Have you heard of the Adelaide Fringe? It’s an amazing annual arts festival that takes place in South Australia. It’s a celebration of culture, place, and artists from all over the world. Imagine this: 8,000+ independent artists from far and wide coming together to share their talents. It’s a paradise for culture enthusiasts who want to experience a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The 2026 event runs from 20 February to 22 March.
It’s been around for over 64 years and is a true trailblazer in the arts world. It’s an open-access festival that welcomes everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from. It’s become a hub for emerging talent and a destination for established artists from all over the globe. Now, with such a massive event, it can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time attendee. Last year, our Editor-at-Large was filled with wonder at what’s on offer.
Much of the action takes place in the east-end of Adelaide, with the Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony being two main hubs. Highlights in the Garden include Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett, La Ronde, Tommy Little and Tom Gleeson. With rides and stalls and food and drinks, it really becomes a place to wander and take in a last minute show.
Likewise, across the road, Gluttony has also grown into a massive hub. Gluttony is built for wanderers, families, quiet observers, curious first-timers, big-night-out crews, and everyone in between. If you’ve ever looked at Gluttony (or Fringe) from afar and thought, “I have no idea where to start,” they have created a guide for first timers. With over 200 shows across a range of genres, including circus, cabaret, comedy, magic, music, theatre, kids and family, spoken word, and late-night adults-only performances, there really is something for everyone.
Oh, and let me tell you, the Fringe is not just about the big venues in the city. There are literally dozens of smaller venues popping up all over the place, from the CBD to the parklands, up in the hills, down to the beach, and even to the far corners of South Australia. Fringe really takes over the state, it’s incredible!
Holden Street Theatres Inc. is committed to creating and supporting Local South Australian theatre of the highest quality. With some twenty odd shows, it’s worth a trip out to Hindmarsh. Check out “The Pink List“, set in 1957, West Germany. A gay concentration camp survivor faces trial under Nazi law still enforced. A one-person musical inspired by real events, written and performed by Michael Traufer.
Fools Paradise, nestled in Tartanyangga / Victoria Square is known for a daring program of circus, physical theatre, comedy, music and magic, including acrobatic acts such as “Elixir Revived”. Their family shows include “The Flying Bubble Show”, “Swashbuckling Circus” and the physical circus antics of Tom Flanagan in “Kaput”. Circus workshops and trapeze classes round off the offerings.
The Fringe is a combination of pop-up and established venues. The Rhino Room has been the home of Comedy Central for some 26 years and hosts world class comedy shows in tiny rooms downstairs (Hell’s Kitchen) to the main upstairs room. It is famous for having the longest running show at the Adelaide Fringe, “Rhino Room Late Show” established in 2000. Anisa Nandula, Wil Anderson and the Arseless Chaps are just a few of the artists performing.
The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum is an iconic venue, transforming itself to host an incredible lineup of theatre, immersive performances, alternative comedy, clowning, and music. Worth catching is Marcel Cole‘s one-man show, “Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin”, which we gave five stars to last year. With performance spaces including a yurt, the chapel and intimate performances in the jail cells, the venue hosts many alternative acts.
If dance parties are more to your liking try “Raves in Waves” at Hotel Alba on South Terrace. Think Las Vegas style pool parties, over two sessions, with thumping Drum and Bass or explosive Hard Dance. With roving waiters handing out canapes, a drink card plus a VIP Flamingo-themed lounge area available as an upgrade, this pool party looks like an event that will have people talking about it long after.
Another established venue, Arthur Artbar, is dedicated to supporting and mentoring emerging and established artists, providing a platform for creative expression and artistic innovation. Expect the unexpected. “One Must Imagine the Boiling Frog Happy”, a theatrical monologue about feeling stuck, performed entirely in a hot tub. Or perhaps “15 Year Old Elon Musk: the 90s karaoke musical” could be more to your liking.
After the success of last year, Dom Whiting’s “Drum & Bass On The Bike Weekender” returns to the city and suburbs. Dom brings his high-energy drum & bass set to the streets. Bring your bike and be part of the moving dance floor that’s become a global sensation.
Adelaide’s St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral transforms with cutting-edge projection, enveloping sound, and meticulously crafted light design.
The city and its surroundings are absolutely buzzing with life! There are street parties happening everywhere, random pop-up venues, roving performers entertaining us, and long lunches that stretch on for hours. It’s like a never-ending feast for the senses! This is just a tiny glimpse into the incredible things that await you here.
It’s a lot to take in, but head over to the Fringe Website, where they have tools to help plan your very own Fringe adventure.
Cover image by John Goodridge.
