Food lovers will be excited because Tasting Australia kicks off this weekend, but there's also plenty for history and arts enthusiasts to get their teeth into.

Words Brooke Chapman

FOODIES UNITE

Tasting Australia returns this weekend, showcasing the best in South Australian food, drink and produce. The 10-day festival will run until May 9 and promises to be better than ever. Australia’s premier eating and drinking festival offers a selection of ticketed events at wineries and restaurants across the region. Town Square in Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga is Tasting Australia’s new-look hub, where you can enjoy free events and family friendly fun. Discover what’s new on the menu with over 140 events across 11 SA regions.

TASTE AUSTRALIA AT THE CENTRAL MARKET

Today and tomorrow, The Adelaide Central Market will host a free Tasting Australia-associated event program with Mandy Hall. Over two days, the Adelaide Central Market will showcase the incredible produce South Australia has to offer with cooking demonstrations by some of Adelaide’s top chefs alongside Market traders and producers. The program features some of SA’s top chefs, including Kane Pollard of SOL Bar and Restaurant, Sharon Romeo of Fino, Karena Armstrong of the Salopian Inn and Gabriele Pezzimenti of Hotel Indigo.

RICH HISTORY

Celebrate South Australia’s rich history throughout May and explore the state’s places and spaces, stories, collections and ideas at the annual South Australia’s History Festival. One of South Australia’s largest open-access community events, the History Festival program features hundreds of events ranging from talks to tours, walks to workshops and exhibitions to special events, all across the state. With hundreds of events to choose from, there’s something for curious minds of all ages.

FIGHT CANCER

Back for 2021, Cancer Council SA’s Relay for Life is celebrating 21 years of raising vital funds to support South Australians impacted by cancer. This year’s event will be held over eight hours instead of the traditional 19-hour overnight event and will include an opening, closing and candlelight ceremony and a Survivors and Carers afternoon tea. Take part in the largest relay in the state on Saturday, May 1 at the SA Athletics Stadium, Mile End, to help raise vital funds for the cancer council’s research services.

A TASTE OF JAPAN

The Kodomo no Hi Japan festival is back this year and will present a variety of performances, exhibitions and demonstrations related to Japanese culture. Children and families can also enjoy the food stalls, games, craft and workshops. The festival was last held in 2019 and this year’s event is expecting a large attendance. The festival will be held on Sunday, May 2 at Thebarton Community Centre from 11am to 4pm and COVID safety plans are in place.

GLOBAL GEMS

The Art Gallery of South Australia has a new exhibition, A Vast Emporium: Artistic exchange and innovation in a global age. The exhibition will be on display from SUnday, May 1 and features Indian textiles, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware and other items from the first age of global trade.