Skip to main content
News
Whether you’re getting together with your mates for a night out, planning a date night, or looking for something creative to do with the kids during the school holidays, the Glenelg Winter Arts Festival is your go-to destination this winter.

Colley Reserve is set to be transformed into a vibrant arts hub, with Gluttony, the City of Holdfast Bay, and Jetty Road Glenelg partnering for the first time to launch Glenelg Winter Arts Festival.

As the temperature drops, the festival is set to bring heat to the Bay, forcing Adelaide out of hibernation with its electric array of performers, musicians, and comedians.

Thousands of patrons are expected to converge on the Bay over the July school holidays, for two weeks of action-packed programs.

Off the back of Gluttony’s hugely successful Fringe season, Program Director Elena Kirschbaum is ecstatic to keep audiences enthralled this winter.

“Glenelg Winter Arts Festival is a fun, new opportunity for Adelaide residents and visitors to celebrate and engage with the arts during winter, in one of Adelaide’s iconic coastal locations.

“One of the Bay’s premier reserves will be abuzz with ticketed shows, fun workshops, and cosy spaces.

“Whether you’re getting together with your mates for a night out, planning a date night, or looking for something creative to do with the kids during the school holidays, the festival is your go-to destination,” said Elena.

Parents will rejoice, as the festival has a packed program of daily workshops, kid-friendly shows, and fun past times, making it a unique destination for families during the winter break.

At night, Australia’s top comedians, including Will Anderson, Rove McManus, Peter Helliar, Nazeem Hussain, and Mel Buttle will entertain the masses.

Fringe favourites will also be back, including Rachel Vidoni who will front the new production, Her Majesty: The Queen Rock Show. Rachel wowed audiences in March, taking out the title of the Adelaide Fringe’s Best Music Show for 2023.

Creator of Adelaide Fringe hit shows, 80s Ladies and Stevie Wonder tribute show, Wonderfull, Chloe Castledine, will bring her highly anticipated new production, Noughtie Girl.

After dark performers will captivate audiences with adults-only entertainment. Fire circus spectacle Inferno and Red District, created by pole dancing champion, Carlie Hunter will spice up the cold nights. As well as a brand new, sexy circus show, Peek, and an adults-only magic show.

City of Holdfast Bay Mayor, Amanda Wilson, says the festival is the best way to kick start winter, with so much on offer at Glenelg.

“We love to host events in Holdfast Bay, especially at Glenelg, which is Adelaide’s favourite seaside destination, all year round.

“It’s the best way to kick start winter and with so much else on offer at Glenelg to enjoy - be it brunch, lunch, or dinner with some shopping on Jetty Road in between – there’s never been a better time to stay and play at the Bay.

“We cannot wait to welcome the crowds for the Glenelg Winter Arts Festival which is shaping up to be the hottest event in Adelaide this July,” said Ms. Wilson.

Two big top tents will be erected at Colley Reserve, with both tents heated, as well as stretch tents for undercover gathering spaces and bustling market stalls over the weekends.

The cosy space, will come to life with festoon lighting, fires to gather around, acoustic live music, and plenty of outdoor heaters and throw blankets.

“Rug up, jump on the tram from the city, and take a stroll from Jetty Road over to Colley Reserve to enjoy an event like nothing we’ve ever seen before in Holdfast Bay – with live shows involving comedians, magicians, and circus performers, painting and art workshops and more for the whole family to enjoy,” said Ms. Wilson.

Glenelg Winter Arts Festival will run from Thursday 6 July to Sunday 23 July 2023.