North-East for The Gumeracha Medieval Fair, “a weekend filled with medieval antics from across the Realms”. A great family event, the festival includes historical reenactments, arms and archery demonstrations, Vikings, witches, merchants, dancing, feasting and more. Moreover, it’s the perfect opportunity to get an accurate valuation for those jousting sticks.
#4 Meet-n-greet the local spooks at one of Australia’s oldest prisons
The Adelaide gaol is Australia’s longest continuously operating gaol, so it would stand to reason that it’s also the most haunted. Meet a few of the (ex-)locals on a late night guided exploration of the grounds, visiting the old surgery, prisoners’ cells, Murderer’s Row, Hangman’s Tower and more equally lovely sounding spots.
Setting off at 8.30pm and running until 2am, the event consists of a two hour ghost tour, light refreshments and a “paranormal investigation” where you’ll attempt to contact the other side using an assortment of techniques and spooky knickknackery. Sounds like a scream! On for one night only on May 27. Boo-ooo-k your tickets here.
#5 Enjoy good ol’ southern hospitality at one of Adelaide’s best beer venues
Deep South cuisine meets local craft brewing as NOLA presents Which Craft. Dine on a seven course New Orleans-inspired degustation, served with two matched beers per course. Food is prepared and served by McFuzzlebutt’s Manchen (Man Kitchen) and beers come courtesy of some of the state’s most progressive microbreweries.
Presented as part of Tasting Australia, this event promises to be one of the hottest tickets in the extensive program. Book now for the one-off seating on May 4, 5pm-11pm.
#6 Check out some local talent at the Mirador Records birthday party
Local music outfit Mirador Records is turning four and to celebrate, they’re making a lot of loud sounds at the Queens Theatre. And we mean LOUD. Music kicks off at 6.30pm with sets from Mansionair, Luke Million, Problems, World Wild and more, plus a bunch of DJs also on the Mirador label.
Famous for delivering “hard working slacker rock and sophisticated bedroom beat-makers”, this is the kind of party you tell your kids about. More info here.
#7 Talk and taste your way around Tasting Australia
And how could we not include Adelaide’s premier winter foodie festival in here as well? Tasting Australia kicks off on May 1 for a week-long dive into Adelaide’s best and brightest food makers and food eaters. Plant yourself at the Town Square for the duration of the festival, where talks and tasting plates abound; there will be panel discussions about food and the food industry, as well as cooking demonstrations for the peckish. Find more info on the event here.
Oh and be sure to check out AWOL‘s feature on the event here, while you’re at it.
(Lead image: Tay Bassi)
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