It may be cooling down, but Adelaide’s festival season is just heating up…
Think winter is for hibernation? Not in Adelaide! Our city doesn’t slow down when the temperature drops, it continues to turn up the heat with a spectacular line-up of festivals and events. From dazzling cabaret to Viking treasures, mind-blowing light displays and immersive art — winter in Adelaide is the hottest season! Now’s the time to embrace the cooler months, discover something new and make this your best winter yet. Are you ready?
Cabaret Fringe Festival (23 May–1 June)
It’s Fringe… but in winter! Get ready for electrifying burlesque, hysterical comedy, smooth jazz and surprises galore. Think pop-up street stages, world-class musicians and daring, almost boundary-pushing acts across more than 20 venues. Affordable, fun and unapologetically bold — CabFringe is where creativity thrives and is guaranteed to warm up even the coldest of nights.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival (5–21 June)
Glitz, glamour and a whole lot of sequins — Adelaide Cabaret Festival’s turning 25 and is throwing the party of the year. Expect music, mischief and mayhem with homegrown legends like David Campbell, international stars like Jacob Collier and the razor-sharp wit of Reuben Kaye. And the headline act: Jessica Mauboy in The Story of Me — a raw and powerful performance charting her rise from Darwin girl to Australian icon. “This festival is a highlight of the arts calendar and one of the hottest tickets in town, so get ready to put on your birthday best (but not your birthday suit — it’s winter, after all)!” — Virginia Gay, Artistic Director.
Viking Festival (28–29 June)
Step into the world of Vikings at the South Australian Museum, where Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard is on display. Expect medieval combat demonstrations, artisan workshops, Norse storytelling and live music. Don’t miss the chance to see a 1000-year-old Viking-age treasure up close!
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- Image Credit :: Castleforge Photography
Illuminate Adelaide (2–20 July)
Winter nights just got a whole lot brighter. Illuminate Adelaide is back, lighting up the city with cutting-edge technology, immersive experiences and world-class music.
This year’s must-see events:
Night Visions — a mind-bending light show at the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
Horizons — a breathtaking drone and stadium spectacular at Adelaide Oval.
Supersonic — unreal music line-ups taking over the West End.
City Lights — free city-wide installations lighting up the CBD.
SALA Festival (1–31 August)
For its 28th year, SALA turns the city into an open-air gallery, connecting audiences with local artists through exhibitions, talks and workshops. Don’t miss the Open Studios Weekend, offering a rare peek into artists’ creative spaces. “SALA is the largest open-access visual arts festival in the world. Expect to be surprised and delighted at every turn!” — Bridget Alfred, CEO, SALA Festival. From dancing at CabFringe to being mesmerised by Illuminate’s dazzling displays, winter in Adelaide is a time to get among the fun. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your ultimate winter adventure now.
DON’T JUST WATCH — EAT, STAY AND PLAY
Adelaide’s winter festival season isn’t just about the events — it’s about the full experience. Make a weekend of it by booking a cosy boutique stay, indulging in the city’s world-class dining and discovering hidden bars serving the perfect winter warmer.
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