Country SA delivers this Labour Day long-weekend
The October long-weekend is South Australia’s biggest showcase of regional events. The extra day of play celebrates the end of cold mornings and winter sport, the start of day-light-saving, and the far-too hasty dash to the Festive Season.
Whether you’re into frocking up for a day of country races, taking a road-trip to the outback, pulling out your lederhosen for a German feast or kicking back to some live-music with your mates, regional SA has something for everyone.
Don’t forget to check out our weekly market report before you hit the road, for all the up-to-date country market locations.
Frock up for the Coopers Jamestown Cup
Is there anything regional South Australia hasn’t covered in the list of long-weekend events? For punters and fashionistas, a drive through the Mid North to the gorgeous town of Jamestown is a sure bet. 🏇
Thanks to Coopers and the Railway Hotel, Jamestown’s Cup Day on Saturday, October 5 is country horse racing at its best! A relaxed picnic race meeting, with strong fields, bookies, multi-wagering and SKY racing. And for those who don’t necessarily go for the horses, there are beer and wine bars, food trucks, and of course, an equally strong contest in the Fashions on the Field. Even the kids can enter the high fashion stakes before they head off to the jumping castle. So dust off your best Spring racing outfit, find your fascinator, and make it a long-weekend to remember at the Jamestown Races.
Jamestown Cup
When: Saturday October 5
Where: 189 Racecourse Road, Jamestown
For info & tickets: Click here
Chilled vibes in the Park at Auburn Spring Carnivale
When: Saturday October 5
Where: Centenary Park, 26 Main North Road Auburn
An UPPside German Feast featuring Pikes German Pilsner at Clare Valley Oktoberfest
.When: Sunday October 6 from 11am
A Hootie Tootie time at Sundowner Over the Hill
Asian eats and Live Music all long-weekend at Greg Cooley Wines
When: October 4,5 & 6
Where: 12 Main North Rd, Clare
Shellebrate Oyster Fest with loads of shucking fun
Dive into the deliciousness of Oysterfest 2024, as Ceduna serves up three decades of tradition, with a side of mouthwatering food and live entertainment. It really will be a shellebration for the senses!
Whether you’re an ostreaphile (that’s someone with a deep appreciation for the nuances and joys of oyster consumption) or just a lover of good times, the Nation’s largest oyster festival has an action packed line-up of entertainment for everyone. And the best bit….it’s absolutely free to attend.
From markets to food stalls, live music and a jaw-dropping display of aerobatics from the legendary Sky Blazers team, Oyster Fest is hands down, the number one South Aussie Labour Day long-weekend event.
Oyster Fest
When: October 5-6
Where: Ceduna Foreshore
For more info: Click here
Dagwood Dogs and Beaut Utes at Yankalilla Show
‘Agriculture makes life possible. Horticulture makes life worthwhile’! And the two will be the stars of the Yankalilla Show. Held every year on the October long-weekend, expect all the country show charm, with indoor and outdoor exhibits, cookery, art, handicraft, sheep and wool, and the rumble of “Beaut Utes”.
Rides will start to spin from 9am on Saturday. Horse events will take centre stage in the arena, and home bakers from right across the state will be eagerly awaiting the results of the 2024 Laucke & CWA Scone Mix Competition, which will be judged on the day.
Yankalilla Show
When: Saturday Oct 5
Where: 1 Jervois Road, Yankalilla
For info: Click here
Experience Outback Magic at Andamooka’s Opal Evolution Festival
Take a stroll along Opal Creek Boulevard as you celebrate the amazing world of nature and Opal at Andamooka’s Opal Evolution Festival. From Friday October 4, experience the history and magic of the outback town with the big heart, in a grassroots event in partnership with the Nature Festival and Open Space Contemporary Arts.
Historic photos of the opal mining town will be projected onto the Tuckabox building after sunset on Friday night. There’ll be time for exploring on Saturday, before the party really gets started from 5pm, with live music, a licensed bar and fun activities for the kids.
A dazzling street parade will feature SA’s one-and-only dinosaur, as well as giant glowing marine reptiles celebrating the ancient inland sea and opal mining history. Shining a spotlight on Australia’s national gemstone, the town will be a-glow with colourful projections of artworks. A shuttle bus will be available from nearby Roxby Downs, so you can jump on-board and head back to the opal town on Sunday for a special outdoor cinema experience. This will be a unique celebration and a great opportunity to check out Andamooka and its amazing outback community.
Andamooka Opal Evolution
When: Oct 4, 5 & 6
Where: Andamooka
For more details: Click here
Celebrate a century of show-stopping fun at Melrose Show
This October long weekend at the foot of the Flinders Ranges’ iconic Mt Remarkable, history, community, and good times will come together for the show of the century!
The Melrose Show, known as “the picnic show of the north” will celebrate 100 years of showtime fun, with a day packed full of entertainment, plus a special night of celebrations not to be missed. Expect all the classic country show charm, with some exciting added touches to mark the special occasion.
Melrose Show
When: Saturday October 5
Where: 22083 Horrocks Highway, Melrose
For more info: Click here
Desert Knights Medieval Fantasy Festival
Knights will don their armour and maidens their finery, as clashing swords and the thundering hooves of noble steeds rings out at Port Augusta. The Desert Knights Medieval Fantasy Festival is an action-packed two-day event of medieval displays and enchanting entertainment. 🗡️💪🏼🛡️
Learn the art of belly dancing and browse market stalls laden with finery and craftsmanship as you step into a world straight out of the Middle Ages, yet conveniently located at the Port Augusta Racecourse.
Desert Knights Medieval Fantasy Festival
When: October 5&6
Where: Port Augusta Racecourse
For tickets & info: Click here
Lego land comes to Mount Gambier
Lego lovers won’t want to miss Empak Homes’ BrickGambier event! Over 50 fabulous Lego exhibits from local and interstate lego masters will be on display. There’ll be a chance to have a crack at your own Lego masterpiece as well as make some much-needed Lego purchases.
Food trucks, a coffee van, and a special sensory session at 9am, makes BrickGambier an inclusive long-weekend event for the entire lego-loving family.
Empak Homes BrickGambier
When: Sunday October 6 & Monday October 7
Where: Mount Gambier Showgrounds
For details: Click here
Australia’s Queen of Pop wraps up SA regional tour in Mount Gambier
Australia’s beloved musical treasure, with a career spanning five amazing decades, Marcia Hines, will wrap up her tour of regional South Australia at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier on October 5.
Accompanied by her musicians and production crew, each performance will be a celebration of the extraordinary output of this legendary Australian.
From the early days of ‘Fire and Rain’ to the Discotheque album and all the way through to the 2022 release of ‘The Gospel According to Marcia’, each performance will encapsulate the Aria Hall of Fame Queen of Pop’s extraordinary vocal range and recording career.
Marcia Hines Still Shining
When: Saturday October 5
Where: Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier
For tickets & info: Click Here
Fleetwood Mac fans won’t want to miss being transported back to a time when the legend in the top hat, Stevie Nicks, along with Christie McVie and Mick Fleetwood, were taking the world music stage by storm. The timeless hits are transcribed note for note in a tribute show dubbed “pure gold”.
The Fleetwood Pac capture the essence of the band’s iconic sounds, from Nicks’ enchanting vocals to Lindsey Buckingham’s electrifying guitar solos.
Get ready to groove to the irresistible rhythms and melodies that made Fleetwood Mac a household name.The Fleetwood Pac pull out all the stops to create a visually stunning show that complements the music perfectly.
The Fleetwood Pac
Where: Chaffey Theater, Renmark
When: October 4
For Tickets & Info: Click here
Markets and more on the Riverfront at Renmark
Is it even a long weekend without a country market? Renmark Riverfront Market has you covered on Saturday, October 5th, from 9am to 2pm. Relax into the three-day break with a barista-made coffee in hand, browsing through stalls while the kids are entertained with free activities including cubby building and giant lawn games. There’ll be music, food trucks and the stunning backdrop of the mighty and marvellous Murray River.
Double the fun at Loxton Show
Loxton’s town oval brings all the fun of the fair and the traditional country show offerings over two big days. The annual long-weekend event celebrates the agricultural and horticultural heritage of the region, as well as all the country show favourites. There’s everything from wood chopping and entertainment, to pavilions loaded with livestock, grain, fodder and produce. Rides will be spinning, clowns will be turning their heads looking for little players waiting to win a prize. For all the details of the show click here.
Hook yourself a Carp & win $10k at Loxton Carp Jackpot Jamboree
If you’re keen on throwing a line in, and fancy chasing a $10k jackpot, you’ll want to enter Loxton’s premier Spring fishing tournament. Fish from a boat or the bank of Loxton’s riverfront on Saturday October 5 and catch as many carp as you can to earn multiple tickets in the draw. For all the entry details click here.
Live Music, Crop to Drop Spirits and amazing views at Sunny Hill
When: Saturday and Sunday October 5&6 (also open Monday from 11am-6pm)
Where: 8658, Upper Yorke Rd, Arthurton
For info & bookings: Click here
Watsa-crackin at Watsacowie?
Why waste a single minute of the three-day long-weekend? At Minlaton’s unique destination brewery, Watsacowie, you can sit back and enjoy a craft beer or seltzer, tuck into a feed from Spuds N More, or bring your own platter and enjoy live music every day of the long weekend.
Just a stone’s throw from the stunning Yorke Peninsula beaches, Watsacowie is at the centre of what’s known as the barley capital of the world. So what better place for a tin shed brewery, with a country style atmosphere, and a huge range of beer on tap, straight from paddock to pint.
Saturday from 12.30pm Ryan Stork Music will take the stage in-front of Watsa’s open micro-brewery. Sub.Stance Band will bring the tunes on Sunday until late afternoon and local acoustic legend, Jacob Gutsche, will bring it home with some chilled tunes on Monday.
If you haven’t had the chance to check out Watsacowie, do yourself a favour… it’s all about the vibe!
Watsacowie Brewing
When: October 5, 6 & 7
Where: 9 Depot Rd, Minlaton
Bookings essential: Click here
