Watch as the Feast Festival takes over Adelaide for its 13th year of ‘flirty and funky’ fun.
Running from November 14 to 29, this year’s theme is HomeGrown and highlights include Australia’s first queer poker tournament as well as superb visual performances and musical line-up.
Among the must-see performances are the bisexual-bilingual workings of Berlin chameleon Bridge Markland, the new erotic show by Sydney’s Gurlesque troupe, comedian Anthony Menchetti’s sell out show Gay Conversion, Cabaret sensation Nick Christo in the Fabulous Frances Faye and the latest stage hit from Focus Theatre, Bison.
Added to that is the always popular Opening Night Party featuring the musical talents of Sam Lohs from the nationally acclaimed band Fruit as well as the sensational Sally Dastey.
The all-important Pride March is on November 14 and the PG rated fun of Picnic in the Park on November 29.
Added to this smorgasbord of entertainment is the film festival featuring queer films and documentaries made locally and abroad, including in the Philippines, United States, Sweden, New Zealand and Canada.
Some of the amazing art of exhibitions include Homeland, a collection of works by indigenous artists from the LGBTIQ community, and Emma Hack’s New Works and Past Delights that feature body art, with her muses holding exotic birds and animals.
Then there are the regular forums and community events, including the sporting fun of tenpin bowling and golf.
Where to stay:
Comfort Hotel Adelaide Riviera is positioned in Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace. It is within easy reach of shopping, dining and entertainment, including Skycity casino, Rundle Mall, Botanic Gardens, Convention and Entertainment Centres. Adelaide Riviera offers spa rooms and mention ‘Feast’ for VIP treatment.
Chifley on South Terrace is located opposite the South Parklands, just minutes from the CBD. The four star hotel offers superbly furnished rooms, with 24 hour reception, swimming pool, complimentary onsite parking and exercise room. Dining options include The Kurrajong Restaurant and Bar and room service.
YHA has multi-share, twin, double and family style accommodation. Private rooms with ensuite and private balcony are available upon request. Facilities include self-catering kitchen, dining room, TV rooms, library and bike hire. It has 24 hour secure access and is just a short stroll to Adelaide’s Central Market, Chinatown, art galleries, cafes, shops and night life. YHA/HI members get discounted rates and mention ‘Feast’ for VIP treatment.
Greenways Apartments provide three star fully furnished apartments, with up to three bedrooms. It has a coin operated laundromat, off-street car parking and the apartments come with a fully equipped kitchenette, complete with cooking utensils, fridge, gas stove and microwave.
Things to do:
Adelaide has more than 800 shopping outlets, numerous celebrated restaurants and boasts Australia’s first gay nightclub.
Walk up Rundle Mall for great shopping, where you’ll find Haighs Chocolates which still imports and roasts its own cocoa beans.
East Rundle Street has alfresco style cafés, offering a bit of Italy or some Greek mezze. For great Asian visit China Town.
North Terrace, known as Adelaide’s ‘cultural boulevard’, is home to the South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia, including Australia’s largest collection of Aboriginal Cultures artefacts.
Meanwhile on Gouger Street you will find Australia’s first Gay nightclub Mars Bar. Not far from there is the relaxing Sugar nightclub and Garage nightclub can be found on Waymouth Street. Meanwhile Feast’s hub Higher Ground provides plenty of entertainment in Light Square.
Outside Adelaide there’s a great nude beach called Maslins, 40km south of the city.
Meanwhile the Adelaide Hills provide a perfect landscape for leisurely drives with great picnic spots like Mount Lofty Botanical Gardens.
Experience Stirling’s Organic Cafe then the German delights of Hahndorf.
Just one hour’s drive from Adelaide is Australia’s richest and best-known wine region, the Barossa Valley.
It has a wealth of premium vineyards and five-star restaurants, including Seppelt, Peter Lehmann and Penfolds.
The Fleurieu Peninsula has everything from wineries to beaches, national parks and the famous Coorong.
Take South Road and spend some time in another of Australia’s top wine regions, McLaren Vale.
Widely regarded for producing exceptional red wines, McLaren Vale is also gaining a reputation for excellent olives and oils, cheeses, almonds and berries.
*Photos courtesy of www.feast.org.au
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