The 41st Adelaide Festival invites audiences to "step beyond the everyday and into extraordinary".
So says the Festival’s new Artistic Director Matthew Lutton OAM, who’s promising a bold and provocative festival.
And it all kicks off next Friday night (27 February) with a free concert in Elder Park from much-loved British band Pulp.
"
Across 17 exhilarating days, the city invites many of the greatest artistic minds in the world to perform in Adelaide in productions that can only be seen during Adelaide Festival," Mr Lutton, pictured, said.
"The 2026 festival celebrates provocative ideas and bold theatricality, alongside local artists creating new large-scale performances.
"This year we feature 44 events, 8 world premieres, 12 Australian premieres and 21 Australian exclusives.
"From our free opening night concert in Elder Park with iconic British band Pulp to intimate, soul-stirring works, expect conversation-starting theatre, breathtaking music, and moments of adrenaline that will linger long after the curtain falls — the kind o
f shared experiences only live art can deliver."
So if you’re looking to kick off the 2026 Adelaide Festival with a bang, here are just a few highlights from the opening weekend.
Pulp: Fronted by the legendary Jarvis Cocker, Pulp (pictured) defined a generation with their sharp, ironic take on everyday life. Hits like Common People have become anthems of a new class consciousness and their energetic live shows blend theatrical spectacle with an infectious mix of glam rock, disco, new wave and British indie. The free concert in Elder Park on Friday 27 February, starts at 8.30pm.
Mama Does Derby: Loca
l company Windmill presents an hilarious and heartfelt mother-daughter tale (pictured) that smashes up against the rough and radical world of roller derby. Real players. A live band. Take a seat, trackside.
The Cherry Orchard: Well-known director Simon Stone is presenting Checkhov’s Russian masterpiece in the high-stakes world of South Korean business. Cannes Best Actress winner Doyeon Jeon and Emmy-nominated Haesoo Park (Squid Game), lead the remarkable ensemble that brings this electric vision of The Cherry Orchard to life.
Perle Noire: Meditations for Josephine: Experience the brilliance of soprano Julia Bullock in a work that shines a light on the life and legacy of Josephine Baker. With ex-Adelaide Festival Director Peter Sellars directing.
Tryp I and Tryp III: A contemporary music program to encourage a younger audience and attract the 40-and-under crowd offering alternative music experiences. The Festival has partnered with Hindley St Music Hall and Cloisters at Adelaide University to bring a range of Adelaide, Australian and international artists (such as Boris & Merzbow, james K and Barker).
CODA: Adelaide Festival’s new destination bar tucked right amongst all the Festival’s creative chaos.
Re-shaping Identity: Five charismatic dancers from different ethnic backgrounds – including Tibetan, Yao, Uyghur and Han – strut on stage to share the traditional dances that have shaped their identities.
For more information and tickets go to adelaidefestival.com.au
