Festival connecting South Australians through shared history


Frida Las Vegas will take lovers of South Australian kitsch on a unique journey during this month's History Festival.

If you love sport, check out  …

The Australian Pavilion (external site) (external site)

A sporting museum in a pharmacy? Trust us, it makes sense when you see it.sport

Located in the Midnight Pharmacy on Frome Street, The Australian Pavilion is dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of sports, with a special focus on cricket and soccer.

Journey through time, exploring the evolution and cultural significance of these beloved sports.

When: Throughout May, 9am to 10pm

Where: 199 Frome Street, Adelaide

How much: Free

Into the weird and wonderful? Don’t miss …

SA Kitsch: The Strange Stuff That Makes Us Great (external site) (external site)

Shake off the cultural cringe and join queen of kitsch Stavroula Adameitis, aka Frida Las Vegas, for a nostalgic walk down memory lane in Adelaide Arcade.

This presentation will celebrate the specifics from our history – from far-out food to objectionable objects – inspired by Frida’s forthcoming book, Australianarama.

When: Thursday 21 May, 6pm-7.30pm

Where: Adelaide Arcade

How much: $10

Want to learn more about First Nations culture?

Community Weaving Project (external site) (external site)

Learn basic weaving techniques with First Nations artist Kyla McHughs.

Participants have the option to attend one or more of the sessions on offer and the pieces prodweavinguced will be joined together to form one sculptural piece which will be displayed in the Goolwa Haven/Library.

When: Every Friday in May, 11am-12.30pm

Where: Goolwa Library

How much: Free

Researching First Nations History With State Records (external site) (external site)

State Records presents an information session on how to start researching your First Nations family history.

When: Thursday 14 May, 10am-11.30am

Where: Port Adelaide Library

How much: Free

Does music rock your world? Don’t miss …

Adelaide: City of Music Walking Tour (external site) (external site)

Adelaide is Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music. Join us and discover the reasons why our city was given this honour. We will pass iconic music venues, visit laneways, and see street art influenced by Adelaide musicians, and listen to the music of our city as we uncover its rich musical heritage.

When: Wednesday May 6, 20 and 27, 1.30pm-3pm

Where: Meet at Hindley St Music Hall

How much: Adult $35, child $20

Pongy Festsabbath (external site) (external site)

It is 1971 and Australia’s answer to Woodstock took place on the outskirts of Myponga.

Local band Sometimes Kevin play songs from the festival and more, interspersed with stories of the epic event.

From headliners Black Sabbath (pictured) to groups that morphed into Australian musical legends like Daddy Cool and the Angels, a milestone well worth celebrating.

When: Saturday 16 May, 5.30pm-10.30pm

Where: Myponga hall

How much: $50 (including dinner)

If you’re a true crime aficionado, you’ll love …

Adelaide Executions Walking Tour (external site) (external site)

From 1838 to 1964, 66 people were executed in South Australia. Fifty years after the abolition of the death penalty, join an expert guide to learn about six of South Australia’s most notorious historic murderers.

Stopping at the scene of each crime, you will learn about the murders for which each of these killers paid the ultimate price.

When: Saturday 2 and16 May, 2pm-4pm, Saturday May 9 and 30, 5pm-7pm

Where: Starting at Charles St, Adelaide

How much: $30

Does rail history keep you on track?

The Port Line (external site) (external site)

The Adelaide to Port Adelaide railway opened for traffic in April 1856. It was the Colony of South Australia’s first steam traction railway. On 21 April 2026, it was 170 years since the service began. Brian Samuels’ presentation includes the line’s links to international figures and the work currently underway at Alberton Railway Station.

When: Wednesday 20 May, 7.30pm-9pm

Where: Port Adelaide Historical Society Museum

How much: $5

Want to know more about the migrants who helped build our country?

A Shimmering Thread: Italian Migrants, Memories & Making Home (external site) (external site)

Local author Laura Di Martino explores Italian migration to 1920s Adelaide through her new novel A Shimmering Thread.

War widow Clementina journeys from devastated Abruzzo to Adelaide, where embroiderylaura skills become her lifeline.

Join Laura as she shares the historical research and the real migrant experiences that shaped her story.

When: Thursday 21 May, 6.30pm-7.30pm

Where: Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre

How much: Free

Hungry for history?

For Cheese Lovers: Adelaide Cheese Club Presents (external site) (external site)

There is a cheese club? Indeed there is. The Adelaide Branch of the Cheese Club of Australia is the oldest in the country, marking 56 years. Kingston’s Historic House is delighted to host President Tony Randall sharing the club’s story, followed by a guided cheese tasting with Cheesemaster Janine Baigent.

When: Sunday 3 May, 2.30pm-4.30pm

Where: Kingston's Historic House, Kingston Park

How much: $15

For a complete list of events go to the festival's website. (external site)

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