DreamBIG returns for a milestone 50th year, with a jam-packed celebration of family-friendly fun. Featuring more than 70 shows, exhibitions and interactive play, the festival aims to inspire children’s imagination and creativity. There are lots of free events, like 50 Years Of Dreaming Big, an exhibition exploring the festival’s history, plus heaps of school events designed to encourage children’s self-expression to roam free. 

Theatrical highlights include original play The Princess, The Pea (And The Brave Escapee), a reimagined fairytale combining puppetry and live music by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. The book Fancy Long Legs comes to life on stage, honouring difference, neurodivergence and staying true to oneself, all wrapped up in a glittery, lively performance. The festival’s theme, ‘I was, I am, I will be’, is exemplified by the immersive sensory experience Wonderbox, which tailors each show to the specific access needs of its audience and blends live music, puzzles and a carnival crew to create a uniquely engaging environment for all children. 

The longest-running curated children’s festival in the world doesn’t forget the teens either. Garageband Tarntanya brings together 15 bands over three stages in a block party/live gig hybrid featuring the state’s finest emerging musical talent, while South Australian Youth Forum Open Youth Workshop aims to engage young people’s voices to drive positive change. A mini-festival, DreamBIG In Prospect, extends the program’s reach, while The Lensical reimagines live performance in healthcare settings, helping everyone come together to dream big.

DreamBIG, various venues, South Australia, Wednesday 7–Saturday 17 May; main picture: The Princess, The Pea (And The Brave Escapee)/credit: Maria Boyadgis.