DreamBIG Children’s Festival is back for 2027, and the schools program is now open for bookings. Running from 12-22 May, this year’s festival theme is ‘Constellations’, inviting South Australian students to reflect on what connects us all.
If you’ve got school-aged kids, chances are you already know DreamBIG. More than 2.5 million children have participated since the festival began in 1974 (back when it was called Come Out Festival), making it an intrinsic part of growing up in South Australia.
What’s on for schools
This year’s program brings beloved books to life on stage. Theatre Royal Bath (UK) presents The Little Prince, a whimsical adventure of infinite possibility, while Oliver Jeffers’ Where to Hide a Star becomes a sparkling celebration of friendship featuring live classical music performed by Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Global beat-boxing phenomenon Tom Thum and keys wizard Tnee Dyer will teach students how to turn any sound into music in Permission Granted. For older students, Write Now Festival is a one-day event helping aspiring writers discover career pathways.
Festival highlights
- Giant Marble Run in Elder Park, made from upcycled broomsticks, lampshades, piping, bamboo and more. A ridiculously fun invention challenging children to think outside the box.
- COSMIC COSMOS, an interactive installation where children are recruited to welcome hundreds of microscopic aliens to Earth and build their new tiny homes.
- The Heart Beat Club, a high-energy daytime dance party hosted by Tutti Arts’ Beats Crew, celebrating what makes us all unique by encouraging young people to join the fun in their own way.
What the organisers say
Festival Director Georgi Paech said: “I see DreamBIG as a tool to connect children to curiosity, imagination, their community, the wider world, and of course, the arts. The DreamBIG team hopes that together we can create a constellation of creativity across South Australia in 2027.”
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO Kate Gould added: “At Adelaide Festival Centre, we are dedicated to providing every South Australian child quality arts and cultural experiences. For DreamBIG Children’s Festival 2027, we look forward to welcoming students from across South Australia to our venues and beyond, as we unite and celebrate the things that join us together.”
Booking information
Full details for the schools program can be found at dreambigfestival.com.au. The families and general public program will be revealed in January.
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