28 Jul 2023

Regional events coming up roses with support across the state

Riverland Rose and Garden Festival
Riverland Rose and Garden Festival

The largest garden festival in the country, food and beverage celebrations in world-class wine regions, and beloved festivals on the sea are just some of the events supported in this year’s Regional Event Fund.

The South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Event Fund 2023-24 will support 33 developing and established regional events across the state, helping drive visitation and continuing to grow South Australia’s record-breaking regional visitor economy.

Latest data shows regional tourism reached an all-time high $4.47 billion in the 12 months to March 2023, up 25 per cent on pre pandemic levels.

The 10-day Riverland Rose and Garden Festival held at venues across the Riverland from Renmark to Waikerie and Loxton, is one of the 33 regional events being supported in 2023-24. Driving visitation across the region and encouraging visitors to linger longer, the event will further support flood recovery efforts in the Murray River communities.

The Regional Event Fund is managed by the SATC, through Events South Australia, and provides financial and marketing support to attract and grow tourism events. The annual program aims to strengthen the state’s regional events calendar and drive increased visitation and economic stimulus to the regional economy.

Applications for the 2024/25 Regional Event Fund will open in February 2024.

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said this year’s Regional Event Fund will support a wonderful range of regional events which help attract more visitors across South Australia and build on the state’s record-breaking $4.47 billion regional visitor economy.

"We know events are a key economic driver for our local economies, giving visitors a reason to book a trip ‘right now’ – and the Regional Event Fund highlights just how many unique experiences there are to enjoy across our state," Minister Bettison said.

"I am particularly delighted to see support for the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival, as this will help motivate visitors to head to our Murray River regions and linger longer, further supporting operators recovering from the once-in-a-century flooding event.

"Visitors can enjoy firsthand the benefits of the Regional Event Fund this weekend, with two terrific regional events. The Adelaide Hills’ popular Winter Reds festival will celebrate the best of this world-renowned wine region, while the Willunga Almond Blossom Festival offers a weekend of show rides, family activities, and food, wine and beer stalls in the Fleurieu."

Riverland Rose and Garden Festival President/Open Gardens Co-ordinator, Michelle Dominic said the Riverland is the largest grape growing area in Australia, and likewise, the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival is the largest garden festival Australia wide.

"Last year we saw 3,000 people visit the area, providing a boost to tourism, supporting local accommodation and businesses – and we are expecting an increase in visitors this year," Ms Dominic said.

"With 27 open gardens this year – the most we’ve ever had for the duration of the festival – there will be no lack of inspiration for visitors.

"From small courtyard gardens to others on a grand scale, as well as highlights such as The Floral display in Renmark, an annual Gala Dinner in Loxton, and The Festival Fair, this event brings a vibrancy to the Riverland that people of all ages can enjoy, while showcasing all our beautiful region has to offer."

Events supported through the 2023-24 Regional Event Fund:

Event

Date

Region

Willunga Almond Blossom Festival

29-30 July 2023

Fleurieu Peninsula

Fleurieu Food Festival

1-31 August 2023

Fleurieu Peninsula

Auburn Frenchfest

8-10 September 2023

Clare Valley

Grenache and Gourmet

15 September – 2 October 2023

Fleurieu Peninsula

Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb

20-24 September 2023

Clare Valley

A Celebration of Seafood @ Streaky Bay

23 September 2023

Eyre Peninsula

Ceduna Oysterfest

30 September – 1 October 2023

Eyre Peninsula

Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations

30 September – 29 October 2023

Limestone Coast

Anlaby Spring Festival

14-15 October 2023

Barossa

Riverland Rose and Garden Festival

20-29 October 2023

Riverland

Bay to Birdwood

22 October 2023

Adelaide & Adelaide Hills

CheeseFest

October 2023

Adelaide

Feast Festival

1-19 November 2023

Adelaide

Handpicked Festival

11 November 2023

Fleurieu Peninsula

Froth and Fury Fest

18 November 2023

Adelaide

Bay Sheffield

27-28 December 2023

Adelaide

SummerVines

January 2024

Fleurieu Peninsula

A Taste of The Hills Festival

February 2024

Adelaide Hills

Riverland Dash 4 Cash and Dinghy Derby

February 2024

Riverland

Kangaroo Island Racing Cup Carnival

15-17 February 2024

Kangaroo Island

Beachport Crayfish Festival

2 March 2024

Limestone Coast

Colour Tumby Street Art Festival

8-11 March 2024

Eyre Peninsula

The Laura Fair

6-7 April 2024

Flinders Ranges and Outback

Yorke Peninsula's Saltwater Classic

13-14 April 2024

Yorke Peninsula

The English Ale

May 2024

Adelaide Hills

Generations in Jazz

3-5 May 2024

Limestone Coast

Clare Valley Gourmet Week

17-26 May 2024

Clare Valley

FLAME Festival

24-26 May 2024

Yorke Peninsula

Gutsy Kangaroo Island

June 2024

Kangaroo Island

Winter Reds

26-28 July 2024

Adelaide Hills

SALA Festival

1-31 August 2024

Statewide

Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations

1-31 October 2024

Limestone Coast

South Australian Wooden Boat Festival

October 2024

Fleurieu Peninsula

More information: tourism.sa.gov.au/support/regional-event-fund.