Your invite to an Exclusive Theatre Night + Meet the Stallholders & More!

Good morning, Hills lovers!

This week, I’ve got something truly special for you! Next Thursday night, you’re invited to a private theatre event with the Stirling Players - an exclusive preview of Life Without Me before the season even begins.

Tickets are less than half price, and every cent of this special performance goes to the Stirling CFS. A perfect excuse to head out for a midweek night at the theatre!

We’re also kicking off Meet the Stallholders, a new series introducing you to the locals behind the Adelaide Hills Roadside Stalls we all love. First up is Lynne from Purple Pear Arts in Stirling, a primary school teacher by day and a potter in her spare time.

Plus, there’s a rare chance to explore Bellosguardo Estate, a garden that feels more Tuscany than Birdwood, and a hand-building pottery workshop if you’re feeling inspired to get creative.

Plenty happening this week. Let’s get into it.

AN EXCLUSIVE THEATRE NIGHT JUST FOR YOU!
🎭️ An event just for Adelaide Hills Pantry readers.

Next Thursday night, 27 March, you and your friends are exclusively invited to a one-night-only private preview of Life Without Me at the Stirling Theatre. Just for Adelaide Hills Pantry readers and your friends.

🎟 Tickets are less than half the normal price, and every cent goes to the Stirling CFS. Tickets are selling fast so book yours now before they’re gone.

Be the first to see this South Australian premiere before the official season begins. Enjoy a free glass of sherry on arrival, a full bar, and a cosy night at the theatre in the heart of Stirling. Get your ticket HERE.

What’s the play?

Written by Daniel Keene and directed by Megan Dansie, Life Without Me is a whimsical, poetic, and beautifully absurd comedy about seven strangers trapped in a rundown hotel, all looking for something more; even if they don’t quite know what that is.

It’s funny, it’s moving, and it’s the kind of theatre that lingers with you long after the curtain falls. And the best part? You’ll be the very first to see it.

Bring your friends and make a night of it!

Get your crew together, have dinner in Stirling, and then settle in for a fantastic night of theatre - all for a great cause.

I’ll be there too, and I can’t wait!

🎟 Tickets are strictly limited and selling fast - book yours now before they’re gone!

A few weeks ago, I shared the history of The Stirling Players (read it here). Now, they’re giving us something truly special.

ADELAIDE HILLS ROADSIDE STALLS
Meet the Stallholders

Back in 2020, we started the Adelaide Hills Roadside Stalls Facebook group. Today, with over 25,000 members, it’s clear just how much people love these stalls.

The heartbeat of the group is the clever, creative, and generous stallholders who share their art, produce, flowers, and handmade goods on a trust-based honesty box system. Their passion and authenticity make the Hills a little more special.

I wanted to celebrate them. More often than not, they remain behind the scenes, quietly keeping their stalls stocked for everyone to enjoy. So I’ve started a new interview series to introduce you to the incredible people who make these stalls possible.

First up: Meet Lynne from Purple Pear Arts

Lynne’s roadside stall on Old Mount Barker Road, Stirling is filled with her handcrafted pottery. By day, she’s a primary school teacher. In her spare time, she creates beautiful and functional ceramics, from coffee mugs to quirky little ceramic dogs.

📍 Find her roadside stall on Old Mount Barker Road, Stirling
📷 Follow Lynne on Instagram: @purplepeararts
👍 Find her on Facebook: Purple Pear Arts

🎥 Watch my interview with Lynne and get to know the maker behind the stall.

Stay tuned for more stories from the growers, makers, and stallholders keeping the roadside stalls thriving.

OPEN GARDENS
Bellosguardo Estate – A Hidden Italianate Garden in the Hills

Tucked away in Birdwood, Bellosguardo Estate feels like a little slice of Italy right here in the Adelaide Hills. With pencil pines, sculpted hedges, roses, and Mediterranean plants, this three-acre garden is a labour of love, history, and hard work—and for one weekend only, the gates are open for you to explore.

Built from scratch over 23 years, the garden is the creation of Peter Bellosguardo, a second-generation stonemason who poured his passion for Italian landscapes into every pathway, plant, and stone wall.

Wander through the Parterre di Pasquale, a stunning rose garden dedicated to Peter’s father, or take in the views from Parco di Vista, where the rolling vineyards feel more Tuscany than Adelaide Hills. Stop by Paola’s Patch, a thriving veggie garden honouring Peter’s mother, then admire Steven’s Spiral, a striking sculpture made from reclaimed Adelaide Oval bricks by Peter’s son, Steven.

Bellosguardo Estate is open for one weekend only as part of Open Gardens South Australia, a not-for-profit organisation celebrating the best gardens across the state.

This is one of those only-in-the-Hills experiences - don’t miss it!

For the garden enthusiasts, you can dive into the full garden notes HERE

🗓 Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 March
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 107 Blocks Road, Birdwood

📍 More info: www.bellosguardoestate.com.au

MAKE & CREATE 
Hand-Building Clay Workshop with Isha Chatterjee Art

Now after hearing about Lynne’s roadside stall you might be feeling inspired to get your hands into some clay yourself. Lucky for you, there’s a hand-building workshop happening right here in Stirling next week - this time with Isha Chatterjee Art.

There’s something magic about working with clay - the way it softens in your hands, takes shape, and becomes something uniquely yours. If you’ve ever wanted to give pottery a go, this hand-building workshop with Isha Chatterjee is the perfect place to start.

Over three hours, you’ll learn pinching, coiling, and slab-building techniques before shaping your creations. Make a bowl, spoon, vase, plate, or whatever inspires you! Each participant can make up to three pieces, which Isha will glaze and fire for you.

Perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants a hands-on creative afternoon.

🎟 Spots are limited - Book your place here.

🗓 March 22 | 1:00 PM
📍 Miss Emily’s Emporium, Stirling

JUST FOR FUN
No cheating, definitely no Googling!

In last week’s Hills Trivia Time, we asked how many tree species are in the Mount Lofty Botanical Gardens. The answer = 1500 🌳🤯 

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Want your event listed? Shoot me an email with the details.

Mount Barker Show 🎡🐑 | SHOW | Mt Barker Showgrounds
📅 Sat, Mar 22 | All-day event
A classic country show packed with livestock displays, competitions, sideshows, market stalls, and family-friendly entertainment. INFO

Fringing in the Meadows 🎭😂 | COMEDY | Meadows Hotel
📅 Sat, Mar 22 | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Some of the funniest acts from the Adelaide Fringe are coming to Meadows for a one-off comedy event, packed with big laughs, great company, and a relaxed pub atmosphere. Grab a drink, settle in, and get ready for a show that’ll leave your cheeks hurting. INFO

Bella Donna 🎶🍷 | LIVE MUSIC | Simon Tolley Cellar Door
📅 Sat, Mar 22 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Show starts at 1:00 PM
Bella Donna is back, and if last year’s concert was anything to go by, this is one you won’t want to miss! This time, they’re bringing not just the best of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, but also a lineup of classic 70s and 80s rock hits. INFO

Community Sweatlodge 🔥🌿 | WELLNESS | Mt Barker
📅 Wed, Mar 26 | Fire starts at 3:00 PM | Sweatlodge at 5:00 PM
Join us for an ancient sweat lodge ceremony, a practice rooted in the traditions of the Maya, Aztecs, and Toltecs, designed for healing, prayer, and deep connection. This sacred gathering offers a space to release stress, set intentions, and come together in community. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

A Taste of the Hills 🍷🎶 | FESTIVAL | LOT.100, Hay Valley
📅 Sat, Mar 29 & Sun, Mar 30 | All day event
A two-day festival celebrating the best of the Adelaide Hills - local food, craft drinks, live music, and more! INFO

Colour Pop Earrings Workshop 🎨✨ | WORKSHOP | Loberthal
📅 Sat, May 10 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Get creative with eco-jeweller Sue Garrard and craft your own colourful, sustainable earrings from reclaimed materials. INFO

Full Moon Hike 🌕🥾 | HIKE | Onkaparinga River National Park
📅 Sun, Apr 13 | 6:15 PM – 9:00 PM
Experience the magic of hiking under the full moon with Big Heart Adventures. This 8km guided night hike is perfect for adventurous walkers looking for nature connection, health, and fun. INFO

MARKETS

🧺 Uraidla Market | Uraidla Institute Hall
📆 Sunday, 23 March | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Join the Rotary Club of Onkaparinga Market each month and browse stalls of fresh, local produce, delicious home-baked treats, arts and crafts, plants, second-hand items, books and more!

🧺 Adelaide Hills Farmers Market | Mount Barker
📅Every Saturday | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
A certified farmers market packed with fresh, local produce. Stock up on fruit and veg, baked goods, meat, dairy and pantry staples, all direct from the growers and makers.

🧺 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market | Mount Pleasant Showgrounds
📅 Every Saturday | 8 AM – 12 PM
A vibrant market with seasonal produce, small-batch products and a welcoming country feel. Grab a coffee, meet the makers and soak up the relaxed weekend atmosphere.

CHEAP DATE

Schnitzel Night 🍽️ | German Arms Hotel | Hahndorf
📅 Every Monday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Start the week right with a hearty schnitzel and your choice of topping at Hahndorf’s iconic German Arms Hotel. INFO

Burger & Pint Deal 🍔🍺 | Stanley Bridge Tavern | Verdun
📅 Mon – Thurs | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
A classic SB Burger paired with a pint of Coopers Pale - the perfect midweek midday combo. INFO

Taco Tuesday 🌮🍹 | Miss Perez Kitchen & Bar | Stirling
📅 Every Tuesday | From 5:00 PM
Spice up your week and choose from halloumi & chorizo, beef brisket, fried chicken, crispy cauliflower, and panko-crumbed mushroom tacos, all packed with flavour. Pair it with a half-price margarita, and you’ve got the perfect midweek treat. INFO

Friday Night at Sidewood 🍕🍸 | SIDEWOOD ESTATE | Hahndorf
📅 Every Friday | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Kick off the weekend with cheap wood oven pizzas, happy hour refreshing cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere at Sidewood Estate. INFO

Let’s Chat

Hills Trivia Time 🌿answer = Hahndorf

Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry today. If you enjoyed this week’s edition, share it with a friend who has no time for small talk.