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A Taste of the Hills Festival
South Australia’s much-loved A Taste of the Hills Festival will return in 2026, with organisers expecting the biggest event in the festival’s history. Held annually, the festival will once again bring together the very best of the region for a vibrant showcase of local food, drink, entertainment and experiences over two days at Lenswood Memorial Park.
The 2026 festival will feature more than 70 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills producers, makers and experiences, with visitors invited to explore a bustling market lane, enjoy tastings and masterclasses from local wineries and distillers, take in live music, join the popular paint-and-sip masterclass, hit the dance floor with performances by Saddle and Stomp and settle in for a relaxed day of country charm.
Festival Director Holly Stratton said the event has been designed to reflect the spirit of the Hills. “Our aim has always been to create a festival that truly reflects the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills – relaxed, welcoming and local, filled with exceptional food and drink, family-friendly activities and the community spirit the region is known for,†Ms Stratton said.
Sunday will once again be the festival’s dedicated Family Day, with an expanded Kid Zone offering arts and crafts, interactive activities, nature play and a playground. With children under 12 free, families can enjoy spacious picnic areas, food options just for kids and a laid-back atmosphere designed for all ages.
A signature highlight of the festival, the scenic helicopter experience, will also return in 2026. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to take a picturesque flight directly from the event grounds, soaring over vineyards, orchards and sweeping 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills landscapes. The popular helicopter arrival giveaway is also back, with all tickets purchased by 9 March 2026 automatically entered into the draw to win a helicopter arrival for two, including a private scenic flight and VIP landing at the festival. One winner will be drawn for each festival day.
Ms Stratton said the festival continues to grow while remaining accessible, with tickets priced at $29, including tastings. “In a year when many people are watching their budgets, we’re proud to offer an experience that feels special without the high price tag,†she said. “For just $29, you’re giving someone a full day out together, something to look forward to, and a way to support the local producers and businesses that make the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills so special.” Founded in 2023 by Ms Stratton, A Taste of the Hills Festival has grown from a backyard event of 600 people into a major regional celebration attracting more than 3,000 attendees annually. The festival is proudly supported through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Event Fund and continues to champion South Australian producers, makers and hospitality businesses.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said A Taste of the Hills Festival is a wonderful celebration of the tourism region’s unique premium produce, stunning nature, and local charm.
“Festivalgoers are set to enjoy more than 70 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills producers, makers and experiences, getting a taste of why the region is a must-visit destination for foodies and be inspired to go explore even more,†Minister Bettison said. “The State Government is proud to support A Taste of the Hills Festival through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Event Fund, with the major regional celebration attracting more than 3,000 attendees annually.â€
For more details and to purchase tickets visit
Dates: Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March 2026
Venue: Lenswood Memorial Park, 693 Swamp Rd
Website:
Tickets
- First Release (Jan 2026): $29
- Second Release (Feb 2026): $39
- Final Release (March 2026): $49
- Non-alcohol ticket: $19
- Youth 12+: $12
- Children under 12: Free
Helicopter Giveaway
All tickets purchased by 9 March enter the draw
One winner per day (Saturday & Sunday)
Prize includes helicopter arrival + scenic flight for two
Family Day – Sunday
Expanded Kid Zone: arts, crafts, activities, playground
Family-friendly entertainment
Relaxed picnic spaces and shaded seating
Transport
Shuttle buses departing from: 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Sofitel • Marion Hotel • Crafers • Mount Barker • Hahndorf
Stallholders (Full 2026 list available here)
Wineries: Amber Wines, VINTELOPER , Golding Wines, Mr Murphy, Tilbrooke Estate, Hesketh Wines and more.
Distillers & Breweries: Five Eleven Distilling, Elix Elite Cocktail Club, Tin Shed Distilling, Silver Bark Brewery, LOBO Cider, Heaps Good Spirits, Uraidla Brewery, A Bit Fancy Spirits, Lenswood Cider Co, Robbers Dog Spirits, and others.
Food & Producers: Frantic Whisk, Taronga Almonds, 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills Harvest, Uraidla Bakery, That Krispy Life, Mr C’s, Cheesy Street, and more.
Artisans & Makers: Rustic Wren, Amaria Project, ICOCO Candles, Emily Jade Edit, and others.
Experiences: Helistar Aviation flights, Saddle & Stomp line dancing, paint-and-sip masterclasses, market lane, Kid Zone.
For full event details, festival program updates and ticket information and bookings, visit: