Get out this winter: what's on across the south

Published on 02 June 2026

Winter has arrived in Onkaparinga, and while the beaches may be quieter, the region is anything but sleepy.

June is packed with long lunches by the fire, live music, cosy cellar doors, family-friendly events, art experiences, workshops and weekends worth leaving the house for. From McLaren Vale to Port Noarlunga, there’s plenty happening to help shake off hibernation mode and rediscover your local patch.

Whether you’re planning a date night, family outing, catch-up with friends or simply looking for an excuse to explore somewhere new, here are a few reasons to get out and about this winter.

Cosy up with red wine, open fires and winter dining

Winter and McLaren Vale are a pretty perfect match.

Several local wineries and venues are leaning into the season with warming food experiences, live music and winter events that make the most of crisp days and long afternoons.

The June long weekend sees Day Dance return to McLaren Vale, bringing music, wine and vineyard views together across two neighbouring festival spaces in the heart of wine country.

Meanwhile, Smoking Brews Festival at Alinga is set to warm things up with smoky barbecue, local brews and a relaxed winter festival atmosphere perfect for rugged-up afternoons outdoors.

At Star of Greece, a seasonal Duck and Pinot experience brings rich winter flavours together with one of the best coastal views in the state. The cooler weather somehow makes the dramatic clifftop setting feel even more special.

Over at Oliver's Taranga Vineyards, the annual Fireside Party returns on Sunday 21 June, combining wine, warmth and winter atmosphere in the heart of wine country.

Winter Solstice celebrations also arrive with Wine Sessions in the Ruins on Sunday 21 June — an intimate tasting experience set among the region’s historic ruins.

And if your ideal Sunday includes live music, pizza and a glass of local wine, Sunday Sounds at Beach Road Wines runs weekly throughout winter with local artists, vineyard views and seasonal dishes.

This is also the perfect time to rediscover:

• cosy cellar doors with fireplaces such as Hither and Yon in Willunga, Main & Cherry in Chandlers Hill or Shottesbrooke Vineyards in McLaren Flat

• breweries and distilleries serving winter seasonal releases

• cafés doing comfort food well such as Manna McLaren Vale and Grounded in Lonsdale

• bakeries for post-walk pastries and coffee like The Espy Bakehouse in Christies Beach and Becks Bakehouse in Port Noarlunga

• restaurants showcasing hearty local produce like The Salopian Inn, The Currant Shed or Pearl Aldinga.

Winter weekends for families

There’s plenty happening for families this month too.

The Community Tree Giveaway and Family Fun Day returns to the Woodcroft Community Centre and Library on Sunday 28 June, with free native trees for residents alongside activities for children and families.

Young people can also get involved in a range of City of Onkaparinga youth programs and events throughout winter — from music and creative workshops to recreation activities and social hangouts designed to help young people connect, build confidence and try something new.

If you’re looking for simple weekend ideas, winter is also a great excuse to:

• visit local playgrounds and nature reserves between rain showers

• warm up with hot chocolates at local cafés such as Bracegirdles in McLaren Vale, Breeze Café & Bar in Aldinga Beach or Wild Flour in Willunga

• explore markets and artisan stores

• take a scenic drive through the hills and vineyards.

Experiences like the Highland Cow Experience in Clarendon — where visitors can cuddle and meet fluffy Highland cows — are proving especially popular during the cooler months.

Live music, theatre and nights out

Need an excuse for a night out? June’s calendar is packed with entertainment.

The Arts Centre Port Noarlunga hosts several standout performances this month, including:

• Band of the SA Police on Wednesday 10 June

• ABBA GOLD – ARRIVAL 50 YEARS on Saturday 13 June

• Monty Python Singalong Circus on Saturday 27 June.

It’s the kind of line-up that makes winter evenings feel a lot less quiet.

Before the show, there’s also a good excuse to explore nearby restaurants, wine bars, dessert spots and late-night dining options such as Noori, Fleet Street Social and Hawker Street Eats in Port Noarlunga and Boomers Bar and Kitchen, LandBar and Portal 58 in Christies Beach.

Slow down and try something different

One of the best things about winter is that it invites you to slow down a little.

That might mean booking a creative workshop, taking a guided tour, browsing a market or finally trying an experience you’ve been meaning to do for years.

This month you can:

• make your own pressed flower lamp in a beginner workshop in McLaren Vale

• explore the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize

• jump on a winter e-bike experience with SA eBikes through wine country

• take a tuk tuk tour with SA eBikes through McLaren Vale

• browse local makers and producers at the Willunga Quarry Market and the Vale Market.

Winter is also the season for simple pleasures — long lunches, slow drives, live music, local shopping and discovering businesses you might otherwise rush past during the busier months.

Make a day of it

One event can easily turn into a full winter day out.

Start with breakfast at a local café, browse boutiques or galleries, stop for a tasting or long lunch, then finish with live music, a show or dessert somewhere cosy before heading home.

The south really comes alive in a different way during winter, so rug up, invite a few friends and get out there this June.