This weekend, get in the festive spirit for the 2024 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, or experience the beauty of chamber music at On the Terrace 2024.

Words Charlie Gilchrist

Here comes Santa Claus

Santa Claus is coming to town this Saturday as the 2024 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant marches through the streets of Adelaide. Revel in the festive spirit of this beloved annual tradition, which last year saw about 320,000 people line the city streets. Now in its 92nd year, the free community event features some 3000 costumes, 300 clowns, 30 dance groups, 170 theatrical sets, four police horses, five choirs and 18 bands. As a highlight of the parade, the Pageant’s Royal Family will welcome Father Christmas in front of waving crowds.

On the Terrace 2024

Experience the intimacy and beauty of chamber music as On the Terrace 2024 returns this Sunday from 11am to 4pm. This festival of chamber music is hosted by Chamber Music Adelaide and features pop-up concerts in the iconic galleries, museums and creative spaces of Adelaide’s “cultural boulevard” on North Terrace. Whether you enjoy Baroque, Persian or contemporary music, this festival offers something for all.

OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words

OzAsia Festival will finish with a bang in a vibrant celebration of Asian and Asian Australian literature, writing and ideas. From award-winning writers to emerging talents, OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words on November 8 to 10 showcases the diversity and power of the rich tapestry of Asian and Asian Australian voices that are reshaping the literary landscape. Curated by Pakistani-Australian writer and comedian Sami Shah, Weekend of Words includes everything from panel discussions exploring diverse literary themes to workshops and book signings. Highlights include the Opening Night Gala on November at Dunstan Playhouse, with the theme “I was supposed to be…” and the Closing Night Debate on November 10 at Dunstan Playhouse with the topic, “Chinese Food vs. Indian Food”.

A very, merry Christmas

Get in the festive spirit as a variety as the City of Adelaide’s Christmas celebrations officially begin. Prepare yourself for a magical evening as the Lord Mayor lights up the iconic Giant Christmas Tree at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga on Saturday, November 9 with the help of students from Gilles Street Primary School. This free event includes soulful performances by Charmaine Jones and Gospo. Festivities kick off at 6pm, with live entertainment throughout the night.

Aria of expertise

Spend an evening in the Scottish Highlands as State Opera South Australia brings its latest production, Lucia di Lammermoor, to Her Majesty’s Theatre from November 8 to 16. This 18th-century bel canto opera by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti is based on a novel by Sir Walter Scott. It tells the story of the emotionally fragile Lucia, who is torn between love and loyalty to her family, ultimately testing her mental stability. This opera is directed by Laura Hansford and stars Emma Pearson as Lucia, Morgan Pearse as Enrico and Alok Kumar as Edgardo. The performers will be accompanied by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, which will be led by acclaimed Spanish conductor Lucía Marín. This is the first production of Lucia de Lammermoor by State Opera South Australia in 30 years and only the second in the company’s history.