Norwood Food & Wine Festival set to deliver big win for local traders

Tens of thousands of footy fans are set to gather along the Parade for the Norwood Food & Wine Festival this weekend, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy in an event growing with each AFL Gather Round.

Now in its third straight year, the free festival, the 2026 event will build on previous success – drawing in huge crowds and showcasing the state’s world-class eating and drinking experiences. 

It comes as Adelaide Airport expects an extra 100 flights over the AFL Gather Round weekend, with today (Thursday) set to be the busiest day at the airport in the past 12 months – with more than 30,000 passengers tipped to pass through the terminal.

Hoteliers are also scoring big, with nearly 10,000 rooms booked on average each night of AFL Gather Round across greater metropolitan Adelaide.

The Norwood Food & Wine Festival is a key part of this success, attracting more than 90,000 people last year – an increase of 28 per cent on 2024 figures, when over 70,000 people attended the major event.

Local businesses benefited from $15.8 million spent in the City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters during the 2025 AFL Gather Round weekend – with the iconic street festival helping to drive the significant economic boost.

More than 50 traders are taking part in this year’s festival with cooking demonstrations by leading local chefs in the Tasting Australia Kitchen. 

The 2026 event will start at 11am on Sunday 12 April, before the Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles match at Norwood Oval kicks off at midday.

Celebrations will continue when Australian electronic duo The Presets take to the stage at 6pm, performing their award-winning hits for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Gather Round patrons with a valid match ticket can travel free on the City-Norwood bus shuttle.

For more information visit the dedicated AFL Gather Round hub at southaustralia.com/afl.

Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said local businesses have seen back-to-back success with the return of the Norwood Food & Wine Festival to the Parade.

“We are determined for that success to continue and keep growing,” she said.

“The event has become a major drawcard for locals and visitors during Gather Round and is another way we are showcasing the best of what South Australians produce.”

“Our hotels are filling up, our airport is buzzing with increased activity and we are ready to welcome footy fans who support our traders well after the final siren.”

Grant Schooling, Head Chef at Somma on the Parade, said they are pumped for the weekend.

“This year’s Norwood Food & Wine Festival is going to be massive,” he said.

“It is going to be such a great vibe to have local venues out on the street, feeding footy fans and visitors.”

“If you’re a local or a tourist, you’re in for a treat, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our community for an amazing afternoon of food, wine and fun.”

Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said more than 100 additional flights scheduled from Thursday to Monday compared with previous weeks.

“For our interstate and local footy fans, we’ll have a giant inflatable Sherrin in the plaza, daily entertainment with DJs and team mascots, captain cutouts for selfies and opportunity for a photo with the Premiership Cup thanks to Virgin Australia.”