This weekend, shop up a storm at Bowerbird and the Adelaide Wedding Expo, or treat your inner thespian with performances of Ascent by Sydney Dance Company and Looped by Holden Street Theatres.

Words Elisabeth Marie

Peek into the past

South Australia’s History Festival will be held throughout May with South Australians invited to ponder the theme “Past, Present, Wonder” as they explore our state’s rich history. The festival allows locals and visitors to discover some of SA’s most interesting places, discover collections and hear from people across hundreds of events. Become immersed in history through exhibitions, tours, performances and festivities in a variety of venues from galleries to graveyards, pubs to parks.

Fly into Bowerbird

Adelaide’s Premier Design Market, Bowerbird, will return to the Adelaide Showground from May 5 to 7. There will be 140 Australian designers offering artisan products ranging from fashion and homewares to kids’ toys and sweet treats. Browse the many stalls and enjoy local food and drinks, or take a maker-guided workshop and hone your creative skills. The Bowerbird Art Gallery will return this year with 50 artworks by 27 South Australian artists on show and available to purchase.

Contemporary ascending

Get your tickets now as Sydney Dance Company’s latest production Ascent will take the stage at Adelaide Festival Centre’s Dunstan Playhouse from May 11 to 13. The performance seamlessly melds contemporary classical with futuristic experimentation through three works that explore humanity, technology and nature. The performance features Marina Mascarelli’s The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird, Antony Hamilton’s Forever & Ever and Rafael Bonachela’s I Am-ness.

Dream come true

Make your dream wedding a reality as Wedding Expos Australia heads to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday, May 7. From 10am to 3pm, more than 100 exhibitors from South Australia will showcase florals, dresses, decorations, cars, foods, suits, honeymoons, beauty products and cakes to help brides and grooms-to-be prepare their perfect day. Couples will receive free entry and an “I’M GETTING MARRIED” goodie bag featuring exclusive exhibitor and vendor deals plus plenty of samples to help them make the most of their special day.

Wild and witty

A 10-day celebration of the founding fathers of British comedy opera, G&S Fest begins on Thursday, May 11. Presented by State Opera South Australia, Gilbert and Sullivan aficionados and first-timers alike can enjoy boisterous and witty performances of Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore and The Sorcerer at Her Majesty’s Theatre or witness the hilarious Trial by Jury in the fitting venue of the Supreme and District Court Rooms in the Sir Samuel Way Building. Learn more about the beloved performances at pre-show talks and then show off your newfound knowledge at the G&S Quiz Night on Monday, May 15 at the Tra La La Bar.

Stuck in a loop

Founder and artistic director of Holden Street Theatres, Martha Lott, stars as celebrated actress Tallulah Bankhead in Looped. Written by Matthew Lombardo and directed by Adelaide’s own Peter Goers, the stage show is based on the true story of Bankhead’s humorous eight-hour showdown with the sound editor of the film Die, Die My Darling in the summer of 1965. Looped will be performed in Holden Street Theatres’ venue, The Studio, until May 20.

For more of what’s on around South Australia this month, pick up the May issue of SALIFE, which is on sale now.