🍃Nature fest & sweet escapes

Good morning, Hills lovers. Lately, my favourite thing about the Adelaide Hills has been the way the sun hits Mount Lofty at the end of the day. I catch it most evenings on a run, and it still stops me in my tracks. The whole ridge softens and shimmers, almost like glitter.

That same feeling is in the air this week. The Nature Festival is here, inviting us to slow down and notice the small wonders all around us. Add in the buzz of school holidays that are in full swing plus something sweet the crew at Red Cacao. It’s a good time to be out and about in the Hills.

Let’s get into it.

NATURE FESTIVAL
Wild hearts gather

Spring is here and the Hills are ready to celebrate. From September 26 to October 12, the Nature Festival brings a burst of creativity, connection and wonder to every corner of our region.

There are experiences for the hands-on and the heart-led. Families can set out on scavenger hunts at Woodhouse, let little ones become “Mini Farmers” at Kitchen Farm Pantry, or gather for stories, songs and Indigenous food at Johnston Memorial Park. Creatives will be at home in workshops on botanical drawing at The Cedars, printmaking at Hahndorf Academy, and mindful art sessions in Belair National Park.

For those who like their nature paired with music, evenings in the forest and gardens will be alive with fiddles, jazz, soulful acoustic sets, and the voice and harp of Celtic artist Siobhan Owen. Others may choose the quieter flow of a soundbath in the gums, or the reflective practice of nature journaling in Mount Lofty Botanic Garden.

The festival also reminds us that connection to nature goes both ways. You can roll up your sleeves at bushcare days in Heathfield, take part in creek restoration projects in Bridgewater, or learn the art of native plant propagation. Every small act becomes part of a larger story of care for Country.

With more than 80 events across the Hills, this festival is as much about community as it is about nature itself. Step into the season, follow your curiosity, and see where it leads. 🌿 Explore the full program and book your spot here.

SPRING HOLIDAY FUN
Fun for every age in the Hills

I love the energy that sweeps through the Adelaide Hills when Spring school holidays arrive. Suddenly there are endless reasons to get out and explore. The air feels lighter, the days stretch a little longer.

With the holidays in full swing, if you’re looking for things to do there are plenty of activities to choose from, some paid, some free, and most outdoors or celebrating something unique about the Hills. Creative kids can dive into colourful workshops at Arty Hen Studio or join crafty afternoons on the Stirling Library lawns. For wild adventurers, Woodhouse day camps promise nature challenges, giant swings, and plenty of teamwork fun.

Animal lovers can meet creatures at Wilbur’s Wildlife or saddle up for a horse adventure at Wirraway Homestead. For gentler play, Head, Heart & Hands brings storytelling and imagination to life in beautiful, hands-on ways.

History buffs can wander the Jupiter Creek gold diggings or step back in time on the SteamRanger Heritage Railway. And for thrill seekers, Adventure Hub’s rock climbing and abseiling will test the brave and get the adrenaline pumping.

I’ve pulled together a list of school holiday activities across the Hills, check it out here.

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Christmas On Country: Bring your team together this Christmas with activities that connect, inspire and celebrate First Nations culture. From storytelling and art classes to mindfulness walks, live music and Indigenous tasting plates, Christmas on Country offers experiences that are both meaningful and memorable. Packages are flexible and designed to suit groups of all sizes. To explore options or book a session, reach out to Jade at [email protected] or visit www.thirdcamp.com.au.

The next Bremer Valley Pop-Up Gallery is set for Saturday 11 October, 11am–4pm at the Callington Memorial Hall. This vibrant community event is a celebration of local art and creativity, bringing together talented makers, hands-on activities, and a buzzing market atmosphere. Visitors can watch artists at work, chat with creators about their process, and let the kids dive into the fun of the craft table. To top it off, The Tea Room will be serving Devonshire Teas – the perfect treat while soaking up the creativity on display. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support local talent and be inspired by the unique art and spirit of the Bremer Valley.

MARKETS

🌿 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
| MARKET | Mount Pleasant
📅 Saturday, 4 October | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Spend your Saturday morning exploring fresh seasonal produce, gourmet goods, and handmade delights at this beloved country market. With live music, coffee, and local charm, it’s the perfect weekend outing.

🥕 Adelaide Hills Farmers Market
| MARKET | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, 4 October| 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Set under the elms at 23 Mann Street, this weekly market is the heart of the Adelaide Hills, bringing together fresh produce, local artisans, and a vibrant community spirit.

🛍️ Mylor Market
| MARKET | Mylor
📅 Sunday, 5 October | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A community market with plants, homemade gifts, crafts, baked goods, preserves, and fresh produce to explore. 

🍎 Uraidla Market
| MARKET | Uraidla
📅 Sunday, 5 October | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Browse fresh produce, crafts, art, plants, and local goods at this much-loved twice-monthly market. 

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

📖 A Special Evening with Fiona McIntosh
| AUTHOR TALK | Wallis Cinemas, Mount Barker
📅 Thursday, 2 October | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Join bestselling author Fiona McIntosh for an engaging evening as she shares the inspiration behind her new novel The Soldier's Daughter along with stories from her writing adventures. INFO

🌱 Adelaide Hills Native Habitat Gardening Workshop
| WORKSHOP | Stirling
📅 Thursday, 2 October | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Discover how to create a thriving garden that attracts local birds, butterflies, and wildlife, with free native plant kits available for attendees. INFO

🧚 Fairy & Elf Picnic
| FAMILY | Aldgate
📅 Saturday, 4 October | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Step into a magical day of fairy fun with entertainers, activities, face painting, and sweet treats in the enchanting gardens of Stangate House. INFO

🦄 MAGICAL GARDEN: Colourful Clay Animals Workshop
| CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, 4 October | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Kids aged 6–12 can create their own colourful clay animal to take home in this fun, imaginative holiday workshop. INFO

🎨 MAGICAL GARDEN: Painting and Collage Kids Workshop
| CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, 4 October | 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Kids aged 6–12 can explore painting and collage inspired by the Academy gardens in this creative holiday workshop. INFO

🎶 Andy & Anne
| LIVE MUSIC | Balhannah
📅 Saturday, 4 October | 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Award-winning country artists Andy Penkow and Anne Fraser join forces for an unforgettable night of storytelling, soul-stirring lyrics, and heartfelt music. INFO

🎨 Spring Flowers Painting Course at The Cedars
| ART WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Saturdays, 4 – 25 October | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join a four-week painting course at Hans Heysen’s historic Cedars, capturing spring blooms with guidance from artist Zinia King. INFO

🎻 Cuarteto Quiroga at UKARIA
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, 5 October | 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Experience the vibrant artistry of Cuarteto Quiroga as they perform works by Mozart, Ginastera, and Brahms in their Australian debut at the renowned UKARIA concert hall. INFO

🏁 2025 Adelaide Hills Rally
| SPORT | Adelaide Hills
📅 Friday, 3 – Sunday, 5 October | Various Times
Experience the thrill as the Adelaide Hills Rally takes over the region, with stages across the hills and the main service park at Summit Sport and Recreation Park, Mount Barker. INFO

🍇 Gamay Fest 2025
| FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL | Lobethal
📅 Sunday, 5 October | All Day
Celebrate Gamay with tastings from 10 Adelaide Hills producers, bao buns, and a special masterclass at the inaugural Gamay Fest. INFO

🌱 Interactive Nature Play Storytime: Small to Tall on Forest Floor
| FAMILY & KIDS | Stirling
📅 Thursday, 2 October | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
A playful storytime for children aged 4–7 to explore forest plants and trees through books, songs, and interactive activities. INFO

🤖 Epic Robot Battle at Stirling
| FAMILY & KIDS | Stirling Library
📅 Friday, 3 October | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Kids aged 8–15 can dive into robotics with Robogals Adelaide, learning programming and sensors before testing their robot in an exciting battle arena. INFO

🏍️ Veteran and Vintage MCCSA Motorcycle Swap Meet
| COMMUNITY & HERITAGE | Balhannah
📅 Sunday, 5 October 2025 | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Explore an incredible showcase of motorcycles plus parts and memorabilia at the 24th MCCSA Swap Meet and Show. INFO

🏉 One Step Ahead School Holiday AFL Clinic
| SPORTS & RECREATION | Woodside
📅 Tuesday, 7 October | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kids aged 9–14 can build AFL skills, game sense, and confidence in this holiday clinic with limited spots available. INFO

🧪 STEM Challenge at Gumeracha
| KIDS & FAMILY | Gumeracha
📅 Tuesday, 7 October | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Kids aged 7–12 can race against the clock in exciting mini STEM challenges like building towers and ziplining baskets in this fun, hands-on session. INFO

🎨 Play with Polymer Clay at Gumeracha
| KIDS & FAMILY | Gumeracha
📅 Wednesday, 8 October | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Kids aged 6–14 can sculpt their own charms, beads, or mini sculptures while learning shaping and texturing techniques in this fun clay workshop. INFO

👜 Design Your Own Book Tote at Woodside
| KIDS & FAMILY | Woodside
📅 Wednesday, 8 October | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Kids 8+ can drop in to Woodside Library to decorate a colourful tote bag with stencils, paint pens, and imagination, perfect for books, treasures, or snacks. INFO

🧱 LEGO Imagination Station at Stirling
| KIDS & FAMILY | Stirling
📅 Wednesday, 8 October | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Young builders aged 7–10 are invited to take on fun LEGO challenges to design, create, and build at Stirling Library. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🏎️ Shannons Adelaide Rally 2025
| MOTORSPORT | Adelaide Hills
📅 Friday, 21 – Sunday, 23 November | Various times
Australia’s largest tarmac rally returns with three thrilling days of high-speed action through the Adelaide Hills, featuring spectator zones for fans to get close to the excitement. INFO

🎶 Grace Barbé with Iain Grandage
| MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Saturday, 15 November | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
An intimate evening with award-winning artist Grace Barbé, blending the rich Kreol traditions of the Seychelles with polyrhythmic grooves and soaring vocals, joined by guitarist Jamie Searle and local string players Julian Ferraretto and Steve King. INFO

🌿 Radical Reset Retreat
| WELLNESS & MINDFULNESS | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Thursday, 6 – Sunday, 9 November | Various times
A restorative four-day retreat at Twin Peaks offering guided meditation, yoga, nourishing food, and time to reconnect with stillness and purpose. INFO

🌸 Mt Barker Waldorf School Spring Fair
| COMMUNITY & FAMILY | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, 25 October | 7:30 AM
A vibrant day of handcrafted stalls, delicious food, live music, games, and a showcase of the school’s unique education, perfect for the whole family. INFO

🎧 Deep Listening to Nature’s Resilience
| ECOLOGY | Mount Barker
📅 Friday, 10 October | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Join acoustic ecologist Andrew Skeoch for an immersive soundscape journey, exploring how birdsong reveals the deeper resilience and interconnectedness of nature. INFO

_{Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry. I hope it added a moment of enjoyment to your day.}

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of our land. We recognise Peramangk and Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the place where the content in this newsletter is featured and where the newsletter is created. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future and to the cultural authority of First Nations Peoples from other areas of this country.