January is almost over. Some of us are turning back around and asking, Geez, where did it go? But, there’s no point in looking back when there are still 11 months of the year to look forward to. And with plenty to look forward to here in Adelaide, we won’t be surprised if all of 2022 also goes by in a whirlwind.
Take a gander at all the wonderful things you can do in and around Adelaide in 2022 below.
1. Check out SA’s first UNIQLO store
Okay, so we don’t know exactly when it’s landing/opening, but we do know it’s in 2022. South Australia will be the fifth Aussie state to get a UNIQLO store, which means that all you that have been buying online will soon be able to do so in person. Adelaide’s UNIQLO store will be setting up shop in the South Entrance of the Myer Centre.
2. You can dine on wine and cheese—in the dark
Wine and Cheese ‘Dining in the Dark’ tasting experience has arrived at one of Adelaide’s most unique wine bars: The Local Wine Co.
While we don’t know what you will be served—Pinot Noir, a Sauvignon Blanc or maybe a Riesling?—we do know that Studies suggest the savouring experience is magnified by eating in the dark. You’ll have to sign up to find out for yourself.
Get your wine and cheese on in the dark.
3. Experience this open-air Candlelight concert at a winery
Fever’s special open-air Candlelight concert at Jacob Creek Winery in the Barossa Valley makes a return at the end of January, and it’s sure to be a special night out.
Just imagine the soft sound of music played by a string quartet floating over the vineyards of the Barossa Valley as night falls and envelops you. Magic.
Save yourself a seat to Candlelight here.
4. Or, try one of these Candlelight concerts with special tributes
If classical music isn’t quite your jam, then no worries because the Candlelight series upped its musical offering with tribute concerts to rock greats, pop sensations, magical movie soundtracks and even more classical music legends.
View all the Candlelight concerts in Adelaide here.
5. Don’t miss out on the Adelaide Festival
With 17 exclusives, nine world premieres and 6 Australian premieres, Adelaide Festival is looking fabulous. It’s the 37th annual Adelaide Festival, the sixth directed by Rachel Healy and Neil Armfield, and the city will be turned on its head with the phenomenal program.
When: 4 March – 20 March 2022
6. Or, the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art
We truly are the festival state and you shouldn’t miss out on any of 2022’s fixtures including the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art. It’s the nation’s longest-running and like every year, it will take risks and push boundaries.
Find out more from the website.
7. And what about the Adelaide Cabaret Festival
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival is the biggest cabaret festival in the world, and this year it is turning 21. The Artistic Director for the 2022 Adelaide Cabaret Festival is none other than iconic Australian singer-songwriter, record producer, actress and performer Tina Arena AM.
When: begins Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June
Get excited and find out all you need to know here.
8. Go critical with Adelaide Festival of Ideas
The program has not yet been released and the website has not yet been updated, but we’re still keen on getting to listen to some thought-provoking speakers and challenging some pre-conceived notions. In 2021 it was held in July, so keep an ear out for it.
Warm up to Adelaide Festival of Ideas with podcasts from previous editons.
9. Support art and culture at Adelaide Fringe
Less than one month to go to one of our favourite times of year in Adelaide. It’s the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere and for 31 splendid, awesome, fantastic and magical nights we’re going to be treated to a range of eclectic and colourful events.
When: 18 February to 20 March
Get your tickets through the website here.
10. Get your film on with Adelaide Film Festival
Films, films, films. Submissions are now open.
When: 19 to 30 October 2022
11. Strum along at the Adelaide Guitar Festival
When it comes to guitar festivals, there’s nothing else quite like the Adelaide Guitar Festival anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere. Last year saw regional roadshows, free and low-cost workshops, master classes, artist’s talks, panel discussions and ticketed performances.
When: July 2022
Get all the guitar news over here.
12. Feast on this
Celebrating PRIDE and diversity, Feast began in 1997 as a safe and inclusive platform for the LGBTIQ+ community. It’s flourished since then and is now the 3rd largest LGBTIQ+ Festival in the country bringing in performers from all over. Can you imagine what they’re planning for their 25th anniversary?
When: 5 to 27 November 2022
Watch this space for Feast here.
13. Get Cheesey with CheeseFEST
Join the mailing list through their website as details have not yet been released. But, if you’re a lover of good cheese, than CheeseFEST is where you want to be in 2022.
14. It’s OzAsia
Last year’s OzAsia Festival was a ball, from the Moon Lantern Trail to the Lucky Dumpling Market.
It’s Australia’s leading contemporary arts festival with strong links to Asia presenting a huge range of arts events that are too good to pass up.
Find out all you need to know here.
15. Come on down, it’s the Royal Adelaide Show
The year is just not the same without the Royal Adelaide Show (for the showbags, obviously).
When: 3 to 11 September 2022
Get all the goss for the Royal Adelaide Show here.
16. Support still-living artists at SALA
The dead don’t need your money or recognition, but the living (and artists) can certainly use both.
When: August 2022
Support South Australian Living Artists festival when it comes around.
17. Celebrate eating and drinking at Tasting Australia
South Australia represent (the best produce you’ve got)! With lunches and dinners, masterclasses, tasting tables and wine flights, you can’t go wrong if you’re into food and drink.
When: 29 April to 8 May 2022
18. WOMADelaide because…
Do we even need to?
When: 11 to 14 March 2022
19. Light up at Illuminate Adelaide
Local, national and international artists and companies come together in Adelaide for two weeks and three weekends in winter to light up the city streets, laneways and architecture for a kailaidascopic wonderland.
When: July 2022
20. Trek the South Australian Distillery Trail
The spirits of South Australia are alive and well, and you can get to know each and every one of them on the South Australian Distillery Trail. Visit one, or visit as many as you can in one day, the choice is yours. Just get out there and mention you are on the SA Distillery Trail to enjoy special discounts, unique experiences and personalised insight.
When: whenever you want
21. Find peace with sound healing and guided meditation
Sound is powerful. When harnessed correctly, it can bypass our thoughts and balance our state of being, but not any sound will do. Experience the power of Himalayan Singing Bowls with these guided meditation sessions on select Sundays right here in Adelaide.
22. Try Adelaide’s best pizza
Brasco’s gourmet pizza is the real deal, Italian-wise. Last year, this Hectorville pizza shop was named Adelaide’s best pizza. If you haven’t tried it, you best find out for yourself.
23. Market at sunset in Glenelg
With over 70 market stalls spruiking the best of fashion, vintage, home, art, craft and designer goods on the Glenelg foreshore, there’s few better places to be spending your Sunday evenings.
24. Live it up at The Moseley Beach Club
If you’re already in Glenelg, then you might as well check out The Moseley Beach Club for some spectacular sunsets, delicious drinks and fabulous food. Taking inspiration from the Amalfi Coast, you can almost believe you’re there.
The season ends on Sunday March 27.
25. Go on a cruise with Popeye
We love a good cruise down the river, and Popeye Cruises are more than happy to oblige with a number of interesting offers including sightseeing tours, Devonshire tea cruises and Kangaroo Island Tasting tours as well.
26. Find your design at Bowerbird Markets
Home to showcasing and celebrating the talents of the Australian design community, Bowerbird Markets are a carefully curated lineup of makers, artisans and designers.
When: 13 to 15 May 2022
Get your tickets to browse and buy here.
27. Get your gin on at the Adelaide Gin Festival
If you’re into gin, then there’s only one place for you come June and that’s the Adelaide Gin Festival. It was a huge hit last year, but in 2022 it’s going to be even bigger with 400+ gins for you to choose from and views of the Torrens. Ah, and all drinks are on the house. Saturday is sold out but Friday and Sunday are still a-go.
When: 17-19 June 2022
28. Head for the hills for wine
One of the premier wine-producing regions in Australia and renowned for its cool climate, the Adelaide Hills wine region is actually quite diverse and offers up a wonderful variety of wines to try. Well worth a trip or two up to the Hills for a taste.
29. Be enchanted with Harry’s music
The award-winning and one-of-a-kind Harry Potter music concert is coming to Adelaide and we cannot wait for this spellbinding, magical and enchanting evening of music.
When: Thursday 12 May 2022
30. See Girl From The North Country on stage
After sold-out shows on Broadway and West End, the Olivier Award-winning musical Girl From The North Country is making its way to Australia. It will debut in Sydney before moving to Adelaide’s Her Majesty’s Theatre.
When: from 25 March 2022
31. See An American in Paris on stage
An American in Paris has been dazzling audiences around the globe since it first opened. The Australian Ballet, along with GWB Entertainment will present the Tony Award-winning musical comedy in Australia.
For now, the stage show has been postponed in Adelaide due to Covid.
Join the waitlist to find out when it will be on stage.
32. See SIX The Musical
Presented as a pop concert, the Tudor wives take turns singing about their tales of woe. Watch them argue over who had it worse when married to Henry VIII.
When: from 21 May 2022
33. Hear Professor Brian Cox speak
The last time Professor Cox was in Australia was in 2019 for his Universal World Tour. “I loved the 2019 arena tour because it gave me the opportunity to discuss the most profound ideas, with tens of thousands of people in front of the most spectacular images of the Universe,” he said. “When the tour was over, I immediately started thinking about how I could delve deeper, tell an even more profound story and make the show even more spectacular.”
When: Tuesday 25 October 2022
34. Walk the only link between Granite Island and Victor Harbor
The iconic Granite Island Causeway has officially opened to the public. The re-opening of this Fleurieu Peninsula favourite has certainly come at a perfect time, and visitors and locals can now enjoy it as well as the horse-drawn tram we know and love.
35. Eat so much pasta
Pippo has a focus on seasonal, local produce. But now, they’re hosting bottomless pasta Wednesdays to satisfy your carb cravings. See how much pasta you can chow down in one sitting, with five different varieties to try.
36. Try Turkish Delight
The Turkish Delight Mediterranean Sweetery opened its permanent store in 2018 and now blesses Adelaide with moreish handmade Turkish delight. The mother and son-owned business serve up authentic Mediterranean sweets six days a week, and if you haven’t tried them yet, this year is your chance.
37. Taste coffee from all over the CBD
There are more than four quality cafes pouring top-quality coffee in the centre of Adelaide. There are some that even roast their own beans, others that offer multiple beans, and most giving multiple extraction methods to choose from. So whether you’re on your way into work in the morning, stepping out for a breather, or needing an afternoon pick me up, there’s quality to choose from.
38. Pick your own strawberries
The Beerenberg Family Farm, near Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, is six generations old and the knowledge of the land, as well as the farming techniques to really get the most out of the soil, the sun, and the seeds, have been passed down for 200 years. This is part of the secret to some of, if not the, sweetest and best-tasting strawberries on the market.
The best strawberry picking months are still ahead of us with the coming of the warmer months. According to the Paech family, the proud owners of Beerenberg Family Farm, the best months are usually November through to April.
39. Bounce big
The World’s Biggest Jumping Castle (also its name and certified by the Guinness Book of Records) will also be joined this summer by The Giant, airSPACE and the all-new Sports Slam arena to make for an even bigger amount of fun and bouncing around in the sun.
When: 18 to 20 February 2022
40. Throw axes
Every session at Maniax begins with an introduction to safety as well as a quick coaching session from one of the resident ‘axeperts’ because nobody wants an axe flying back at their head after bouncing off of the wooden target board. And there are beers, too.