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Best of Adelaide Fringe 2026: TheHeadliners, Hidden Gems & Hot Tickets
We’ve found the best of the Adelaide Fringe so you don’t have to.
Step into the mayhem, the colour, and the pure buzz of the Adelaide Fringe. Over 1,500 shows are turning the city into one giant playground of laughs, spectacle, and “did-that-just-happen?!” moments. We’ve done the legwork — rounding up the can’t-miss shows, mind-bending immersive experiences, and interactive dining magic you absolutely need on your Fringe radar, from brand-new premieres to regional gems. Use the list below to jump straight to your picks.
Best Of Adelaide Fringe 2026
Comedy
Circus & Physical Theatre
Cabaret
Magic
Music
New to Adelaide Fringe
Family-Friendly
Budget-Friendly
Regional Highlights
Food & Drink
Best Of: Comedy
Wil Anderson – Whatchu Talkin’ ’Bout Wil?
Comedy legend Wil Anderson delivers fully improvised stand-up, creating each show live from audience prompts. Expect razor-sharp humour, spontaneous detours and unpredictable moments that make every performance unique. Smart, hilarious and entirely fresh, this show is a must for anyone who loves seeing a comic work magic in real time.
Tickets available here.
Tom Gleeson – Out of Touch
Gold Logie winner Tom Gleeson returns with fearless, razor-sharp stand-up. Tackling pop culture, politics and everyday absurdities, his witty crowd work and polished delivery leave audiences laughing and thinking. Every show is bold, clever and unapologetically funny — a headline must-see for anyone chasing top-tier Fringe comedy.
Tickets available here.
Celia Pacquola – Gift Horse
Celia Pacquola turns everyday quirks into uproarious, relatable stories. Warm, funny and honest, Gift Horse blends storytelling and stand-up with observational comedy that lands perfectly. Expect big laughs, clever insights and a show that’s as thoughtful as it is hilarious — a standout pick for the Adelaide Fringe in 2026.
Tickets available here.
Sh!t‑faced Shakespeare – Hamlet
One actor genuinely drunk, the rest improvising around them — Sh!t-faced Shakespeare delivers chaotic, unpredictable hilarity. Classic Shakespeare meets total absurdity in a live, ever-changing performance. Audience interaction, slapstick and clever ad-libs combine for a cult-favourite show that’s as much spectacle as it is comedy.
Tickets available here.
Best of Adelaide Fringe Comedy
A curated, rotating lineup of Fringe’s funniest comics packed into one show. With different performers each night, this sampler delivers variety, fresh voices and guaranteed belly laughs. Perfect for newcomers or festival veterans, it’s the ultimate way to experience the breadth, creativity and energy of Fringe comedy in one hour.
Tickets available here.
Best Of: Circus & Physical Theatre
The Mirror
An award‑winning contemporary circus sensation from Gravity & Other Myths, The Mirror mesmerises with acrobatic precision, expressive movement and theatrical flair. It’s a breathtaking exploration of identity and connection through physical performance that’s not to be missed.
Tickets available here.
Elixir Revived
A post‑apocalyptic circus spectacle blending acrobatics, daring stunts and absurd comedy. Elixir Revived keeps audiences on edge with jaw‑dropping physicality and inventive choreography — perfect for anyone chasing the Adelaide Fringe’s boldest, most energetic circus experiences.
Tickets available here.
La Ronde
A polished circus‑cabaret fusion of aerial artistry and immersive performance. La Ronde dazzles with skill, theatrical flair and interactive moments, making it one of the festival’s most unforgettable physical theatre shows.
Tickets available here.
Primal
A sexy, funny and high‑energy circus‑cabaret spectacle, Primal explodes with raw physicality, aerial artistry, fire, burlesque and song, all inspired by the animal kingdom’s untamed energy. Designed for adults, this visceral and thrilling performance blurs boundaries between identity, instinct and spectacle.
Tickets available here.
Bubble Show for Adults Only
This cheeky Fringe favourite blends bubble artistry, physical theatre and comedy into a surreal, laugh‑out‑loud performance. With giant smoke bubbles, foam tentacles and playful spectacle, it’s an adults‑only circus experience like no other — outrageous, whimsical and utterly unforgettable.
Tickets available here.
Best Of: Cabaret
Infamous
Infamous is pure fringe cabaret as performance art — slick, polished and unashamedly bold. With immersive staging and theatrical flair, this show pushes cabaret boundaries into high-fashion, high-concept territory. Think glamour, sass and razor‑sharp wit, wrapped in a performance that feels electric and unforgettable.
Tickets available here.
Swamplesque 2
A cheeky, burlesque reinterpretation of Shrek, Swamplesque 2 is high‑energy, audacious and uproariously funny. Drag, choreography and pop‑culture sass collide with cheeky parodic flair — perfect for fans who love big laughs and bold performance. It’s irreverent, outrageous and one of the Adelaide Fringe’s most talked‑about cabaret hits.
Tickets available here.
The Rocky Horror Singalonga Cabaret Show
Sing, dance and Time Warp your way through this interactive live cabaret. With a piano at centre stage, audience participation turned up to 11 and wild costumes, it’s an immersive party that’s part cult classic, part cabaret spectacle — a perfect late‑night experience.
Tickets available here.
Madame Martha’s Parisian Cabaret
Here, glamour meets decadence. Drag, sultry vocals, burlesque and dance come together with Moulin Rouge‑style finesse. It’s a late‑night highlight where elegance meets playful chaos — seductive, stylish and exhilaratingly fun, transporting audiences straight to a Parisian club night in full festival swing.
Tickets available here.
Pop Culture Cabaret
Bold colours, drag bravado, and reimagined iconography make this show pop. Familiar figures from movies, music and memes get an extravagant cabaret reinvention — extravagant costumes, fierce performances and high-octane energy. It’s late-night fun for the pop-culture obsessed and anyone who loves cabaret with a wink.
Tickets available here.
Best Of: Magic
Dom Chambers: Magic Hunt
America’s Got Talent alumnus Dom Chambers returns with Magic Hunt, a wildly imaginative blend of comedy and illusion. After a quixotic quest for the perfect trick, he unleashes an anarchy‑filled magic rampage full of unpredictable stunts, riotous humour and jaw‑dropping moments that redefine Fringe magic.
Tickets available here.
Best Of Fringe Magic
A powerhouse magic showcase hosted by award‑winning magician Sam King in the Gosling Tent at Gluttony — this variety show brings together world‑class performers from Australia, South Africa, Singapore and more. Expect big illusions, sleight‑of‑hand masters and a different mystery guest every night — pure energy and wonder in one show.
Tickets available here.
Charlie Caper: The Future
Sweden’s own Charlie Caper is a master of charm and sleight‑of‑hand, delivering trick after mind‑bending trick with infectious humour. His fun, fast‑paced performance keeps audiences guessing and laughing — a brilliant pick for festival‑goers who love traditional magic elevated with personality and showmanship.
Tickets available here.
Magical Hands and Magical Feats with Stuart Lightbody
Experience impossible feats of dexterity in this award‑winning magic act. Stuart Lightbody, winner of the Adelaide Fringe’s Best Magic Award, showcases jaw‑dropping sleight‑of‑hand and deeply creative manipulations that leave audiences questioning reality itself — a masterclass in magical mastery.
Tickets available here.
Maho Magic Bar
Step into the neon‑lit world of Maho Magic Bar at The Garden of Unearthly Delights, where Japanese magic superstars perform right at your table. With bespoke cocktails and up‑close sleight‑of‑hand, this immersive bar‑meets‑magic experience blends awe and social vibes for a truly unique night out.
Tickets available here.
Best Of: Music
Down Under: The Songs That Shaped Australia
An award-winning musical spectacular celebrating the Aussie anthems that shaped generations — from Midnight Oil to Cold Chisel and Paul Kelly — powered by soulful vocals and a sensational band. Uplifting, electric and packed with storytelling and singalong moments, this is one of 2026’s must-see music celebrations.
Tickets available here.
Party Boat
Set sail on the Torrens River with Party Boat, Adelaide Fringe’s aquatic dance party. DJAYDRIAN spins everything from disco to pop as you cruise with friends, themed sessions including Taylor Swift and Pitbull nights, plus laid-back Sunday vibes — a fun, scenic, music-filled Fringe experience on water.
Tickets available here.
Hot Dub Time Machine: House Party
When Hot Dub Time Machine hits Gluttony, it’s house party mode on. Expect a high-energy DJ set that blasts the greatest dance and party anthems from the ’80s to today, complete with lights, crowd singalongs and an infectious vibe — pure festival energy for dance-music lovers.
Tickets available here.
The Fleetwood Mac Experience – The MAC Band Live!
Relive the timeless classic rock of Fleetwood Mac in this high-energy tribute from Adelaide’s premier tribute band. With foot-stomping renditions of hits like Dreams and The Chain, infectious harmonies and a lively performance style, this show is a feel-good favourite for rock and sing-along fans alike.
Tickets available here.
California Crooners Club
Smooth harmonies, jazz flair and irresistible swagger define California Crooners Club, featuring Hugh Sheridan alongside world-class vocalists and a live band. This show blends R&B, pop and classic crooner sounds into an enchanting musical set — perfect for lovers of timeless tunes, soulful performance, and festival-night sophistication.
Tickets available here.
Best Of: New to Adelaide Fringe
Murder: The Magic Show
A clever new hybrid of mystery theatre and illusion where every trick feels like a clue. Audiences help unravel a staged whodunnit woven through sleight‑of‑hand and playful storytelling — an immersive debut making its first Fringe appearance.
Tickets available here.
The Sumo Show Hirakuza
Making its first appearance at Adelaide Fringe, The Sumo Show Hirakuza brings a world‑first performance blending ancient sumo tradition with theatrical absurdity and physical comedy. It’s athletic, cultural and completely fresh for 2026.
Tickets available here.
Eden
A world‑premiere theatre work that examines identity, transformation and the ache of becoming. Part lyrical drama, part intimate storytelling, Eden is one of Fringe 2026’s boldest new theatrical voices — original, poignant and unforgettable.
Tickets available here.
Twenty Sixteen
This original rockumentary world premiere celebrates the music and cultural impact of the year 2016 through an all‑star live band and dynamic performance. It’s fresh, nostalgic, energetic and a distinctly new Fringe music experience.
Tickets available here.
Danse de Follies
A vintage‑flavoured dance‑cabaret fusion making its debut, Danse de Follies explores the glittering and fierce world behind classic cabaret production. Sequins, silks, feathers and attitude collide in this stylish new show that’s both playful and deeply theatrical.
Tickets available here.
Best Of: Family-Friendly
Josh Staley: Wacky Wizardry Goes Wrong
Chaos, comedy and conjuring collide in this unforgettable family magic show. Multi‑award‑winning magician Josh Staley’s attempt at the “world’s greatest trick” spirals hilariously off course — exploding with rubber chickens, malfunctioning props and audience participation. Expect modern magic, clever humour and a giggle‑packed hour for all ages.
Tickets available here.
The Alphabet of Awesome Science
Explosive science meets playful education in this award‑winning Fringe favourite. Lexi and Noel combine fascinating words with fizz, fire, foam and fantastical experiments that float, fly and erupt. Part science lesson, part chaos, and 100% fun — perfect for kids (and grown-ups) who love learning and laughing.
Tickets available here.
KAPUT
Imagine Mr Bean crashed into a circus ring — that’s KAPUT. This multi‑award‑winning visual comedy blends slapstick, acrobatics and clowning in a wordless performance that’s uproariously funny and warmly human. Little ones will love the chaos and big laughs, while adults will appreciate the clever physical humour behind every tumble.
Tickets available here.
Best of Kids Fringe
If you want all the family fun in one place, Best of Kids Fringe delivers clowning, magic, bubbles, comedy and interactive theatre in a compact, laugh‑a‑minute sampler. Perfect for introducing young ones to the variety and joy of the Fringe without committing to one long show.
Tickets available here.
The Great Beach Adventure
Turn your imagination into play! When two best friends decide it’s beach day, everyday objects become waves, pirates and sea creatures in this joyful interactive show. With physical comedy, audience participation and heartwarming friendship, The Great Beach Adventure is perfect for kids aged 3–10 and their families.
Tickets available here.
Best Of: Budget-Friendly
Grossed Out Game Show
This slime‑y, hilarious interactive gameshow pits teams against one another in a hilariously gross competition. With tickets around $20 for preview sessions, it’s a grubby, giggly and unforgettable budget‑friendly family pick that delivers all the messy fun of Fringe performance.
Tickets available here.
Immersive Worlds
Step inside Immersive Worlds — 360° domes, VR journeys, and interactive digital adventures that turn screens into portals. Explore starlit outback tales, cosmic voyages, and mind-bending visuals while chilling on beanbags. Perfect for families, friends, or solo wanderers — an unforgettable, budget-friendly Fringe escape.
Tickets available here.
Meteors
A deeply human story told with warmth and honesty, Meteors explores grief and connection through the eyes of a young woman searching for answers in the sky. With tickets from around $18, this intimate, powerful show packs emotional depth into an affordable Fringe experience.
Tickets available here.
Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall
Designed for ages 0–5 and their caregivers, this retro‑fabulous, delightfully bonkers disco experience gets little bodies moving and grooving. A quirky, joyful budget pick at just $15 for preview sessions — perfect for littlies and their grown‑ups to start festival day with a laugh.
Tickets available here.
Trash Test Dummies Circus
Circus and physical comedy collide in Trash Test Dummies, a high‑energy performance featuring clever pratfalls, bin mayhem and plenty of laughs. At budget preview pricing, this show is fun‑packed, playful and easy on the wallet.
Tickets available here.
Best Of: Regional Highlights
The Beatles Dub Club
Get ready to dance, remix and groove to The Beatles like you’ve never heard before. The Beatles Dub Club remixes Fab Four classics into reggae, ska, dub, funk, house and more — a DJ set that turns iconic melody into fresh festival vibes. Irresistible and unforgettable.
Tickets available here.
Pirates of Penzance
ARH! Set sail with Pirates of Penzance — a riotous one‑hour, laugh‑packed take on the classic operetta, powered by South Australia’s best local performers and live piano. Silly sea songs, swashbuckling fun and Fringe vibes galore — a theatre pick you’ll be smiling about long after curtain call.
Tickets available here.
NINA SIMONE – A Musical Life
Feel the soul Nina Simone – A Musical Life celebrates the “Goddess of Piano” with jazz, blues, gospel and more, performed live by SA’s Jazz in Cheek Quartet. Iconic songs like My Baby Just Cares for Me get you Feelin’ Good in this mesmerising, heart‑on‑your‑sleeve cabaret tribute.
Tickets available here.
Straight Outta Church
At Light Church in Edithburgh, Straight Outta Church delivers unfiltered comedy shaped by lived experience. This regional Fringe pick tackles themes of faith, family and identity with gutsy humour and heart — great for laughter, connection and a bit of local flavour while you explore the coast.
Tickets available here.
Granny Flaps – The Retrospective Roadshow
Outrageously funny and delightfully over‑the‑top, Granny Flaps brings solo comedy and crowd‑pleasing antics to Hedonbar Brewing Co in Kadina. Expect sing‑along moments, razor‑sharp wit and a vibrant performance that’s perfect with a locally brewed pint in hand.
Tickets available here.
Best Of: Food & Drink
The Garden Feast
One of Fringe’s most talked‑about foodie experiences, The Garden Feast turns dinner into theatre under the stars. World‑class chefs such as George Calombaris, Matt Stone, Enrico Sgarbossa and Annita Potter take centre stage across three indulgent outdoor long‑table dinners in The Garden of Unearthly Delights, pairing multiple‑course meals with premium South Australian wines and live performance. Expect global flavours, local produce and a sensory feast that makes eating a shared celebration — perfect for foodies, date nights, and anyone who loves dinner with theatre vibes.
Tickets available here.
Champagne Island: Moët Masterclass
Sip your way through iconic Moët & Ruinart on Gluttony’s lakeside Champagne Island, guided by expert hosts who reveal tasting secrets and pairing tips. Luxe bubbles, crisp pommes frites and festival views make this an intimate, celebratory Fringe experience — ideal for dates, friends, or anyone chasing sparkling magic under the sky.
Tickets available here.
In Pour Taste: A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience
This award‑winning show pairs five wines with at least five laughs. Comedians Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh, alongside a wine expert, guide you through a tasting that’s equal parts educational and hysterical. Witty, irreverent and interactive — the ultimate Adelaide Fringe experience for wine lovers craving comedy with every sip.
Tickets available here.
Dancing Queen: The ABBA Tribute Show
Dinner, disco and sing‑along fun collide in this high‑energy ABBA tribute. Guests enjoy a two‑course meal while performers deliver sequined hits and interactive antics, creating a party atmosphere you can taste and hear. Glam up, sing loud, and let the table be your dance floor in this interactive musical feast.
Tickets available here.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
Pull up a chair… if you dare. Faulty Towers The Dining Experience throws you straight into Basil, Sybil and Manuel’s world of chaos. Improvised comedy, interactive mishaps, and a three-course meal that’s as unpredictable as the staff — a Fringe night where you’re part of the disaster.
Tickets available here.
