The Adelaide Fringe bears the honourable title of Australia’s biggest arts festival, and the world’s second largest annual arts festival. Featuring more than 7,000 artists - acts both international and local - there is always such a vast array of talent that it can be overwhelming to settle on what exactly to see in a limited amount of time. But don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of what we deem to be the top ten unmissable Adelaide Fringe Shows.

Molly Nillson + Guests

Once described as “the most popular pop-star you’ve never heard of,” catch Berlin-based Swedish musician Molly Nillson as she tours her latest album, Un-American Activities. The dreamy synth-pop album is at once euphoric and deeply political, and is sure to set Adelaide alight. 

Dates: 23rd February

Venue: The Lab at ILA

Broadway Off Broadway

Get seated for a vast array of your favourite broadway hits, performed by the best that Adelaide musical theatre has to offer. From The Phantom of the Opera to Les Mis to Frozen, enjoy a sparkling spring evening filled with powerhouse vocals and stellar performances.

Dates: 8th March - 10th March

Venue: The May Wirth at Gluttony, Rymill Park

Lazuli: Choir Meets Circus

This is primed to be an event like no other: watch arrangements of music from Fleetwood Mac, Missy Higgins, Phil Collins and more be accompanied by breathtaking burlesque, flow arts, and aerials. A true extravaganza of diverse mediums of performance.

Dates: 2nd March - 9th March

Venue: Nineteen Ten

Heavy Is The Crown

This poignant yet triumphant show explores what it is like to be a gay man in Africa, where legal societal barriers still persist. Personal and stirring, this show features heartfelt storytelling and powerhouse vocals from Willis Chimano, known for his involvement in Afropop outfit Sauti Sol. Join Chimano as he highlights what it means to truly live one’s life authentically.

Dates: 8th March - 12th March

Venue: The Garage International at Adelaide Town Hall

flutesisters ‘Antardhyaan’

Be transported by internationally renowned flutesisters Suchismita and Debopriya Chatterjee, the only professional women flautists of North Indian Classical Music. Accompanied by Karthik Senoy on tabla (traditional hand drums), they offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation that is simply timeless.

Dates: 14th March

Venue: Theatre One at The Parks Theatres

A History of Bob Dylan

In the wake of Timothee Chalemet’s Oscar-nominated turn in A Complete Unknown, what better time than now to immerse yourself in the world of Bob Dylan? Enjoy the haunting, ethereal touch of award-winning blues musician Cal Williams Jr. as he reinterprets the classic tunes of this iconic folk legend.

Dates: 22nd February - 15th March

Venue: Tin Shed at The Wheatsheaf Hotel

Choral Kaleidoscope: Music From Around the World

Lumina prides themselves on discovering and performing music that is rarely heard. An immersive, enrapturing experience, let this vocal ensemble take you on a journey through time and place to hear some of the world’s most fascinating choral music.

Dates: 1st March - 5th March

Venue: Institute Hall at Gawler Civic Centre and St. John’s Anglican Church

The Kate Bush Story

Kate Bush - one of the most inspirational, genre-bending artists of all time. What better way to celebrate a truly singular artist than to experience profound interpretations of all of her numerous hits at this tribute show, presented by Night Owl Shows, that wowed audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Dates: 7th March - 16th March

Venue: The May Wirth at Gluttony, Rymill Park

A Friend of Dorothy: Anthems of Pride

Finally making his long-awaited solo cabaret debut, award-winning Australian performer Lindsay Prodea invites you to celebrate the unforgettable anthems that have allowed the queer community to find resilience and pursue joy. Featuring hits from the likes of Elton John, Madonna, Judy Garland, Lady Gaga, and more, this show honours the rich legacy of queer music and celebrates the historic milestones that the queer community has achieved. Don’t miss this vibrant tribute to authenticity and joy.

Dates: 22nd February - 16th March

Venue: Mezzanine at Plant 4 Bowden

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Creatures of the Underworld

Embark on an enchanting odyssey into sensual liberation and self-discovery. Enjoy this extravaganza of music, burlesque, cabaret, circus, romance, beauty, and opulence. It is sure to be a seductive journey.

Dates: 16th March - 22nd March

Venue: The Gov and Nineteen Ten