With spring in full swing and an extra day off on the horizon, Adelaide’s October long weekend is the perfect excuse to get out and make the most of the city and beyond. From live music and markets to family-friendly activities, festivals, food and wine, there’s plenty happening across Adelaide and South Australia across the whole weekend.
Whether you’re looking to fill the long weekend with back-to-back plans, find something fun to do with the kids, head out of the city for a day trip or simply soak up the warmer weather, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the break.
We’ve rounded up some of the biggest events and things to do across the October long weekend, so you can start planning your days off.
Carlton Draught Murray Bridge Gold Cup Fashions on the Field
One of the biggest days on the Murray Bridge and South Australian racing calendar is returning this October, with the Carlton Draught Gold Cup set to take over Thomas Farms Racecourse Murray Bridge on Saturday, October 3rd. Alongside the racing action, the day will feature hospitality packages to suit a range of tastes and budgets, the highly anticipated Fashions on the Field, a dedicated kids’ zone with go-karts and Darcy’s Travelling Farm, plus post-race entertainment.
This year’s Fashions on the Field is set to be bigger than ever, with Glam Adelaide’s own Kelly Noble joining an elite judging panel on the day. There will also be plenty of prizes up for grabs thanks to event sponsors, with guests able to enter the fashion competition on the day and get involved in the action.
Where: 342 Brinkley Road, Gifford Hill, SA 5253
For more information, click here.
POWER UP | OCT 2 – 3
After a huge 2025 event, POWER UP returns on Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd, bringing together gamers, families, collectors, cosplayers, artists and plenty of curious first-timers in the heart of Adelaide.
Presented in collaboration with AVCon, the free, all-ages event will transform Rundle Mall Plaza with gaming, competitions, cosplay parades, local artists, prizes and interactive experiences spread throughout the centre.
Where: Rundle Mall Plaza, Rundle Mall, Adelaide
When: Friday, October 2nd, 5pm to 9pm and Saturday, October 3rd, 10am to 5pm
For more information, click here.
Hola Margarita! Adelaide
Neighbourhood Events Co. is bringing Hola Margarita! to Adelaide on Saturday, October 3rd and it’s transforming the precinct into a four-hour cocktail trail across five distinctly different, yet equally amazing venues. Ticket holders will move between rooftop bars, colourful cocktail lounges and intimate restaurants, with each venue creating its own exclusive margarita for the occasion.
Where: Five venues across Adelaide’s East End
For more information, click here.
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
Oktoberfest in the Gardens is returning to Adelaide’s Pinky Flat on Saturday, October 3rd, bringing a full day of Bavarian-style celebrations from 1pm to 9pm. The event will feature a huge selection of authentic German beers, wines and ciders alongside plenty of food stalls and live entertainment, with organisers promising another big day of festivities, fun and frothies.
Where: Pinky Flat
For more information, click here.
Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market 20th Birthday
The Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market is celebrating 20 years with a huge birthday market on Sunday, October 4, bringing a morning of live entertainment, family activities and special offers to the Showground. FIVEAA presenters Michael Keelan and Angie McBride will broadcast their breakfast program live from the market from 6am to 10am, while The Amazing Drumming Monkeys will perform at 9.30am and 10.30am. Families can also enjoy live music from The Ukes, The Core Four and acoustic guitarist Adam, alongside a CFS fire engine, giant inflatable, kids’ cupcake decorating and face painting.
There will be birthday cake to share while it lasts, plus a 20th Birthday Trail featuring special offers, tastings and deals from participating stallholders. Community Yoga and the Community Connect BBQ hosted by Adelaide Central Rotary will also be part of the celebrations, with the market’s usual mix of South Australian farmers, producers, breakfast and coffee at the heart of the morning.
Where: Adelaide Showground
For more information, click here.
Ceduna Oyster Fest
It’s time to get shucking! Oysterfest returns to Ceduna, the Oyster Capital of Australia, for a weekend packed with fresh seafood, live entertainment, carnival rides and, of course, an abundance of oysters. These prized Eyre Peninsula delicacies take centre stage, served up in countless delicious ways as the town celebrates its world-famous oyster industry.
Where: Ceduna Foreshore, O’Loughlin Terrace, Ceduna SA 5690
For more information, click here.
Music in the Meadow with Peter Combe and the Juicy Juicy Green Grass Band
Beloved Australian children’s entertainer Peter Combe is heading to Carrick Hill this October for a morning of music, laughter and family fun. Joined by the Juicy Juicy Green Grass Band, Combe will perform an outdoor concert on the Stables Lawns as part of the Nature Festival, with families invited to sing along to much-loved favourites, dance on the grass and enjoy the picturesque surrounds of Carrick Hill.
Gates open from 10am, with the concert kicking off at 11am and running for approximately an hour, while the Little Pocket of Joy garden kiosk will be open for light snacks and hot drinks. Tickets start from $30, with picnic rugs and low-back chairs permitted.
Where: 46 Carrick Hill Dr, Springfield SA 5062
Price: $30
For more information, click here.
Conan Gray Wishbone World Tour
Image: Dillon Matthew-Campbell
Singer Conan Gray has announced his 2026 global arena tour, titled the Wishbone World Tour. This extensive journey around the globe is to celebrate the success of his latest and fourth studio album, ‘Wishbone’, which has been met with widespread acclaim. Joining him on this tour as a special guest is the rising pop sensation Esha Tewari.
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
For more information, click here.
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations
Three weekends of wine, food, live music and plenty of Cabernet are coming to Coonawarra this October, with more than 40 experiences set to take over the region.
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations will run from October 1st to 18th, bringing visitors into vineyards, wineries, restaurants and cellar doors for a spring celebration of one of South Australia’s best-known wine varieties.
Where: Coonawarra
For more information, click here.
Grenache & Gourmet Festival
If your idea of a good time involves a glass of Grenache in hand and an excellent South Australian meal on the table, clear your calendar.
Grenache & Gourmet is returning to the McLaren Vale wine region from September 18th to October 5th, bringing together some of the region’s top wineries, chefs, producers and foodies for a celebration of one of South Australia’s most unique varieties.
Where: McLaren Vale
For more information, click here.
Patritti’s 100th Birthday Party
The October long weekend will see Patritti transformed for its 100th Birthday Party, with five days of events, live music, food and giveaways planned from Thursday, October 1st through to Monday, October 5th. The winery is especially unique as it is Adelaide’s last remaining fully operational, 100 per cent family-owned winery located in the metro area.
Where: 13-23 Clacton Rd, Dover Gardens SA 5048
For more information, click here.
Semaphore Music Festival
One of Adelaide’s longest-running independent music festivals is set to return this October, transforming Semaphore into a sprawling live music precinct across the Labour Day long weekend.
Now in its 22nd year, the Semaphore Music Festival will run from Friday, October 2th to Monday, October 5th, bringing together original South Australian artists across pubs, cafés, community venues, record stores, a church hall and the foreshore.
Where: Semaphore
For more information, click here.
The Bend Classic
A huge lineup of seven artists spanning three generations of Australian talent is taking centre stage this October long weekend at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston will headline the three-day festival, along with James Blundell, Andrew Swift, Robbie Mortimer, Tori Darke and Australian Idol breakout star Denvah.
Where: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend
For more information, click here.
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