This weekend, make a trip to McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast for the Encore winter festival, or head to BMG Art for the opening of their newest exhibition.

Words Charlie Gilchrist

Christmas in July

Celebrate Christmas in July at the City of Onkaparinga’s Encore festival, taking place throughout winter in the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast regions. Warm yourself up by a fire pit as you enjoy the live music, art classes, fine wine, markets and much more. This weekend, you can head to Christies Beach for the Winter Solstice, as local businesses light up their shopfronts and interiors for a spectacular display. You can also make your way to Port Noarlunga on Saturday and Sunday for the Porties Back Then historic photo exhibition.

Celebrating Australia’s natural beauty

Head to BMG Art on Halifax Street this Friday for the opening of a joint exhibition by Nick Dridan and Peter Syndicas celebrating the beauty of the Australian landscape. Nick’s landscape paintings draw inspiration from the surrounding environment of his farm in Central Victoria, while Peter’s sculpture and bronze are figurative depictions of twigs and stromatolite fossils. This exhibition takes place until Saturday, July 6.

A magical night out

The Ronald McDonald House Charities SA annual gala is on Saturday, June 22 with a magical forest theme, so make sure you’ve got your tickets. This glamorous night at the Adelaide Convention Centre raises funds for the charity, which provides support to sick children and their families. The festive occasion includes a three-course meal and premium wines from Tscharke Wines and Wicks Estate, as well as cocktails from Threefold Distilling. Other highlights will include a live auction, a silent auction and live from party band The Cast.

Coober Pedy Opal Festival

Have a fun family day out at the 35th Coober Pedy Opal Festival on Saturday and Sunday. This celebration of the opal gemstone takes place in and around the unique underground town of Coober Pedy. At this festival, grab a front-row seat for the street parade, browse the various stalls and enjoy the free entertainment while the kids partake in fun children’s activities. At night you can also enjoy the spectacular fireworks display.

Combining old and new

Experience the resonant beauty of the piano this weekend at PianoLab 2024, taking place at Immersive Light and Art (ILA) at Light Square on Friday and Saturday. Hear some of the nation’s finest pianists play within the immersive setting of ILA with its 50sqm of LED screens. This festival promises to reimagine piano by combining technology of the past and present. PianoLab has something for everyone, from classical to jazz and electronic music.

A moving musical journey

Head to Adelaide Town Hall this Saturday as Adelaide Youth Orchestras and the Elder Conservatorium of Music join forces to perform the music of Gustav Mahler. The combined orchestra will perform Mahler’s Titan Symphony No. 1 alongside Mozart’s Flute Concerto in D Major, which will feature Alex Byrne on flute. Luke Dollman from the Elder Conservatorium of Music will be leading the 120-musician orchestra as it takes the audience on a moving musical journey.