Family-friendly fun returns to The Garden of Unearthly Delights for Adelaide Fringe 2026

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An extraordinary garden landscape showcasing vivid colours, plants, and a crowd of people, inviting exploration and curiosity.
The Garden of Unearthly Delights returns for Adelaide Fringe 2026 with family-friendly shows, carnival rides, hands-on workshops and unforgettable entertainment for kids of all ages.

Families can once again expect a magical mix of circus, science, silliness and spectacular performances as The Garden of Unearthly Delights blooms into one of the most exciting family destinations of the Adelaide Fringe in 2026.

Taking over Rundle Park/Kadlitpina from 13 February to 22 March, this beloved outdoor performance precinct will host more than 115 shows across a six-week season, with a huge lineup designed to delight kids, teens and grown-ups alike. From world-class theatrical premieres to hands-on workshops, carnival rides and returning family favourites, The Garden continues to deliver unforgettable Fringe memories.

New family shows making their Garden debut

Two sumo wrestlers face off in the ring, while a large screen shows event details behind them.

One of the most anticipated premieres is The Sumo Show Hirakuza, appearing outside Osaka for the very first time. This unique theatrical experience blends ancient sumo wrestling with comedy, storytelling and astonishing physical feats. Presented entirely in English, audiences will laugh, learn and even have the rare opportunity to step into the ring themselves.

Also captivating audiences this season is The Luck Child, created by David Collins, star of The Upside Down Show and The Umbilical Brothers. In this imaginative theatrical adventure, Collins brings 16 characters to life in a whirlwind performance filled with kings, wizards and circus creatures.

Science lovers are in for a treat too, with the multi-award-winning That Science Gang returning with two exciting shows. The Alphabet of Awesome Science promises an hour of carefully crafted chaos, while Splish Splash Science! turns water itself into the star, with experiments designed to make audiences laugh, learn and maybe even duck for cover.

Magic and mayhem take centre stage in The Fritz Magic(ish) Show, a charming and chaotic performance perfect for ages 5 to 13. Meanwhile, Grossed Out Game Show invites audiences to join the action in a hilarious, slime-filled battle of ridiculous challenges and trivia.

Returning favourites families love

Peter Combe performance playing guitar and singing.

Iconic Australian children’s entertainer Peter Combe is back with his quirky songs that generations of Aussie families know and love, while the hands-on Upsound Instruments: Make & Play Workshop invites kids to turn recycled materials into their very own musical creations.

Beloved acts are also making a welcome return, including the ever-popular Amazing Drumming Monkeys: Dance Party, and the slapstick brilliance of Trash Test Dummies for their final season.

Carnival rides, games and hands-on fun

Beyond the stage, The Garden offers plenty of thrills with its vibrant carnival atmosphere. Families can enjoy classic rides including The Big Wheel, The Dodgems and The Tea Cups, while thrill seekers can experience the brand-new Slingshot ride, launching brave riders high into the sky.

A woman in a polka dot dress smiles while holding a vinyl record in her hands.

Additional family highlights include:

  • Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret Deluxe: A lively, musical singalong cabaret filled with fun, imagination and toddler-friendly themes.

  • Camp Culture: A joyful circus adventure led by Dale Woodbridge Brown, celebrating confidence, identity and big camp energy.

  • The Pinky Pie Party Part 2: Created by kids for kids, this unique Fringe experience is hosted by nine-year-old DJ Alba Lorca.

A must-visit destination for families this Fringe

Michelle Buxton, Co-Director of The Garden of Unearthly Delights, says, “We have fantastic family-friendly shows coming to The Garden in 2026. These performers are masters at ensuring the entertainment caters for everyone from children right through to adults, making them a perfect choice for the whole family.

“In 2025, The Garden had over 70 5-star reviews, strengthening its global reputation of delivering the very best entertainment in Australia. We can’t wait to share with audiences what we have curated for our 2026 program and welcome families from all corners to enjoy the joy of The Garden.”

With world premiere performances, returning favourites, interactive experiences and carnival excitement, The Garden of Unearthly Delights remains one of the best places for families to experience the magic of Adelaide Fringe together.

Tickets to all shows are on sale now.

For the full program and bookings, visit gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au and adelaidefringe.com.au.

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