South Australia shines as event host with the most

South Australia’s skill in hosting events and festivals of all sizes has seen it named Best Event State at the 2025 Australian Event Awards.

It is the fourth time South Australia has claimed the national honour, which recognises the state or territory where the largest number of high-quality events have occurred.

South Australia was well represented among finalists at last night’s awards ceremony in Coffs Harbour, with the Santos Tour Down Under and Adelaide Fringe among national event nominees and local businesses including Big Fish Events Group and Novatech Creative Event Technology winning their respective categories.

The Australian Event Awards foster continued excellence, innovation and unity across the nation’s events industry. All Australian events, event managers and support service providers are eligible to enter.

Visit www.eventawards.com.au for more information. 

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said South Australia has once again proven we are the best events state in Australia.
 
"Although, it is no surprise to us that South Australia has earned such fantastic national recognition, this win shows the strength of our events and festivals all year round," Minister Bettison said.
 
"From world-class festivals and major sporting events to community celebrations and multicultural showcases, our state knows how to put on a great event. 
 
"We know how important these celebrations are to the state’s visitor economy – from the internationally recognised Santos Tour Down Under and LIV Golf Adelaide to the buzz of AFL Gather Round, world-class art exhibitions, and a variety of regional drawcards.
 
"Our blockbuster events calendar continues to grow, showcasing South Australia at its best and supporting local jobs in the process.
 
"There’s still so much to enjoy this year – Harvest Rock, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, and the bp Adelaide Grand Final are among highlights – and plenty more to come in 2026 including the Adelaide International, the Ashes, the opera spectacular AIDA, WOMADelaide and blockbuster events such as the Santos Tour Down Under, LIV Golf and Gather Round.
 
"Generous hospitality and simple pleasures are true South Australian signatures, and events provide a powerful way to share those qualities."