This New Year’s Day, the much-loved Port Vincent Gala Day is returning for a jam-packed seaside summer celebration. A highlight on the Yorke Peninsula summer calendar, and just a short two-hour drive from Adelaide, this free, family-friendly event brings together locals, visitors and generations of shack owners for a full day of fun along the foreshore.
The day kicks off with market stalls lining the foreshore selling handmade jewellery, fashion, baked goods, metal art, food and more. There will be a mix of classic festival favourites and local treats, with burgers, pizzas, Greek eats, loaded spuds and plenty of Yorke Peninsula Goodies on offer.
Live music sets will play from 2pm to night, starting with acoustic tunes by Ryan Berhardt performing from the much-loved truck stage, creating a vibe that suits the coastal setting perfectly. As the afternoon continues, there will be interactive entertainment designed especially for families, including music shows, bubble fun and roving balloon artistry.
Much-loved traditions also make their return, with the Silver Sharks aerobatics once again thrilling crowds. On the sand, the ever-popular sandcastle competition returns, while carnival rides, plaster painting and vintage car displays round out the day with something to keep everyone happy.
New for 2026, The Kiosk at Port Vincent is launching its inaugural doughnut-eating competition, a playful addition that’s already looking to become a fiercely contested annual highlight. As the sun begins to set, Adelaide band The Uber Beats will take to the stage, bringing high-energy tunes that carry the crowd into the evening and set the tone for the night’s final celebrations.
The day’s festivities culminate in the much-anticipated Ignite the Night fireworks finale, lighting up the town. Proudly funded through the generosity of local shack owners and the Friends of Port Vincent, the fireworks are a fitting end to a celebration built on community connection and shared pride.
Port Vincent Gala Day is a unqiue take on a New Year’s celebration, reflecting what makes this coastal town so special. It will see community, creativity and summer fun come together in one unforgettable day. So whether you’re dancing by the stage, exploring the markets, getting in on the competition or simply enjoying the seaside vibes, there’s no better way to start the year than by the water at Port Vincent.
Port Vincent Gala Day
When: January 1st, 2pm to 9:45pm
Where: Port Vincent foreshore
For more information, click here.
