Check out the council-hosted Adelaide Fringe shows happening in SA
It’s nearly showtime for the 2026 Adelaide Fringe.
For many, it’s the most exciting time of year to be in South Australia. Adelaide’s CBD will be buzzing with the usual - and sometimes unusual - array of fun shows and festivities – particularly at ‘The Garden’ and ‘Gluttony’, however more councils than ever from across the state will also be hosting Fringe events.
From cabaret and circus to comedy acts, music, magic and much more. In fact, there are over 530 shows and events on offer across metropolitan Adelaide and a further 170+ shows in regional South Australia – and many of them are free!
Here’s your essential list of events to enjoy during Fringe month.
Adelaide CBD – 1000+ shows
Gluttony l Rundle Park l 20 February – 22 March 2026
As one of the two main Adelaide Fringe hubs, Gluttony is not only family friendly but also dog friendly! It’s a great venue to attend a show or just soak up the festive atmosphere.
Rymill Lake will again have the champagne flowing and host an open-air party. There is also an inclusive space for people of all abilities, kids can have fun in the Dart Blaster Arena and there’s even a pop-up tattoo studio for daring adults.
In the tents and activation spaces, there are more than 200 fabulous acts to choose from.
Highlights include:
- Campfire – an entertaining theatre and circus performance with hints of horror!
- Murder She Didn’t Write – direct from London’s West End, you, the audience, need to solve this comedic murder mystery
- first Nations-focused shows including singer Adrian Eagle and the hilarious Aboriginal Comedy Allstars
- dance parties a-plenty, from international artist Chicane to Bad Girls and the hit show 90s Nostalgia, at The Fantail
- world-class comedians return to Gluttony, including Amos Gill and Ethan Cavanagh.
Visit City of Adelaide for more details.
Also, in the City of Adelaide…
Fringe vibes on Hutt Street l Adelaide l Saturday 28 February 2026
Experience a "pocket party" of performance and colour, at an inclusive event designed for families and anyone who loves the Fringe magic without the frantic crowds.
Find out more at City of Adelaide.
Northern suburbs – 45+ shows
Salisbury Fringe Carnival l Carisbrooke Park, Salisbury Park l 20-21 February 2026
Image credit: City of Salisbury
This two-day festival has something for everyone, including live music, free amusement rides, silent disco, theatre performances, tasty food, plus more!
Find out more, visit the City of Salisbury.
Heathers: The Musical l Shedley Theatre l 26-28 February 2026
Head back to Westerberg High for the musical version of this dark, cult comedy classic.
Go to City of Playford for all the details.
Eastern suburbs – 160+ shows
Various events and locations l 20 February – 22 March 2026
Jazz aficionados will have their senses in a spin, with the World Premiere of Birdland – a bold and brassy tribute to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and more.
City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters is hosting this gig at three venues but get in quick.
Save Saturday 8 March in your diary for Fringe Festival at Fullarton. The family friendly event features free kids’ shows and the men’s acapella choir Adelaide Vocal Union.
Visit the City of Unley to find out more.
Southern suburbs – 65+ shows
Various events and locations l 20 February – 22 March 2026
Some of the top picks for residents in the southern suburbs include:
- The Best of the Fringe Comedy Gala is hitting the road and coming to the City of Marion on 14 March
- Everyb0dy’s G0t a B0mb -a raw and unflinching new dance work by Riley Fitzgerald at City of Onkaparinga on 18 March
- Cockatoo Chorus is an eclectic mix by an acapella choir at City of Mitcham on 2 March
Western suburbs – 260+ shows
Various events and locations
Image credit: City of Charles Sturt
City of Charles Sturt is offering a staggering 125+ shows, at iconic venues like Holden Street Theatre, The Gov and Woodville Town Hall.
Hot tip: the mesmerising Aussie duo Electric Fields.
Visit City of Charles Sturt for more.
At the Port, if you love your singer songwriters, you’ll love UK-based Loucas Loizou and his heartfelt tribute to three of the best. Bob Dylan VS Paul Simon VS Leonard Cohen is making its World Premiere at the Fringe and not to be missed.
Check out all the gigs at City of Port Adelaide Enfield.
Across the regions – 170+ shows
Adelaide Hills and Mount Lofty Ranges - 30+ shows
Various events and locations l 20 February – 22 March 2026
There's a wide variety of shows and events in the Adelaide Hills Council region.
The ever-popular Discover, Play, Pathway is back this year. The free and family friendly event along the 23km Amy Gillett Bikeway and look out for the DJ pumping out tunes on a speaker bike.
In addition, you might like to enjoy a night of musical theatre with Phantom in the Forest or have a cheeky laugh along with Fringe comedians for Funny Adelaide: Mocking the Suburbs
Find out more at Adelaide Hills Council.
Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island – 24 shows
Various events and locations
Get your thrills with Fleurieu Fringe and Frills, showcasing emerging artists and local musicians.
Another show making its premiere this year is on Kangaroo Island. The Walking School Bus is a one-person, interactive theatre adventure where the audience becomes the player on a giant board game.
Find out more at Kangaroo Island Council.
Barossa and Clare Valley wine regions – 19 shows
Various events and locations
There’s plenty on across these two wine regions. Two standout shows in the Barossa is the Cromer Rock Festival – a night of live rock music under the stars at the historic Cromer Schoolhouse and Italian magician Davide Kaufmann’s magic show, As Above So Below.
Visit The Barossa Council for more details.
Meanwhile in the Clare and Gilbert Valley Council region, music features heavily in the 10 shows on offer during the Fringe. From piano jazz to trailblazing blues artists, check out all the available gigs here.
Murraylands and Riverland – 40+ shows
Various events and locations l 20 February – 22 March 2026
Fringe in the Bridge is back on at Murray Bridge for Fringe month. The local festival will bring the community together across five vibrant venues, all within walking distance and with a packed program of comedy, live music, exhibitions and more.
Find out more at Rural City of Murray Bridge.
Heading to the Riverland? River Fringe 2026 is making an exciting return with an impressive line-up of events across Loxton, Waikerie, and surrounding areas.
Read more at District Council of Loxton and Waikerie.
Limestone Coast - 19 shows
Naracoorte Fringe Street Party l 14 March 2026
Image credit: Naracoorte Lucindale Council
Naracoorte Town Squares will come alive this year with this twilight event, that brings the magic of the Fringe to the Limestone Coast. Festival-goers can enjoy live performances, delicious street food and bustling local markets against a backdrop of festoon lights.
Visit Naracoorte Lucindale Council for more info.
Yorke Peninsula – 7 shows
Pirates of the Peesey l 14 February 2026
Enjoy sea shanties, shipwrecks, and shenanigans at the Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat. Get in quick for this ticketed event that always sells out.
Visit the Yorke Peninsula Council website.
Eyre Peninsula – 18 shows
Whyalla: How do we begin l 20 March 2026
Join three researchers and a comedian to explore how we approach ‘beginnings’ – whether it’s the origin of life or just opening a document and staring at it for several minutes!
Find out more from the Adelaide Fringe page here.
Flinders Ranges and Outback – 17 shows
Fringe in the Flinders l 16 March 2026
This free event brings the Adelaide Fringe to the Quorn Arts Precinct and features music, comedy, circus performances and roving entertainment.
For event details visit The Flinders Ranges Council website.
Hero image credit: City of Adelaide
