Events around South Australia in 2026

Posted 22 April, 2026 the sa move team

Each month, sa move brings you our pick of SA events that everyone should have on their calendar.

May 2026

Dusky autumnal days giving way to long, starry nights can only mean one thing: May has arrived. But that’s no excuse to stay indoors. In fact, it’s the perfect time to check out this great lineup of events happening across SA this month.

1. South Australia’s History Festival

When: 1–31 May
Where: Various locations

An oldie but a goodie. South Australia’s History Festival shakes off the dust to take you on a month-long voyage into the archives of SA’s past.

Discover the people, stories and vehicles behind the 1970/80s-era ambulances at the free St John Ambulance Museum. Be front and centre at the start line as Old Crock’s Run – now in its 92nd year – kicks off with a Roaring Start on Hutt Street. Or join author Gavin Farmer as he shares insights about The Days of Chrysler and the Cars of the Rising Sun. With hundreds of events across the state, there’s a chapter of SA’s bygone days to suit any interest.

2. Adelaide Hills Garden Affair

When: 3 May
When: Stangate House and Gardens, Adelaide Hills

Calling all green thumbs and budding enthusiasts! An event for the love of gardening, the biennial Adelaide Hills Garden Affair really is the pick of the bunch.

Set against the backdrop of autumn colour the Adelaide Hills is renowned for, you’ll find over 60 stalls, speakers, demonstrations and children’s activities celebrating the joys, art, science and history of gardening. Watch as your little one’s inspiration grows wild, getting their hands dirty learning about bugs, bees and seedlings and hear how to future proof your garden against climate extremes from ABC radio’s horticulturalist Sophie Thomson. You can even take home the perfect potted plants your garden has been waiting for.

3. Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond

When: 8–17 May
Where: Various locations

Rain or shine, it’s a fine time to dine. Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond (pictured at top) returns to serve up South Australia’s best, from award-winning wine tastings to cooking workshops and sumptuous long lunches.

Discover a new level of indulgence aboard Tasting Australia by Train as it unfolds over four days between Darwin and Adelaide. Celebrate some of the prestigious Adelaide University alumni winemakers with free tastings at the National Wine Centre’s Meet the Maker afternoon. Or stretch your appetite with a five-course dinner, The River’s Bounty, featuring the quality meats, fish and fresh produce of the Murraylands. It’s sure to leave you with a lot on your plate, in the best possible way.

4. Chasing the Sun Golf Tournament

When: 14–23 May
Where: Nullarbor Links, Ceduna to Kalgoorlie

Part golf tournament, mostly epic road trip, this is a journey that’ll take adventure seekers from SA’s outback across state lines chasing glory – and golf balls. Tee off and try your best at Nullarbor Links’ one-of-a-kind Chasing the Sun Golf Tournament.

Play on the world’s longest golf course; an 18-hole par 72 course spanning 1365km with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway. Along the way, look out for majestic whales along the spectacular Nullarbor coastline, shuck an oyster or 12 at Ceduna and discover the historic remains of crash-landed NASA Skylab space station.

5. Clare Valley Gourmet Festival

When: 15–18 May
Where: Various locations in the Clare Valley

The road to gourmet is lined with award-winning wine and mouthwatering flavours, leading straight to the Clare Valley Gourmet Festival. With claims to fame as Australia’s longest running wine and food festival, Clare Valley comes alive with a jampacked four-day program.

Don your double denim, devour your tiger prawns and tiramisu then hit the dancefloor at Eldredge Wines’ 90s party. Earn your tastes and tipples as you hike the trail with Walk, Wine and Dine or, for a touch of elegance, savour a vertical tasting of Jim Barry’s flagship wines. RAA members are in for a tasty treat with exclusive savings on curated Gourmet Bus Trails itineraries, as well as shuttles and transfers on both the Saturday and Sunday during the festival. You can also try your luck to win one of six festival packages – but be quick, entries close 29 April.

6. Adelaide Thunderbirds Member Recognition Round

When: 17 May
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Better follow the three-second rule – you don’t want to pass up the chance to see these superstars in action. The Adelaide Thunderbirds – who are celebrating 30 years of netball history this year – are defending the court and chasing success this season, which wraps up on Sunday 31 May.  

Cheer on the team as they confront Melbourne Mavericks at the RAA member recognition round on Sunday 17 May. Enter exclusive game day experiences, access hospitality ticket discounts and game day giveaways. Can’t make it to the member round? RAA members can save 10 per cent on Gold and Silver tickets for home games all season.