Event Fund Celebrates SA's Tourism Regions

An Indigenous cultural and healing festival in the Coorong, a beer festival in the Outback, and the return of a beloved community festival are among the latest events supported by the Regional Event Fund.

The South Australian Tourism Commission's Regional Event Fund supports the development of new and innovative regional events and growth of existing events, while driving visitation and economic stimulus across regional South Australia.

The latest round brings the total number of events and festivals supported through the Regional Event Fund in 2025-26 to 39, which will continue to showcase South Australia's regional communities for the next year.

Events supported by the Regional Event Fund will help to draw visitors to communities significantly impacted by the algal bloom, such as GROUNDED YP Art Festival from 15-24 August, SALA Festival throughout August, and Ceduna Oysterfest in Eyre Peninsula from 4-5 October.

Continuing to encourage visitation to seaside towns will be the return of Tunarama Festival in Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island Racing Club Cup Carnival, and Cuttlefest.

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said the diverse events supported in this round of the South Australian Tourism Commission's Regional Event Fund reflect the unique qualities of the State's tourism regions.

"We know events are key to triggering visitation and encouraging travellers to stay longer in our tourism regions, helping put dollars into the pockets of local businesses," Minister Bettison said.

"This will be felt in our tourism regions significantly impacted by the algal bloom, with festivals not just attracting visitors, but providing some needed community spirit.

"I encourage all South Australians to check out what's on in the regions, make a trip of it, and learn something new about your own backyard through these diverse and uniquely SA festivals."

Arts & Cultural Facilitator for Yorke Peninsula, Molly Flanagan-Sjoberg said the SATC's Regional Event Fund has provided vital support for the expansion of the second GROUNDED festival on Yorke Peninsula.

"The funding has allowed us to collaborate with SALA to a far greater extent, enabling the GROUNDED program to reach a state-wide, engaged and established art-loving audience, elevating our grassroots festival into a major creative drawcard for regional SA," Ms Flanagan-Sjoberg said.

"With the added pressures caused by the algal bloom it's become even more important to invite visitors to explore and enjoy our region. The festival brings people together in creative spaces where face to face conversations can occur around what is currently happening with the bloom and how we can best support each other.

"There are over 30 creative workshops, 10 exhibitions, and a number of spectacular performances. From an interactive cultural experience opportunity, traditional 'creating' workshops and performances like Beating up The Beatles by Charlee Watt, plus collaborative sessions like learning sea shanties in the local pub, there's genuinely something for everyone.

"GROUNDED is a perfect winter escape full of colour, creativity, and connection for our own community and our visitors."

Flinders Ranges - A Brush with Art Inc Chair, Judy Elliott-Maddison said support from the South Australian Tourism Commission's Regional Event Fund has been a game-changer for A Brush with Art, allowing us to elevate our marketing, grow participation, and reach new audiences across South Australia and beyond.

"The festival brings valuable visitation to towns throughout the Flinders and Southern Flinders Ranges, providing a welcome boost to local businesses, tourism operators, and communities still recovering from the impact of drought.

"This year, visitors can look forward to over 50 unique art experiences across 20 locations, vibrant exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and the chance to explore the region's breathtaking landscapes while connecting with its rich creative spirit."

Events receiving funding in the Regional Event Fund: