South Australia’s History Festival
[ May 24, 2024; ]
Explore a Port Adelaide icon this May – the Lighthouse is open for visitors during the South Australian History Festival.
First lit in 1869, the Lighthouse is still operational but did you know that it has been relocated several times? Join a guided tour to learn more about the history of this landmark, climb the 75 […]
[ May 19, 2024; ]
Adelaide Gaol’s annual History Day is back during South Australia’s History Festival in May.
As part of South Australia’s History Festival Adelaide Gaol will be creaking open its doors to areas usually closed to visitors.
Intrigued? Here’s what’s in store:
Step inside the gaol’s kitchen and laundry, and get a rare glimpse into the daily lives of those […]
[ May 26, 2024; ]
Open Day at Parliament House
Visit Parliament House on Sunday 26 May 2024 for an open day event as part of South Australia’s History Festival.
View special displays and historical objects, access parts of the building ordinarily closed to the public, learn about the unique blend of Victorian and Art Deco architecture, and have a chat to […]
[ May 4, 2024; ]
Explore Fort Glanville as part of the South Australia’s History Festival in a colourful and sometimes noisy event.
The performance will feature nineteenth-century military drill, with cannon fire and musketry demonstrations, all in the soft glow of lamplight. This enables event-goers the opportunity to see the gun-flashes light up the darkness.
Presented by the Fort Glanville Historical […]
[ May 11, 2024; ]
Explore historical items, buildings, interactive and static displays as well as activities for children at the Enfield Unit, SA State Emergency Service: Open Day as part of South Australia’s History Festival in May.
The origin of Enfield SES dates back to 1965 where, during the Cold War, fears of nuclear attack led to the formation of […]
[ May 19, 2024; ]
In this South Australia History Festival event, young visitors may find themselves in a drill squad at Fort Glanville experiencing what it was like to defend South Australian shores in the late nineteenth century.
Fort Glanville was the key to South Australia’s defence against hostile attacks on our communications in the late-nineteenth century. This is illustrated […]
[ May 1, 2024 to May 5, 2024. May 7, 2024 to May 12, 2024. May 14, 2024 to May 19, 2024. May 21, 2024 to May 26, 2024. May 28, 2024 to May 31, 2024. ]
Immerse yourself in the history of rural South Australia at Loxton Historical Village with more than 45 displays, each telling the story of the struggle, heartache, and ingenuity of pioneer settlers.
Go on a self-guided tour during South Australia’s History Festival and view the extensive machinery and vehicle displays, sit at original old desks in school […]
[ May 26, 2024; ]
RailFest 2024 – Mount Barker Railway Heritage Festival
A family-friendly open day at Mount Barker Railway Station, featuring steam locomotive-hauled shuttle train services* between Mount Barker and Bugle Ranges.
For one day, the Mt Barker Rail Festival will be hosted by SteamRanger at the Mt Barker railway station. The festival gives visitors the opportunity to ride on […]
[ May 4, 2024; May 18, 2024 to May 19, 2024. ]
Falling Bombs and Floating Cards is back as part of South Australia’s History Festival
Would you like to see a magic show?
Join the oldest magic club in Australia in their underground club rooms for some history, nostalgia and a live magic performance suitable for families of all ages. This is a rare opportunity to look behind […]
[ May 12, 2024; 9:00 pm to 9:05 pm. ]
Government House in Adelaide will open its gates to the public for a special History Festival Open Day with free entry.
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and Mr Rod Bunten are pleased to welcome members of the public to explore Government House and its grounds on Sunday 12 May 2024 […]
[ May 5, 2024; ]
Kodomo no Hi Japan Festival, South Australia’s largest Japanese cultural festival, is celebrating 29 years in 2024.
Kodomo no Hi is Adelaide’s largest Japanese Festival, held annually since 1995. The Festival is a celebration of the cultural and social links between the people of Japan and Australia. It is a great day for people of all […]
[ May 5, 2024; ]
Enjoy a day at the Barossa History Fair during South Australia’s History Festival.
Ever wondered what treasures are tucked away in the Barossa Museum or wanted to try your hand at Kegel (traditional nine-pin bowling)?
Join friends and family in the beautiful township of Tanunda as doors open for the 2024 Barossa History Fair. With a jam-packed […]
[ May 19, 2024; ]
Join the Pioneer Women’s Trail Walk and experience the amazing journeys taken by our early German pioneer women as they carried their produce on foot from Hahndorf to Adelaide through the Adelaide Hills.
The Pioneer Women’s Trail is approximately 26km long and mainly follows country roads, laneways and bush tracks through a delightful section of the […]
[ May 19, 2024; ]
Birdwood Farm Day partnering with the National Motor Museum in 2024 promises to have something to suit every member of the family.
There will be crowd favourites – freshly baked damper and Devonshire tea, petting zoos, and a host of animal exhibits. Milking cows, sheep shearing and working dog demonstrations along with log chopping, blacksmithing, restored […]
Visit Beaumont House during one of their Open Days.
The Burnside Branch invite you to go along and visit one of South Australia’s unique State Heritage listed properties, Beaumont House.
Beaumont House is a State Heritage listed property built in 1849 by Augustus Short, the first Anglican Bishop of Adelaide, and after, the home of Sir Samuel […]
Explore an important piece of WWII history in Glenelg – an Air Raid Shelter.
Built in 1942, the Glenelg Air Raid Shelter was a valuable part of a World War II communications network. Air Raid Shelters were generally built to protect large numbers of people from air raids, but in Adelaide they were civil defence communications […]
Celebrate History Festival on Hutt Street this May!
Discover some of Adelaide’s unique heritage gems nestled in Hutt Street and be transported back in time.
Visit the Hutt Street Library with the kids and let their imaginations run wild at Lego Club. Build Lego models of Hutt Street’s historical sites and see your creations on display for the […]
David Archer Presents: Summer Fun for Everyone
David Archer presents his amazing interactive artworks, inspired by Victorian and Edwardian travelling sideshows and carnivals.
As part of the SA History Festival, this exhibition will be presented at the Bay Discovery Centre by City of Holdfast Bay. Peer in wonder into one of David Archer’s hand-cranked dioramas, or have […]
[ May 13, 2023; ]
Carclew House Tours and Activities.
Every year as part of South Australia’s History Festival, Carclew swings open its doors for tours of the house and grounds. Learn about the links this iconic manor has to significant figures in South Australian history while touring the house and participating in family-friendly activities.
Carclew House was built on Kaurna Land […]
[ May 27, 2023; ]
Adelaide Zoo Celebrates 140 Years!
Presented by Adelaide Zoo (Zoos SA) along with the South Australian History Festival, celebrate 140 Years of Adelaide Zoo on Saturday 27 May 2023.
Join Giant Pandas Fu Ni and Wang Wang, Obi the Pygmy Hippopotamus, Kimya the giraffe and their feathered, furry and scaly pals at the biggest birthday party of […]
[ May 28, 2023; ]
Preston’s Historic Punch and Judy Show.
Experience the traditional Punch and Judy show with live music performed by (Professor) Keith Preston and Shivani Preston.
Enjoy all the favourite puppet characters in a riot of slapstick comedy from one of the world’s most famous puppet shows. Punch and Judy dates back over 250 years and made its first […]
[ May 20, 2023; ]
Night at the Museum.
Ahoy! The South Australian Maritime Museum is coming alive after dark with some seafaring fun for the whole family.
Follow the treasure map to explore the Museum and take part in a boatload of activities. There’ll be nautical games, sea creature craft, torchlight storytelling and more. Add to the adventure and go along […]
[ May 26, 2022; ]
Hike for History and support future generations
Walk in the footsteps of Olympic medallists, world-class musicians, actors and even the Premier of South Australia.
Join Mercedes College for their exclusive ‘Hike for History’, part of May’s South Australia’s History Festival. Limited to only 50 guests, this inaugural event will see participants enjoy a pre-hike coffee in the […]
[ May 12, 2022; ]
Pop-Up Storytime at Beaumont House
A very special pop-up storytime hosted by Burnside Library.
Held in the gardens of beautiful Beaumont House, they will share stories of gardens and growing food, reimagining what life would have been like for the people who lived and worked in this historic house and garden.
This event is being held as part […]
