The best Adelaide Fringe shows to see 2025

ADELAIDE FRINGE IS A CELEBRATION OF ART, CULTURE AND CREATIVITY - SPLASHING A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOUR THROUGH ALLEYWAYS AND GARDENS WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

Musicians, artists, creators and makers of all kinds feel the warmth of Adelaide’s welcome each year as we play host to the iconic Fringe festival. For four weeks across February and March, there’s a constant hum of excitement that blankets the town. What were once quaint city streets and patches of parkland become hubs and meeting points for likeminded people from across the country and globe.

Fringe hubs and venues can be found beyond city activations like the Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, reaching into surrounding suburban pockets – with everything from community theatre acts to international debuts taking to stages across town.

With an eclectic mix of cabaret to comedy, plan your perfect festival season with our guide to the best Fringe shows in 2025. Although we suggest planning ahead to avoid disappointment, half the fun is rolling into the thick of it unannounced and letting your mood decide your evening!

The Mirror – Circus / Cabaret

Straight from the stages of the Sydney Opera House and the Chamäleon Theatre Berlin, The Mirror invites you on a  journey of self-discovery that will see you explore the core of human experience, through jaw-dropping acrobatics and nostalgic song.

The Mirror spans the entire Fringe season, with all shows starting at 9:30pm, giving you every reason to hit up Rundle Street first for some of Adelaide’s best eats in the east—may we make a few suggestions?

Sleep’s Hill Tunnel - Historical / Interactive

Buried in the hidden history of Adelaide, this railway tunnel is being uncovered for you to discover—all 377 metres of it. Mesmerising projections and installations tell the tunnel’s history - from its steam train past, through to its mushroom farm years told with archival film, historical artefacts and SA artist collaborations. This Fringe Festival experience will take you away from the city lights and into the foothills of Adelaide, giving you a great excuse to head up to nearby Windy Point to take in the view and ponder your learnings.  

Michelle Brasier: It's A Shame We Won't Be Friends Next Year – Comedy

Michelle Brasier is back in town, bringing her big smile and vivacious presence to the Gluttony grounds. Fresh from their off-Broadway debut and UK tour, Michelle’s new show ‘It’s A Shame We Won’t Be Friends Next Year’ will see her perform alongside musician and partner Tim Lancaster. Catch the Netflix star’s latest comedic hour before meandering  through the fluorescent festival fanfare for a bite to eat post-show.

Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations – Comedy

If you loved them on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Roast Battle UK or Taskmaster AU (in fact, if you just love to laugh), then you need to catch Rhys Nicholsons’ hour-long standup return. Drop in at one of Adelaide’s boutique wine bars on either Leigh or Peel streets, before strolling down to the Hindley Street Music Hall to see the show the Sydney Morning Herald dubbed ‘one of the funniest shows of this festival season’.

Nancy Bates & Friends  – Music

For two afternoons in March, The GC - Grand Central at The Arts Theatre will light up with the sounds of First Nations singer-songwriter Nancy Bates and special guests. This family friendly show is one for all ages and brings together the power of sound and performance, only a short walk from Fool's Paradise in Victoria Square—the perfect chance to wander down and explore the food and beverage vendors.

“YOU ARE GOING TO DIE” – Theatre

While Mark Webber is certain that the only thing we know for sure is that we all die, we are certain that this Fringe performance will raise eyebrows. Clouded in a spot of mystery, the actor and filmmaker presents the play ‘You Are Going To Die’. Webber – the husband of Adelaide’s own Hollywood star Teresa Palmer – is premiering his work for one weekend only. P.S: We hope the vibrant ambience of Gluttony brings you back to life when you exit the tent.

Dom Whiting's Drum & Bass on The Bike Weekender – Music / Interactive

How would you like to jump on your bike and peddle a secret route to the tune of a full DJ set? One of the most asked for shows this Fringe season, Dom Whiting’s ‘Drum & Bass On The Bike’ is coming to town for a long weekend of beats and bikes. Following the ride itself, Dom will also be hosting two nights on the decks at Hindley Street Music Hall and Lion Arts Factory, with a lineup of supporting acts.

Blak Seeds Fest – Music / Visual Art

A showcase of incredible First Nations talent, Blak Seeds Fest is a mini festival in and of itself - with performances, artist stalls, live music and interactive workshops. Based out of Carclew, the Blak Seeds explores the creativity of established and emerging artists, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and artistic achievements of First Nations communities. If you can’t make it during Fringe season, (you must have a good excuse), Blak Seeks Fest will live on for a further two weeks after the festival.

Beating Up The Beatles – Music

Powerhouse vocalist Charlee Watt is belting a new beat for lovers of The Beatles, straight off the back of her multi-award-winning streak. Exploring the idea of love through the lyrics of Lennon and McCartney, Charlee is fusing new sounds and grooves into old hits that will take you back.

Please note that ‘Beating up The Beatles’ has three different venues at The Arts Centre in Noarlunga on the opening night of the Fringe, One show at Eliza Hall in Prospect City Council Payinthi and other shows at Plant 4 Bowden at different times.

Looking to party on beyond mad March?

The best thing about Adelaide is there is always something happening—it’s in our DNA. Once you’ve recovered from the Fringe frivolity,  prepare your taste buds for Tasting Australia or check out our South Australian Festivals and Events Calendar to discover more.