This weekend, head to Langhorne Creek and dance the day away at Handpicked Festival, or enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at the Adelaide Italian Festival.

Words Elisabeth Marie

Music amongst the vines

Nestled among the vines at Lake Breeze Wines in Langhorne Creek, the Handpicked Festival is bringing a line-up of live music on Saturday, November 11. This year, Ball Park Music, Budjerah, Lime Cordiale, The Temper Trap, Melanie C, The Waifs, Ziggy Alberts, Aleksiah and Rob Edwards will be taking the stage beneath the gumtrees. Festival attendees can also fossick through a curated pop-up market of local makers known as “The Lane” or enjoy a drink in “The Cocktail Forest”.

Ciao Italia

Immerse yourself in Mediterranean culture at the Adelaide Italian Festival from November 10 to 19. This year’s festival kicks off with an opening night street party that will see Adelaide’s East End transform into a “Little Italy” with live entertainment and plenty of decadent Italian food and wine. The 10-day festival presents more than 70 events across music, film and literature, fashion and arts, to traditional song and dance and, of course, Italian cuisine.

Brand new start

Adelaide pianist and writer Anna Goldsworthy’s memoir on motherhood will be brought to life on stage with a new production by State Theatre Company South Australia, under the direction of Shannon Rush. Welcome to Your New Life features an original score composed by Alan John and boasts an all-South Australian cast with Erin James as Anna, performing alongside Kathryn Adams and Matt Crook. “It’s unflinchingly honest and raw, and Anna is so brave in writing her experience into a book and a play,” says Shannon. “When I first read the script, I identified so strongly with it, being a mother myself. With beautiful songs and a fabulous cast, we are going to deliver a gorgeous and moving production.” Welcome to Your New Life will be performed at Adelaide Festival Centre’s Space Theatre from November 10 to 25.

The Absolute Best

Celebrate the finest of what South Australia offers – from architecture to food, design to gardens, businesses to individuals – at the 2023 SALIFE Absolute Best Awards, presented by Brand South Australia. This year, the event also celebrates 20 years of SALIFE magazine with an anniversary gala where guests are invited to take a trip down memory lane and embrace two decades of the publication’s history, with catering by Out in the Paddock and free-flowing drinks from Bird in Hand Wines. The SALIFE Absolute Best Awards will be held on Thursday, December 7 at the Adelaide Festival Centre, followed by an open air after-party on the Festival Plaza. It’s set to be the party of the year – so get your tickets now.

The sound of hope

Presented by Andrew Kay, the Soweto Gospel Choir’s latest show, HOPE, celebrates the music of protest and freedom with a repertoire spanning South African freedom songs to the music of the Civil Rights Movement. The performance features songs by artists including James Brown, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. Choir master, Shimmy Jiyane, says HOPE is a special show for the Soweto Gospel Choir: “These are the songs that we grew up on; that inspired us and that keep inspiring us,” he says. “HOPE showcases how the power of song and the power of performance can inspire and soundtrack real change.” The Soweto Gospel Choir will perform HOPE at the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Dunstan Playhouse on Saturday, November 11.

An enchanting flavour

The Enchanted Fig Tree on Kangaroo Island has opened for its 2023/24 season with chef John Stamatakis offering a new menu inspired by fire, earth and water. Until 8 April 2024, guests to the 130-year-old fig tree can enjoy decadent lunches and starlit dinners inspired by John’s culinary studies in Japan. Fans of onigiri, yakitori, and sashimi will be delighted, as well as guests seeking to sample unique tastes using eastern traditions set in Snellings Beach conditions alongside a bounty of native coastal ingredients.

Happily ever after?

Book your tickets now because an epic tale of romance, revenge and scandal, The Marriage of Figaro will be brought to life by State Opera South Australia in a modern retelling under the direction of Nicholas Cannon. “Together with our incredible cast and creatives, we’re catapulting the narrative into modern day with renowned operatic classics and a vibrant, fizzing score complemented by striking sets and lighting to truly delight opera-goers,” Cannon says of his State Opera mainstage directorial debut. “Enthralled audiences will be on the edge of their seats as Figaro and his betrothed fight the odds on their way to the altar.” The performance features baritone Jeremy Kleeman as the groom and soprano Jessica Dean as his beloved bride, Susanna. The Marriage of Figaro will take to Her Majesty’s Theatre stage from November 16 to 25.

Twinkly lights

Clear your schedule for next weekend as the City of Adelaide lights up Adelaide’s Christmas tree on Saturday, November 18. Erected annually in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, the 25-metre tree will be illuminated in a festive celebration from 6 to 9pm alongside live entertainment, delicious food and plenty of festive spirit. Throughout the festive season, the Giant Christmas Tree will be illuminated between 8pm and 2.30am with its 13,616 lights performing in a display loop lasting 10 minutes.

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