The 7 Best Things To Do In Adelaide This August

Tim lives life between the coffee-shop and the cinema. He's…

Adelaide isn’t afraid of a little chill. Fluctuating between drizzly days and bouts of springtime sun, the city pushes on with a program of arts festivals and events, regardless of the climate. There’s music, sports and the funnest of fun rides this August. Jump in.

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Hear six strings sing at a world-class guitar festival

Slava Grigoryan’s Adelaide Guitar Festival is a music event unbound by genre. One of Australia’s most dynamic and varied music events, it presents concerts by pop, classical, world music and jazz musicians gathered from across the globe. The program also includes a “Guitars in Bars” initiative, artist talks and events where players and enthusiasts can chat with the designers and luthiers behind their favourite guitar brands. There’s a lot to work through, but here are our picks:

– Girt By Sea is a visual expression of our country’s relationship with the shoreline and the ocean. The evocative work is directed by Shane McNeil and will screen with a musical score performed live by The Panics.

– Adelaide welcomes Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn – think plinky-plunky banjo and soulful vocals. The pair took home the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Folk Album and their Adelaide gig is sure to be one of the most in-demand acts.

– In the market for a new axe to swing? Then get along to the Adelaide Guitar Expo – an unmissable experience for true guitar lovers. See, try and buy unique instruments from Australia’s finest guitar-makers.

Technically the festival runs from August 11 to 14, but the full program features a heap of umbrella events stretching either side of this period.

Chase the Sherrin for a good cause

The Reclink Community Cup sees rivals The Rockatoos – a team made-up of local musos – take on writers, editors and media types The Anchors in a footy match like no other. It’s a fierce (but fun) rivalry all in the name of charity, with spirits are high, even if the skills may be low. Proceeds from the event supports Reclink Australia which engages people experiencing disadvantage through sport and music programs.

There’ll be food, beers and – like any primetime sports spectacular – a half-time show (featuring The Shaolin Afronauts & Slick Arnold). Be there for the bounce at Coopers Stadium from noon on August 7.

Photo: Community Cup

Treat your coffee addiction to a day out

Few things relieve and recharge like hot coffee on a cold day. Luckily, Adelaide boasts a slew of independent, owner-operator coffee shops that brew, serve and even roast some damn fine joe. From cosy cafes to airy warehouse roasteries and cellar doors embedded in glorious wine country – find your perfect winter hideaway using our coffee compass:

CBD North – Monday’s Coffee Store
CBD South – Paddy’s Lantern
CBD East – Exchange Specialty Coffee
CBD West – Elementary Coffee
Coastal – C.R.E.A.M.
Further Afield – Dawn Patrol Coffee Roasters

Photo: Exchange Specialty Coffee/Facebook

Dance your (he)art out

Backing up claims of being “The Festival State”, the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival is a sprawling, multi-disciplinary arts event that stretches to all corners of the city – and beyond. Covering major galleries, independent initiatives and artist-run spaces, the scope of this diverse festival means there’s something for everyone.

Hundreds of local artists participate in the festival and it’s impossible to see it all. We recommend hopping on one of the free walking – or dancing – tours, taking in a curated snapshot of the broader program.

Photo: SALA Festival

Experience one of Australia’s most loved songwriters in an intimate set

Paul Dempsey has been writing and performing music for some 20-plus years. He recently took a little time away from his “other” group, Something For Kate, to record his second solo album, Strange Loop.

You Can Do This World-Famous Hike In The Company Of Rescue Dogs

Backed by a small band, Dempsey will play new songs (and undoubtedly some old ones too) at The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel on August 24. His shows are always raw and energetic – a hypnotic amalgam of poetic lyricism and an imposing stage presence. Get tickets here.

Tee-off with a T-Rex in the Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley boasts some of South Australia’s most awarded vineyards and is a popular destination for wine tastings and tours. That’s fine and great and all, but did you know they also have DINOSAUR MINI GOLF?!

Situated in Tanuda, 70 kilometres out of Adelaide, the 18-hole course features “realistic dinosaurs including a mean looking T-Rex” who can found between flags seven days a week (and late on Fridays and Saturdays). There’s also non-Jurassic-themed 10-pin bowling and a cafe.

Ride heaps – at Boucle de Burbs

Mapped through back alleys and quiet laneways, Boucle de Burbs – presented by the folks at Treadly Bike Shop – is a crawl rather than a race. The route has been carefully planned to pass by coffee shops, pubs and rest stops, allowing riders to travel at their own pace. Most importantly, it’s just good fun.

Rain or shine, the event always attracts a colourful turnout. There are all sorts of prizes for all sorts of reasons and entrants receive a goody-bag packed with handy gear. All the details are on the Boucle de Burbs Facebook event page, and you can secure your tickets here. Wheels up at midday on August 28. This year’s official after-party is at Little Bang Brewing in Stepney.