Tens of thousands of football fans are expected to head to The Parade this weekend as the Norwood Food and Wine Festival returns alongside AFL Gather Round.
The free festival has become one of the major attractions during Gather Round, with organisers expecting another strong turnout after more than 90,000 people attended last year.
The event will run on Sunday ahead of the match between the Geelong Cats and the West Coast Eagles at Norwood Oval.
More than 50 traders are taking part, with food stalls, wine offerings and cooking demonstrations planned throughout the day. Demonstrations will take place in the Tasting Australia Kitchen and feature local chefs from across South Australia.
The festival has become an important weekend for traders in Norwood and nearby suburbs. Figures from last year showed $15.8 million was spent across the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters during Gather Round weekend.
South Australian Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said local businesses had benefited from the return of the festival over the past three years.
She said the event had become a major attraction for both visitors and locals, while also helping showcase South Australian food and wine.
The broader Gather Round weekend is also expected to bring strong business for hotels, restaurants and transport operators across Adelaide.
Adelaide Airport is expecting more than 100 additional flights between Thursday and Monday compared with normal weekly traffic. Thursday is forecast to be the airport’s busiest day in the past year, with more than 30,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal.
Hotels are also reporting strong demand, with nearly 10,000 rooms booked on average each night across metropolitan Adelaide during Gather Round.
Head chef Grant Schooling from Somma on the Parade said local venues were preparing for one of their busiest weekends of the year.
He said the festival created a lively atmosphere and gave visitors a chance to experience the area’s food scene.
Entertainment will continue after the football match, with Australian electronic duo The Presets scheduled to perform from 6pm.
Visitors with a valid Gather Round match ticket will also be able to use the free City to Norwood shuttle bus service throughout the day.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
