Indulge in food, drinks and shopping galore this weekend with the Bowerbird Design Markets and Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week, or learn more about South Australia at the History Festival.

Words Elisabeth Marie

Delight in decadence

Indulge in an extravagant feast of food and wine this May with the Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week from Friday, May 13 to Sunday, May 22. Enjoy the Traditional Festival Weekend from May 13 to 15, where Clare Valley wineries will open their cellar doors for visitors to enjoy live music, food and wine. Spend May 16 to 20 learning all there is to know about Clare region delicacies with the Breathe It In program. There will be a veritable smorgasbord of experiences such as wine masterclasses, a cooking school, native food classes and preserving workshops. Gourmet Week will finish with the Land of Long Lunch from May 21 to 22 with a series of gourmet long lunches staged throughout the region.

Flock to Bowerbird

Bowerbird, Adelaide’s Premier Design Market, will be returning to the Adelaide Showgrounds from May 13 to 15. Twice a year, the market showcases the talent of Australia’s design community with a carefully-curated collection of artisan products including skincare, fashion, homewares, decorations and kids’ toys. Of the 150 designers, nine exhibiting for the first time, four of whom are South Australian. South Australia’s own Vika Organic and Cutie Booty Skincare will provide home-pamper products to get you through winter with soothing essential oils. Don’t leave the pets out of your self-care schedule, Daisy & Doug Doggie Co will be providing treats and accessories to pamper your furry friends. Brave and Able will be showcasing their Breathing Buddies; dolls designed to help kids learn how to take charge of their big feelings with calming breathing skills. Spend the day browsing the stalls and enjoy the food and beverage offerings, or attend a maker-guided workshop and let your creativity shine.

Wild eyes

On loan from the Natural History Museum in London, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is showing at the Adelaide Botanic Garden until July 24. The exhibition features images capturing animal behaviour, spectacular flora and landscape images through compelling photojournalism. The images showcase the rich diversity of life on earth and tell the story of a planet under pressure to advocate for collective action on climate change. This year’s exhibition features photographs from several Australian photographers, including Stardust by Christian Spencer.

Say ciao

Adelaide’s slice of Italy, Mercato Food and Wine is hosting a celebration of fine Italian food and beverage, Sagra Di Mercato, on Saturday, May 14. Italian vendors from across the state will join to offer exquisite tastes of Italy in celebration of Mercato’s 50^th year. Step into an atmosphere with the flavour of Italy and experience life as a local with a diverse range of Italian fare. Indulge in a selection of gelato, wood oven pizzas, olive oils, cheeses and coffee alongside drinks from the Vinify Meleti Cocktail Bar. There will also be plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and deli delicacies on sale at the markets.

Back in time

For the 2022 History Festival, South Australians are invited to embrace the theme reimagine as they explore the state’s rich history during May. The festival will provide an opportunity to explore some of the state’s most interesting places, stories and collections across more than 400 events. Become immersed in South Australia’s history with performances, exhibitions and behind-the-scenes tours in addition to thought-provoking talks, bus and boat tours, bushwalks and concerts in a variety of venues from galleries to graveyards and pubs to clubs.

Through a new lens

See the city of Adelaide brought to life through impressionism with Tina and Mike Barr’s latest exhibition, Impressionist Adelaide. Tina will be presenting paintings of the Adelaide Oval from her series Catching the Action, while Mike will showcase his paintings of notable Adelaide locations under the veil of rain. Impressionist Adelaide will be hosted from May 15 to June 10 at Artworx Gallery & Gifts.

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