Adelaide Fringe – the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere – is an open-access festival that welcomes artists of all backgrounds, artforms, and experience levels. The 2026 season will run from 20 February to 22 March 2026, transforming Adelaide and regional South Australia into a hub of creativity, performance, and cultural connection.

Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO, Heather Croall, said the festival continues to serve as a launching pad for artistic careers.

“Fringe is for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, an emerging creative, or someone with a new idea to test with an audience, Adelaide Fringe is a place where you can take creative risks and find your people.”

“We’re here to support artists at every stage, with hands-on assistance, marketing guidance, ticketing support, and the global reach of our Honey Pot Arts Marketplace – which helps secure real-world touring and presentation outcomes beyond Fringe.”

In 2025, Adelaide Fringe paid out over $26.7 million to artists and venues and distributed $1.1 million in grants. More than 1,500 shows filled over 500 venues across the state, with 31% of programs with LGBTQIA+ performers, 25% from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and more than 12% shows with a lived experience of disability performers – reflecting Fringe’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Participants who register their show by 30 October 2025 will be included in the iconic printed Fringe Guide. Registrations submitted after this deadline will still appear on the Fringe website and app, which received over 2.67 million website visits and 105,000 app interactions in 2025 alone.

From drag cabaret to interactive installations, circus to stand-up, opera to experimental sound art – there’s space at Adelaide Fringe for every genre and every voice. Show registration also unlocks access to a full suite of Fringe services including artist marketing support, Fringe’s ticketing systems, and the opportunity to participate in the Honey Pot marketplace for touring deals and exposure.

For artists looking to develop new work, test ideas, or build their audience, Adelaide Fringe is not just a festival – it’s a place to find out what comes next.

Registrations are open via the Artist & Venue Registration platform at avr.adelaidefringe.com.au. Artists seeking advice or assistance with the registration process are encouraged to reach out to the Artist & Venues team via artists@adelaidefringe.com.au.

Adelaide Fringe 2026 will be held from 20 February to 22 March.
Tickets on sale Friday 5 December 2025.