History Festival

History comes to life in Gawler every May!

The SA History Festival returns to Gawler each May, bringing together local history groups, heritage organisations and the community to celebrate the people, places and stories that have shaped our town.

From historic buildings and cemeteries to fascinating local stories, exhibitions, talks, guided walks and special events, there are plenty of ways to discover a different side of Gawler and explore our past.

History Festival 2027

The next History Festival will be held throughout May 2027.

A program of events and activities will be released closer to the festival, so check back here for details.

Whether you're a lifelong Gawler local or discovering the town for the first time, History Festival is a great opportunity to uncover some of the stories that make Gawler what it is today.

Program coming in 2027. Check back soon!

Get involved

History Festival is made possible through the many local groups, organisations and individuals who help preserve and share Gawler's history.

For more information about History Festival in Gawler, contact the Gawler Cultural Heritage Centre:

Email: heritage@gawler.sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8522 9268

Nostalgic Baking: Old favourites revisited

Monday 4 May

Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Join the team from Divine Dining as they bring to life a selection of recipes from Rolling Up Their Sleeves, a modern take on classic dishes. Co-author Sheralee Menz will also share insights into the book and the original inspiration behind it, The Barossa Cookery Book.

Cost: $5

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/nostalgic-baking-oldfavourites-revisited-6avgt4za

Grit and Grace: Gawler Women in Wartime Exhibition Opening

Wednesday 6 May

Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm

An exhibition exploring the contributions of Gawler’s women from the Boer War to Vietnam, on the front lines and at home. It honours their sacrifices, celebrates their achievements, and reflects on the evolving roles of women as mothers, daughters, nurses, fundraisers, and volunteers in wartime.

Free event.

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/grit-and-grace-gawlerwomen-in-wartime-exhibtion-opening

Love and the Law: A legal History of Same Sex Relationships in Colonial SA.

Saturday 9 May

Time: 2pm - 3pm

Join PHD Candidate Jacobin Bosman from the University of Melbourne as he shares his research on the legal history of same-sex relationships (broadly defined) in colonial SA, with a particular emphasis on how individuals and communities interacted with the law. Case studies include Gawler’s tragic story of Neville and Adamson.

Free event.

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/love-and-the-law-alegal-history-of-same-sex-relationships-in-colonialsa

Grit and Grace: Gawler Women in Wartime-Guided Tours

Wednesday 13, 20 & 27 May

Join staff from the Cultural Heritage Centre for a behind-the-scenes tour of our new exhibition, Grit and Grace: Gawler Women in Wartime. Delve deeper into the stories behind the objects, uncover lesser-known histories, and hear about the challenges of researching, collecting and interpreting women’s wartime service.

13 May 2pm - 2.30pm

20 May 11am - 11.30am

27 May 11am - 11.30am

Bookings not required.

Location: Gawler Civic Centre, Host: Gawler Cultural Heritage Centre

James Martin-From Horse Power to Steam Power

Friday 15 & 29 May, Saturday 23 May

Time: 9.30 - 11am

Step into Gawler’ historical engine room on a guided walk exploring how James Martin’s vision transformed SA’s first country town into a hub of innovation, industry and civic pride. From blacksmithing and bullock drays to steam locomotives and civic leadership, discover how Martin shaped the Gawler of today.

Bookings required: 8522 9260.

Host: Gawler Visitor Information Centre

Tickets $20, Concession $16 (ticket includes morning tea).

Overland to Darwin & Back 1926-2026

Monday 18 May

Time: 12.30 - 1.30pm

A Civic Reception will be held to welcome the Adelaide to Darwin & Back 2026 historic re‑enactment, marking 100 years since Australia’s first commercial transcontinental passenger service led by Captain Bagot in 1926. Arriving in Gawler at approximately 12.30pm, the re‑enactment will feature a procession of vintage vehicles stopping at the Gawler Sports and Recreation Centre.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view rare black‑and‑white film footage of the original journey including historic scenes of Murray Street. Event organisers will share stories of the journey and their fundraising efforts for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, making this a unique celebration of local heritage, adventure, and community connection.

Location: Gawler Sport & Community Centre

Host: Gawler Cultural Heritage Centre

Bookings not required.

Planning with Purpose: Colonel Light’s vision, legacy and relevance

Thursday 21 May

Time: 7pm - 9pm

Join Associate Professor Rob Cheesman AM for a discussion on the importance of adaptive planning processes as outlined in his book, Patterns in Perpetuity. Explore the connection between visionary planning to maximise development whilst maintaining green space and sustaining economic growth, all factors of Colonel Light's Plan for Adelaide.

Free event.

Location: Gawler Civic Centre

Host: Gawler Cultural Heritage Centre

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/planning-with-purposecolonel-light-s-vision-legacy-and-relevance

Church of the Transfiguration (Open Day)

Saturday 2, 16 & 30 May

Time: 10am - 2pm

Location: Church of the Transfiguration

Caring for our Community: 150 years after they have gone – Pioneer Park Cemetery (talk)

Thursday 7 May

Time: 7.30pm

Location: Zion Hall