2026 SALA Festival
South Australia will once again become Australia’s largest open gallery this August as the 29th South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival showcases thousands of artists and exhibitions across the state. From the heart of the city to the states most remote communities, artists will display their work in hundreds of venues turning everyday spaces into places of inspiration, conversation and discovery.
The 2026 program is now available online at salafestival.com, with printed copies available at Foodland supermarkets, SALA venues, civic centres, and visitor information centres across the state. Running from 1–31 August, the festival invites audiences to discover art further afield, or right on their doorstep, with more than 11,000 artists presenting over 700 exhibitions and events across South Australia.
As Australia’s largest open-access visual arts festival, SALA celebrates creativity in all its forms, welcoming artists of every age, background and stage of their creative journey. This year’s program showcases the stories, perspectives and character of South Australia’s communities, with exhibitions appearing in galleries, cafés, wineries, libraries, schools, community halls, public spaces and unexpected places. Whether discovering an emerging artist or reconnecting with a favourite, SALA invites everyone to explore, connect and experience the remarkable breadth of artistic talent across the state.
- The SALA Bus Tours take you to the regions: –
- Adelaide Hills Bus Tour – Discover the magic of the Adelaide Hills, with a local artist as your host who will lead you on a curated journey through the region’s standout SALA experiences and meet the artists along the way. Indulge in a sumptuous lunch and connect with fellow art lovers. Highlights include Fabrik Arts & Heritage, Nether Hill Farm, Silvio’s Studio and stroll around Balhannah. Supported by Adelaide Hills Council. Sat 15 August
- South to Coast Bus Tour – Capture the vibrant spirit of art, food and wine through Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Middleton and Port Elliot. Chat with practicing artists in their studios, see inspiring exhibitions and take in breathtaking scenery along the way, including a delicious lunch. Supported by Alexandrina Council. 9 August
- Hahndorf to Kanmantoo Bus Tour – Escape the city for a day of art, stories and local discoveries. Hosted by a local artist this guided SALA Festival tour takes you behind the scenes to meet artists, explore studios and experience the region’s vibrant creative community. Visit Jurlique Farm, explore Hahndorf Academy for artist talks and discover Watermark Crossing Studio, then finish the day at Hahndorf Hill Winery while you view their artworks. Supported by Mount Barker District Council. 29 August
- Barossa Valley Bus Tour – Travel through one of South Australia’s most iconic regions as you visit a curated selection of exhibitions, artist-run spaces and cellar doors, each offering a unique perspective on the vibrant creative life of the Barossa. The tour will travel to Tanunda, Lyndoch and Seppeltsfield. Supported by Barossa Council. 8 August
- Jarvis Škoda Regional Self-Guided Tours are a great way to discover SALA exhibitions in the regions with a group or go solo. Via the app and printed program people can scan the code and uncover tours through the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Encounter Bay, Limestone Coast and Loxton/Waikerie.
- Open Studios Weekend allows people to go behind the scenes and meet the artists and see where the art is created. One week a year artists around the state open their studio doors and invite the public in. This is a great opportunity to view a working studio, chat with artists and discuss their work in detail. 15 & 16 August.
- SALA Up Late invites people to experience Port Adelaide after dark and soak up the atmosphere. Wander through the precinct with local artists as your guides and discover the creative hub of The Port. Along the way, drop into galleries, retail spaces, bars, breweries and distillery venues uncovering hidden gems around every corner for a night of creativity and community. The tour wraps up in one of Port Adelaide’s vibrant hospitality venues. Supported by City of Port Adelaide Enfield. 15 August
- Infrared Film and Eco Processing Photography Workshop – local experimental photographer Bryce Kraehenbuehl will lead this workshop of analogue fun at Wombat Workshop. This is a beginner-friendly workshop where people will learn about infrared film and what makes it unique, take some photos and develop them using eco-friendly household ingredients, like instant coffee! Supported by Inspiring South Australia. Saturday 29 August
Plan your SALA adventure today and experience a month-long celebration of creativity, community and connection.
Visit the SALA website or download the app for more details. www.salafestival.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SALAFestival
Instagram: instagram.com/salafestival/
Twitter: twitter.com/salafestival