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Adelaide Fringe 2025 Program Launches with Unmissable Acts and New Ambassadors

Fri, Dec 6 2024
Adelaide Fringe is thrilled to reveal the 2025 program with more than 1,300 shows across comedy, theatre, cabaret, music, visual arts, interactive experiences and more. Spread across 500 venues throughout South Australia, this year’s program invites audiences from near and far to immerse themselves in the iconic festival’s spirit of creativity, accessibility, and innovation.
Colorful performers in dazzling costumes and glittering masks delivering a lively and eccentric stage performance under vibrant lighting
MESSY FRIENDS. Photo: Chloe Elizabeth, Adelaide Fringe 2024
Heather Croall AM, Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO, said, “Adelaide Fringe is an invitation to explore South Australia through the eyes of the local and international artists who make this event so unique. This year, we’re seeing some much-loved artists and venues return, alongside new talent and experiences that truly reflect the diversity and spirit of Fringe. I encourage everyone to check out nearby shows in their own suburb, venture out to regional performances, and if your visiting take the time to explore the program and uncover some of the hidden shows and gems throughout our city and state” 

Returning festival hotspots, such as The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, will once again transform Adelaide’s Eastern parklands into an energetic gathering space for Fringe-goers. The West Village celebrates nearly 200 events across over 30 brick and mortar venues, including ILA, Adelaide College of the Arts, Nexus, The Mercury Cinema and many more.This year also sees exciting expansions, with the Courtyard of Curiosities extending its programming into the State Library and Migration Museum, offering audiences an intimate and imaginative experience in one of Adelaide’s most treasured venues. Meanwhile, Fool’s Paradise returns to Victoria Square, with a dynamic lineup of shows and performances set to make it a central attraction of the 2025 Fringe season.  

There are over 100 events taking place in the regions of South Australia, from Coober Pedy to Kimba, Kangaroo Island and Coonawarra, illustrating that Fringe’s statewide program is truly accessible to everyone. 

A 2024 crowd favourite, ‘Sleeps Hill Tunnel’ is back by popular demand with an extended season. Set in the historic railway tunnel in Panorama, ‘Sleeps Hill Tunnel’ promises another immersive journey as audiences venture underground for an experience that blends history, mystery and creativity in an unforgettable setting. The Dome is back again, this time in the Dom Polski Centre featuring 11 Full Dome experiences. 
Ambassadors for 2025 are acclaimed First Nations singer-songwriter Nancy Bates, award-winning comedian and television personality Rhys Nicholson, performer and comedian Michelle Brasier, and renowned actress and South Australian Teresa Palmer.

Rhys Nicholson said “As an Australian performer who’s been doling out my wares in Adelaide for well over a decade, I’m buzzing with delight to be a Fringe Ambassador. I’ve always felt the Fringe is such a perfect encapsulation of what we do in Australian performing arts. A purely open festival where as long as you’ve got the gumption, creativity and sunscreen, you can find your audience. I’m just happy to be here.”

Teresa Palmer said “I’m so excited to be an Adelaide Fringe Ambassador! Growing up in SA, the Fringe has always been such a special part of our community—a celebration of art, creativity, and connection that brings people together in the most wonderful way. I've always admired how the Fringe celebrates bold and unique voices, and I’m beyond excited to work with the festival this year to share its extraordinary magic with the world."

2025 marks a 20-year partnership between BankSA and Adelaide Fringe, celebrating two decades of invaluable support that has made Fringe more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

State General Manager of BankSA, Enza Ferraro, said, “In 2025, BankSA celebrates 20 years as the Principal Partner of Adelaide Fringe. It’s been awesome to see Fringe become such an integral part of South Australia’s cultural identity, bringing together diverse communities from across the state and the globe to celebrate in our great state. We’re so proud to support this event which has such a positive cultural and economic impact here in South Australia.

Minister for Arts, Andrea Michaels, said, “Each year Adelaide Fringe draws people from around the world to South Australia to experience the best of arts and culture. As the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, it not only showcases incredible talent but also drives significant economic and social benefits for our state. The Malinauskas Government is proud to support this extraordinary event that enriches our community, supports artists, and strengthens our reputation as a global arts destination."

The 2025 Adelaide Fringe season will run from Friday, February 21, to Sunday, March 23, with tickets now on sale. With a program brimming with unique experiences, visitors are encouraged to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out on the magic of Fringe.

For those eager to lock in their Fringe adventures, the new Early Bird Sale is giving audiences 30% off tickets to participating shows. Available for one week only, this limited-time offer closes at 11:59 pm ACDT on 12 December 2024.