Just because the Adelaide Fringe is wrapping up, that doesn’t mean the state is quieting down. This weekend sees international film festivals, art showcases and much more.

Words Brooke Chapman

OPEN GARDEN

Wine Royalty Bec Hardy invites the public to explore the grounds of Tipsy Hill for Open Gardens SA on March 20 and 21 from 10am to 4.30pm. For the first time in seven years, members of the public are invited to its extensive, captivating grounds and take in the breathtaking views. General entry to the garden is $8 and visitors will have the chance to taste some wines from the Bec Hardy Wines portfolio, and purchase cheese platters.

TREAT YOURSELF

Get down to the Marion Hotel this Friday, March 19 and treat yourself to a cocktail and dessert degustation. The recently-refurbished establishment will host the evening, with four courses of desserts each served with a carefully-matched cocktail. The cocktails will have a local twist, created with the help of Prohibition Liquor Co and Mad Monkey Distilling. The event will be held from 8pm to 10.30pm and bookings are available for pairs or larger groups.

MAKE A SPLASH

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the world’s oceans at this year’s Ocean Film Festival. The Capri Theatre will host the 2021 event, including three stunning Australian films on Saturday, March 20 with two Covid-safe screenings. The audience will be taken free-diving in the Coral Sea, sailing north to Alaska, exploring remote Russian Islands and surfing in Spain.

BE DELIGHTED

Get swept up in Alliance Francaise’s French Film Festival, from March 23 to April 20 at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect Cinemas. This year’s selection has been curated to transport and delight, with many exploring the urge to overcome obstacles. Films include comedy Arab Blues, about adapting to a new culture; Bye Bye Morons, a quest filled with adventure, peril and bewildering encounters; Summer of ’85, about friendship, and 18th century period drama Delicious, which explores France’s enduring love affair with gastronomy.

FRESH TALENT

The SACE Art Show 2021 will showcase selected art and design work created by Year 12 visual arts students in 2020. The exhibition will be held as a COVID-safe event from March 23 to April 16, at Light Square Gallery. Come along and view the diverse range of artistic talent from over 100 works displayed at the four-week exhibition. Bookings are encouraged due to a limit on visitors in the gallery space.

SENSATIONAL SILVER

This weekend is your last chance to view Beverley Silver’s Fringe exhibition, Sensational Silver. Vibrant watercolours and mixed media paintings will be on display on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm. The exhibition is free and is located at at Yeramba, 3 Burchett Avenue Magill.

PAKISTANI STREET FOOD

A new pop-up at the Adelaide Central Market, Foodie and Mrs is the market’s latest Producer in Residence, until March 27. Experience a range of incredible vegetarian dishes and authentic homemade Pakistani street food. To celebrate Pakistan Day on Tuesday, March 23, they will be offering a special carrot halwa (carrot delight) dessert for purchase. The Adelaide Central Market is open Tuesday-Saturday, including late nights until 9pm on Fridays.

For more of what’s happening around SA this month, pick up the March issue of SALIFE magazine, out now.