Event date: 28 May 2027
The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival celebrates the essence of the Burdekin region, renowned as the Sugarcane Capital of Australia, by showcasing its people, produce and culture.
Consisting of two headline events, the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival starts with the Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire on Friday night, followed by the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Saturday at the Home Hill Showgrounds.
The Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire celebrates the diversity of the Burdekin region bringing together a diverse range of cultures through a variety of culinary delights, interactive activities and captivating entertainment. Don't miss the highlight of the night, the lighting of the first fire of the 2027 sugarcane crushing season. Hear the crackling of the crop burning, smell the sweet essence of the burning sugar and feel the heat of the fire as it tears through the paddock.
The Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is the ultimate test of skill and endurance, with competitors swinging their cane knives in hopes to be crowned the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Champion! Spectators will have the opportunity to walk through a paddock of burnt sugarcane, immersing themselves in the dirty, back-breaking work of a by-gone era. This family-friendly event promises great food, live music, captivating entertainment and so much more!
Date: 16/10-11/12/26
The Brigalow Arts Festival is the Banana Shire’s largest exhibition of visual arts in a professionally judged open art award. 2026 will mark the festival’s 30th anniversary. The festival program also offers artists and arts enthusiasts the opportunity to take part in networking events, practical workshops and to enhance skills in creative business development.
The exhibition component of the Brigalow Arts Festival is suitable for artists of any career stage across all artistic mediums. Categories encompass painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, digital arts, textiles, sculpture and decorative arts.
For artists, the Brigalow Arts Festival is the perfect way to build an audience, receive award recognition, sell works and exhibit in a professional gallery environment. For audiences, it is the ideal way to experience a cross-section of local arts, support artists and discover the stories that are being told in our region.
Get ready for a great country day out at the 2026 Kapunda Show!
Step into the heart of rural South Australia on Saturday 31 October 2026 and experience the best of country life at the Kapunda & Light Agricultural Show. From equine thrills and livestock exhibitions to creative competitions, children’s entertainment, rides and market stalls, there’s something for the whole family. Enjoy a day of fun, learning, and community spirit at the picturesque Kapunda Harness Racing Complex — where tradition meets celebration!