We're on the home stretch to Christmas, so stop by Bowerbird to get those gifts sorted, and then reward yourself with lots of ways to relax and enjoy the weather this weekend.

Flying in

After two COVID-19 postponements, Bowerbird Design Market is back on this weekend, from December 11 to 13, at the Adelaide Showground. A curated selection of Australian makers will present their wares, including art, design, artisan food, craft beverages, skincare, homewares, jewellery and kids’ toys.

Hit the streets

Street Beats & Eats has been extended from Christmas and summer, into January, so get along to laneways across Adelaide, including Vardon Avenue on Fridays and Saturdays, where you can dine alfresco to the sounds of live music.

Starry screen time

The Moonlight Cinema returns to Botanic Park this weekend, so recline on a bean bed or picnic blanket under the stars with a good film. It’s the perfect chance to pack a picnic — and a bottle of bubbly — or take advantage of the food and drink trucks.

Sing along

It might look a little different this year, but the SeaLink Carols by Candlelight is going ahead, with virtual performances from across the country being broadcast on Sunday, December 13. You can catch the performances on television, or at four pop-up locations: Adelaide Town Hall, Odeon Star Semaphore Cinemas, Wallis Cinema Mainline Drive-in and Piccadilly Cinema. Live performances, special guests and activities will be available at the screenings.

Festive favourites

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Adelaide Festival Centre are spreading festive cheer with a family concert featuring the orchestra, singer Johanna Allen and a cappella quartet The Idea of North at the Festival Theatre on December 11 and 12. A Christmas Celebration, hosted by Mitchell Butel and conducted by Luke Dollman, promises a jolly collection of Christmas classics.

Surf’s up

The City of Onkaparinga celebrates the start of summer with its annual Surf Art exhibition, showcasing the ocean and the culture of surfing. Expect to see painted surfboards, coastal scenes, and works in a range of media capturing sun, sand and surf. Surf Art is at the Arts Centre in Port Noarlunga from December 11 until February 1.

Sounds like Christmas

The Graduate Singers will return to the stage for the first time in 2020 with Cristemas, a celebration of all things Christmas. The program for the December 12 concert at St Peter’s Cathedral in North Adelaide will feature Poulenc’s Four Motets for Christmas, light-hearted works by Rutter and Chilcott, and favourite carols accompanied by the sound of brass and organ.

Sign me up

Get in now for an earlybird discount on Adelaide Central School of Art’s summer school program. The studio-based courses are taught by practising artists in painting, drawing and sculpture. Use the code Earlybird10 before Monday, December 14 for 10 per cent off your course.

Take a dip

Starting tonight – December 11 – Friday Nights at the Pool encourages young people to enjoy a family-friendly evening at Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre. Entry is $5 and includes food and a drink. The series continues on January 8 and February 12.

Lots of laughs

A line-up of some of the country’s best comedians will be at Lloyd Brothers Wine at McLaren Vale for Grapes of Mirth. Merrick Watts will once again host, and will be joined by Nazeem Hussain, Geraldine Hickey, Lizzy Hoo and Dave Hughes. Guests will be treated to six hours of entertainment, wine by Lloyd Brothers, Goodieson Brewery beers and food.

For more about what’s happening around South Australia this summer, pick up the December/January double issue of SALIFE, in newsagencies and selected supermarkets now.