Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival – 15-17 May
The Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival returns in May 2026, bringing creativity, culture and community spirit to our region once the hustle of vintage has wrapped. For more than three decades, this much-loved festival has celebrated the very best of Penola’s artistic heritage and the world-class wines of Coonawarra.
Each year, the program highlights excellence through the involvement of local, national and international artists. Exhibitions, workshops, performances and Festival Flavours events unfold throughout Penola and across many of Coonawarra’s cellar doors – offering visitors an inspiring blend of art, history and hospitality.
Described by Brian Chatterton OAM, General Manager of Co-Opera, as “surely one of the most culturally distinguished regional festivals in Australia,” the Festival has earned a respected place in South Australia’s cultural calendar. Its diverse line-up continues to attract a wide audience, from art lovers and music enthusiasts to families and visitors discovering the region for the first time.
The Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival is proudly run by a passionate volunteer committee from the Limestone Coast. Since beginning in 1991, their dedication has shaped the event into a vibrant celebration of creativity, community and the unique character of our region.
With exhibitions to explore, stories to uncover, wines to savour and experiences that stay with you, the 2026 Festival promises another memorable year in Penola and Coonawarra.
