This weekend in Adelaide, enjoy a cultured evening under the stars with Blue Sky Theatre's Present Laughter and the National Wine Centre's Dinner D'Or, or soak up the sunshine and enjoy refreshing local beers at the Fleurieu Beer Festival or Beer & BBQ’s Homebrewed festival.

Words by Elisabeth Marie

Lighting Country

From Saturday, January 22, to Wednesday, January 26, experience Aus Lights on the River, an immersion of light, sound and vision held in Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama. The food hub will be open from 5:30 pm, giving you a chance to try some local food and drinks while overlooking the attractions along the river. From 8:30 pm, stroll through the park and take a journey to explore your connection to nature and belonging to Country. You will be able to explore the AirLume illuminated artwork created by school students to depict bushfire recovery and community healing; see performances by the Tjarutja dance collective projected onto a water screen over the River Torrens; swim with virtual fish and see virtual wildlife while learning the story of the River Torrens; hear South Australians talk about what Country means to them; and watch the creation of a sand painting by First Nations artist Derik Lynch.

Sculpting Jetty Road

Dozens of sculptures will grace Brighton’s foreshore from Wednesday, January 19, to Sunday, January 30, as part of the Patritti Brighton Jetty Sculptures. The free event is a fundraiser for the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club with money raised through the sale of sculptures during their presentation. The event concludes on Monday, February 1, with the annual Brighton Jetty Classic Swim, combining arts and sport in a fun and unique community celebration.

Cheers to beers

Enjoy a summer’s day drinking refreshing beers on Saturday, January 22, with the Fleurieu Beer Festival pouring into the Willunga Recreation Park. The festival features 11 of the Fleurieu’s best local craft breweries, allowing guests to meet the brewers and learn more about their favourite beers. Browse a range of market stalls before filling up on delicious local foods and enjoying live music surrounded by family and friends.

Dining at dusk

Enjoy a dinner on the terrace under the stars as the National Wine Centre presents the Dinner D’Or in support of the Hutt St. Centre. On Friday, January 21, enjoy a three-course menu created by executive chef Steven Clark alongside a four-hour cocktail package as you take in views of the Adelaide Botanic Garden at dusk. Live music by Entertainment Adelaide, a photo booth and fundraising games will make for an unforgettable night in support of a good cause.

Pouring pints

The Beer & BBQ’s Homebrewed festival will take over the Adelaide Showground’s Hamilton Boulevard from Friday, January 21, to Sunday, January 23. Take part in the celebration of all South Australian brewers, winemakers and distillers with a sun-drenched weekend of drinks, food and live music. There will be two stages with dozens of live bands and DJs, headlined by Bad//Dreems, Luke Million and Peter Combe. Spend the weekend with a beer in hand, dancing to your favourite beats while browsing the market bazaar.

Laughter under the stars

Open Gardens and Blue Sky Theatre will be presenting the final outdoor performance of Noel Coward’s provocative comedy Present Laughter this Sunday, January 23. Directed by Dave Simms, Present Laughter stars many of your Blue Sky Theatre favourites in an energetic performance under the stars. The outdoor production provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy an evening picnic washed down with a drink from the bar as a new world unfolds before you on the stage.

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