Spring has sprung and September’s offering is here to help you get into the seasonal spirit. From the arts and music to festivals and markets, On The Record has got you covered with its list of what’s on. (Image: Leah Newhouse)
By Sophia Lattas | @SophiaLattas
This month’s guide to what’s on features a mix of free and cheap events to ease you back into September after the Royal Adelaide Show’s madness.
OTR has found large-scale productions like Grease, local gigs and culturally diverse and inclusive festivals for you to indulge in this month.
Adelaide’s beloved market, Gilles at the Grounds, makes a return. There are also a handful of author talks on offer.
Arts
Grease
The much-loved musical Grease is running from September 28 through to late October at Her Majesty’s Theatre. The production stars Patti Newton as Miss Lynch, Jay Laga’aia as Vince Fontaine and Paulini as Teen Angel, and iconic hits like “Greased Lightnin’”, “Hopelessly Devoted to You”, “Summer Loving” and “You’re The One That I Want” promise to create an electrifying atmosphere.
When: September 28 to October 26
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre 58 Grote St, Adelaide SA 5000
Concerts & Music
Thunder Speaks
The electronic psych rock ensemble Thunder Speaks has a free gig coming up at the Grace Emily Hotel on September 13.
When: September 13
Where: Grace Emily Hotel 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
The Tullamarines
Local indie pop-rock band The Tullamarines are touring Australia in support of their recent single release, “Loser”, and Adelaide is their final stop. The Tullamarines are set to take the stage on September 28, supported by Sofia Menguita and Underlay.
When: September 28
Where: Jive 181 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000
Listen In
This year, Listen In — the concentrated version of Listen Out — features a line-up of electronic and hip-hop headliners including 21 Savage, John Summit and Skepta.
Tickets are currently on fourth release and can be purchased here.
When: September 29 from 2pm
Where: Ellis Park Adelaide SA 5000
Festivals
Adelaide Guitar Festival
As part of its festival offering, the Guitars in Bars program showcases SA’s live music scene and the humble guitar this month. From September 16 to 27, local artists will storm the stage across clubs, pubs and shops in a series of both free and ticketed events.
View the full program here.
When: September 16 to 27
Where: multiple locations
Australian Film Diversity and Inclusion Foundation (AFDIF) Film Festival
This free film festival offers films and screenplays which highlight culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people living with disability, and underrepresented minorities.
Book here.
When: September 27 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Wallis Cinema Mitcham Shopping Centre 119 Belair Rd, Torrens Park SA 5062
Nature Festival of South Australia
Returning for its fifth year, the Nature Festival explores the theme “Awe” with over 400 nature-inspired events. Each event is captivating, centred around detaching oneself from the rush of daily life to reconnect with nature and the world that encompasses it.
From hikes and yoga to culture and nature walks, there are a handful of free activities to choose from. View the full program here.
When: September 28 to October 13
Where: multiple locations
Adelaide Latin Festival
Off the back of its successful debut in 2023, the Adelaide Latin Festival is returning this September for a jam-packed weekend filled with dancing, live music and authentic cuisine.
Connect with Adelaide Latin Festival on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know or purchase event tickets here.
When: September 20 to 21
Where: Adelaide Gaol 18 Gaol Rd, Adelaide SA 5000
Empyre Fire Festival
Empyre returns for its fourth year, offering an immersive experience that encompasses fire, light and sound. The free festival draws in talent from across Australia, promising fire installations, pyrotechnics, shows and more.
Connect with Empyre on Facebook and Instagram.
When: September 21
Where: Victoria Square Adelaide SA 5000
Markets
Gilles at the Grounds
The much-loved Sunday market is returning this September to welcome spring in a Gilles fashion. The atmospheric market will be brimming with live music — as per usual, food stalls, and a variety of local vendors will be on offer.
When: September 22
Where: Adelaide Showgrounds
Talks
Library up Late: author showcase
Discover new stories and meet the authors behind them at Library up Late. The evening will feature a handful of local fiction authors who will share their recent works and insight into creative processes. The lineup of featured authors includes Bonnie Torbet, Michelle Jäger, Rosalie Wodecki and more.
This is a free event and while bookings are encouraged — reserve a spot here — drop-ins are welcome.
When: September 20 7pm to 9pm
Where: City of Tea Tree Gully Library 571 Montague Rd, Modbury SA 5092
In Conversation with Dr Karl
The much-loved Australian science broadcaster and author Dr Karl Kruszelnicki — better known as Dr Karl — is celebrating the release of his long-awaited autobiography, A Periodic Tale: My Sciencey Memoir, on September 23. Dr Karl will discuss his new book and sign copies at the end of the evening.
Tickets are $10 and can be booked here.
When: September 23 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Regent Theatre 275 Kensington Road, Kensington Park SA 5068
Thank you for reading this month’s edition of “What’s On”. Keep your eyes peeled for OTR’s August article.