Things to do in Adelaide this weekend

Adelaide's nickname — the Festival City — understates its year-round appeal. Beyond the marquee events, the city offers outstanding food markets, world-class wine within an hour's drive, and a walkable city centre that makes the weekend feel genuinely expansive.

Adelaide Central Market

The Adelaide Central Market is one of Australia's great public markets — 250 stalls of fresh produce, deli goods, and specialty food that has been operating since 1869. Saturday morning is the peak moment. The market's basement food court is an underrated lunch option. The market feeds directly into Gouger Street, which is where you go for dinner.

Barossa Valley day trip

Australia's most famous wine region is 70 kilometres north of Adelaide — a 75-minute drive through the North Adelaide hills that makes it the most accessible major wine region relative to a capital city in the country. Penfolds Grange, Seppeltsfield, and Henschke are among the wineries open for cellar door tastings. Book at least one lunch at a winery restaurant.

Art Gallery of South Australia

The AGSA on North Terrace is free entry for the permanent collection and consistently stages special exhibitions that attract major works from international collections. The Tarnanthi Festival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, held annually in October, has become one of Australia's most significant First Nations art events.

Glenelg Beach tram

The historic tram from the city to Glenelg is part of the Adelaide weekend ritual. The beach at Glenelg is pleasant; the tram journey is the experience. Moseley Square at the end of the line has the cafes and ice cream shops that make the return trip optional.

Himeji Gardens

Adelaide's Japanese friendship garden in the parklands is a small but perfectly considered place that rewards a slow visit. The traditional Japanese garden design, the koi ponds, and the tea house create a calm interlude in the middle of a busy weekend city.

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