Image: Pete Foster
DreamBIG Children’s Festival marks its 50th anniversary this May at the Adelaide Festival Centre with a captivating theme ‘I Was, I Am, I Will Be’. The family program spans over 10 days featuring a diverse blend of more than 70 shows, including 9 world premieres and 12 South Australian premieres. The program combines music, storytelling, and interactive play to stimulate young minds.
The historic event, known as the world’s longest-running curated children’s festival, is set to commence with the much-anticipated Parade. It promises to be a grand affair with students from various parts of South Australia joining on May 7 for the DreamBIG’s Birthday Parade. The parade symbolises unity and collective celebration across the state.
Following the Parade, the Big Family Weekend, which is scheduled from May 10th to 11th, will feature an array of free events. These activities, suitable for children of all ages, will take place across the Adelaide Festival Centre and Festival Plaza. Highlights of this weekend include controlling a giant marionette in String Symphony, engaging in a creative collection for a time capsule in The Museum of the Everyday, and an intriguing opportunity to play flowers as instruments in The Plants. Additionally, children will have the liberty to cover the walls, ceiling, and floor with art in Scribble Zone.
Image: Phillip Merry
“I look forward to welcoming young people from across the state to Adelaide Festival Centre as we celebrate this grand anniversary, through the return of the beloved Opening Parade and a special exhibition in Festival Theatre Galleries – 50 Years of Dreaming Big,” shared Douglas Gautier AM, CEO & Artistic Director of Adelaide Festival Centre.
Adding to the festival’s diversity, two Australian picture books will come alive at the Dunstan Playhouse. The stage will showcase Rachel Burke’s Fancy Long Legs and Alison Lester’s IMAGINE LIVE, promising an enchanting and vibrant adventure for the young audience.
Other performances include Zindzi & The Zillionaires at the State Library of South Australia along with Stephen Noonan’s The Boy and the Ball. The international highlights include The Bookbinder from New Zealand and Mini SPIN from the UK.
Sensorium Theatre’s Wonderbox offers a sensory wonderland designed for young audiences with disabilities. This immersive experience is tailored to foster an inclusive environment where each child discovers a magical side to themselves.
Image: Maria Boyadgis
“The Malinauskas Government is proud to support DreamBIG Children’s Festival. We encourage families to explore the rich opportunities in this year’s program, and to engage their young people with the wonderful world of arts, culture and creativity,” said Minister for Arts, the Hon. Andrea Michaels MP.
Since its inception in 1974 as the Come Out Festival, over 2.5 million children have engaged with the festival, making it a pivotal experience in South Australian childhood. The festival continues to focus on providing innovative, creative, and inspiring arts experiences for young audiences.
DreamBIG Children’s Festival invites families to partake in its golden jubilee celebrations from May 7th to 17th, 2025.
For more information, click here.
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