OUR STORY
Events South Australia (ESA) delivers captivating events and festivals that share our state with the world.
We create and deliver unparalleled experiences, proudly collaborating with brand partners on pivotal moments across our portfolio.
Events South Australia is a division of the South Australian Tourism Commission, a government agency dedicated to making our state a destination of choice for domestic and international visitors.
Our role is to attract these visitors by creating and supporting exceptional events, and by providing leadership and support to South Australia’s events and festivals industry.
WHAT WE DO
Events South Australia’s role is to promote the state as a tourism destination and attract visitors through securing, managing, developing and supporting world-class leisure events and festivals delivering important economic benefit to South Australia.
Events South Australia owns and manages three major events: the Santos Tour Down Under, Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel and the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.
Each year, Events South Australia also sponsors a range of major, regional and community events and festivals, with this calendar complemented by blockbuster one-off events to ensure a balance across the year.
Through these events we are committed to growing leisure event expenditure within South Australia to $750 million by 2030.
WHY SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
Events of all sizes take place across the state. Adelaide, with its thriving Riverbank precinct and venues such as Adelaide Oval and the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre, is an ideal setting for major events.
The city can welcome fans from around the world but remains compact enough to be swept up in the excitement big events bring.
South Australian regions also host an impressive range of events and festivals, allowing each to highlight its strengths, giving visitors an incentive to venture further.
We all know and love the wonderful madness of February and March, but events in South Australia go far beyond that. They take place throughout the year, and are led by people committed to enhancing their communities, showcasing their regions and offering entertainment to locals and visitors alike.
In 2023 South Australia is hosting its biggest party yet. Events are expected to inject $400 million into the state’s economy this year, with highlights including the Santos Tour Down Under, inaugural AFL Gather Round, Australian premiere of global sensation LIV Golf, NRL Ampol State of Origin Game 1, five matches during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and the national excusive exhibition Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution at the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Events and festivals give visitors an incentive to plan their travel here and are a powerful way to tell our state’s story. This occurs not only through first-hand experiences, but via the extensive global media coverage our events receive.
Whether you’re keen to stage, support or attend an event in South Australia, we welcome you.
OUR FOCUS AREAS
Events South Australia seeks and supports events that showcase and celebrate South Australia’s strengths in areas including:
Arts and culture – Our arts festivals are renowned, with audiences welcoming South Australia’s culture of creativity.
Food and beverages – Eating and drinking well is easy in South Australia.
Sport – The state loves sport at every level, from the buzz of international cycling each January to mass participation events and national competition.
Innovation – South Australia is embracing new technologies and the opportunities they present.
Regional events – Our diverse, innovative regional events calendar spans the state.
MAJOR EVENTS LEGISLATION
The Major Events Act 2013 facilitates the holding and conducting of major events in South Australia.
Major Event Declaration for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant on Saturday 4 November was published in the Government Gazette No. 61 on Thursday 10 August 2023 on pages 2978 - 2979.
