Adelaide is known for many things: the beautiful beaches, the endless amount of wineries and vineyards, and the incredible amount of festivals that take place here. Indeed, Adelaide is Australia’s Festival City. There are numerous events that take place each calendar year, and each one is a complete standout. From food and wine to drama performances, music and more – you’d be hard pushed to visit this city and not find a festival of sorts to go and attend. 

But what are Adelaide’s best festivals? Read on to find out more.

The Adelaide Fringe Festival is arguably the most famous festival in the whole of Australia. It’s the second-largest fringe festival in the world and it takes place each year in Adelaide. If you love art, drama, music, and more, then head down to see the best of the best in upcoming and established talent from Australia and beyond. There are so many types and genres of performance here, with a whopping 6000 artists performing every single year. The Adelaide Fringe  takes place at the end of summer each year, so mark it in your calendar.

This one is for the foodies of Australia. Tasting Australia has become known as one of the best food festivals in the country. It’s a great spot to taste delicious food, drink gorgeous wine, and enjoy the best of Australia’s culinary offerings. The festival aims to show the diverse range in Adelaide's history and heritage through the food on show, so make sure to bring your appetite and sense of adventure. Tasting Australia is a ten-day festival and takes place in autumn each year. 

Adelaide Festival is one Australia’s longest-running festivals having celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. Visitors flock from all over the country to enjoy the beautiful dance, theatre, music, and visual arts displays that take place during the event. It’s always an eclectic lineup that will dazzle spectators every single time. There’s also a chance to mingle with some award-winning writers at Adelaide Writers’ Week which runs in autumn each year. 

WOMADelaide transforms the city every year. As such, thousands of people descend to the streets to witness the stunning festival that showcases film, art, culture, dance, aerial theatre, and more. The festival was designed to celebrate cultural and creative diversity and each year it does exactly that. Having been around since 1992, it’s now one of the most popular festivals in Adelaide and WOMADelaide is one of six WOMAD festivals that take place each year. This festival happens in autumn each year.

Of course, we couldn’t write about Adelaide festivals without including the iconic Groovin’ the Moo! This is one of the all-time classic Australian music events, where there are huge names and a wild array of clothes and decorations. It’s a real fun time for anyone wanting to experience what a truly iconic Australian festival is like. 

Adelaide is definitely the Festival City. We included the best of the best here, but if truth be told, there is always something going on in South Australia’s capital. From the best food and wine to eclectic dance, arts, and theatre, Adelaide never disappoints. 

To experience Adelaide's most exciting festivals, hire a car from Adelaide today!