The dual national silver awards recognise both the scale and visitor appeal of Australia’s biggest arts festival, and the festival’s sustained, whole of festival approach to accessibility. Adelaide Fringe’s access program is delivered in collaboration with key partners including Autism SA, Access2Arts, SACARE and Guide Dogs SA/NT.

Adelaide Fringe Acting CEO Tara MacLeod said the national recognition reflects a festival experience built around both artists and audiences.

“These awards recognise the scale and energy of Adelaide Fringe, but they also recognise what the festival delivers for the community. As an open access festival, artists and venues build Fringe from the ground up, so when we fill more seats and strengthen the visitor experience, we are directly strengthening outcomes for artists as well,” Ms MacLeod said.

“Being recognised nationally for accessible tourism is especially meaningful because accessibility is not an add on for us. It’s part of how we design the Fringe experience, from the information people need to plan their visit, to practical supports and partnerships that help audiences participate with confidence.”

The national recognition follows Adelaide Fringe being named South Australia’s Gold winner in Major Festivals and Events at the South Australian Tourism Awards and being inducted into the Hall of Fame for Excellence in Accessible Tourism after three consecutive state wins in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

In Major Festivals and Events, Adelaide Fringe was recognised alongside fellow national finalists Australian Wooden Boat Festival, Blues on Broadbeach 2025, Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, Darwin Festival, Floriade 2024, FRINGE WORLD and Lightscape.

In Excellence in Accessible Tourism, Adelaide Fringe was recognised alongside fellow national finalists Bay Island Lifestyle, Blue Mountains Climbing School, National Zoo and Aquarium, NT TOP ADVENTURES, Off The Beaten Track WA, Sovereign Hill Museums Association and The Cove Tasmania.

The awards were announced during the Adelaide Fringe 2026 season, which is still running until Sunday 22 March 2026 across Adelaide and regional South Australia, delivering more than 1,600 shows and experiences.