Oyster Festival – August

Oyster Festival 2017 is happening at Sean’s Kitchen throughout August, with an oyster “happy hour” twice a day, and a menu showcasing oysters from throughout SA. The month-long celebration will culminate in an oyster and champagne masterclass in the Sean’s Kitchen attic on August 30, where participants will enjoy Louis Roederer champagne, matched with four oyster canapés. Tickets are $49 per person; to book call 8218 4244.

Hennessy Bar alfresco terrace opening – August 18

The Mayfair Hotel’s Hennessy bar is set to open its new glass-topped alfresco terrace from 3pm this Friday. Guests who arrive before 7pm will receive a complimentary glass of welcome sparkling wine, and there will be wine tastings courtesy of House of Arras from 5-7pm, plus menu tastings and live entertainment. Details here.

Our Table at Plant 4 – August 19

The Australian Refugee Association will host “a culinary journey through the departure countries of Australia’s arrivals” at Plant 4 Bowden. The long-table lunch will span four courses and feature Dr Munjed Al Muderis, who came to Australia from Iraq at age 27 and is now a leading orthopaedic surgeon, ambassador for the Red Cross and human rights activist. For more information, see the event page.

Cheese After Dark – August – October

Cheese After Dark classes are returning to The Smelly Cheese Shop at the Adelaide Central Market. “Curd nerds” can learn how cheese is made and matured, as well as being given the opportunity to taste different styles and develop an understanding of the rules of “sensory analysis”. The classes begin at 7.30pm, with upcoming sessions on August 22, September 26 and October 10. Details/bookings here.

Fleming & Freear Cocktail Masterclass – August 23

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of its monthly cocktail masterclasses, Fleming & Freear is going back to where it began: the Martini. Punters will be taken through the drink’s myriad myths and variations in an event that will culminate in a celebratory cocktail. It will be hosted at La Bohème (above), 36 Grote Street; tickets are $40 and available here. At September’s cocktail masterclass, the focus will be on the Mint Julep, with those attending given an insight into why drinking this cocktail was a sign of wealth, and how it is related to the Kentucky Derby.

Dining with Spirits – August 24

Join Beam Suntory brand ambassador Erica Richards for a four-course dinner with spirit hosted at Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange, 27 Gresham Street. Each course will be  paired with an American-style whiskey, which punters will be guided through with the aid of their knowledgeable host. There are only 20 spots available, so pick up a ticket here.

You ART What You Eat – August 24

Part of the SALA festival and curated by stars of the 2016 and 2017 Adelaide Fringe “Post Dining” experience, this immersive art dinner at the Propaganda Club combines food, art, live performance and more. Tickets for the 6-10pm event are $99; details and bookings here.

Sidewood Wine Dinner at Spaghetti Western – August 31

King William Street restaurant Spaghetti Western will host Adelaide Hills winery Sidewood for a five-course wine dinner featuring “pan-seared scallops, char-grilled prawns and calamari, porcini risotto, and much more”, all accompanied by a Sidewood drop. Tickets are $89 per person, and you can book through the Spaghetti Western website.

The Stirling Hotel Tasting Series: Applewood Distillery – September 3

The Stirling Hotel is launching its September Tasting Series by inviting Applewood Distillery to share its wares. There will be tastings of Applewood’s signature gin, as well as a few of its limited-release lines, plus an opportunity to chat to the makers about their process. For more information, see the event page.

Pub Grub Festival – September 9

Taking place in Victoria Square, this new event will see a collection of city pubs showcasing their menus alongside SA wine and craft beer. Pub Grub Festival creator Josh O’Shaughnessy says patrons can expect a focus on “modern pub cuisine”, including burgers, barbecue wings and Asian-style street food. There will also be live music and family entertainment, plus a big screen showing the footy. The event runs from 11am-midnight on Saturday, September 9. Tickets here.

Barossa Gourmet Weekend – September 1-3

This year’s Barossa Gourmet Weekend will serve up 44 events showcasing regional fare, including “intimate tastings, exquisite dining experiences, masterclasses, lingering brunches, garden parties, picnics, platters or flame grilled feasts”. At Seppeltsfield Winery, AFL legend Darren Jarman will be guest at an Adelaide Crows breakfast hosted by chef Owen Andrews in the estate’s Vintage Cellar on Father’s Day (September 3). See the full program here.

Poets and Pizza – September 9

After a brief hiatus last year due to courtyard renovations, Coriole will once again host poetry lovers and pizza aficionados at its Poets and Pizza event. All Fired Up will provide the pies, while poets Nigel Ford, Christina Haack, Alison Bennett and Jude Aquilina perform their pieces for word-hungry punters. Wine from Coriole will, of course, be in bountiful supply. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased here.

The Roy goes Down the Rabbit Hole – September 13

The next in the Rob Roy Wine Society dinners will be hosted by the folk at McLaren Vale winery Down the Rabbit Hole. Winemaker Matt Highet will take guests through the DTRH range in the newly constructed Rob Roy beer garden. Tickets are $75 plus booking fee (cheaper for Wine Society members) and can be purchased here. For more info, keep an eye on the event page.

Ochre Nation Cellar Door official opening – September 23

Ochre Nation is turning two, making it the perfect time to celebrate the opening of the cellar door. More details will be released closer to the date, but it will be worth the trip out to Gumeracha for goodies from Applewood Distillery and Unico Zelo Wines. Keep an eye on the event page.

McLaren Vale Spring Affair – October 1

Wine and produce lovers are invited to McLaren Vale for a Spring Affair across three of the region’s vineyards: Maxwell Wines, Paxton Wines and Coriole Vineyards. There will be live music at each venue to set the mood for punters partaking of the food and wine tastings on offer. Bus tours can be arranged from several venues around Adelaide. For further information, see the website.

The Fruitful Pursuit Spring ’17 – October 7

The Fruitful Pursuit crew are back at it, popping up this time with a wine showcase at Arcade Lane. Expect the same calibre of revelry with a brand new roster of wineries, this time including some international ring-ins from New Zealand. Tickets will be released soon, keep an eye on the event page for further details.

Ferment the Festival – October 19-22

Photo: Duy Huynh

Described as the “progression” of Adelaide’s decade-long CheeseFest, this new festival will showcase a wide range of Australian fermented foods – including cheese – over four days at Rundle Park. It will include a special dinner under the stars (menu and other details to come), plus a range of bars and “labs” teaching fermenting techniques. The full program will be released later this week. Meanwhile, you’ll find more information on the official website.

Vegan Festival – October 28-29

Vegan Festival will descend on Victoria Square once again this October, promising amazing food stalls, a roster of keynote speakers, cooking demonstrations, and activities for the whole family. Keep an eye on the event page for updates.

News, tips and information?

Please send details of any upcoming food and/or drink events to: [email protected].­­