31 Jan 2018
Aussies lay a special claim over the biggest fringe festival in the southern hemisphere. The Adelaide Fringe Festival, now in its fifth decade running, attracts performers and attendees from all over the globe. It's a month dedicated to dazzling, delighting, and distracting you from your responsibilities (and the heat).
The whole state has taken the shenanigans on board. Discover the biggest fringe events across South Australia.
Adelaide Fringe Festival
WHEN: 16 February to 18 March 2018
WHERE: Adelaide, SA
NEAREST PARK: Discovery Holiday Parks - Adelaide Beachfront
adelaidefringe.com.au
WHAT: What began as a group of experimental and offbeat artists coming together to create an open access festival in which anyone can perform is now 57 years later...just the same! It's weird, fascinating, colourful, and lively. The festival absolutely, positively baffles the citizens of Adelaide - and it's awesome. Look through the program and find theatre, comedy, dance, circus, music, and children's shows. Or, do as the locals do: just show up at the box office, choose something random, and keep your mind, heart, and imagination wide open.
Image: Blinc Adelaide; Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission and Andre Castellucci
uneARTh Festival in Whyalla
WHEN: 30 & 31 March 2018
WHERE: Whyalla, SA
NEAREST PARK: Discovery Holiday Parks - Whyalla Foreshore
whyalla.sa.gov.au/uneARThfestival
WHAT: The Easter Bunny has to do some mellowing out before dealing with the whole chocolate egg stashing and hunting ordeal (it's hard work, but someone's got to do it). On the Friday and Saturday of the Easter long weekend, the Ada Ryan Gardens in Whyalla will electrify with its own fringe event. The gardens overlook the Spencer gulf, so catach a show, enjoy a plate of food truck eats, and watch the sun disappear over the horizon.
Image: Discovery Holiday Parks - Whyalla Foreshore; Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission and John Montesi
Stirling Fringe Festival
WHEN: 2 to 12 March 2018
WHERE: Stirling, SA
NEAREST PARK: Discovery Holiday Parks - Adelaide Beachfront
stirlingfringe.com.au
WHAT: The Adelaide Hills are an enchanting wooded wonderland that feels like a bit of a secret when you finally get there. Follow the winding roads and you'll discover hiking trails to waterfalls and award-winning wineries. The Stirling Fringe is set in the centre of it all. The festival offers a variety of local and interstate talent, all to be enjoyed with a bottle of local Uraidla Brewery beer in hand.
Image: Stirling, Adelaide Hills; Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission and Adam Bruzzone
Mount Gambier Fringe
WHEN: 24 March 2018
WHERE: Mount Gambier, SA
NEAREST PARK: Discovery Holiday Parks - Robe
adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/fringe-in-mount-gambier-af2018
WHAT: Mount Gambier is known for a few things: the Blue Lake, the big sinkhole, and it being a halfway point between Adelaide and Melbourne. It also has some creativity fluttering about. This festival will have workshops, a 'Pied Piper' procession, and an evening showcasing talent from across the region. Stay a while on the Limestone Coast.
Image: Umpherston Sinkhole, Limestone Coast; Credit: Joel Durbridge.
Pop Up at the Port
WHEN: 17 March 2018
WHERE: Port Adelaide, SA
NEAREST PARK: Discovery Holiday Parks - Adelaide Beachfront
adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/pop-up-at-the-port-af2018
WHAT: Adelaide Fringe stretches far beyond the reaches of the Botanic Gardens and the East End. Nearby the beautiful expanse of Semaphore Beach's sand dunes, Port Adelaide's Flour Shed is opening its doors to all. Vinyl records will be spun, beer & wine will be sipped, and food will be gobbled. This is an all ages event for whipper snappers and silver foxes alike.
Image: Semaphore Beach, Adelaide; Credit: Michael Waterhouse Photography
Desert Fringe in Port Augusta
WHEN: 3 & 4 March 2018
WHERE: Port Augusta Cultural Centre, SA
NEAREST PARK: Discovery Holiday Parks - Port Augusta
adelaidefringe.com.au/desert-fringe
For those who love the Fringe but live in regional SA, the Desert Fringe in Port Augusta is a unique alternative. Now in its eleventh year, this weekend spectacular is a celebration of culture in the gateway town to the Flinders Ranges. The Dusty Feet indigenous dancing group, Desert Voices acapella group, and comedian Joshua Warrior are a mere handful of the talent that'll be here.
Image: Flinders & Outback Water Cruises & Day Tours; Credit: Aaron Morgan
Book your stay here for the events.
