Adelaide’s festivals don’t just dazzle, they create careers. Meet the locals turning passion into a profession – and learn how you could too.
Adelaide isn’t just home to a packed events calendar – it’s Australia’s festival capital and one of the top four cities globally for events and festivals.
From the electrifying energy of Adelaide Fringe to the global beats of WOMADelaide and the dazzling lights of Illuminate Adelaide, the city’s festivals deliver wonder, connection, and unforgettable memories year-round.
What makes Adelaide’s events scene so special isn’t just the spectacle – it’s also the people. As Justyna Jochym, CEO of Festival City Adelaide, says, “South Australians don’t just attend festivals – they live them.”
Festival City Adelaide is the peak body for South Australia’s festivals and events. Its goal? To make South Australia internationally recognised for delivering the world’s best festival experiences.
A sector thriving with support
The state government plays a pivotal role in investing in the development of a sector through grants, infrastructure investment, and training programs.
In 2023, Festival City ADL member festivals brought in $392.5 million in gross spend, audiences totalling 8.41 million people, 1,784 jobs, and 690,009 visitor nights in local hotels, hostels and B&Bs.
But perhaps more importantly, “festivals deliver joy to people,” Justyna says. “They create moments of connection, spark conversations, and bring our community together in ways nothing else can. They’re platforms for the very best and most optimistic versions of South Australia.”
Justyna’s story proves our events’ allure: “I came to Adelaide for a four-day work trip during the summer festival season. By day three, I was planning to move here. There’s a magic to this city during festivals that’s impossible to ignore.”
Pathways to exciting careers in festivals and events
Adelaide’s busy festival scene offers South Australians a host of pathways into exciting careers.
“There’s no better city to launch a career in events,” says Justyna.
“A lot of people don’t realise the diversity of roles available. Whether you’re tech-savvy, highly organised, or creatively inclined, there’s a job for you.”
She says there’s a particular shortage of technical and production talent nationally, making this an incredible time of opportunity for anyone interested in audio, video, or lighting.
“There’s nothing like seeing tens of thousands of people with joy and smiles on their faces and then being able to go home and say, ‘I did that. I was part of the team that did that.’”
Need more proof that the events sector has job opportunities galore? Meet three young professionals carving out careers in Adelaide’s festival scene.
Jessica Zeng: Bridging cultures through community engagement
For Jessica Zeng, connecting diverse audiences to the arts is more than a job; it’s a calling. As Community Engagement Coordinator at the Adelaide Festival Centre, she’s tasked with ensuring that culturally and linguistically diverse communities feel seen and heard.
“Live arts experiences are irreplaceable,” Jessica says. “They’re about connection and representation.”
Jessica’s journey into the arts sector wasn’t linear. With degrees in International Business, Marketing, and Sociology, she initially pursued a corporate marketing career.
But a serendipitous job posting for a role in arts marketing set her on a different path. “I didn’t even know careers like this existed when I was studying,” she says. “Now, I’m combining my professional skills with my passion for the arts.”
Festivals, in particular, hold a special place in Jessica’s heart for their ability to engage audiences who might otherwise feel excluded.
“Festivals create opportunities for communities who might not usually engage with live art to experience something transformative,” she says. “They offer a mix of free and affordable programming that makes them accessible to so many people.”
“Part of my job is letting people know what already exists and making it accessible to them, whether it’s through ticket prices or removing other barriers like language or technology,” she says.
One of her proudest moments came when she facilitated a group of emerging creatives from Adelaide’s north to attend the Tina Turner musical. “They came in unsure if they’d even enjoy it and left completely transformed, writing testimonials about how impactful the experience was,” she says.
Her advice to young South Australians? “Don’t be afraid to explore unconventional career paths. There’s so much fulfillment in aligning your passion with your profession.”
Jordan Holmes: Behind the sound of Adelaide’s festivals
Jordan Holmes is the unsung hero of your favourite music festivals. As an audio technician at Novatech Creative Event Technology, she ensures the sound at events from Spin Off to Laneway Festival hits all the right notes.
“If we weren’t there to set up the sound systems, there’d be no music for the artists to perform with,” she says.
Jordan’s journey began in Murray Bridge, where her love for music and tech collided. “I started as a musician and loved seeing the technical side of things. That’s what led me into this field.”
After earning a degree in Sonic Arts, she landed a role at Novatech, quickly becoming an integral part of their team.
While the sector is still male-dominated, Jordan’s noticed more women getting involved – “it’s awesome to see that shift happening,” she says.
“It can be tough at times, especially when you’re loading in gigs and working those long hours. But it’s rewarding to know you’re part of something bigger and breaking down barriers along the way.”
Her job is a balance of hard work and passion. “You meet amazing people, and you get to enjoy music the entire time you’re working. That’s the whole reason I got involved.”
Jordan has even travelled internationally for her work, including an “incredible” six-week stint in Japan setting up Light Cycles Kyoto.
Her advice for others – especially young women – considering a similar career path is “go for it!”
“The industry is opening up, and there’s so much to learn and achieve. If you’re passionate about music and technology, there’s so much to learn and so many ways to grow.”
Illuminate Adelaide’s King Wong: The “silent engine” behind the spectacle
As Program Producer for Illuminate Adelaide, King Wong brings the visions of its Creative Directors to life.
It’s a big job: From securing international artists to fine-tuning event logistics, his role is as diverse as it is demanding. “Think of me as a chef,” King says. “I take creative ideas, gather the ingredients, and deliver an unforgettable experience.”
King started his journey as a physical theatre performer and puppeteer before discovering his true passion behind the scenes in event production. His eclectic career includes running his own theatre company in Hong Kong, guest lecturing at a university, and a stint at Tandanya.
He’s now the “silent engine” of Illuminate Adelaide, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly, while allowing the creative heart of this unique annual event to shine.
“What I love most is seeing people’s reactions,” he says. “Whether it’s visitors playing with interactive installations or families enjoying a light show, those moments make all the hard work worthwhile.”
“The audience sees the lights and the artwork, but behind that is a web of negotiations, logistics, and teamwork – the bigger the challenge, the more rewarding it is when your city comes to life.”
King credits his diverse background with shaping his current role. “Every part of my life has contributed to what I do today – from being a puppeteer to leading teams in other industries,” he says.
“I love solving puzzles, and that’s exactly what being a producer is – putting all the pieces together to create something great.”
For aspiring producers, King emphasises the importance of collaboration and adaptability.
“You can’t be a dictator or have a big ego as a producer. It’s about making decisions for the greater good and keeping everyone on the same page,” he says.
His advice to newcomers is to “be adaptable and proactive” – and unafraid of hard work. “Volunteering and internships are invaluable pathways into the industry.”
How to break into the events industry
Whether you’re dreaming of running the show, perfecting the sound or engaging the community, Adelaide’s events sector has a career path for you.
Head to the Festival City Adelaide website for everything you need to know, including a career guide, jobs board, young professionals network, training and volunteering opportunities.
