The Ultimate Adelaide Guide to Events in September 2026
Here’s our Radelaide Tours insider guide to the hottest happenings in Adelaide and across South Australia this September.
WHAT’S ON IN ADELAIDE — September 2026
September is when Adelaide starts to shake off winter. The days are getting warmer, the gardens are bursting back into life and there’s a real feeling that summer isn’t too far away.
It’s also a great month for visitors, with everything from the Royal Adelaide Show and theatre to running events, art, food and wine. And if you’ve got a few extra days, there are plenty of reasons to get out of the city and explore regional South Australia.
Here are some of the highlights.
Royal Adelaide Show
5–13 September 2026 | Adelaide Showground, Wayville
You can’t really say you’ve experienced Adelaide without visiting the Royal Adelaide Show.
It’s a wonderfully Australian combination of agricultural show, amusement park, food festival and people-watching extravaganza.
There are showbags, carnival rides, farm animals, competitions, live entertainment and enough deep-fried food to keep you going all day.
For visitors, it’s a fun glimpse into the local character of South Australia — and yes, buying a showbag is practically compulsory.
The 2026 Show runs from 5–13 September.
The Great Gatsby
2–6 September 2026 | Adelaide
If you’d prefer something a little more glamorous than showbags and carnival rides, The Great Gatsby comes to Adelaide in early September.
The classic story of Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan and the extravagant world of 1920s New York makes for a great night out — particularly if you’re looking for something to do after spending the day exploring the city.
It’s also a good excuse to dress up and make an evening of it with dinner and drinks afterwards.
River Torrens Running Festival
6 September 2026
Fancy seeing Adelaide from a different perspective?
The River Torrens Running Festival takes place on Sunday 6 September, with runners heading along the River Torrens and through some of the city’s beautiful parklands.
You don’t have to be an elite runner either — there are different distances, making it an accessible event for participants and a lively morning for spectators.
And once the running is over, you’re perfectly positioned to head into the city for brunch.
Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition
11 July–8 November 2026 | Art Gallery of South Australia
If you’re visiting Adelaide in September, make time for this major exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition brings together works from some of the most influential artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It’s an easy addition to a city itinerary — particularly on a cooler spring day. Spend the morning exploring the gallery, then wander through the East End for lunch, wine or coffee.
The exhibition runs until November, so September is a great opportunity to catch it.
Experience Adelaide
The Whisky Show — Adelaide19 September 2026
Whisky lovers should put 19 September in the diary.
The Whisky Show Adelaide brings together whisky producers and enthusiasts for an afternoon of tastings and discovery.
It’s a very different way to experience South Australia’s drinks culture — and a good option if you’re looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon.
Just remember to pace yourself!
Nature Festival
25 September–11 October 2026
As spring really gets underway, Adelaide turns its attention outdoors with the Nature Festival.
The festival celebrates our connection with nature through art, music, food, wine, wellbeing and Aboriginal culture. There are plenty of free and family-friendly activities alongside ticketed experiences.
For visitors, it’s a great way to experience something distinctly South Australian without having to venture too far from Adelaide.
And with the Adelaide Park Lands, Botanic Garden and surrounding hills on your doorstep, you’ve got plenty of nature to explore between events.
Great Events Beyond Adelaide
One of the best things about visiting Adelaide is that you can combine a city break with some fantastic regional experiences.
September is a particularly good month to hit the road.
AirTouch 500 at The Bend
11–13 September 2026 | Tailem Bend
For something with considerably more horsepower, head east of Adelaide to The Bend Motorsport Park for the AirTouch 500.
It’s a major motorsport weekend and a great excuse to experience one of South Australia’s major racing venues.
The event runs from 11–13 September and is around a 90-minute drive from Adelaide.
Victor Harbor Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival
18–20 September 2026 | Victor Harbor
Fancy combining a coastal getaway with a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll?
The Victor Harbor Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival takes over the seaside town from 18–20 September.
Expect classic cars, music, dancing and plenty of retro fun. Victor Harbor is already one of South Australia’s favourite coastal escapes, so this is a great opportunity to combine an event with a weekend by the ocean.
Grenache & Gourmet
18 September–5 October 2026 | McLaren Vale
If food and wine are more your thing, head south to McLaren Vale for Grenache & Gourmet.
It’s a wonderful time of year to explore the Fleurieu Peninsula, with spring beginning to appear across the vineyards and plenty of opportunities to sample local wine and produce.
You don’t need to rush it — make a day of it, visit a few cellar doors and settle in for a long lunch.
Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb
23–27 September 2026 | Clare Valley
A couple of hours north of Adelaide, the Clare Valley hosts its annual Festival of the Lamb from 23–27 September.
It’s a celebration of local produce, food, wine and the Clare Valley community.
For visitors, it’s another great excuse to explore one of South Australia’s beautiful wine regions — especially as spring begins to transform the countryside.
Barossa Sessions
25 September–5 October 2026 | Barossa Valley
The Barossa Sessions brings music into one of Australia’s most famous wine regions from late September into the October long weekend.
It’s hard to imagine a better combination than live music, Barossa wine and some seriously good food.
If you’re already planning a Barossa day trip, consider staying overnight and turning it into a weekend.
September Is a Great Time to Visit Adelaide
September really is a lovely month to experience South Australia.
You’ve got the excitement of the Royal Adelaide Show, major exhibitions and performances in the city, spring beginning to bloom and a whole range of food, wine, music and sporting events within easy reach.
And perhaps the best part?
You can spend the morning wandering Adelaide’s laneways, enjoy lunch at the Central Market, head out to a wine region in the afternoon and still be back in the city for dinner.