And the gong goes to… The Adelaide Fringe has officially been named Best Festival to Travel For in the 2025 Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s a well-deserved nod to the energy, colour and creativity that takes over South Australia every year.
The win confirms what locals already know. Adelaide Fringe is a full-blown experience that brings the whole city to life. From hidden laneway shows and circus tents under the stars to world-class cabaret, drag, comedy and music, it’s a celebration that more and more people plan their holidays around.
Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall said the recognition is a major boost for artists, venues and the visitor economy.
“This recognition from Australian Traveller’s readers tells us that people don’t just come to Fringe, they plan trips around it,” Heather said.
“It’s a win for artists, venues and the many small businesses that make Adelaide buzz every summer, and a brilliant signal to interstate and international visitors that Fringe and South Australia is a global destination for arts and culture.”
“This award recognises the engine room of Fringe: bold ideas backed by an open-access model that lets artists take risks and audiences make discoveries they didn’t know they were looking for.”
“The unique collaborations between government, corporate partners, artists, venues, audiences, staff and volunteers are what make Adelaide Fringe a destination worth travelling for. It’s proof that creativity thrives when a whole city throws its doors open,” Heather added.
Adelaide Fringe Executive Director of Audience Ella Huisman said the award highlights how the city’s spirit shapes the experience.
“What travellers are voting for is the Adelaide experience at its best, artists shoulder-to-shoulder with chefs, hoteliers, makers and venue teams to create four weeks of momentum you can feel on every street.”
“It’s a fabulous nod from Australian Traveller’s readers and a celebration of South Australia’s welcome,” said Ella.
Across four jam-packed weeks, the Fringe transforms Adelaide into a cultural playground. Locals and visitors fill the parks, bars and pop-up venues, moving between shows, drinks and late-night laughs.
The festival’s open-access model keeps things fresh and unpredictable, giving thousands of artists the freedom to create something new each year.
Tourist numbers have soared over the past decade, with Fringe generating $144.2 million in new money for South Australia in 2025 alone.
For locals, the award is a proud reminder that the Fringe sits at the heart of Adelaide’s identity. For everyone else, it’s the perfect excuse to book a flight, gather some friends and experience the magic for themselves.
Adelaide Fringe 2026 will run from 20 February to 22 March, with the full program set to drop on 5 December.
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