Culture Archives - FIFTY+SA

Firstival is back at South Australian libraries this July

Staff Writer — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:02:13 +0000

South Australia’s beloved library festival returns for its fourth year, with Libraries SA bringing more than 300 events to the state’s network of 130 public libraries throughout July 2026. Firstival runs from Wednesday 1 July to Friday 31 July, and this year’s program has something for every age and interest, with many events free to attend. For adults, the lineup includes Sourdough and Gluten Free Bread Making, Lacto Fermentation 101 (covering sauerkraut and kimchi), Puppy Yoga, Mat Pilates in the Library, Sips and Circus Tricks Workshops, Interactive Book Tastings with drinks paired to book themes, How to Make Your Own

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South Australians invited to share the stories that could become an opera

Staff Writer — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 03:09:48 +0000

State Opera South Australia has launched a world-first initiative inviting everyday South Australians to submit the stories that define their lives, their communities and this state, with four selected stories to be transformed into fully staged professional operas in 2027. Called Our Opera, Our Story, the project represents a fundamental shift in how opera is made and who it belongs to. Rather than companies choosing which stories are told, South Australians submit their own and the public votes on which four go to the stage. Artistic Director Dane Lam describes it as opera returning to its roots while reaching toward

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Port Adelaide Football Club’s bold vision for Alberton Square

Staff Writer — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:05:50 +0000

Port Adelaide Football Club has shared plans for one of the most ambitious property developments in Australian sporting history, and if it comes off, it will reshape not just the club’s future, but the entire Alberton precinct. Dubbed Alberton Square, the proposed mixed-use development will span almost 20,000 square metres of prime land between Alberton Oval and Port Road, encompassing commercial, health and wellness, community, and residential offerings. It is, by any measure, a significant undertaking, and one that has been four years in the making. The project’s roots stretch back to 2022, when the club’s board began looking beyond

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50 years of Rundle Mall

Staff Writer — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:52:45 +0000

Few places in Adelaide carry as much collective memory as Rundle Mall. Half a century ago, on 1 September 1976, then-Premier Don Dunstan arrived by horse and cart to officially open what would become the beating heart of the city. Champagne ran through the fountain and 10,000 people turned out to celebrate the beginning of a new era. It almost didn’t happen. The idea was first proposed in 1974, when Dunstan called for the closure of Rundle Street between King William and Pulteney streets, but it took years of sometimes bitter debate before construction finally began in 1975. Architect Ian

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Rare 1855 painting of Port Adelaide on public display for the first time in 170 years

Staff Writer — Thu, 14 May 2026 05:41:01 +0000

In July 1855, an artist newly arrived in Adelaide picked up his brush and spent two weeks painting everything he could see along the Port Adelaide waterfront. Ships at anchor, horse-drawn carts on the wharf, government buildings, pubs, commercial premises – the full, busy life of a colonial port in its early prime. Two years later, the Great Fire of 1857 tore through Port Adelaide, destroying half the town and nearly its entire commercial district. Frank George Hankey’s panorama is the only known visual record of what stood there before. For 170 years, that watercolour – stretching nearly two metres

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South Australia’s History Festival celebrates what connects us

Staff Writer — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:59:00 +0000

South Australia’s History Festival will return in May 2026 with the theme of Connections. With more than 550 events spanning 16 regions, the 2026 Festival celebrates the state’s history and the connections that bind us, thanks to its six Feature Programs – First Nations, Tasting History, From Many Places, Open Doors, Children and Family, and Rainbow Histories. Tours, talks, exhibitions, walks and workshops will invite audiences to explore multi-generational stories stretching across decades and millennia, continents, and Country. South Australians will discover the ties that shape our shared identity with events right across the state, from the threads that bind

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South Australia’s history festival what’s on 2026

Staff Writer — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:59:00 +0000

The history of John Martin’s Paul Flavel Join author Paul Flavel as he marks what would have been John Martin’s 160th year. He will share stories from his research, insights from creating his book, and reflections on the legacy of the iconic Adelaide department store. A nostalgic and engaging look back at a place many remember fondly. Wed 6 May, 11am – 12pmHetzel Lecture TheatreInstitute Building, State Library of South AustraliaCnr North Tce & Kintore Ave, Adelaide, SA, 5000Free Stories, Stories, Stories…! Narracoorte Homestead Do you like hearing stories about history? Do you like sharing stories about history? The history

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McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic celebrates 20 years in 2026

Staff Writer — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:14:25 +0000

One of South Australia’s most beloved motoring events is set to return, with the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic celebrating its 20th anniversary on Sunday, 12 April. More than 400 vehicles are expected to take part in this year’s iconic parade, transforming Main Road in McLaren Vale into a moving showcase of automotive history, from early vintage models through to modern luxury vehicles. Among the highlights is one of the rarest cars in the country, a 1959 MG Magnette Series III sedan, the only known model in South Australia and one of just five in Australia. The vehicle will form

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Norwood Food & Wine Festival returns for AFL Gather Round

Staff Writer — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:44:00 +0000

The Norwood Food & Wine Festival will once again bring thousands to The Parade on Sunday 12 April, offering a showcase of South Australia’s finest produce, wines and culinary talent alongside the excitement of AFL Gather Round. Running from 11am, the free street festival features an impressive lineup of local restaurants, producers and beverage makers. Visitors can sample everything from premium seafood and artisan pasta to flame-cooked meats, paired with wines, craft beers and spirits from across the state. Live cooking demonstrations from acclaimed chefs Kane Pollard, Laura Sharrad and Duncan Welgemoed will be presented through the Tasting Australia Kitchen,

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A new chapter for State Theatre Company South Australia

Staff Writer — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:28:00 +0000

A major new cultural development is set to transform Adelaide’s CBD, with State Theatre Company South Australia to become part of a landmark Arts & Media Hub on Franklin Street. Announced by Premier Peter Malinauskas alongside Arts Minister Andrea Michaels and ABC Chair Kim Williams AM, the partnership will see the ABC relocate from its ageing Collinswood headquarters to the Tapangka development site in the city. The former Adelaide Bus Station site will become a vibrant new cultural centre, bringing together State Theatre Company South Australia, State Opera South Australia and Country Arts SA, just a short walk from Her

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