The 7 Best Things To Do In Adelaide This November
November is the Friday of months. You spend days dreaming of summer and warm nights making plans for the impending break. But before getting yourself lost in the fun of the future, take a moment to enjoy the present. Adelaide has a whole bunch of cool and exciting happenings planned for the penultimate month for you to revel in, kick back with and enjoy.
#1 Come As You Are to the Feast Festival
Painting the town rainbow for another year, Feast Festival offers an exciting fortnight of entertainment and spirited celebration of – and by – LGBTIQ artists. This year’s theme of Come As You Are is about being welcome, being yourself, and feeling comfortable, safe and supported through a rich and diverse arts festival.
Austrian superstar and 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst headlines a program of theatre, dance, comedy, cabaret, free events and more – running from November 14 to 29 at venues across town.
#2 Summer is coming!
…and she’s bringing a bunch of famous friends. Yup, sci-fi chanteuse Summer Glau (Firefly, Terminator, Dollhouse) will appear amid a host of pop icons being mobbed at the Adelaide Showground from November 20-22, as part of Supernova 2015. Nick Frost (The Cornetto Trilogy, Spaced) and Matthew Lewis (aka Neville Longbottom, and that Attitude Magazine shoot) are also in the mix, alongside vintage babes Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeanie) and Barbra Feldon (Get Smart) and not one, but two Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.
Holy bobbleheads Batman! The event includes panel discussions, meet-and-greets, cosplay and more merch than you can wave a wand at. Check out the full line-up of guests and events here.
#3 Rock ‘n’ roll all day month and party every night
Like hounds from the gates of hell, a formidable vanguard of rock acts are crashing town during November, heralding the beginning of the summer festival and touring season. Put big red Xs in your calendar for these shows…
After a brief hiatus – including solo and collaborative projects, gypsy-grunge Fringe shows, a foray into acting with Malthouse Theatre and even a David Jones fashion campaign (and righteous defending of fellow promoter Adam Goodes) – Tim Rogers is back to fronting You Am I. November 6 is a double doozey for the enduring Aussie rockers as they release their tenth studio album, Porridge and Hotsauce, and headline The Gov(ernor Hindmarsh Hotel).
In support of new EP, Nocturnes, Adelaide-based outfit Koral & The Goodbye Horses bring their scorching, soulful sound to The Wheatsheaf Hotel on November 8. Swirling guitars and a powerhouse vocal spin tales of shattered headlights and broken hearts. This is live and local music at it’s finest.
AC/DC, Adelaide Oval. It doesn’t get bigger than that. November 21. ‘Nuf said.
Adelaide’s prodigal sons Cold Chisel will also be in the state, returning to play the Entertainment Centre. Chisel’s last stand in SA sold-out a run of four shows, so put down that cheap wine and book early to avoid standing on the outside looking in. Part of their One Night Stand tour, this time around the boys will play – you guessed it – just one show, on November 17.
Hometown hardcore heroes The Mark of Cain turn it up to 11 at underground institution Enigma Bar on November 25. Having survived 26 years in the business (and 15 different drummers), the boys return to active service with their Tour Of Duty, so named as all proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Council of Australia. All Abel-bodied [sic] fans, see here to enlist. Good on you lads.
#4 Get yourself a ticket to ride
Amy’s Ride SA is a joyous event, born of tragic circumstances. Celebrating the memory of pro-cyclist Amy Gillett, who was killed in a horror crash while training in Germany in 2005, the event attracts a 3000+ strong peloton, meandering its way along the car-free Southern Expressway. This year’s terminus is the stunning Serafino vineyard and winery, where riders can relax and refuel.
Routes range from a 12 kilometre family-friendly peddle along The Shiraz Trail, taking in the scenic wine regions of McLaren Vale and Willunga, through to more challenging 30, 35, 70 and 100 kilometre tours – or tackle the full 125 kilometre racecourse.
The Amy Gillett Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation with the target of “zero bike related fatalities”. As well as raising awareness of cycling safety issues and lobbying for legislation to protect riders, the foundation hosts several events throughout the year to raise revenue. Presented in partnership with BikeSA, Amy’s Ride is their headliner and promises to be a truly enjoyable jaunt. Register online here.
#5 Wonder…
Thursday November 19 is World Philosophy Day. What does that mean? What does any of it really mean? Whether you’re shooting the breeze or musing upon the futility of existence, here are our top spots to get your think on…
Solve the world’s problems or just watch it pass you by from a roadside residency at The Exeter Hotel. More than a few epiphanies have hatched over a pint of Coopers at this cult watering hole; an icon of the city’s busiest thoroughfare. Perfect for what “ales” ya.
Find peace among the mayhem in the chaotic clutter of The Grace Emily Hotel in the city’s Southwest. Home to some of the best live music and life advice you’re ever likely to encounter, seek solace in the company of whiskey, wine and wailing wayfarers.
If solitary soul-searching is more your style, then test your hypothesis at Proof. The savvy speakeasy (with rooftop) serves ’til late, with punters Aris-tottling out into the night with hearts warmed and spirits high.
Or, for the non-alcoholics (or hangover sufferers), pour over a thinking-capp at Please Say Please. Nab a stool at their table (singular), ponder the day’s headlines from their “news feed” (on a actual, IRL “wall”) and sink some seriously good joe.
#6 Spend a month of Sundays at Rocket
A perennial favourite across a mix of scenes, Rocket Bar relaunches its rooftop cinema from Sunday November 1. Kick back to a program of ’80s and ’90s classics screening between modern favourites, served with fresh summer cocktails and free popcorn. Films start at sunset. Follow their Facebook event to view the full program.
#7 Clink glasses at a summer street party
Toast the town’s top tipples in the sparkling sunshine as East End Cellars commandeer Vardon Avenue for Beer & Bubbles on November 7. Kicking off from 1pm, the mini festival/laneway party is a celebration of South Australian produce with over 50 Aussie beers and the best South Australian and International sparkling wines to sample. Add some delicious street food and DJs spinning lazy summer beats and you have the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the lifestyle hub that is Adelaide’s East End.
(Lead image: Rocket Bar)
