Adelaide Fringe and SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival
This weekend, head to Port MacDonnell for the revived Bay Festival or catch a show at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe.
On the fringe
With some 1300 shows at 400 venues, it’s little wonder the Adelaide Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the southern hemisphere. Officially running from February 21 to March 23, the Fringe brings some of the best performers from around the globe to Adelaide with shows ranging from cabaret to circus, dance, film, interactive experiences, variety, comedy, magic, theatre, visual arts and more. There will also be around 100 events in regional South Australia, including in Coober Pedy, Kimba, Kangaroo Island and Coonawarra.
A galloping success
More than 3000 people are expected to attend this year’s SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival, which started on Thursday and will culminate with the $40,000 Dudley Wines Kangaroo Island Cup on Saturday. While the long lunch marquees are now sold out, there are still general admission tickets available, as well as the Race Day Packages, which include admission to the race and return travel arrangments from Adelaide or Cape Jervis. Come dressed to impress as there is $5000 in prize money up for grabs at the Fashions on the Field Competition. This year’s race will coincide with 142 years of the Kangaroo Island Racing Club, which was founded back in 1883.
Rock lobster
Dubbed “Australia’s Southern Rock Lobster Capital”, Port MacDonnell is known for its unspoilt coastline and abundant fishing waters. This Friday to Sunday, South Australia’s southernmost town is relaunching its Bay Festival, with both free and ticketed events. The much-loved Bay Festival Community Fair is on Saturday, bringing live performances and kids’ entertainment to the Limestone Coast, as well as fresh lobster, regional specialities and locally made beverages. Other highlights of the weekend include a guided tour with Boandik Elder Uncle Ken Jones and an exquisite culinary experience with chef Kirby Shearing at the Port MacDonnell Customs House.
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Renmark Croquet Club
Make your way to the 23rd Street Distillery in Renmark this Friday for the Renmark Croquet Club. Guests can enjoy woodfired pizzas while sipping on 23rd Street Distillery cocktails or a G&T from the dedicated gin bar. Taking place on the distellery’s front lawn, there’ll also be live music from local artists and lawn games for those looking for a little friendly competition. Bookings are essential for this free Fringe event, which takes place every Friday until March 21.
Photo: Joey Jones
Fridays on the Plaza
Head to the Adelaide Festival Centre to celebrate the end of the week at FRIDAYS on the PLAZA. Taking place until February 28, this pop-up activation includes free entertainment, food and beverage options, outdoor lawn games and more. This Friday, enjoy a pint of Coopers or an Adelaide Gin cocktail as you watch a live performance from local musicians Karen de Nardi and Mike Bevan and munch on beef, chicken, prawn or tofu shasliks.
Photo: Pato Cassinoni
Krapp’s Last Tape
Stephen Rea, known for his roles in The Crying Game and V for Vendetta, stars in Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece that resonates across generations. As much a meditation on loneliness and the extraordinary tricks that memory plays, as a lament for squandered potential and lost love, Rea’s critically lauded performance has captivated audiences with sell-out runs in Europe. Krapp’s Last Tape shows at Dunstan Playhouse from February 27 until March 8 as part of the 2025 Adelaide Festival.
Discover Play Pathway
Join the Adelaide Hills Council for its annual Discover Play Pathway. You can walk, ride or run along the Amy Gillett Pathway for a fun day out with the family. Taking place from 9am until 3pm on Sunday, March 2, there will also be food trucks, art, markets and entertainment to enjoy, as well as the brand-new Touch-a-Truck event, where families can explore a range of trucks and heavy equipment up close.
