Tour Down Under announces 11 free festivals and major shake-up for 2027

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Fans who follow the Santos Tour Down Under out of the city will find a free festival waiting at every stage start and finish in January, with 11 of them planned across South Australia.

From live entertainment and local food to kids’ activities and new ways to watch the world’s best cyclists in action, the changes aim to make next January’s event just as exciting for families and casual spectators as it is for cycling enthusiasts.

For the first time, each start and finish location will host its own free Start/Finish Line Festival, created in collaboration with local councils and communities.

The festivals will feature roaming cameras offering a closer look inside the peloton and team cars, along with mascot races, entertainment and dedicated cycling zones. Those arriving by bike will also have access to valet services and mechanics, while increased seating and shaded viewing areas will make it easier to settle in and enjoy the racing.

Local food and drink vendors will also be part of the celebrations, giving visitors another reason to explore the towns and regions hosting the event.

Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke said the changes would bring more of the action into local communities.

“The new Start/Finish Line Festivals at each start and finish location are a great way to showcase local produce, hospitality and entertainment and will encourage people to spend even longer in the regions and towns that are hosting the action.”

The announcement is part of the wider nine-day Santos Festival of Cycling, running from Saturday, January 16 to Sunday, January 24.

Back in the city, the popular City of Adelaide Tour Village will return as the central gathering point, with a free opening night concert on Saturday, January 16, headlined by DJ Hot Dub Time Machine.

Fans will also have opportunities to meet professional riders during autograph sessions from January 16 to 18, browse the latest cycling equipment and technology at the returning Bike Expo, and attend the men’s and women’s team presentations.

The Carpark Climb will bring its lively atmosphere back to the city on Saturday, January 23, while guided daily rides organised by AusCycling will give recreational cyclists a chance to experience sections of the race routes.

There’s also a familiar AFL face joining the celebrations.

Adelaide Crows defender Wayne Milera has been announced as the ambassador for the Health Partners Family Ride, which will take place along The Parade in Norwood on Sunday, January 24.

Milera, who recently earned his first All-Australian selection, will join the ride alongside his five-year-old son Carter.

“And Carter enjoys his bike riding. We ride to school every now and then and he loves taking his bike down the beach, or if we go for a walk around the neighbourhood he jumps on his bike as well so we are looking forward to being part of the Santos Tour Down Under in January.”

The popular Santos Best Dressed Town competition is also returning, with the overall winning town now receiving $5,000, up from $3,000 in 2026. Daily prizes of between $250 and $500 will be available across the best dressed town and best dressed property categories.

The 2027 edition will also mark a significant milestone for professional cycling, with the Tour Down Under set to become the first race in the world to feature men’s and women’s racing over the same distances on the same days.

South Australia will also host the Oceania Road Championships from January 15 to 17, providing an additional lead-in to the event.

With free entertainment, community celebrations and more opportunities to get close to the racing, the 2027 Santos Tour Down Under is shaping up to offer plenty to enjoy, even for those who have never followed professional cycling.