Adelaide is preparing to turn up the volume, the lights and the weird (in the very best way), as Adelaide Fringe returns from Friday 20 February to Sunday 22 March 2026 with its biggest and most ambitious program yet.

Across 31 nights, more than 1,600 shows will transform hundreds of venues, pop-up spaces and unexpected corners of the CBD, suburbs and regions into a city-wide celebration of creativity. Comedy, cabaret, circus, theatre, music, visual art, interactive works and large-scale immersive experiences will collide, making Adelaide Fringe an essential night out for your 2026 calendar.

A City Alive With Possibility

From the opening weekend onward, Fringe promises iconic nights out, late-night adventures, family-friendly discoveries and those uniquely Fringe moments you didn’t know you were looking for. Whether you’re a seasoned Fringe devotee or a first-timer ready to dive in, this is a program designed to welcome everyone.

Adelaide Fringe Acting CEO Tara MacLeod says opening weekend marks the moment the city truly comes alive:

“Opening weekend is when Adelaide
comes alive with possibility. It’s the start of 31 nights where everyone is invited, artists, audiences, first-timers and Fringe regulars alike. Fringe is built on the incredible work of independent artists and venues, and we’re proud to be an open access festival that removes barriers and makes the arts feel welcoming, affordable and accessible. Whether you’re stepping into a big Fringe hub or discovering something magical in your local neighbourhood, this is your festival, and it starts now”

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The 2026 program is stacked, but we have been sent a few highlights from the Team at Adelaide Fringe:

Immersive Worlds: a bold new initiative presented with Major Partner NRMA Insurance, supported by the Government of South Australia and Novatech Technologies. Expect next-generation VR worlds and full-dome works at Olympic House, alongside interactive experiences at The Mercury, Star Theatres, Carclew and The Courtyard of Curiosities. Cathedral Chiaroscuro: Transforming St Francis Xavier Cathedral into a breathtaking fusion of light, projection and sacred soundscapes. The Smartphone Orchestra x Adelaide Youth Orchestras: Where audiences help create The Score, an Innovation Winner of the Dutch Game Awards, playing for the opening weekend only. A packed theatre season at Holden Street Theatres: Including Edinburgh Fringe sell-out Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) and a season from legendary comedian Lizzy Hoo. The Australian premiere of UK hit Cadel: Lungs on Legs at Goodwood Theatre. A stunning new production of Orpheus and Eurydice by Wright & Grainger at the newly refurbished Mortlock, and there is a strong First Nations–led program at Tandanya, hosted by Gluttony, foregrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.

Long-time Principal Partner BankSA continues its support, with BankSA cardholders eligible for 25% off tickets to participating shows, helping to keep Fringe accessible and affordable.

Plan Early: and Follow Along

The team at Adelaide Fringe expect a demand across the opening weekend, and throughout the season, audiences are encouraged to plan early. Many shows are tipped to sell out, with new performances added daily as the festival unfolds. We also highly recommend venturing beyond the Parks and into the Adelaide Venues, where you will find hidden gems!

For curated picks, hidden gems, reviews and real-time recommendations as the season approaches, follow the Upside Adelaide team on Instagram and Facebook. We’ll be sharing what to book, what to see and where to wander; helping you make the most of Adelaide Fringe 2026, one unforgettable night at a time.

Photo Credit: Samuel Graves