The 2026 Adelaide Fringe runs from Friday, February 20, 2026 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas, we are talking about the 2026 Adelaide Fringe! Four weeks of fun across Adelaide including a BUNCH of family friendly shows. There is everything from kids dance shows, kids circus performances, music concerts for the whole family, live theatre with much loved kids stories, puppet shows that even Mum & Dad will enjoy and even discos for kids!
The Adelaide Fringe is such a brilliant family event for kids of all ages – there are shows for babies and little kids right through to tweens and teenagers that will leave the whole family wanting more. Because of the casual nature of most Adelaide Fringe shows, taking your kids to a performance is a great way to introduce them to the arts and start teaching them about theatre etiquette. The whole family might learn some new dance moves, a circus trick, a new song or even learn a valuable life lesson.
Most of the family friendly shows happen over the weekends of the Adelaide Fringe so have a look at our picks below or jump onto the Children section of the Adelaide Fringe website and start booking! Will you see a much loved children’s ballet? A classic kids performer you remember from your own childhood? (We’re looking at you Peter Coombe!) A bubble show? Or will you see something quirky or take a chance on a new artist? No matter what you see, your kids are sure to love it and coupled with some of the funky venues and delicious Fringe food options, it’s sure to be a fun family day out.
Not only are there shows in the main Adelaide Fringe hubs in the heart of the city, there are also performances across Adelaide suburbs at community centres and theatres as well as regional shows. So no matter where you live, there is sure to be something close by to enjoy with the whole family.
For those looking to immerse themselves in culture and history, the First Nations Cultural Tours at Adelaide Botanic Garden offer a unique opportunity to learn about the deep connection to Country of Australia’s First Peoples. These free tours provide an enriching experience exploring native plants, bush tucker, and cultural traditions, making them a fantastic addition to your Adelaide Fringe adventure.
We’ll be updating this page frequently with all our favourite Adelaide Fringe shows for kids and families this year. Make sure you check back often, and also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for show reviews and other family friendly Fringe highlights. If you’re a performer or show and would like to enquire about advertising with us, please email events@kidsinadelaide.com.au
Our Pick of The Best Adelaide Fringe Shows for Kids in 2026
Trash Test Dummies Circus
Trash Test Dummies Circus is rolling back into Adelaide Fringe for one final tumble into town, bringing a riot of acrobatics, silliness and joyful bin filled chaos.
These three mischievous Dummies transform everyday wheelie bins into a world of flips, tricks and laugh out loud surprises that captivate audiences of every age. With world class circus skills, sharp comedy and endlessly playful charm, the Dummies create a family experience that feels lively, warm and completely irresistible.
Winners of Best Children’s Presentation Adelaide Fringe 2015, the Dummies continue to win the hearts of critics and families alike. Reviewers rave that the show is “Circus and acrobatic show perfect for families” ★★★★★ Edinburgh Festival for Kids, “Brilliant stuff” ★★★★★ The Edinburgh Reporter, and “What kids and adults so readily enjoy is the adept, unadulterated mischief” ★★★★ The Times UK.
Do not miss your last chance to experience Trash Test Dummies Circus at Adelaide Fringe.
WHERE: Umbrella Revolution at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
WHEN:Fri, 13 Feb – Sun, 22 Mar
DURATION: 60 mins
RATING: G
The Great Beach Adventure
Coming to Adelaide Fringe, The Great Beach Adventure is a joyful, imagination-powered escapade for children aged 3–10 and their grown-ups. It’s a story about imagination. Jacob has never been to the beach; Courtney has! So when two best friends decide it’s beach day, their living room transforms into a world of waves, pirates, sea creatures, and sun-soaked silliness.This interactive, high-energy performance celebrates how kids play, problem-solve, and imagine their way through big adventures using everyday things. With physical comedy, playful surprises, and heartwarming friendship, it’s the perfect summer holiday theatre treat that will have the whole family ready for their very own beach adventure!
“My daughter and I LOVED The Great Beach Adventure. She was captivated from beginning to end, which is not an easy feat for a toddler.”
Parents will love that the show is playing at Gluttony, one of Adelaide Fringe’s biggest festival hubs — surrounded by food, other family-friendly shows and that unmistakable Fringe buzz.
With an exciting atmosphere, and a super-engaging pace, The Great beach Adventure is an easy, joyful choice for a weekend Fringe outing.
WHERE:The Kingfisher at Gluttony – Rymill Park & Domain Theatre at Marion Cultural Centre
WHEN: Sat, 21 Feb – Mon, 09 Mar
DURATION: 50 mins
RATING: G
Ten Thousand Hours
World-class circus for the whole family!
The multi-award winning Ten Thousand Hours is back at The 2026 Adelaide Fringe and must be seen to be believed.
You and the kids will watch in awe as eight elite acrobats run, jump, flip, and fly in this jaw-dropping physical theatre performance.
Ten Thousand Hours is an ode to what our bodies can do and the dedication it takes to learn a new skill.
Prepare to walk away inspired and amazed!
WHERE:The Peacock at Gluttony – Rymill Park
WHEN: Thu, 19 Feb – Sat, 07 Mar
DURATION: 50 mins
RATING: G
Meg In The Magic Toyshop
It’s early morning at the Magic Toyshop and Meg the Doll can’t find her glove! Join in the playful hunt as Meg and her best friend – Penny the Toy Soldier – enlist your help to unlock the enchanted toy boxes, reveal their hidden surprises and find the missing glove before the Toyshop opens.
Using immersive stories, dances and timeless children’s songs, this show combines the warm, cosy feeling of childhood days gone by with whimsical fun for today – fabulous entertainment for children and adults.
WINNER Best Kids & Family 2024
★★★★★ “Perfect for the youngest Fringe fans” Kids in Adelaide
WHERE: The Kingfisher at Gluttony
WHEN: Sat, 21 Feb – Sun, 22 Mar
DURATION: 40mins
RATING: G
Josh Staley: Wacky Wizardry Goes Wrong
Chaos, comedy, and conjuring collide in this unforgettable family adventure!
Join multi-award-winning magician Josh Staley as his attempt at the “world’s greatest magic trick” spirals out of control — magical mishaps, malfunctioning props, and a mischievous arm of rubber chickens turn this fast-paced show into a laugh-out-loud spectacle. Packed with modern magic, clever sleight-of-hand, laughs, surprises, and wonder, every child leaves with a magical gift to continue the adventure at home.
Don’t miss Adelaide’s most chaotic, magical and hilarious family show!
WHERE: The Kingfisher at Gluttony
WHEN: Sat, 21 Feb – Sun, 22 Mar
DURATION: 60 mins
RATING: G
Big Unicorn Dance Party
Get ready to boogie, bounce and sparkle at ‘Big Unicorn Dance Party.’
Hosted by professional children’s entertainer Hana Fiesta, this high-energy, unicorn themed, interactive dance party is packed with well-known dance-along songs, exciting games and plenty of festival magic.
Little partygoers (and their grown-ups) will twirl through bubbles, don dress ups and strike a pose at the Photo Booth, then shimmer out of the eco-friendly glitter bar for the ultimate unicorn vibe. Ideal for kids aged 2-7 and their fun-loving adults. Come dressed in your sparkliest rainbow outfit and let’s boogie!
WHERE: The Glasshouse Pavillion at Fool’s Paradise
WHEN:Sat, 28 Feb – Mon, 09 Mar
DURATION: 50 mins
RATING: PG
The Alphabet of Awesome Science
★★★★★ “If I could give it six stars I would” The Advertiser
★★★★★ “An absolute triumph” Lost in Theatreland
★★★★★ “Sets the gold standard for family entertainment at the fringe” Kids in Adelaide
After gobsmacking audiences across the planet with their smash-hit alphabetical, scientifical shenanigans, professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge make an explosive return to where it all began — Adelaide Fringe!
Join Lexi and Noel (the Word Nerd and Science Freak) for an hour of carefully crafted chaos, where fascinating words inspire mind-blowing science… that floats, flies, squirts, sprays, ignites and erupts!
“Kids, get your parents down to see this. Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer!” FringeReview
Adelaide Fringe Awards:
Best Science at the Fringe 2021
Best Kids and Family (Weekly Award) 2021 & 2019
WHERE: The Roundhouse at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
WHEN: Sat, 14 Feb – Sun, 22 Mar
DURATION: 60 mins
RATED: G
FoRT
A spectacular award-winning physical theatre experience for families, inspired by the timeless craft of turning lounge rooms upside down. Blending circus, clowning and imaginative play, it transforms everyday objects into acrobatic storytelling and playful vignettes—celebrating creativity, collaboration and the joy of making something from nothing.
Two curious characters discover a pile of ordinary household items and uncover worlds of possibility. Sheets, broomsticks, chairs and couches become fantastical places to climb, build and explore through spectacular acrobatics, ridiculous clowning and striking visual imagery.
Celebrating the creative genius that turns lounge rooms into volcanoes and cardboard boxes into racing cars, FoRT is a joyful, nostalgic invitation to play—an enchanting theatre experience for the whole family.
WHERE: Main Hall at Woodville Town Hall
WHEN: Sat, 21 Feb – Sun, 08 Mar
DURATION: 50 mins
RATED: G
Splish Splash Science
Roll up! Roll up!
The multi-award-winning That Science Gang team returns to Adelaide with the splishiest, splashiest show on Earth — a SCIENCE CIRCUS where the star performer is (drum roll please!) WATER.
Fresh from a sold-out debut Sydney season, join ringmaster Rip Tide as he experiments with water in a series of amazing feats that are guaranteed to have you singing, dancing, laughing, and ducking for cover.
Plus, Rip’s going to need a little help up on stage! Will you be brave enough to step into the SPLASH ZONE?
“A superbly crafted blend of humour, fun and science with the ability to inspire curiosity in both the young and the young at heart” Riverside Theatres
From the creators of The Alphabet of Awesome Science:
★★★★★ Lost in Theatreland
★★★★★ The Advertiser
★★★★★ See-Do-Eat-Review
WHERE:The Roundhouse at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
WHEN: Sat, 14 Feb – Sun, 22 Mar
DURATION: 60mins
RATING: G
The Glow Squad: Lights Music Glow
Get ready to glow with the all-new electrifying and interactive family extravaganza from 2025 Adelaide Fringe award-winning team The Glow Squad.
This high-energy, dance and fitness concert lights up the stage with glow sticks, DJ beats, Latin drums, bubbles, fire sparks, and a dazzling light show. Led by Nikki Visaj, Mael, Dagogo, and Demolition B-Girl, the dynamic cast flips, tricks, and grooves while kids get to join in the fun!
With songs to inspire confidence, joy, and connection for all ages—parents, grandparents, and children alike will be captivated by this feel-good celebration of music, movement, and imagination. Don’t miss this unforgettable, family-friendly experience where the whole crowd shines bright.
WHERE:The Vault at Fool’s Paradise
WHEN: Wed, 18 Mar – Sun, 22 Mar
DURATION: 50mins
RATING: G
Josh Staley: Lie to Me
Magician, comedian & showman Josh Staley returns after sell-out shows across the globe and being crowned the Australian Champion of Magic.
Lie to Me is a high-energy fusion of modern magic, razor-sharp wit, and masterful showmanship that has earned Josh numerous awards including ‘Best Magic’, ‘Best Comedy’, and a Guinness World Record.
Is magic just a lie? Can a magician tell the truth? Find out as you experience jaw-dropping illusions, non-stop laughs, and impossible moments that leave you questioning everything — and prove why Josh is one of Australia’s funniest and most skilled magicians.
WHERE: The Kingfisher at Gluttony
WHEN: Tue, 10 Mar – Sun, 15 Mar
DURATION: 60 mins
RATING: G
The Magic Pyjama Party
The Ultimate Kids’ Magic Experience!
Magic, laughter, and endless wonder! Lachlan Wilde brings the world’s most magical pyjama party to the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
The Magic Pyjama Party is a laugh-filled, wonder-packed magic show all about the amazing (and sometimes silly!) dreams we have when we sleep. From crazy adventures to magical surprises, storytelling and shadow puppetry, anything can happen in this dream world! With a big message that you really can do anything you dream of, this show is perfect for kids and families. Don’t forget—everyone’s invited to wear their favourite pyjamas!
WHERE:Theatre One at The Parks Theatres
WHEN: Sat 28 February, 11am & 2pm
DURATION: 60 mins
RATING: G
More Adelaide Fringe Shows for Kids in 2026
Dream Space
We invite you into a world where everyday spaces become realms of imagination.
Through puppetry, music, and movement, embark on a thrilling island adventure and a touching journey with a majestic whale.
This immersive performance blends laughter, wonder, and healing, rekindling childhood innocence for adults and inspiring creativity in young audiences.
As reality and fantasy merge, the stage transforms into a dream space where stories come alive.
Join us for an unforgettable experience—where dreams take flight, and the impossible becomes possible!
Maho Magic Bar
Returning by popular demand, Japan’s ‘Maho Magic Bar’ will transport you to a neon-lit Tokyo night of mischief, amazement, cocktails and laughter. Be ready to disbelieve your eyes as an all-new crew of Japanese superstars descend to perform exclusive magic shows at your table. Be inches from the action (and sometimes even closer!).
You’ll see these masters at work at point blank range, putting a wild contemporary spin on magic traditions that dates back to Japan’s Edo period.
Fuelled by a carefully curated menu of Japanese cocktails and spirits, Fringe favourite Maho Magic Bar is the once-in-a-lifetime experience you have to do twice!’
Part show. Part bar. All magic!
Evening shows (after 4pm) contain adult concepts, these performances are suitable for ages 12+ with parental guidance. Shows before 4pm are family-friendly, these performances are recommended for ages 6+ with parental guidance.
Mr Snotbottom: P.Gee!
Calling adultish children & childish adults! Love comedy that’s chaotic yet clean? Hectic but harmless? Innocent and edgy? This fun & frantic physical character comedy is perfect for silly souls aged 8+.
From veteran family comedian Mr Snotbottom/Mark Trenwith, comes an accessible and irreverent show that grandparents and teenagers can enjoy in equal measures.
A brand new Mr. Snotbottom show that’s less about the ‘pee’ and more about the ‘gee!’
Winner- Weekly Award, Best Family Show, Perth FringeWorld
Winner – Best Performance, Newcastle Fringe
A Puppet Zoo Adventure!
Join Steph and Layla in Adventureland Zoo and meet the talking animals that need your help!
A mysterious and naughty Gremlin has put a spell on the sunshine – taking away the light – and they need YOUR help to get it back!
Packed with lively characters, silly surprises, songs and audience participation, children become part of the story as they solve puzzles, cheer, and help rescue the sunshine.
This 45-minute interactive show is perfect for under 10s and involves ventriloquism, magic and a whole lot of laughter!
Peter Combe in Brush Your Hair With a Toothbrush!!
Peter Combe returns to the 2026 Adelaide Fringe for another season of musical exuberance, old songs, new songs and lots of other quirky stuff.
New songs like 10,000 Stars, A Frog in My Cheese Sandwich and Planet Earth 3rd from the Sun, plus Jack & the Beanstalk, New Playgym, Thelma Brown Lived in a Zoo, Standing on a Bus, Newspaper Mama, Spaghetti Bolognaise, Toffee Apple, Juicy Juicy Green Grass, Red Balloon and how could you possibly forget to…Wash Your Face in Orange Juice!!
2026 Adelaide Fringe Shows for Teens + Tweens
Coming Soon…
2026 Adelaide Fringe Show for us (adults)
Coming Soon…
**Some (not all) of the shows above are paid listings and/or we received free tickets to see. Our personal reviews for the shows above are not paid for and our honest opinion.
Adelaide Fringe Venues
The Garden of Unearthly Delights
Is it even Fringe if you don’t wander through The Garden a few times? The Garden of Unearthly Delights is Adelaide Fringe’s ultimate playground for families, friends, and anyone up for a bit of fun. Under the gumtrees in Rundle Park, there’s something for everyone….
Fool’s Paradise at Adelaide Fringe, Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square)
Get ready to dive into Fool’s Paradise at Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square), one of Adelaide Fringe’s most vibrant and family-friendly hubs. Created by circus superstars Cal Harris and Thomas Gorham from Head First Acrobats, Fool’s Paradise is an artist-led precinct…
Gluttony
Gluttony is back for the 2026 Adelaide Fringe! Gluttony is back in Murlawirrapurka / Rymill Park from Friday 20 February to Sunday 22 March 2026, celebrating its 16th year at Adelaide Fringe and set to be the biggest season yet. One of the most loved Fringe hubs in…
Woodville Town Hall – A Thriving Fringe Hub for Kids, Families, and Community
Looking for a fun, easy, and family-friendly Fringe experience this year? Woodville Town Hall, just 15 minutes from the city, is one of Adelaide’s fastest growing Fringe Hubs and the perfect place to bring the kids. With over 25 shows and more than 60 performances…
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