As Adelaide’s maddest month rolls around once again, the Adelaide Cup public holiday delivers the perfect excuse for a long weekend to soak up the city’s biggest celebrations.
From world-class festivals and live music to pop-up bars and family-friendly fun, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of it. Consider this your official guide to everything happening across the long weekend, there’s something for everyone
Adelaide Fringe
Adelaide Fringe is a world-renowned, annual arts festival that celebrates culture, place and artists from across the globe. Bringing 8,000+ independent artists far and wide to South Australia, Adelaide Fringe is a destination for culture seekers in search for a hive of activity.
Where: Adelaide
When: All weekend! (Adelaide Fringe concludes on 22 March)
For more info, click here.
Hardys Icon Wine Tasting
Celebrate the Adelaide Cup Long Weekend with a premium tasting flight at Hardys, showcasing a curated selection of their iconic, award‑winning wines. Set in the heart of McLaren Vale, this limited‑edition experience highlights the craftsmanship and rich legacy behind one of Australia’s most historic wineries.
Guests can relax into a guided tasting that blends storytelling, heritage, and exceptional wine, the perfect long‑weekend indulgence.
When: 7-9 March from 11am – 3pm
Where: 202 Main Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
For more info, click here.
ADELAIDE CUP
This iconic South Australian event is back for an action-packed year, both on and off the track. Expect a variety of track-side food, fashion and entertainment throughout the day!
Where: Morphettville Racecourse, South Australia
When: Monday, March 9th
For more info, click here.
Streaky Sounds Music Festival
Streaky Sounds Music Festival will return to the picturesque Eyre Peninsula In March 2025 for the festival’s third outing. It’s set to feature a star-studded lineup headlined by Melbourne jazz-funk band The Cat Empire, and supported by South Australian acts and local Eyre Peninsula talent.
Where: Streaky Bay Oval, Streaky Bay SA 5680
When: Sunday, March 8th
For more information, click here.
Long weekend at Malt Shovel Taphouse
Join the Malt Shovel Taphouse on Adelaide Cup Long Weekend with awesome deals, live music and river vibes. Even better there’s no public holiday surcharge!
When: March 6-8, from 5-8pm
Where: Festival Centre, Festival Dr, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
WOMADelaide
Held on the traditional lands of the Kaurna People, WOMADelaide (World Of Music Arts & Dance) is an iconic open-air festival celebrating cultural discovery in the heart of Adelaide’s stunning Botanic Park / Tainmuntilla. The World’s Festival, since 1992, is a truly unique part of the Australian festival landscape, showcasing the best, the essential – and the surprising – in music, arts, dance and ideas from around the world.
Where: Botanic Park, Adelaide, South Australia
When: 6 – 8 March
For more info, click here.
Woodhouse Adventure Park + Twilight Laser Skirmish
Long weekends hit differently at Woodhouse, with bonus activities, extra adventures and more time outdoors. Whether you visit for a few hours or settle in for the full long-weekend escape, it’s the perfect chance to celebrate Woodhouse-style and make the most of everything the Adelaide Hills has to offer.
Tube Slides will be running for three thrilling days (weather permitting), the Selfie Photo Hunt is on, and the whole 54-hectare natural wonderland is yours to explore. Come for the day or stay overnight with all-day access from 9am arrival to 5pm departure. Twilight Laser Skirmish returns Sunday 8 March with 90-minute sessions for just $15 (plus entry). Family-friendly games (8+) kick off the action before the 12+ Twilight Battle as the sun sets.
Where: 37 Spring Gully Road, Piccadilly
When: March 7-9
For more info, click here
Adelaide Festival
The 2026 Adelaide Festival kicked off at the start of March, for a huge 17-day celebration of arts and culture. This marks the 41st edition of the Festival, which has grown to become a cornerstone event in Australia’s cultural landscape. Thhere are plenty of great shows over the long weekend!
Where: Multiple venues
When: All weekend
For more information, click here.
International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, there are plenty of occasions showcasing the fantastic women and leaders in our community. Across the city, the focus is on taking stock of how far we’ve come, celebrating the impact of women across all walks of life and pushing conversations forward around equality, opportunity and representation.
The official 2026 theme, Balance the Scales, sets the tone as a call to action to challenge bias and discrimination, and to work towards a future where women and girls are safe, respected.
When: Sunday, March 8th
To read our full guide to 2025 International Women’s Day events in Adelaide, click here.
Riverland Food and Wine Festival
If you’ve been waiting in anticipation for the Riverland’s Food and Wine Festival 2026, you’re not alone! The festival is back and better than ever. Event organiser and Riverland local Andrew “Sarez” Sarakinis says 2026 is shaping up to be the best year yet.
WHAT: 2026 Riverland Food and Wine Festival
WHERE: Riverview drive, Berri, SA
WHEN: March 7, 2026, 12pm-8pm
For more info, click here.
Night market Asia
Night Market Asia is returning to Adelaide, transforming Whitmore Square into a celebration of culture for two nights only. The market will take attendees on a journey of stories, flavours and traditions across Asia.
Running across Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th, Night Market Asia is inviting locals to adventure through their lantern-lit pathways, following the sizzle of woks and enjoying the soundtrack of live performances that will aim to bring the square to life. The atmosphere is meant to feel like a mini holiday without even having to leave the city, making for the perfect adventure as we get further into the new year.
Night Market Asia
When: Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th
Where: Whitmore Square
For more information, click here.
Spit roast Sunday at Omada
Spit Roast Sundays lands at OMADA on Sunday March 8 over the long weekend, with the spit turning from 12:30pm on Leigh Street. Enjoy lamb, octopus and sides cooked low and slow over flame – or opt for the full à la carte menu if you prefer.
With Nick Fahey on the decks, the vibes are guaranteed to be good.
Omada spit roast Sunday
When: March 8, 12:30pm
Where: 46 Currie St, Adelaide SA 5000
For more info and bookings, click here.
CANCELLED: Dinner in the Dam
Dinner in the Dam at Eldredge Wines has been cancelled.
Barossa Polo Classic
The Barossa Polo Classic is a celebration of elite sport, premium hospitality and relaxed country atmosphere—designed to be enjoyed with friends, family and colleagues as the sun sets over the vines. Set among rolling vineyards, Château Tanunda’s private polo field is one of the most picturesque event locations in the state.
When: March 8, from 5pm
Where: Château Tanunda
For more info, click here.
For more about what’s on around town, you can head to our calendar.
