The Adelaide Fringe is about to kick off! Wondering what you should see? Why not support some great local talent this year – here are our highlights.
Adelaide Fringe 2025 runs 21 February – 23 March and promises another exciting and far-reaching program with over 1,400 shows across 500 venues.
Heather Croall, Adelaide Fringe’s Director and CEO, says Fringe is “an invitation to explore South Australia through the eyes of incredible artists”.
“It’s about creativity, diversity, and connection. It’s also the perfect opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, see something new, and experience something truly different.”

Support local this Fringe
From comedy and cabaret to immersive art and escape rooms, there’s a 2025 Fringe show to suit every taste – and budget.
Need inspiration? Why not support local acts this year. Here are a few highlights:
- Kushi Venkatesh – Happy: 19-year-old Kushi delivers stand-up comedy and over-the-top PowerPoints to share the chaos of her brown teenage world – text receipts and all.
- I Think I’m Dying [But I Don’t Want to Go to the Doctor]: A heartfelt and very funny take on living with ADHD, tackling anxiety, grief, and life’s messy moments with sharp wit and authenticity.
- Joy: A vibrant and imaginative circus performance that uses breathtaking acrobatics to tell a story of connection and celebration.
- Sleeps Hill Tunnel: The underground hit returns, blending history and creativity in a unique railway tunnel experience.
- Nancy Bates & Friends: The acclaimed singer-songwriter teams up with talented friends for two soulful performances.
- Glitter Boat – Party on the Popeye: Local DJAYDRIAN’s unique disco cruise on the Torrens.

All aboard the Glitter Boat!
DJAYDRIAN’s Glitter Boat – Party on the Popeye is set to make waves at this year’s Fringe – literally!
It’s set to be a shimmering party on Adelaide’s iconic riverboat, soundtracked by DJAYDRIAN’s dynamic DJ sets and the glittering vibe of a disco. It’s the perfect mix of sparkle, inclusivity and unstoppable beats.
Glitter Boat is one of the 200 events that received a Fringe grant this year – part of the festival’s commitment to supporting diverse local and emerging artists.
From Radio Adelaide to Fringe star
Adrian Szabo, better known by his DJ moniker DJAYDRIAN, has had anything but an ordinary career.
He started in Adelaide’s music scene as a volunteer at Radio Adelaide, hosting the show, Flâneur Files, dedicated to deep-dive interviews with fascinating locals.
“I’ve always had a fascination with people’s lives and stories,” he says. “In some ways, DJing connects with that. It’s about creating moments and bringing people together.”
Adrian’s big break came when he was working for the Adelaide Fringe in 2023. He was invited to DJ at one of their Edinburgh Fringe parties.
“That trip was massive for my creative development. It showed me I was onto something that people genuinely enjoy,” he says.

“Near, far, wherever you are…”
One memorable moment was playing My Heart Will Go On and watching as the dance floor transformed into a mix of spontaneous crowd surfing, singing and slow-dance romance.
“It was surreal. I realised I’d facilitated this incredible moment through music.”
Since then, Adrian’s DJing career has included everything from weddings to the Santos Tour Down Under, steadily building his brand with sets at Jive, Lion Arts Factory, and Fumo Blu.
But Adrian’s talents don’t stop at DJing. Through his new company, DJAYDRIAN, he also offers MC services for events, writes and produces his own music, as well as offering sound design and podcast production.
His past projects include creating a soundtrack for a local film and producing an online YouTube series, Songs for Pasta, featuring local bands. “Anything to do with sound, I’m keen to get involved,” he says.
But launching his own business and first solo Fringe show is a dream come true. “I’m super excited about it,” he says.
Inclusive vibes, always
Adrian’s approach to DJing is rooted in inclusivity. “I’m all about listening to the crowd,” he says. “I believe a good DJ takes requests, reads the room, and creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.”
A proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Adrian is committed to ensuring his events are safe, inclusive spaces for everyone.
“A lot of the music I play has roots in Black and queer communities,” he says. “It’s important to honour that history and create a space where all backgrounds can come together.”
Adrian says that The Glitter Boat will be “a space for everyone to feel free, happy, and just enjoy the moment – I want you to get your glitter on and come dance the night away.”

Why Fringe matters
The Fringe isn’t just about fun; it’s a significant economic and cultural driver for South Australia.
Over the past decade, the festival has grown dramatically, with ticket sales nearly doubling from 540,800 in 2015 to over 1 million in 2024, cementing its status as the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
Last year, the festival generated $121 million in new money for South Australia, creating over 13,500 jobs and attracting visitors from across the globe.
“It’s amazing to see how the Fringe supports artists and the community,” Adrian says. “Without the Fringe, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Tickets to all Fringe shows are on sale now through the website.