The Adelaide Italian Festival is a cultural event that takes place every year in the city and across South Australia. A celebration of Italian food, culture, wine, music, sport, art, religion, history, and community, the event welcomes people of all backgrounds. 

Originally created in 1976, the festival honours the Italian heritage and migration story of Italian families in South Australia. It is also one of the largest open-access Italian cultural festivals in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Chef carving roasted porchetta at the Adelaide Italian Festival, Italian flags overhead

The event is hosted across multiple venues in Adelaide and regional South Australia, including city plazas, clubs, and regional hubs. While the official program for the 2026 event has not yet been released, the expectation is that the festival will take place in November once again. In 2025, the event saw more than 60 events over a span of 10 days. 

The 2026 event is set to offer signature food and drinks’ experiences like long lunches and degustations, as well as wine tastings to showcase Italian varietals and local South Australian cellars. A three-course Italian menu is scheduled to take place at market and Meander, titled “A Taste of Bergamo”. 

Past events at the festival have drawn huge crowds, especially for the street celebration ‘La Sagra’, which is a real favourite boasting regional food stalls, artisan markets, live music and cultural performances. In 2026, festival plaza parties are set to return once again, as well as the outdoor piazza-style food and entertainment hubs. 

Why the Adelaide Italian Festival Matters

The Adelaide Italian Festival plays an important role in the State’s cultural calendar. It celebrates the lasting influence of Italian migration on the state’s identity. The event was first established in 1976 and honours generations of Italian families who have helped shape the City’s food culture, community life and traditions.

The festival is a large supporter of local businesses, artists and community groups in Adelaide, providing a platform for them to share their work with the public. Restaurants, winemakers, artisans and performers in the region benefit from the exposure, while visitors gain a deeper understanding of the State’s multicultural heritage. 

Musician playing accordion and woman laughing at the Adelaide Italian Festival

Travelling to Adelaide? How to Stay Updated for the 2026 Festival

While the official details for the 2026 Adelaide Italian Festival are still progressively being released, we want to ensure you stay informed and aware of key dates, major events, and popular ticketed experiences. Regularly check in with the festival’s official website for program announcements and event listings as they are made available. 

Travellers planning a visit to Adelaide should follow the local tourism websites and event calendars for updates closer to November. Accommodation tips, transport advice, and other events in the city will generally be included.