Cellar door experiences

Led by industry experts, each cellar door event at the Show offers something a little bit different, so whether you’re after a sweet treat or something classier, check them out. From 10am at the TasteSA stands, the ice-cream experience begins, followed by chocolate tastings at 10:45am. Later in the day is what you’d expect from the term cellar door: wine tastings, with slots open from 2 to 5pm, before beer and cider tastings at 6:30pm. Each session runs for 40 minutes – plenty of time to indulge – as the experts share the different styles and varieties of each drink. Tasting spots are first-come, first-served and will cost you a gold coin donation to the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA Education Foundation.

Cookie Luxe

If you haven’t understood why Dubai chocolate has been trending, Cookie Luxe can show you why at their stall in the Jubilee Pavilion. If Dubai chocolate isn’t on your radar, no problem; the Adelaide-based bakery will have loaded croissants and over 15 flavours of loaded cookies stuffed with creativity. For nearly 10 years, the family-owned business has been serving gourmet treats with immense attention to detail. You’re sure to find something familiar with a twist to try this show season.

Farmers Union Ice Coffee

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We couldn’t omit the local as FUIC brand, especially when they’ve teamed up with local artist Kerri Wright, making their stall a must-stop. You’ll find more than just a caffeine hit at their Royal Show stall this year, with a limited-edition tote bag that reimagines the hero white carton in her signature style. Kerri says she used a linocut style to bring in layers to reflect the heritage of the brand, reflecting its place in the South Australian zeitgeist. You’ll find the iconic iced coffee, the FUIC show bag, and merch, including the Kerri Wright tote, along with umbrellas, footy scarves, hoodies, cooler bags and car carton caddies.

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Hahndorf Gourmet

If savoury is more your style then at least one item from Hanhndorf Gourmet’s fresh quality meats selection will likely end up on your dining room table. The outlet is a multi-award-winner drawing from original recipes to create traditional tastes in their European, Baltic, and Continental style foods. The business has been running since the 1970s, selling meats at a retail level, and wholesale to venues across Australia, and now at the Royal Adelaide Show they’ll be located at Taste SA.

Heaps Good Spirits

The Heaps Good brand started off as a lockdown hobby and has now made its way into Adelaide bottle shops, and the Adelaide Royal Show. Located in the food and wine section of the Goyder Pavilion is the spirits brand that is proudly South Australian in its ingredients, manufacturing, and taste. Heaps Good Spirits has a diverse range of flavours. From their fresh and fruity gin to their sweet and sour vodkas, they offer a fun, locally made mix.

Paella bar

There’s more to a Royal Show feed than a Dagwood dog or cinnamon doughnuts (although we have a special place in our hearts for them too) but if you’re looking for something tasty to fill you up all day, then this is a must-try. Since 2012, Paella Bar has been catering for crowds in Adelaide at festivals and parties so they know how to get a feed from the kitchen to your mouth ASAP. You can find the Paella Bar food truck at Kingsway Gourmet, along with a range of menu options ranging from chicken to seafood to vegan items, served with a range of sauces and condiments to your liking.

Strawberries Galore

Struggling to decide between a fruity afternoon snack and a classic showground dessert? Make your way to Strawberries Galore for both. Located at the Woodchop, the dessert van sells fresh South Australian-grown strawberries, by themselves, and with cream, yogurt, and even as pancakes and mouse. The family-owned business has been operating within Adelaide for over 21 years, and first opened their business in South Australia in 1986. Since then, the Strawberries Galore food truck has served customers desserts made from SA produce across state lines in Victoria and the Northern Territory, creating a name for themselves at interstate Royal Shows too.

Dog judging competition

From 9am each day, the Vilis Dog Pavilion is the place to be for dog lovers, as the dog judging competition has multiple categories to determine who takes out the crown for man’s best friend. Each day covers a different competition, so if the jumping test on Saturday doesn’t interest you, the dancing competition on Sunday might.

Laura Hill

Laura Hill is the 2018 winner of the South Australian People’s Choice Folk award, will play the Show’s Kingsway stage. Laura’s music tells a story through its mix of soulful vibes, blending together folk and pop. The artist has toured across the nation and captured the crowd with her emotionally raw tracks. Laura’s latest EP is set to drop this year, and will be her first recording in seven years, so give her a watch and you’ll be able to tell people you were there before her new project dropped.

Southern Lights Spectacular

The nightly show will use drones and lasers alongside immersive soundscapes to put on amazing displays of light and sound. The experience will use these special effects to celebrate South Australian Stories. The show is an Australian-first, something for the entire family to wonder at as they show the world of the Aurora Australis. Catch the Southern Lights Spectacular at the main arena from Sunday to Thursday at 7:45pm and 8:45pm Friday to Saturday.

Boombox Bootscoot

If you just want to hear your favourite 80s tunes again, the Boombox Bootscoot band have you covered. Presented by Gluttony, these six musos will perform country renditions of classic anthems. They lean into the country charm, dressed up in their western outfits. You may recognise the group from the Adelaide Fringe earlier this year, and each member has a background as music teachers for different schooling levels. Whether you’re there with the family or have left the kids at home, hop on the dance floor with the Boombox Bootscoot band from 2pm each day from August 30 to September 7.