As the leaves in the hills start to turn, the days cool and darkness falls sooner, Adelaide seems to settle. But that’s no excuse for you – unless you’re sitting in front of a stage at the Blenheim Festival or riding shotgun on a drive out of town. Here’s a snapshot of what we love this month and why, by Broadsheet in partnership with Stella Artois.
Travelling for snacks
Tasting Australia is showcasing Glynde, Adelaide’s most notable Italian-influenced suburb with a market held at the Robern Menz factory. Italian food and Fruchocs – is this heaven? You’ve got time to prepare – happens on April 30. Glynde and Co.tastingaustralia.com.au
Speaking of divine dining, there’s a long table lunch happening in Nuriootpa, arguably the Barossa Valley’s prettiest town. A five-course degustation will go down on April 22 under the shade of an old carob tree on Memorial Avenue. Nuriootpa’s Long Table Lunchbarossavintagefestival.com.au
Prefer to buy now and hoard before consumption? Take a day trip down to McLaren Vale for its monthly market, happening on Monday April 17. There’s music, crafts and plenty of local produce for sale. All just sidenotes to the bouncy castle, really. The Vale Marketonkaparingacity.com
Is it local?
If you’re one of the many who miss out on monthly tickets to The Porch Sessions, Adelaide’s own touring backyard gig, you’re in luck. Porchland is the organisers bigger and better annual festival venture. Happening on April 9 in the Adelaide Hills, Porchland brings together local food, drink and market delights to peruse between tunes. Get your tickets. Porchlandmoshtix.com.au
Don’t have all day? A night at The Grace Emily might do. Check out local singer-songwriter Ryan Martin John there on April 7 when he launches his debut EP, Solar. He wrote and produced the EP alone in his bedroom but will launch the thing backed by a full band. Supports from Alana Jagt and Banjo Jackson. Ryan Martin John - Solar EP launchfacebook.com
Bedrooms. Beds. Great spots for reading and drinking coffee. Brighten up your mid-autumn morning with sips from a jungle cup, made by ceramicist Ebony Heidenreich. She’s a 2017 associate at The Jam Factory arts collective and has just supplied restaurant, The Henry Austin, with a fresh set of handmade plates. Get your own supply at Ebony Heidenreichjamfactory.com.au
Stella Artois Suggests
The Spanish Film Festival returns this month. Playing in Adelaide from April 26 to May 14 exclusively at Palace Cinemas, the 2017 program celebrates the 20th anniversary of the event. With films spanning new features, classics, documentaries, kids' films, and special screenings, the large selection is testament to a booming industry – both in Spain, and further abroad in areas such as Latin America. See the full program and book tickets at Spanish Film Festivalspanishfilmfestival.com
Too much to do
Check out some of Adelaide’s emerging artists this month at The Producers Hotel on Grenfell Street. Every month, indie arts organisation RAW picks 30 newcomers to takeover the pub for a day and night. It’s not just paint on paper either, there’s hair, makeup, photography and jewellery. Go immerse yourself on April 7. Verserawartists.org
Alternatively, leave the jewellery at home, grab your swag and head to the Clare Valley. Easter is peak camping season, and possibly your last chance before the winter chill rolls in. Blenheim Music and Camping Festival in the Clare Valley is on for its sixth year in a row, April 13–14. All profits are donated to New Hope Cambodia. No need to print tickets, they scan straight from your phone. Blenheimblenheimfest.com.au
Organisers of the annual Groovin the Moo festival have recognised travelling isn’t for everybody. So this year they’ve moved the event from Oakbank to Wayville Showgrounds. Happening on Friday April 28, an Uber home from here will be far more manageable. Hint: If you’re taking a tram, remember the Goodwood Road stop is closer than the Wayville one. Groovin the Moogtm.net.au
Cities to consider
A picture might be worth a thousand words, but sometimes you need a little guidance. Poet Dom Symes and photographer Tash McCammon have combined the two to create an exhibition titled Shanghai Fever. It examines stories that weave together the bustling city, communicated through photographs and poetry. Opens on April 7 and runs until May 5, at The Light Gallery in Marleston. Shanghai Feverfacebook.com
How did our cities come to be? Archaeologist Dr Margaret O’Hea is offering a free talk on April 11 at The University of Adelaide, about the migration of Greeks to Eastern Europe. Part of Festival Hellenika, it’ll get you thinking about identity and place, and – as history often repeats itself – perhaps suggest some kind of conclusion. Living in the Eastfestivalhellenika.org.au
RITUALS: THINGS WE’LL LOVE DOING REPEATEDLY THIS MONTH
Sampling Superette, a new cafe, provedore and flower shop in Glenelg.
Switching a muesli purchase for porridge at Goodies & Grains.
Settling in to Iberia’s basement bar.
Scenic autumn drives through the Adelaide Hills.
Appreciating the warmth in a bowl of pho again.
Wearing fun socks from Julie White under the business attire.
