AState Opera South Australia performance, edible bug wine flights and bespoke jewellery workshops are just some of the many events to be rolled out over the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival weekend in May.
Informed by the 2024 Festival theme of ‘Autumn, Terra and Soul’- the four-day program offers more than forty exhibitions, live performances, hands-on workshops and children’s events, along with pillar festival events ‘Shenanigans’ and the Literary Brunch.
After captivating Penola with its bespoke performance in 2023, State Opera South Australia returns to share a thrilling journey into some of opera’s greatest hits in ‘Lovers and Villains’ at Rymill Hall.
Photography, wood and welding, mixed media and knitted beanies are just some of the exhibition lineups over the weekend.
Workshops range from creating label designs and a life drawing session through to screen-printing and high-end metal jewellery crafting workshops.
Festival goers can indulge in tea-blending, gnocchi making and ‘paint and sip’ sessions at winery cellar doors.
The addition of ‘Festival Friday’ will see cafes, cellar doors and retailers in Penola’s main street offer extended opening hours with a range of food and wine on offer, along with live music in and around the Penola Town Square.
From the team that brought ‘Comfort Food Cabaret’ to the 2023 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival, multi-award-winning performer Michelle Pearson returns to Brands Laira on Friday May 17 to present her newest music sensation, ‘Mixtape Australia: The songs that shaped the nation.’
On Saturday the popular ‘Shenanigans’ grass-roots music event curated by local Simon Weston offers live acts including Adam Page, Sexy as Shit, The Cartwheels and The Antics Roadshow Band with dinner available by Pipers of Penola, full bar facilities and fine wines.
On Sunday, families are invited to head ‘Down the Lane’ as Petticoat Lane comes alive with kids’ activities along with food, wine and music together with the popular Makers Market.
Penola street traders are invited to let their imagination run wild and embrace ‘Autumn, Terra and Soul’ window themes with prizes on offer.
Tickets for ticketed events at the 2024 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival are available at www.artsfestival.com.au.
