This weekend, WOMADelaide returns for a four-day celebration of world music, dance and arts, Phil Hoffmann Travel and APT Luxury Travel launch their 2025 European River Cruises, and chef Kane Pollard and distiller Full Circle Spirits collaborate for a transformation of the former Maximilian's site.

Words Charlie Gilchrist

World Music

WOMADelaide has grown exponentially since it was first held in 1992 as part of the Adelaide Festival of Arts. The four-day celebration of world music, dance and arts is now an integral part of the Mad March calendar. Ziggy Marley, son of the reggae legend Bob Marley, will lead the line-up this year alongside the New York-based Afrobeat-influenced seven-piece the Budos Band, Senegalese star Baaba Maal, Brazilian singer-songwriter Gilberto Gil, and the charismatic Ukrainian quartet DakhaBrakha. WOMADelaide takes place from March 8 to 11 in Botanic Park.

Travel Europe’s waterways

Join Phil Hoffmann Travel and APT Luxury Travel as they launch their European River Cruising 2025 Season from March 12 to 26. Learn about APT’s new fleet of river ships that will be travelling through Europe’s picturesque waterways. During the event, you can indulge in fine wines and delectable canapes while exploring last-minute offers for 2024 and early bird deals for 2025. The first event takes place at 6pm on Tuesday, March 12 at House on Haines in Tea Tree Gully.

From farm to table

Renowned Adelaide chef Kane Pollard and artisan distiller Full Circle Spirits will be staging an imaginative takeover of the former Maximilian’s site in the Adelaide Hills from Friday, March 8. Known as the Ondeen project, the collaboration will transform the iconic 1850s property into a food and tourism destination celebrating the rich offerings of the Adelaide Hills. Taking place in the picturesque town of Verdun, surrounded by vineyards, gardens and sweeping views, this event will give visitors a deeper appreciation of the journey of flavours from farm to table.

A colourful tradition

Known as the festival of colours, Holi is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. Featuring time-honoured traditions, including the Holi colours, Bollywood dancing and scrumptious Indian curries, the Adelaide Holi Festival will be two days of culture, colour, food, song and dance. This celebration of Indian culture at Gladys Elphick Park/Narnungga, is a free event open to everyone and takes place from March 9 to 10. There will also be a Holi After Dark celebration with glow-in-the-dark colours and a laser light show. Make sure to wear an old t-shirt because the fantastic Holi colours will be hard to get out in the wash!

Mount Gambier Beer & BBQ Festival

The Beer & BBQ Festival rolls into Mt Gambier this weekend for two days of live music, beer, BBQ, and more. Travelling to the South East for the first time, the event will feature BBQ from Lumberjacks BBQ, Hot Pinoy, Smokey Uppercuts, and more. Beer will be provided from brands including the Mill Brewery, Loophole, Pirate Life and Mismatch, while the music line-up will feature the Smith Street Band and Bad//Dreems. The Beer & BBQ Festival takes place from March 9 to 10 at the Mt Gambier Railway Lands.