THE South Australian summer events calendar is full of big gigs from great music concerts right through to the Mad March festivities. But there’s even more, and we bring 50 of the best things to do this summer.

■ SOME LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

You know Father Christmas isn’t far away when Christmas lights start sparkling in the Adelaide darkness. About 50 minutes drive from the city, nestled in the Adelaide Hills, is the little town of Lobethal, famous for its Christmas lights — the largest community Christmas light display in the Southern Hemisphere.

Details: December 13 to 30. www.lightsoflobethal.com.au

■ GET OUT IN THE GARDEN

media_camera Not only is the Botanic Garden picturesque and a perfect spot for a Sunday picnic, it’s also free.

Not only is the Botanic Garden picturesque and a perfect spot for a Sunday picnic, it’s also free. You can marvel at the wonders of the gardens, including the Wollemi pine, which dates back to the time of dinosaurs, the mysterious Amazonica waterlily, which flowers only at night, and Australia’s oldest avenue of Morton Bay Fig trees.

Details: Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide. Open everyday.

■ IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE

There is a different school holiday activity on every day and the Adelaide Zoo’s brand new Nature’s Playground opens in mid-December. Out of the city you’ll find SA’s open plains zoo, Monarto. Here you’ll find all the African favourites, from giraffes to rhinos.

Details: Both zoos are open 9.30am-5pm every day, including Christmas Day. Last entry to Monarto is at 3pm. Tickets from $18.50. www.adelaidezoo.com.au or www.monartozoo.com.au

■ RUNNING WITHOUT A STITCH

If you’re looking for something different to do this summer, the Running Bare: Pilwarren Maslin Beach Nude Games might just be for you. The event started in 1983 at Maslin Beach — Australia’s first nudist beach — and has events from the frisbee throwing to a three-legged race. Plus there’s a prize for the Best Bum.

Details: Off Gulf Parade, Maslin Beach. Sunday, January 17, 2016, from midday. pilwarren.com

■ TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

media_camera Cleland Wildlife Park gets you in touch with nature.

From meeting the koalas (held by many famous visitors), to getting up close to the reptiles or taking a night walk through the park to see what wakes up when the sun goes down, Cleland Wildlife Park gets you in touch with nature.

Details: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers. Open 9.30am-5pm every day except Christmas Day or on days of catastrophic fire danger. Tickets from $11.

www.environment.sa.gov.au/clelandwildlife/Home

■ BRIEF ENCOUNTER

It’s not often you get to run around the city in your underwear without getting arrested. When you’re also raising money for a good cause, what’s holding you back from getting your kit off.

Money raised by the People’s Choice Undies Run for Bowel Cancer goes back into finding a cure for the disease, plus you get the warm and fuzzies from giving back to the community and exercising on a Sunday — it’s a win, win!

Details: Rymill Park, Adelaide. Sunday, January 17, from 5pm. www.undiesrun.com.au

■ ROCK ON!

media_camera A visitor walks the Hallett Cove to Marino Boardwalk

This 7km Hallett Cove Boardwalk is a clifftop stroll along the rocky coastline between Marino and Hallett Cove. Not only is it visually beautiful but you’ll also get a sweat up. There are lots of options when it comes to tackling the walk. The train line is not far away, so you could even walk one way and catch the train back.

Details: Open everyday. www.walkingsa.org.au

■ IF YOU LIKE PINA COLADAS AND GETTING CAUGHT … WITH A GOOD BOOK

Can’t decide between grabbing a good book and grabbing a cocktail with friends? Well, The Bibliotheca Bar & Book Exchange has solved your problem. This little bar is hidden in the CBD of Adelaide, with a wide range of international spirits, books and classic decor.

Details: 27 Gresham St, Adelaide. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 2am. www.bibliotheca.com.au

■ A DIFFERENT STYLE OF LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

If you love local food, drinks, art, fashion, home decor and warm summer nights, then the Adelaide Night Market is for you. The market provides a relaxing and family friendly environment with unique products, held on the last Sunday of every month from October to March.

Details: Prince Henry Garden, North Terrace, Adelaide. Sunday, December 13 and Sunday, January 31. facebook.com/AdelaideNightMarket/

■ ALL PRAISE THE MIGHTY TUNA

Held in Port Lincoln, the Tunarama Festival is based around a traditional competition of throwing fish, but that’s not all it has to offer — there is also a variety of food and wine, family friendly entertainment and other summer-related activities.

Details: Port Lincoln Foreshore. January 22-26 www.tunarama.net

■ FALL IN LOVE WITH GHOST THE MUSICAL

Who can forget the haunting love story of the Oscar-winning movie Ghost? Rob Mills and Jemma Rix are starring in a new Australian production of the stage musical adaptation premiering here in Adelaide.

Details: Festival Theatre. January 7-13. www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

■ AHOY!:POPEYE AND THE ZOMBIE PIRATES

Join Popeye the Sailor Man on the high seas at the SA Maritime Museum. Expect to see sunken treasure, giant octopuses, sea hags, zombie pirates and spinach in this interactive comedy adventure where children will be able to be part the performance.

Details: SA Maritime Museum, 126 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide. Weekdays from Monday, January 4 to Friday, January 22. Performances at 11am and 1pm. Free with normal museum entry.

■GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING

Kids, test your skills playing racing video games including old-school favourites like Pole Position on the Atari 2600 or Nigel Mansell’s World Championship on Super Nintendo. Or why not challenge mum and dad to a Mario Kart showdown.

Details: National Motor Museum, Shannon Street, Birdwood. Daily from Saturday, December 12 to Sunday, January 31.

■ BRANCH OUT WITH A TREE LIKE ME

Celebrate the diversity of families and your own family tree at the Migration Museum. Make a 3D tree from recycled materials and decorate it with your favourite memories and things that represent the special people in your life to take home or put on display in the museum’s enchanted forest.

Details: Migration Museum, 82 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide. Drop-in program runs Saturday, December 12 to Sunday, January 31

■ GET YOUR KICKS AT TARNANTHI

Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia’s free art activity space The Bush Footy Studio and make your own TARNANTHI-inspired footballer or fan.

Details: Art Gallery of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide. Open daily, 10am — 5pm. Cost Free, all materials supplied

Visit artgallery.sa.gov.au/agsa/home/Learning/Tarnanthi

■ FROCK UP TO MISS FISHER MURDER MYSTERIES COSTUME EXHIBITION

Fans of the popular ABC TV series will love this chic and cheeky exhibition in Ayers House, hosted by the National Trust of South Australia.

Details: Ayers House Museum, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide. Open daily, 10am — 5pm, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. www.missfisherexhibition.com.au

■ OH HOLY NIGHT (AND DAY)

Enjoy all your favourite Christmas carols in a singalong with musical theatre stars Adelaide’s own Debora Krizak and Bobby Fox in a fun Christmas Proms concert series conducted by Timothy Sexton.

Details: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre. Friday, December 18, 11am and 7.30pm, and Saturday, December 19, 2pm and 6.30pm. www.bass.net.au

■ SHAKE YOUR GROOVE TWANG

After the successful Guitar Festival Orchestra in 2014, the Adelaide Festival Centre is now holding a Guitar Festival Summer School. Learn classical guitar playing skills from experienced teachers and enjoy some international guests. No audition, but a minimum skill level alike to AMEB Grade 3 is required.

Details: Adelaide Festival Centre. January 18-22. Registrations close January 8.

www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/guitar-festival

■ PARTY LIKE IT’S 1989

media_camera Taylor Swift performs at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 7 and 8.

The world’s biggest pop star Taylor Swift is bringing her 1989 tour Down Under. Don’t miss out on all the new hits, as well as some old favourites.

Details: Adelaide Entertainment Centre. December 7 and 8, 7pm. www.premier.ticketek.com.au

■ HUGH’S BRINGING SEXY BACK

Hugh Jackman is coming home to perform live on stage. The award-winning star will be performing his Broadway to Oz show, based on his sell out US show Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway.

Details: Adelaide Entertainment Centre. December 10-12, 8pm. www.premier.ticketek.com.au

■ HEAVIER THAN A BOX OF HAMMERS

Get ready! The Amity Affliction and A Day To Remember are doing a massive Australian tour together this December. This is one of the biggest rock/metalcore shows this year and includes other guest bands such as Motionless In White and The Ghost Inside.

Details: Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Wednesday, December 16. www.premier.ticketek.com.au

■ MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC WITH ELTON JOHN AND HIS BAND

media_camera Elton John performs in Adelaide on January 28

The legendary Sir Elton John is playing all the hits from his brilliant career spanning five decades including songs from his classic album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Details: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tuesday, January 28, 7pm. Visit www.theaec.net

■ CATCH YOUR IDOL

See Amercian Idol finalist turned international star Adam Lambert in this intimate show as part of his The Original High tour supported by 20-year-old New York artist Melanie Martinez.

Details: Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Tuesday, December 15, 8pm. www.theaec.net

■ SASSY SWIZZLE

Get ready for a brand new show jam-packed with acrobatics, cabaret and feisty entertainment. Get ready for Club Swizzle! If you’re looking for a fun and fantastic night out, then this show is not one to be missed. Suitable for ages 12 and over.

Details: Space Theatre, Adelaide. Tuesday, December 29. www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

■ UNLEASH YOUR INNER ADVENTURER

The massively popular BBC series Deadly 60 is taking to the stage. Steve Backshall tells all the wild, weird and wonderful stories from his expeditions, as well showing never before seen footage. Adventurers, wildlife lovers and Deadly 60 fans must see this. Suitable for ages four and over.

Details: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide. Monday, January 11 and Tuesday, January 12. www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

■ HAVE TEA WITH A TIGER

The beloved children’s book The Tiger Who Came To Tea is now a charming show for the whole family. Adapted and Directed by UK writer and director David Wood.

Details: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide. From January 22 to 24.www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

■ FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS

Paying tribute to showbiz legends including Dean Martin, Elvis Presley and Carmen Miranda, showgirls and boys galore will take part in a spectacle including circus acts, illusions and a live band.

Details: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Grote Street, Adelaide. Friday, January 8 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Saturday, January 9 at 7pm. Tickets from $75. www.bass.net.au

■ HERE’SAPROPOSITION FOR YOU

This exhibition — Propositions — by the largest ever cohort of Adelaide Central School of Art graduating students ranges across painting, photography and sculpture.

Details: Adelaide Central School of Art, Glenside Cultural Precinct, now until December 23.www.acsa.sa.edu.au

■ FAST FOOT IT TO THESTAMPEDE

Stampede is the not-to-be-missed Adelaide College of the Arts 2015 Visual Arts Graduate Exhibition. The basement, ground floor and first floor at AC Arts are filled with art works by 61 graduates showing everything from sculpture to jewellery.

Details: Adelaide College of the Arts, Light Square Gallery. Runs until February 3.

www.tafesa.edu.au/adelaide-college-of-the-arts

■ RAW TALENT: ANIMAL PORTRAITS

Here’s one for the rug rats: This day-long workshop for five to nine-year-olds will show them how to create an animal painting with direction from an expert tutor.

Details: Carclew, 11 Jeffcott St, North Adelaide. January 11. www.carclew.com.au

■ TWICE AS NICE

Get more bang for your buck at Carclew Youth Arts’ Two in One — two workshops in one day — which is designed to take 10 to 17-year-olds through the finer points of clowning and breakdancing.

Details: Carclew, 11 Jeffcott St, North Adelaide. January 18. www.carclew.com.au

■ GET YOUR CHRISTMAS ON

Rundle Mall is hosting a Christmas Market under the Gawler Place Canopy to help shoppers find the perfect gift for loved ones and Kris Kringle swaps this festive season. Peruse homewares, beauty products, tech gadgets and active wear — there will even be gift ideas for your furry, four-legged friends.

Details: Rundle Mall Christmas Market, today and December 13.

■ YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ‘ROUND

Take a ride on Rundle Mall’s Christmas Carousel. The ornate carousel will be situated near Charles St and tickets are only $6 per ride.

Details: From tomorrow until January 3.

■ DEAR REINDEER

Help Santa find his nine reindeer hidden around the Adelaide Central Market for your chance to win a $500 Market voucher. Gold coin donation supporting the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Details: Adelaide Central Market Reindeer Trail, December 17-24. Collect a map at the Gouger Dining Area.

■ TELL ME A STORY

Gather at the Gallery Shop every Sunday for free storytelling sessions. A new children’s title is feature each week.

Details: Sundays throughout December and January, 11.30am. www.artgallery.sa.gov.au

■ PORTRAIT WITH A DIFFERENCE

Award-winning Aboriginal artist Tony Albert introduces his thought-provoking techniques and award-winning work, We Can Be Heroes, encouraging participants to use photographic images of themselves and mixed media to create an empowering self-portrait.

Details: You can be Heroes with Tony Albert, Monday, January 4 until

Wednesday, January 6. For 13 to 16-year-olds. Bookings essential: 8207 7578

■ ON YA BIKE PART 1

media_camera You don’t have to be a mad keen cycling fan to enjoy the Tour Down Under.

You don’t have to be a mad keen cycling fan to enjoy the Tour Down Under, which brings thousands of people to the state every year. Choose a stage and follow the race or visit the towns where it starts or finishes and get involved in the festival atmosphere.

Details: Tour Down Under, January 16-24. www.tourdownunder.com.au

■ ON YA BIKE PART 2

If you start training now then it’s not too late to sign up for the Bupa Challenge Tour and ride the same course as the professionals during the Tour Down Under on January 22. Choose from four distances ranging from 36km to 142.4km en route from Norwood to Victor Harbor

Details: Bupa Challenge Tour, January 22. www.tourdownunder.com.au

■ BEST BASH IN TOWN

It was the hottest ticket in town last year as record crowds poured in to Adelaide Oval to see the Strikers play their Twenty20 season. An average crowd of 36,000 attended the four home-and-away games, including a New Year’s Eve spectacular, while a record 52,633 turned up for Adelaide’s semi-final clash against the Sydney Sixers. This year’s tournament promises even more of the fast-paced, big-hitting cricket that has become the game’s No. 1 format for children and families.

Details: Adelaide Oval, December 18 and 31, January 5 and 13. www.bigbash.com.au

■ THE IDEA OF NORTH

North Terrace, the city’s cultural boulevard, has endless ways to engage young minds. Hit up the Art Gallery’s shop on Sunday, December 13 (also on 20 & 27) for a free storytelling session. There’s also START at the Gallery on Sunday, January 3, 11am-3pm, where children can draw and watch performances from Kurruru Youth Performing Arts. Check out the dinosaur bones at SA Museum (the school holiday program starts on January 11) then take a detour down Kintore Ave to visit the Migration Museum.

Details: www.slsa.sa.gov.au

■ CITY OF LIGHT

Head to the State Library after sunset each night to see colourful projections on the building. Children can also escape the heat and play with as many blocks they can get their little hands on at Lego Club at the City Library on Sunday, December 20, 2pm.

Details: www.slsa.sa.gov.au

■ CATCH A MOVIE IN THE PARK

Come along to the free outdoor cinema at Civic Park, Modbury, with face painting and entertainment before the show. Screenings are January 15, 22 and 29 and February 5.

Details: www.teatreegully.sa.gov.au

■ GO BUSH IN THE BURBS

Off Humbug Scrub Rd, One Tree Hill, Para Wirra Recreation Park has plenty of bushwalking trails and picnic areas and a sports oval ideal for a hit of cricket or a kick of a footy. Open seven days a week, except Christmas Day, from 8am to sunset.

Details: Entry is $10 per vehicle ($8 concession)

■ GET ADVENTUROUS 1

The St Kilda Adventure Playground playground underwent a revamp this year as part of a $3.5 million upgrade, including a volcano slide, giant bouncy boomerang and basketball courts. The playground is on St Kilda Rd and worth a stop if your heading to, or passing through, the northern suburbs.

■ GET ADVENTUROUS 2

There’s swings, slides and even a castle fortress to explore at the Jubilee Adventure Playground, the south’s biggest playground. Take along a picnic or use the barbecues and stay for lunch.

Details: Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga South.

■ TAKE A WALK BACK IN TIME

The Tea Tree Gully Heritage Museum museum houses about 1800 historic items from the region’s pioneering past.

Details: The museum, at 3 Perserverance Rd, is open on the third Sunday of each month, from 1pm-4pm.www.ttgmuseum.on.net

■ MIGHT AS WELL JUMP!

Marleston Bounce provides more than 50 interconnected trampolines, giant airbags with slam-dunk arenas, wall-running and dodgeball courts.

Details: 164-168 Richmond Rd, Marleston, open 9am-9pm Sunday-Thursday during school holidays, 9am-11pm Friday and Saturday. www.bounceinc.com.au

■ FEST IN THE WEST

The West Torrens Summer Festival festival includes a free screening of movie Paper Planes, interactive children’s stories, face painters, live music and free popcorn.

Details: Saturday, January 9 from 6pm. West Torrens Memorial Gardens, Brooker Tce, Hilton.

■LET YOUR ONKAS DO THE WALKING

The Onkaparinga River National Park follows the river to the sea and its wetlands provide the ideal breeding place for fish and birds. Estuary access is from the river, Commercial and Sauerbiers roads, Port Noarlunga South. The main walking access is from Piggott Range Rd, Old Noarlunga.

■ GO DEEP

media_camera Grab your goggles and snorkel and explore the Port Noarlunga reef.

Grab your goggles and snorkel and explore the Port Noarlunga reef. Spot fish such as the old wife, silver sweep, moonlighter, zebrafish and even stingrays. During high tide you can climb over the reef and jump into the ocean on the other side.

■ GET A HOLE LOT MORE OUT OF LIFE

You don’t need to be an ironman/woman to take advantage of Adelaide’s life saving clubs. Most of the clubs along the metropolitan beaches have bars and eateries that are open to the public. While opening times and facilities vary, meal prices are always reasonable, especially when you factor in the million dollar views.

■ HAVE A DIG MATE!

Head to the beaches around Goolwa and Middleton this summer and you are bound to see a bunch of people standing in the shallows wiggling about. No, it’s not a new dance craze. They are using their toes to find patches of cockles that can then be scooped from the sand and dropped in a bucket. Three rules: don’t break the bag limit of 300/person, ensure they’re the right size and make sure they are properly purged before you make that spaghetti vongole.

■ CHERRY PICK SOME FUN

​Head to the Hills for some cherry picking action. Marble Hill cherry orchard owners lend buckets for picking and you take your fruit home in a cherry bag. The entry fee for picking cherries is $5 per person. While there, be sure to try the Marble Hill cherry ice cream made with fruit from the orchard. ​

Details: www.marblehillcherries.com

Compiled by Claudia Mitchell, Louise Nunn, Amelia Broadstock, Anna Vlach

Originally published as Fifty things to do this summer