Which 2026 Fringe show should you see?
The Adelaide Fringe program is just shy of 1600 shows. You’d need to see 42 shows every single day to catch them all and, without a time machine, that’s… well, impossible.
That’s where we come in. We’ve narrowed the lineup down to some of the standout shows, so you don’t have to.
Not only that, if you are an RAA member, you can enjoy each of them and get a discount.
So, what sparks your Fringe? Whether you love comedy, music, theatre, circus, or something completely unexpected, there’s a show waiting to become your new favourite.
Looking for a laugh
What: Danielle Walker: Bittersweet
Where: Le Cascadeur at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 9–15 March
The Adelaide Fringe is bursting at the seams with side-splitting comedy, including Danielle Walker’s Australian premiere of Bittersweet. Known for her appearances on Taskmaster, Gold Diggers and Thank God You’re Here, the award-winning comedian’s new show doesn’t “put lipstick on a pig”. A little bit country farmer and a little bit big-city charm, you’ll just have to see for yourself what makes this show bittersweet.
Music to your ears
What: Gigs @ Gluttony presented by Pirate Life
Where: The Fantail (Open-Air) at Gluttony
When: 19 February – 22 March
Turn up the volume on your Fringe soundtrack with Gluttony’s live music program. Presented by Pirate Life, Gigs @ Gluttony is a mixtape of local favourites, international stars, cult bands and seasoned DJs. Relive the iconic sounds of the ’90s at Anthems: Old School Edition, catch the long-awaited return of indie legends Faker, or be moved by the powerful vocals of First Nations singer-songwriter Adrian Eagle. With a lineup as diverse as the Fringe itself, there’s a gig to suit everyone.
Free entertainment
What: The RAA Garden Party
Where: The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: Every Sunday, 15 February – 22 March
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun in The Garden (pictured at top). Emceed by crowd favourites and showcasing the best Garden artists from across the globe, the RAA Garden Party will delight audiences of all ages. Best of all, it’s free. Come back each Sunday for a new lineup, because no two shows are ever the same.
Touring the regions
What: Ministry of Laughs: Fringe Comedy Roadshow
Where: Bordertown, Penola, Adelaide and Renmark
When: 13 February – 6 March
Some of the finest local and international comics hit the road to bring laughs from the city to the regions. Ministry of Laughs will tour the state, starting in Bordertown before heading to Penola and the Riverland via Adelaide. When the touring comedians arrive at Raidis Event Shed in Penola, the night will double as the kick-off to the Coonawarra Fringe suite of shows. RAA members can save on full-price tickets in Penola on Saturday 14 February, as well as a range of others, surrounded by the vineyards of SA’s oldest wine region.
View this post on Instagram
Highbrow art and sculpture
What: Gluttony Sculpture Walk
Where: Gluttony parkland, Murlawirrapurka/Rymill Park
When: 19 February – 22 March
For the very first time – and completely free – you’re invited to stroll through the Adelaide Park Lands to discover the work of talented artists, from striking large-scale visual art installations to outdoor sculptures. The Gluttony Sculpture Walk is free to explore anytime that Gluttony is open, or grab a ticket for the free guided tour on 28 February. At the end of your stroll, cast your vote for your favourite to win the People’s Choice Award presented by Foodland – it’ll be a tough decision!
Something for the kids (and the young at heart)
What: The Alphabet of Awesome Science
Where: The Roundhouse at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 24 February – 22 March
Science is fun and it’s even cooler to see it in action. Kids and parents alike will be gobsmacked and entertained by the onstage shenanigans of The Alphabet of Awesome Science. Race through the alphabet of fast facts, wily words and scientific surprises – including 26 quirky onstage demonstrations. From the hilarious to the messy (with a few explosions thrown in), this is a show the whole family will be talking about long after it’s over.
Circus and acrobatics
What: Primal
Where: The Octagon at Gluttony
When: 20 February – 22 March
How can the human body even bend that way? Circus is a huge part of the Adelaide Fringe, and the creators of Rouge bring all the raw energy of the animal kingdom to the stage in Primal. With a splash of cabaret, a pinch of burlesque and simmering aerial artistry acts, this is a show that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
View this post on Instagram
Featuring flavours and food
What: THE FEAST – Decanted Delights and Fermented Fun
Where: Coonawarra Hall at Coonawarra Community Club
When: 21 February
Does award-winning Coonawarra wines paired with a decadent feast sound delicious? How about a generous helping of comedy on the side? Enjoy a long-lunch among the vines as local chefs and Coonawarra winemakers share their stories, and host Damian Callinan brings hilarity to the table. Get in quick because seats are limited.
Magic moments
What: Charlie Caper – The Future
Where: The Paragon at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 13 February – 22 March
He’s dazzled audiences in more than 70 countries, performing in seven different languages, and won Sweden’s Got Talent. But enough about the past – magic man Charlie Caper has his sights set on the future. Combining illusion, comedy and cutting-edge robotics, this family-friendly show will make every person in the audience believe in magic.
Theatre on stage
What: Casual Receptionist of the Quarter
Where: The Lark at Gluttony
When: 17–22 March
Have you ever worked in customer service? Even if you haven’t, nearly everyone has been (and routinely is) on the other side as a customer. This live workplace mockumentary will feel all too familiar. Step behind the counter with this people-pleasing receptionist as she navigates the treadmill of customer service at a commercial gym. Warning: your laughter muscles are in for a serious workout.
The variety of cabaret
What: FLOP! The Best Songs from the Worst Musicals
Where: Spiegal Zelt at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 13 February – 8 March
Returning to the Fringe for its second time, FLOP! proves that this show is anything but. Join The Voice finalist Arthur Hall as he showcases hidden gems from musicals that didn’t quite make it. From hidden gems in the failed Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, to songs that have outshone their shows (like My Funny Valentine from the unsuccessful Babe in Arms), Arthur pairs his impressive musicality (and occasional acrobatics) with charming insights into why these productions missed the mark.
Ready to save on the best events in SA?
Use your RAA membership to enjoy more, for less.