Our story

OUR STORY

Events South Australia (ESA) delivers captivating events and festivals that put South Australia on the national and world stage.

We’re constantly searching for innovative ways to create and share unparalleled experiences with the public, and opportunities for brand partners to share in these moments.

ESA is a division of the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), a government agency dedicated to making our state a destination of choice for domestic and international visitors.

Within the SATC, our role is to attract these visitors by creating and supporting unforgettable events as well as providing leadership and support to the events and festivals industry in South Australia.

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 four major events: the Santos Tour Down Under, Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel, Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 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 renewed venues such as the Adelaide Oval and the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre, is an ideal setting for major events.

The city can accommodate fans from around the world but remains compact enough to be swept up in the excitement big events bring. Our regions host an impressive suite of events and festivals, allowing them to highlight their diverse assets and 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 they’re run by people who enjoy what they do and are committed to enhancing their communities, promoting their regions and offering entertainment for locals and visitors alike.

South Australia is welcoming an unprecedented number of visitors, with our tourism industry worth more than ever before. Acclaim keeps coming, including recognition as Australia's Best Event State at the 2020 Australian Event Awards. 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.

National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant 2019

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, and audiences love South Australia’s culture of creativity.

Food and drink – When it comes to food and drink, South Australia truly is the land of legends.

Sport – Cycling thrives in South Australia, along with mass participation events and events of national and international significance.

Innovation – South Australia is embracing new technologies and the opportunities they present.

Regional events – Our regional events calendar includes everything from long-running community celebrations to bold new festivals.

MAJOR EVENTS LEGISLATION

The Major Events Act 2013 facilitates the holding and conducting of major events in South Australia.

The Adelaide Motorsport Festival 2023 has been Gazetted for Major Event Legislation, page 540-542.

Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel 2023 has been Gazetted for Major Event Legislation, page 369 - 370.