The state of the arts : Festivals and events

South Australia's reputation as 'The Festival State' is well deserved. Throughout the year the wide array of festivals and events held in our state showcase many aspects of our culture.

South Australia is particularly well known for its arts festivals. The Adelaide Festival of Arts is considered one of the top three arts festivals in the world. South Australian festivals cover all art forms, from visual arts to theatre, from film to performance art and everything in between. Our music festivals and events are also diverse, showcasing many different types of music such as folk, jazz, cabaret and world music.

A number of our festivals celebrate the diverse cultures and heritages within South Australia. While these festivals highlight the traditions and achievements of particular communities, they also promote them to the wider population and promote inclusiveness. All are welcome to enjoy lamb on the spit at the Glendi Greek festival, take in a cabaret show at the Feast gay and lesbian cultural festival or join in on a traditional Italian folk dance at Carnevale.

Food and wine festivals and events such as the Barossa Vintage Festival and Tasting Australia celebrate the top-quality produce of our state. Even when food and wine are not the particular focus of the festival, most South Australian events feature South Australian produce as regional specialties or transformed into the delicacies of the cuisine of an ethnic community.