Whether you are a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply wonder about the world around you, South Australia’s History Festival offers something for everyone.

Look up! Look at the buildings around you, what do you see? Yes, there are some eyesores and some mistakes and follies, but one of the unique aspects of South Australia’s metropolitan areas and regional towns is the rich heritage in our surrounding buildings. What’s behind those facades? Who resided there? What stories can a building tell? Satisfy your curiosity and unlock some of those doors through South Australia’s History Festival.

One of the festival's most popular Focus Programs is Open Doors, which offers audiences a unique opportunity to explore some of our state’s unique and most interesting historic buildings and landmarks. This year’s History Festival features 97 Open Door events throughout metropolitan and regional South Australia.

If your curiosity has been piqued and you want to explore beyond the façade and discover what is going on inside and how it came to be, you might be in luck. Guided walks, talks and experiences exploring the rich architectural heritage of South Australia are available throughout the month of May through South Australia’s History Festival.

You can decipher design quirks of Victorian manors through to modernist suburban homes and you can walk your own path with a range of self-guided tours. If mobility is an issue, or you simply prefer to explore with all the creature comforts, a bus tour presents a great opportunity to get out and about – Open Doors has it all!

When in Adelaide, it would be remiss to be in the ‘City of Churches’ and not to explore a range of ecclesiastical tours that offer the opportunity to venture behind the altar of some of the state’s most iconic places of worship. Step behind the secular scenes with a guided tour of the Adelaide Town Hall or explore the spectacular gardens of Government House. Experience life during wartime through some of our suburban air raid shelters.

There are diverse regional stories waiting to be shared also. Discover the beginnings of wine production at Bleasdale, Langhorne Creek; travel back in time to the corner store and learn about old world charms through the general store in Red Hill; travel north to Anlaby Station or visit the Parnaroo and celebrate the many community stories behind the historic Parnaroo Hall that has been part of the town’s fabric since 1906. Hitch up the van and map your own route across the program (and the state) by creating your own historic getaway!

Click here to view the full Open Doors program.

Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card are proud to be the Focus Program Presenting Partner of Open Doors in 2023.

For more information on South Australia’s History Festival, visit the website or pick up a program from any Foodland Supermarket, public library, or event organiser.

More information from the 2023 History Festival edition of WeekendPlus: