The Adelaide Fringe is almost upon us, preparing to entertain the Australian city with more arts and culture than a single human being could hope to consume.

Before the launch of our Adelaide Summer Festival Guide on Friday 19 January, we’ve put together this little primer on the Adelaide Fringe for newcomers to the festival and uncover a few gems in its teeming programme. 

What is the Adelaide Fringe? 

The Adelaide Fringe is Australia’s largest arts festival, bringing together more than 6000 acts across the cultural spectrum. This melting pot of comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, visual art, music, interactive events and more has taken place annually for 60 years and counting. If you want to bathe in a deep pool of cultural goodness, there are few better places in the Southern Hemisphere to visit. 

So, is this a big festival? 

It’s a pretty big deal both nationally and internationally, drawing visitors from across the globe. Here’s some cold hard numbers to emphasise just how massive the Fringe is: 

• Over 500 venues 
• Over 1300 shows 
• 23% of performances are international shows, up 5% on 2023 
• 11% of the program takes place across the regions, bringing the Fringe right across the State
• One million tickets sold in 2023

When will the Adelaide Fringe run? 

The Adelaide Fringe will take place from Friday 16 February–Sunday 17 March at various venues across the city. 

Where can I get tickets for the shows?

Tickets for the Adelaide Fringe are available on the official Adelaide Fringe site, and are on sale now. 

What are some of the must-see acts at this year's Fringe? 

This year’s Fringe features a strong showing from First Nations performers, starting with Australian Rules footballer and musician Marlon Motlop, who’ll showcase his musicianship with a suite of songs reflecting on the difficult realities face by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities in Australia.

In a similar vein is Frank Yamma, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter from Central Australia who uses western-style songwriting in a traditional language. Regarded as one of the country’s most important indigenous songwriters, he’ll be joined by seven-time ARIA award-winning artist David Bridie for a night of innovative songwriting. 

Guaranteeing a good time are the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, a gang of top comics including Janty Blair, Sean Choolburra, Elaine Crombie, Kevin Kropinyeri, Andy Saunders and Jay Wymarra. Their shows have been hot tickets across the UK and Australia, so expect packed crowds when you pay them a visit. 

Last but certainly not least is the Dupang Pangari (Coorong Spirit) Festival, Senior Elder Major Moogy Sumner’s two-day camping festival & corroboree. The experience will involve a sunset welcome smoking ceremony, basket weaving, club and clapstick carving, yidaki, boomerang throwing, a Sunset corrobboree with dance, music and stories around the sacred fire, and more besides. 

What other highlights will the Adelaide Fringe provide?

Other great shows on the roster include: 

• The Dome an immersive, planetarium-style cinematic experience in Freemasons Hall, featuring Pink Floyd’s seminal album Dark Side Of The Moon 
• Natural Wonders an outdoor art gallery under the stars hosted in Adelaide Botanic Garden from the second weekend of Fringe, featuring strong installations and projections by local South Australian artists
• SAGE 2024 Adelaide's most exciting event for video game developers, players and fans 
• The Inflatable Church On Light Square where you can get married or renew your vows with some Fringe fun
• YOAH Circus - an Australian premiere from Japan’s critically acclaimed contemporary circus company
• LIMBO: The Return – the debut of the latest work from the creative producers of the critically acclaimed BLANC de BLANC, THE PARTY and LIMBO
• Beatles Dub Club the Australian premiere of the Glastonbury smash-hit
• Robo Bingo presented by Foxdog Studios arriving fresh from their sell-out season at the Edinburgh Fringe
• In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats an interactive VR spectacular that takes you back and puts you in the shoes of rave culture pioneers.

Who are this year’s Adelaide Fringe Ambassadors? 

Much like the Edinburgh Fringe, the ambassadors for the Adelaide Fringe have always been a starry bunch. Previous recipients have included the comedian Sarah Millican, cabaret superstar Reuben Kaye, comic royalty Julian Clary and indie rock darling Amanda Palmer. This year is no different, featuring acts who have made strides into the mainstream throughout the past few years. 

First is Adam Liaw, a television personality and author best known for his appearances on The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. He said, ‘I’m thrilled to be an official Fringe Ambassador this year, but I think I’ve been an unofficial ambassador for years already. Fringe brings Adelaide alive like no other festival and I’m so excited to be a part of this year!’

Then there’s Prinnie Stevens, a powerhouse singer, dancer, songwriter and storyteller who’s shared stages with Mary j Blige, Patti Labelle and Chaka Khan. She said, ‘I am absolutely thrilled to be an Adelaide Fringe Ambassador for 2024. As a performer, the Fringe was the first place I got to explore being a producer and telling my unfiltered story. I’m so passionate about not only creating a safe space for myself, but to open the door for others to be able to share that stage, too. I strongly believe that black and brown stories need to be told by black and brown people, allowing them, their voice and platform to share it.’

The final Adelaide Fringe ambassador for 2024 is Isaac Humphries, a basketball star who’s cultivated an impressive side hustle as a vocalist. He said, ‘Adelaide holds a special place in my heart. I can’t believe I’m about to have a show in Adelaide Fringe and I'm so grateful to be an Ambassador. I love contributing to this amazing community and to be able to bring my live music back to Adelaide, a city that has helped me become so much of who I am, is very special to me.’

Adelaide Fringe will take place from Friday 16 February–Sunday 17 March. Tickets for all announced events are on sale now. The List’s Adelaide Summer Festival Guide will be available at select stockists across the CBD and Adelaide Airport from Friday 19 January.