Don't let the cold weather keep you indoors this weekend, there's something for everyone with new art exhibitions and experiences.

Words Elisabeth Marie

Opulent opals

The annual Coober Pedy Opal Festival will return to the Coober Pedy town oval on Saturday, June 18. Gates will open at midday and the “Grande Parade” will showcase floats from 12.30pm. The family-friendly event will have games for kids and a marketplace offering everything from food and drink to jewellery and crafts. The festival will conclude with a laser light show and fireworks at 6.30pm.

Warm and toasty

The Marion Hotel will be setting up a whimsical Winter Wonderland to offer respite from the cold outside. On Friday, June 17, a night of winter blues will kick off the Winter Wonderland with live acoustic and jazz music, southern-style food and whiskey sour specials. Until Wednesday, July 27, the dining room will be serving a Yoder Smoked Feasting Menu with the option to add whiskey and apple pie. There will also be a selection of Haigh’s desserts, hot chocolates and cocktails on the menu.

Be inspired

Opening at the BMGART Gallery on Friday, June 17 is an exhibition of painted porcelain by Geoff Mitchell and Chinese Classical paintings by Datsun Tran. Geoff decorates Australian porcelain in his Adelaide Blue collection using the traditional Chinese technique of Qinghua. Datsun’s Stories from Above collection is inspired by stories he was told as a child, which he has transformed into artistic constellations. The exhibition will run until Saturday, July 9 with artworks on display available for purchase through BMGART.

Exploring traditions

Skin Shade Night Day is the first major solo exhibition by Allison Chhorn, exploring the daily routine and rituals practised by the artist’s Cambodian-Australian family. As the daughter of Cambodian migrants, Allison’s work explores the personal and familial devastation of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Skin Shade Night Day consists of film, audio and physical elements, offering a contemplative insight into the daily practices of her family. The exhibition will be on display until Saturday, 13 August in ACE Open’s gallery space.

Classy in charcoal

Hosted in The Famous Spiegeltent during the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Cabaret Life Drawing is an opulent experience where attendees will be guided through the creation of charcoal drawings of exquisitely dressed life models. Hosted by Adelaide Central School of Art graduate Ruby Chew, Cabaret Life Drawing is a unique insight into the artistry of the world’s most glamorous costuming. Enjoy a glass of wine and listen to live music as you let your creativity shine.

Prowling the grounds

Secure your tickets now for a nocturnal adventure at the Adelaide Zoo as Illuminate Adelaide presents Light Creatures from July 7 to 31. Light Creatures is a celebration of conservation, allowing guests to explore the zoo after dark and encounter immersive experiences, incredible lanterns and interactive performances. Cahaya, a larger-than-life glowing tiger, will be prowling the zoo grounds in addition to appearances from the zoo’s own nocturnal residents.

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