Arts

Adelaide’s most glamorous winter festival returns and this year, it’s unapologetically extra

By Bella McGreevy

Posted on April 10, 2025

Join Adelaide Cabaret Festival this June and celebrate its 25th birthday with a fantastic lineup of talent.

Photos credit: Adelaide Cabaret Festival

Prepare to be bedazzled, prepare to be charmed, and prepare for the cure to your post Mad March blues as Adelaide Cabaret Festival hits this June, this year celebrating its 25th birthday. We know we’ve had a whirlwind of festivities these last few months and now, as we put our winter coats on, the celebrations are only going to continue.

To commemorate turning 25 – as if we needed another excuse to turn up the glamour – the festival’s theme is “Bling it On,” encouraging you to dress up in what makes you sparkle.

Running from June 5 to 21 across Her Majesty’s Theatre and Adelaide Festival Centre, the program boasts a diverse and international list of talent.

The team have travelled their way across the world to deliver a thoughtfully curated line-up with the crème de la crème of talent, just for you. From brilliant theatrical performances to side splitting comedy, mind-blowing music and some incredibly sexy circus acts, there is something for everyone.

It’s not open mic-night, it’s world-class entertainment, baby, and it’s here in Adelaide.

Each night of the festival, there is a free event by the and only Dr Trevor Jones, keeping the in between and post-show vibes high. ‘Piano Man’ is free to attend for festival goers and friends and Trevor’s extraordinary talent will have you torn between the foyer and the show you’ve booked tickets for. Expect lots of fun, special guests and hours of free entertainment, but above all, expect the unexpected!

The heart of the action is the newly refurbished Adelaide Festival Centre, overlooking the beautiful River Torrens and neighbouring the delicious Station Road, ITL and The Kitchen.

We’ve made things easy for you to find your show of choice. Our recommendation is all of them, but we’ll let you decide.

For the music lovers:

Jacob Collier (Grammy award-winning musician)
Jessica Mauboy (Aria award-winning musician)
Davina and the Vagabonds (USA)
Rai Thistlethwayte Reimagining Stevie Wonder’s ‘Innervisions’
Unapologetically Judith Owen (USA)

For those who love a party:

For those after a laugh:

A theatrical twist:

Masterful storytellers:

Get involved:

As winter creeps in, no need to brave the elements. The comfortable seating, climate controlled rooms and easy access to bars means you can stay toasty and relax while you enjoy the cabaret magic. Picture yourself around a round table, bubbles in hand, surrounded by laughter and captivated faces. The room is dimly lit, but alive with energy. Outside, it’s winter, but in here, it’s warmth and wonder.

This iconic festival is the perfect antidote for your Mad March blues, one that’s energetic, alluring, mischievous and innately sassy – if that were a dating profile, we’d be interested, wouldn’t you? It’s not just feather boas and bowler hats, it’s provocative and liberating, inviting and inclusive, and celebrates the beauty of the arts right in the centre of the CBD.

The opening show has already sold out, but tickets to the 25th Birthday Party late night show are still available and selling fast. Don’t be rude, they’ve invited you. Attendance is necessary, and mischief is encouraged.

So, sip on your champagne, take a seat, and we hope you enjoy the show.