a vibrant celebration of world class performance
The Garden, Australia’s favourite outdoor performance precinct, will once again bloom into the beating heart of the 2026 Adelaide Fringe. It will transform Rundle Park/Kadlitpina into a vibrant celebration of world class performance, Adelaide exclusive shows, impeccable flavour, and undeniable excitement.
As one of the oldest and most loved independent performing arts events in Australia, The Garden’s 2026 program showcases more than 115 dynamic shows across a six-week season running from 13 February to 22 March.
The program will feature 23 World Premieres and 39 South Australian Premieres, along with countless comedy, magic, cabaret, music, theatre, and circus shows starring internationally adored artists and beloved returning favourites.
Some program highlights include
World Premiere – The Sumo Show Hirakuza – for the first time outside Osaka, Japan, this show merges ancient sumo wrestling with comedy and jaw-dropping physicality.
World Premiere – Wish You Were Mine – Hosted by Brian Nankervis, it is a live music and storytelling show where guest artists perform songs they wish they had written alongside the mighty RocKwiz Orkestra.
Returning comedians – Dave Hughes, Tommy Little, Celia Pacquola, Sammy J, Geraldine Hickey, The Umbilical Brothers, Ivan Aristeguieta, Rove McManus, Nurse Georgie Carroll, Merrick Watts, Heath Franklin’s Chopper, Stephen K Amos, Dane Simpson, Elouise Eftos, Effie, and Lawrence Mooney.
New to The Garden – Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett – a blend of breathtaking circus, gender-bending aerial and fire breathing performances from the hottest cabaret club from East Berlin.
Returning favourite – La Ronde – which last year received 14 5-star reviews.
Returning award winning favourite – Garry Starr: Classic Penguins – which is heading back from a season in the London’s West End
Returning food favourite – The Garden Feasts – three dinners curated by Duncan Welgemoed that will focus on different cuisines and feature a spectacular line up of chefs, including George Calombaris (The Greek Table), Matt Stone and Enrico Sgarbossa (La Dolce Tavola) and Annita Potter (Thai Spice Market), who will each be joined by captivating MCs and spectacular and surprising live performances to create the ultimate playground for all the senses.
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