The Ultimate Guide to Mad March in Adelaide
Mad March is almost here – are you ready to experience it?
Adelaide’s Mad March festival season spans from mid-February until late March, and brings with it a huge variety of entertainment and experiences. Whether it’s music, theatre, comedy, visual arts, kids activities or just great food and wine, there’s something to suit everyone on the festival calendar.
If you’re struggling to plan out your Mad March activities, we have compiled a list of eight ways you can make the most of Adelaide during the festival season.
Eat
Gluttony at the Adelaide Fringe is a wonderland for all things indulgent, delectable and delicious, and the food on offer this year promises to be something special. They’ll be serving up a huge range of worldly cuisines and street fare, as well as multi-course dinners and tasty snacks to keep your energy levels high.
Party
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New home, same vibes. N.E.O.N. is back. 12 days. #neonforest #dusktilldawn #rccfringe #adlfringe
Based at the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus, the RCC Fringe promises “loud noises, strobe lighting and a real good time.” The party will go for the entire Adelaide Fringe Festival, with local and international musicians, circus acts, theatre, cabaret, comedy and kids activities to keep you coming back for more. The RCC Fringe will also be home to Dusk Till Dawn – an all-night party featuring over 120 artists.
The floating pontoon on the River Torrens, just opposite the Adelaide Oval, will be home to The Palais during the Adelaide Festival. Spend your Mad March evenings having sunset drinks with friends while taking in the beautiful surrounds of the River Torrens and parklands – all to the soundtrack of great live music and fascinating talks.
Laugh
The Adelaide Fringe is the perfect time to venture into the world of comedy. The Fringe has a great list of headlining acts from all over Australia and the world, but the true meaning of ‘Fringe’ comedy is found in pubs, bars and local venues all over Adelaide. Whether it’s musical comedy, comedy workshops, open-mic nights or late-night showcases, there’s a comedy show to suit you from some of the best up-and-coming comedy stars in Australia.
Watch
Arts fans flock in their thousands to Adelaide during the Mad March festival season, not only for the comedy and the nightlife, but for the cabaret, musicals, orchestral performances and circus theatre. There are hundreds of shows to choose from in the Adelaide Fringe and Adelaide Festival programs, including opera, ballet, acrobatics, choirs, improv, magic and even films and digital productions.
Listen
For international tunes and exotic vibes, head to WOMADelaide in Botanic Park. WOMADelaide features artists from all over the world, including Australia, Wales, Germany, the United States, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Israel, New Zealand, France and many more.
Adelaide Writers week also takes place during Adelaide Festival, in the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Gardens. You can listen in on panel discussions and watch talks with media personalities and writers from around Australia and the world, including Kerry O’Brien, David Malouf, Eddie Woo, Jane Doyle, Morris Gleitzman and Leigh Sales.
Play
The Adelaide Fringe is a fantastic time to bring the kids to Adelaide for some festival fun. Sing-alongs, pop-up story books, circus tricks, interactive science workshops, balloon animals, real-life mermaids, safari expeditions, princess tea parties – you name it, the Fringe has got it. Kids of all ages will love the energetic, hilarious and interactive shows on offer, and they might even learn something along the way!
WOMADelaide’s KidZone is an interactive, fun-filled space during the festival, where kids can get involved in arts, crafts and workshops, sit back and listen at story time or just get their hands dirty in the Nature Village.
See
You haven’t seen Adelaide during Mad March until you’ve seen the city in all its colourful glory from above. A RoofClimb Night experience is the perfect way to see the city as the Fringe and Mad March lights up the skies. From the top of the Oval, you’ll be able to soak up the festive atmosphere, with glowing lights, party sounds and great friends! RoofClimb Night is the perfect way to kick off an evening at the Fringe, with your favourite party tunes playing as you take in the spectacular city skyline.
Mad March in Adelaide is truly a special time, and you can see it all from the best seat in the house on a RoofClimb adventure.
Book a RoofClimb Night experience now