People enjoying the evening at the Beachside Food and Wine Festival

Beachside Food and Wine Festival returns

Published on 09 January 2026

A bigger festival zone, more food and wine and 2 live-music stages set the scene for a fantastic summer evening at Christies Beach.

Christies Beach is gearing up for one of its favourite summer traditions, with the Beachside Food and Wine Festival on Saturday 7 February 2026.

Set to bring fresh flavour, colour and energy to Rotary Park and Beach Road, this year’s festival footprint stretches further along the street, opening the door for more local food, drink and market stallholders to be part of the fun.

Among the traders joining the expanded zone for the first time is Boomers Bar – a quirky, retro community hangout that has quickly earned a loyal following.
Co-owner Andrew Lavery said he and partner Shelly were new to the area when they opened and took a big leap of faith.

“The night before opening we were learning how to pour a beer,” he laughed. “But we believed in creating a warm, inclusive space where people could switch off, play board games, enjoy music and reconnect.”

Andrew said the festival is a great opportunity to introduce Boomers Bar to new faces. “Everyone who visits leaves with new friends. For the event, we’re creating the ultimate retro backyard vibe with themed food and drink specials. We can’t wait to be part of it.”

Mayor Moira Were said expanding the festival footprint reflects the strong growth in local hospitality. “Our events team has selected more than 75 foodies, market stalls and alcohol vendors for this year’s festival, and extending the zone helps us welcome an even greater mix of producers and traders,” she said.

“We’ve grown from showcasing primarily premium wines to now featuring craft beer and gin distilleries, which are thriving industries across Onkaparinga. Our food offering has also broadened, becoming more multicultural and reflective of our diverse community.”

As the festival strengthens its tourism profile, Mayor Were hopes visitors will stay longer to explore what the region has to offer. “There are so many great places to experience across Onkaparinga, and the increase in local short-stay accommodation means people can easily turn a visit to the festival into a weekend by the coast,” she said.

The festival’s main stage will showcase Woodfolk, Elli & Lewy, Beau Sykes, Mollie Rowdy Line Dancing, Lucas Day Band, and The Flaming Sambucas.

A second stage will host Frankie and Savva, a second set from Beau Sykes, and DJ Little Man to close out the night.

Beyond the food, music and beachside atmosphere, the festival continues to celebrate the local lifestyle, coastline and community spirit – bringing people together and creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to connect.

This council delivered event is proudly supported by Fast Lane Traffic and the Christies Beach Business and Tourism Association.

Beachside Food and Wine Festival
4:00–9:30pm
Saturday 7 February 2026
Rotary Park, Beach Road, Christies Beach
View Map

More information visit onkaparingacity.com/beachside

Please note - this will be a smoke/vape free event.
No pets allowed except for medical aid dogs.

A family enjoys a picnic on the grass at the Beachside Food and Wine Festival