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Which Mad March 2023 event suits you?

Ever wondered why South Australia’s festival season is dubbed ‘Mad March’ when the fun kicks off in February? We’re not sure why it starts before March, but you won’t hear any complaints from us; in fact, we’re gearing up for the state’s busiest time of year. We have the inside scoop on what to see, when it’s happening and where it’s on this Mad March.

1. You’re in need of a laugh

What: Kids Can Heckle!

When: Various dates between 25 February–18 March

Where: Legends Bar (21 Pulteney Street, Adelaide)

Laughter really is the best medicine, and Mad March has plenty of shows to make you (and the little ones) belly laugh. During this year’s Adelaide Fringe, UK stand-up comedian Ollie Horn will front the most honest critics – kids. This show encourages children to jump in and be as silly as possible during Horn’s hour-long, hilarious show. Kids say the darndest things, right? I’m curious and a bit scared to hear what will come out of my toddler’s mouth. Wish me luck.

2. You like to bust out a move

What: WOMADelaide

When: 10–13 March

Where: Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla

What’s the best way to enjoy Mad March? Bust out a move. Here at RAA, we don’t just keep you moving on the road, but on the dancefloor, too. Just for being an RAA member, you can score cheaper tickets to outdoor music festival WOMADelaide.

Let the music take over as you dance among Botanic Park’s Moreton Bay fig trees. With more than 100 performances across seven stages, there’s bound to be a genre that’ll be music to your ears. Don’t forget to check out the KidZone, art and cooking workshops and environmental talks to fully immerse yourself in this cultural event.

Festivalgoer waves colourful fan at WOMADelaide.
WOMADelaide. Image: SATC

3. You’re after something different

What: Potters Wheel

When: Every Thursday during the Adelaide Fringe, 12pm–5.30pm

Where: Vitisculpture (470 Morphett Street, Adelaide)

If you’ve seen Patrick Swayze in that pottery scene in the romantic tear-jerker movie Ghost, you’ll be just as captivated at this new Adelaide Fringe event. This year, visual arts company Vintage Van Gogh is hosting Potters Wheel – a sculpt and sip experience where festivalgoers keen to slow the pace of Mad March can sit at a pottery wheel and produce clay creations. Anyone else have ‘Unchained Melody’ stuck in their head or is it just us? “Oh, my love, my darling. I’ve hungered for your touch…”

4. You play favourites

What: The Garden of Unearthly Delights

When: 16 February–19 March

Where: Rundle Park/Kadlitpina

While experiencing new Mad March events is encouraged, we can’t go past our favourite Adelaide Fringe hangout – a customary stroll through The Garden of Unearthly Delights. It lives up to its name every year and is an absolute delight for festivalgoers. With carnival rides, food stalls and quirky sideshow surprises, the Garden is the perfect stopover, before and/or after, a Fringe show. To witness pure magic, check out UK illusionist Kevin Quantum’s spellbinding show in The Garden, featuring nine flaming cannon balls to completely blow you away.

Fairy lights and large crowd in outdoor venue.
Stroll through The Garden of Unearthly Delights at the Adelaide Fringe. Image: SATC

5. You’re a sports fanatic

What: Jack’s Ashes

When: Various shows between 3–18 March

Where: Ayers House (North Terrace)

Presented by Belinda Redman and performed by award-winning BBC TV star Tim Marriott during the Adelaide Fringe, Jack’s Ashes is a unique, must-see production based on one of the world’s most loved sports – cricket.

This one-man show follows former pro cricketer Jack’s journey as he grapples with the aftermath of devastating loss.

Supported by the Australian Cricketers’ Association, this production offers a humorous and captivating insight into the important topic of mental fitness.

Festival fun

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