See, Do and Play in South Australia this October Long Weekend
Looking for ways to make the most of the October long weekend in regional South Australia? From country shows and seaside markets to race days, festivals, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. Discover local talent, taste fresh produce, and enjoy the best of regional SA this long weekend.
Coast to Vines Walk for Mental Health
Take a step towards change by joining the Coast to Vines Walk for Mental Health. Walk the beautiful trail from Marino to Willunga with two distance options – 40km or 9km – and be part of a day focused on connection, courage, and community.
This adults-only event (18+) is about more than distance — it’s about sparking conversation and breaking the stigma around mental health. You can walk solo, with mates, or as a team, and there’s no pressure to fundraise — just show up and be part of something meaningful.
Saturday October 4
For more info click here
Treat Yourself at Stansbury’s Famous Seaside Market
Stansbury Seaside Market is back! Kicking off on the October long-weekend, this hugely popular market lines the Oyster Bay foreshore on Saturday from 9am until 1pm. Browse a huge range of artisan goods, local drops and delicious food. And when you’re done perusing the market, you can soak up the atmosphere and take in the sea views with a drink on “the deck” at the Dalrymple Hotel. This stunning seaside market is award-winning and a great place to stock up on some treats for the long-weekend.
Saturday October 4 9am-1pm
For more info click here
More Markets by the Sea at the Top Of The Yorke
Port Broughton Seaside Markets will be packed with all your favourite stalls – think YP Donuts, Fairy Floss Galore, The Coffee Run, and sizzling community BBQs. Browse fresh local produce, shop new and returning stalls, and grab a cheeky tipple from Heaps Good Spirits.
There’s something for everyone – Simply Vanity will be there for the glam, Toy Box on Wheels will keep the kids smiling, and even the dogs are sorted with treats from Made By Morgs. It’s the perfect way to spend a spring day by the sea.
Sunday October 5 10am-4pm
For more info click here
Martindale Hall’s 50th Anniversary Screening – Picnic at Hanging Rock
Step into the mystery this October long weekend with a rare outdoor screening of the iconic Australian film Picnic at Hanging Rock. Held at the hauntingly beautiful Martindale Hall — one of the original filming locations, you can even book an exclusive after-hours tour and walk the halls captured in the legendary 1975 film.
Sunday October 5pm-11pm
For more info click here
Country Shows Bring The Family Fun – Here’s the Long Weekend Line-Up
If you’re chasing a true country experience this October long weekend, you can’t go past a country show. They’re the heart and soul of regional SA – part celebration, part competition, and all about community.
Think rides, fairy floss, stalls and displays, prize-winning animals, home-baked goods, and plenty of entertainment – with some shows even finishing the night with a bang thanks to fireworks. These events are run by passionate volunteers who, despite the challenges faced in regional SA, keep the tradition alive year after year and put on a spectacular day out for locals and visitors alike.
Here’s where you can get your country show fix this October long weekend:
Yankalilla, Rapid Bay & Myponga – Oct 4
Kingston (South East) – Oct 5
Jamestown – Oct 5 & 6
Loxton – Oct 5 & 6
Melrose – Oct 4
Strathalbyn – Oct 6
Yallunda Flat – Oct 6
Pinnaroo – Oct 8
Minlaton – Oct 8
If you’re heading to the Strathalbyn Show, you can roll in by rail! Steamranger Heritage Railway is giving showgoers the chance to park at Mount Barker and take the Show Train.
Frock Up for the Jamestown Cup
Is there anything regional SA hasn’t packed into the October long weekend? For punters and fashion-lovers, a road trip to Jamestown is a sure bet. This year marks 150 years of racing in Jamestown – the perfect excuse to grab your mates, frock up, and make a weekend of it with the Jamestown Show also on.
Expect a relaxed country race day with six strong races, bookies, multi-wagering and SKY Racing coverage. Off the track, enjoy beer and wine bars, food trucks, live music, and of course, the hotly contested Fashions on the Field. Courtesy buses will run between Jamestown and the track, so you can settle in and celebrate in style.
For more info click here.
Celebrate 135 years of Shucking Good Fun at Ceduna Oysterfest
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you! Ceduna’s iconic Oysterfest is back this long weekend, serving up the freshest oysters straight from the waters of the Far West Coast. Expect three days of live entertainment, cooking demos, market stalls, competitions, kids’ activities, and of course, plenty of perfectly shucked oysters.
For more info click here.
National Veteran Vehicle Rally – Murray Bridge
Love a bit of motoring history? Over 100 rare veteran cars (built before 1919!) will gather in Murray Bridge for the 2025 National Veteran Vehicle Rally. Each morning from 8am to 9am, catch them assembling at Sturt Reserve before they hit the road – the perfect chance to see these incredible machines up close.
For more info click here
Opal Evolution Arts & Opal Festival – Andamooka
Out on the opal fields of Andamooka, Opal Evolution is a family-friendly festival of light and unique creativity. The long weekend celebration brings together artists, opal miners, and stargazers to explore the beauty of nature through projection art, storytelling, giant inflatables, and the vastness of the night sky.
When the sun sets, you can observe the Moon Night at Andmooka Observatory before settling in under the stars for an outdoor cinema night
October 3-5
For more info click here
Free Fun by the River at Murraylands Fair
The much-loved Murraylands Fair is back at Sturt Reserve! Browse over 50 stalls packed with handmade treasures, homemade goodies, and unique finds. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and plenty of family fun by the river — and the best part? Free entry!
Sunday October 5 11am – 7pm
For more info click here
If that’s not enough to keep you busy, check out these cracking long-weekend events –
Yorke Peninsula Rolls Out The Welcome Mat
Mowers At Meningie
