This weekend in Adelaide, find your new favourite spring accessory at Gathered Design Market and A Day of Fashion on The Parade, or have a glamorous evening to raise funds for ovarian cancer with the Silver Style Ball.

Words Elisabeth Marie

Stylish in silver

The Letitia Linke Research Foundation is hosting its annual Silver Style Ball on Saturday, October 14 at the Adelaide Convention Centre to raise funds and awareness to support people living with ovarian cancer. The glamorous evening starts with a glass of sparkling on arrival before a decadent three-course dinner accompanied by a selection of South Australian wines. Participate in the live auction to take home something special while knowing your bid will go towards cancer research before dancing the night away as The Cast band performs CAMEOS live on stage. 

Markets in bloom

Head to The Market Shed on Holland in the city on October 14 and 15 for the Spring edition of Gathered Design Market. More than 60 South Australian crafters and makers will showcase their wares with a wide range of fashions, accessories, homewares, children’s toys, cosmetics, decor and more on display. Indulge in a tasty treat or refreshing drink in the dining area where you can also enjoy live music. There are also workshops on both days where you can tap into your creative side and learn a new skill directly from the makers.

In the open air

Experience a self-guided kayak adventure of Myponga Reservoir as one of several activities offered in the final days of the Fleurieu Coast’s Festival of Nature which runs until Sunday, October 15. Hosted by the Fleurieu Environment Centre and the District Council of Yankalilla, the Festival of Nature provides opportunities to stargaze, experience marine life and participate workshops such as mushroom growing and the art of natural dying. Saturday also sees a reef ramble on the beautiful Lady Bay Beach, while Sunday features a cultural walk and talk in Deep Creek Conservation Park.

Feeling fashionable

The epitome of style, shopping and entertainment, A Day of Fashion on The Parade returns on Saturday, October 14 with plenty of opportunities to refresh your wardrobe as spring arrives. Browse The Parade’s fashion establishment for in-store discounts and events, or get your tickets to participate in the Norwood Clothes Swap where attendees bring clothes they’re happy to part with and exchange them between each other for a full wardrobe refresh of pre-loved fashion.

Brand new mind

Presented by Davine Productions and directed by David Gauci, William Finn’s semi-autobiographical musical A New Brain is making its theatrical debut in South Australia this month. The sardonic performance follows an aspiring Broadway composer’s journey of recovery after his life is turned upside down by a medical emergency. “Having played nurse Richard in the Australian premiere in Melbourne in 2003, I have since wanted to bring this gem of a musical to Adelaide audiences,” David says. “A musical that touches on a subject that can be so devastating but presented in such a positive and uplifting way is a rare find – William Finn has a wonderful way of seeing the beauty in the bizarre twists that life throws at people.” A New Brain will be performed at The Star Theatre One from October 13 to 21.

Embrace culture

Enjoy three weeks of contemporary Asian and Asian-Australian performance, art, literature, cuisine and culture as OzAsia takes over Adelaide from October 19 to November 5. Laugh and cry alongside playwright and actor Jacob Rajan in his solo theatrical show Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream, be mesmerised by The Human Expression (T.H.E) Dance Company in the Australian premiere of their interactive contemporary dance piece Infinity Closer, witness the power of Xu Lizhi’s poetry as Canadian composer and performer Njo Kong Kie transforms it into song, or laugh until your belly hurts at The Special Comedy Comedy Special. There are more than 35 ticketed and free events across the 2023 program. The much-loved Lucky Dumpling Market will once again take over Elder Park during the festival, serving up a vibrant selection of Asian cuisines from local vendors. Find a spot in the sunshine to indulge in tasty treats and enjoy live entertainment on the outdoor Lucky Beats stage. On November 4 and 5, the Bubble Tea Garden will pop up in Festival Plaza and offer exclusive boba flavours and Taiwanese snacks to expand your culinary journey of OzAsia.

Admire Indigenous art

The work of more than 1500 contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will be on display in the exhibitions at the Art Gallery of South Australia, as well as 27 accompanying venues for the 2023 Tarnanthi Festival. Highlights at AGSA include Vincent Namatjira’s new exhibition Australia in colour; The Mpulungkinya project that features works by 16 artists ranging in age from 20 to 80; and amuletic sculptures crafted using clay, feathers and raffia by Janet Fieldhouse. Plan your visit now as Tarnanthi opens on Friday, October 20 and runs until January 21, 2024. The popular Tarnanthi Art Fair will return in person for the first time since 2020, from October 20 to 22 with opportunities to meet the artists from more than 50 art centres across Australia and learn about their world and ideas before purchasing paintings, ceramics, sculpture, woven objects, jewellery, textiles, clothes and homewares.

Long lavish lunches

Held at its newly refurbished restaurant in Woodside, Bird in Hand is inviting guests to enjoy Sparkling Spring Masterclasses and Luncheons with chef Kane Pollard on October 21 and 22. Kane and his team will serve up a decadent three-course meal using local, sustainable ingredients – including fresh produce from the on-site Bird in Hand kitchen garden. Guests will then enjoy a masterclass from chief winemaker Sarah Burvill to learn about Bird in Hand’s méthode traditionnelle ‘O’ Sparkling and guide them through notable characteristics and how to pair the wine with cuisines. Accompanied by music from local artist Ollie English, the Sparkling Spring Masterclasses and Luncheons at Bird in Hand is the ideal way to soak in the early spring.

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