The DreamBIG Children’s Festival returns from 7–17 May 2025, marking an extraordinary milestone – 50 years of sparking creativity, imagination, and wonder for children across South Australia. As the world’s longest-running children’s festival, DreamBIG continues to inspire young minds with innovative arts experiences.
This year’s theme, ‘I Was, I Am, I Will Be,’ invites kids to reflect on their past, celebrate the present, and dream big for the future. The 2025 program is packed with incredible performances, interactive experiences, and hands-on workshops designed to ignite curiosity and creativity.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights for 2025!
DreamBIG’s Big Family Weekend
DreamBIG Festival is celebrating its 50th birthday with its biggest event yet – DreamBIG’s Big Family Weekend! Taking over Adelaide Festival Centre, Festival Plaza, and surrounding areas, this two-day extravaganza is packed with more than 50 events, activities, and performances designed for kids and families. From interactive workshops to awe-inspiring shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Festival goers can explore the full programme and find their way around with the help of DreamBIG Guides stationed throughout the event.
Don’t miss this incredible celebration of creativity, curiosity, and fun!
📍 Adelaide Festival Centre, Festival Plaza and surrounds | 10 – 11 May
IMAGINE LIVE
A magical journey of creativity, friendship, and discovery.
Inspired by Alison Lester’s beloved book, IMAGINE LIVE brings the pages to life through music, movement, and immersive storytelling. From spotting leopards to diving with dolphins, this interactive 60-minute musical—crafted by the award-winning team behind Robot Song—is an unforgettable adventure where imagination knows no bounds.
📍 Dunstan Playhouse | 10 -11 May
Little Bozu and Kon Kon
Blending Japanese folklore with contemporary storytelling, Little Bozu and Kon Kon follows the journey of a shapeshifting raccoon and a misunderstood fox from different worlds. Through a series of mistaken identities, the unlikely duo learns to embrace their differences and celebrate each other’s uniqueness.
Created by Mayu Iwasaki and developed with Monkey Baa Theatre Company, this heartwarming tale explores self-acceptance and empathy in a beautifully crafted performance.
📍Institute Gallery, State Library of South Australia | 10 – 11 May
Whalebone
Set against a backdrop of whimsical inventions and quirky contraptions, Whalebone follows a lone worker dedicated to preserving human stories—until an unexpected encounter with a rogue AI changes everything. Blending humour, magic, and circus, this thrilling adventure is filled with fantastical objects, wonder, and puzzle-solving.
Created and performed by Jens Altheimer, an award-winning clown, tinkerer, and inventor, Whalebone promises a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.
📍 Space Theatre | May 10
The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee)
Everyone knows the fairytale—but what has never been told is why the princess was out in the storm, alone in the night, at the end of an adventure. This is that story.
In a clever reimagining of a beloved classic, this stunning production brings a fresh perspective to the tale, following a princess who dreams of escape and discovers her own path—one that leads to a prince’s doorstep in the rain. Featuring live classical music performed by Australian Chamber Orchestra musicians, this mesmerising production blends storytelling and music for a truly enchanting experience.
📍 Space Theatre | May 17
