A first-timer's guide to Gluttony
If you’ve never been to Adelaide Fringe – or never stepped through the grand gates of Gluttony – consider this your gentle nudge to do so in 2026. Every year, from mid-February to mid-March, Murlawirrapurka/Rymill Park, located in the city’s lush eastern parklands, transforms into a colourful open-air “festival within a festival” – one that’s part arts hub, part food market, part late-night playground, and an all-inclusive space for locals and visitors of the city to enjoy.
And, here’s the thing about Gluttony that people don’t always say out loud: you don’t need to be an arts expert, social butterfly, or Fringe regular to feel at home here. Gluttony is built for wanderers, families, quiet observers, curious first-timers, big-night-out crews, and everyone in between. If you’ve ever looked at Gluttony (or Fringe) from afar and thought, “I have no idea where to start,” then this guide is made for you.
What is Adelaide Fringe exactly?
Adelaide Fringe is Australia’s biggest arts festival, and the second largest arts festival in the world, but at its heart, it’s a wonderfully simple, city-wide celebration of creativity. Every year, for 31 days and nights, artists take over venues big and small across South Australia, from established theatres to pop-up spaces, parklands, pubs, and warehouses.
It’s an open-access festival, meaning anyone can register a show, which is why the program feels so vibrant and diverse, with circus next to theatre, comedy next to cabaret, and something enticing around every corner. As one of the festival’s major hubs, Gluttony is a place where the Fringe spirit comes together in one vibrant patch of parkland. Basically, if Adelaide Fringe is the whole city lighting up, Gluttony is one of the brightest, most inviting spots to start your adventure.
A glimpse into the Gluttony shows (and how to choose one)
In 2026, Gluttony will host over 200 shows (our biggest program yet) across a range of genres, including circus, cabaret, comedy, magic, music, theatre, kids and family, spoken word, and late-night adults-only performances. If that feels overwhelming, don’t worry. Think of the program like an à la carte menu – where you pick and choose some of your favourites, while also being adventurous to try something new.
It might be a show with a curious title (there are a few of those!), a performer you’ve never heard of before, or you could simply close your eyes and let fate decide – we believe half the fun (and some of the best experiences had) is seeing something you didn’t plan for.
What happens inside a venue?
For the first time at Gluttony, there are 16 entertainment venues this year, including Tandanya Theatre, located in the east end of the city. Each venue has its own feel and flavour – some are cosy, intimate tents, while others are open-air spaces under the trees. Most shows run for approximately an hour, and nearly all are general admission, so you can choose where you sit.
Other good-to-know show criteria
- Clapping, cheering, and laughing are very welcome when appropriate for the show.
- Dancing (or not) depends on the show and venue. The Fantail and Club Curious have designated dance floors for specific performances, while other venues usually have space to the sides where you can dance without blocking anyone’s view. If a show is sit-down only, the vibe will make that clear.
- Photography depends on the show – when in doubt, the front-of-house staff will guide you, and some artists will even announce their photography policy before the show begins.
- Drinks are permitted inside the performance venues, but we discourage bringing in food. A: It can make for a messy cleanup for staff in between shows, and B: We want to keep your hands free so you can clap and show your appreciation for what’s unfolding on stage.
- Some artists hold meet-and-greets or chat with audience members outside their venue following their show. If the crowd lingers, or you’d like a chance to get a snap with your favourite performer, stick around – many performers love meeting and connecting with their audience.
In a nutshell, there’s no “right way” to be an audience member here, beyond being respectful and following any rules the performer specifies. We invite you to sit back, take it all in, and let the artists do the rest.
Food and drink (aka what you'll snack on while you wander)
Gluttony is home to multiple food markets, filled to the brim with global flavours – Filipino, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese – plus festival classics like gelato, hot doughnuts, buttery popcorn, burgers, and fairy floss. There’s also a selection of vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and halal offerings for those with dietary requirements, as well as an array of delicious options to keep the kids happy and their tummies full.
If you’re after something a little more spesh, there are also two lakeside restaurants for a full dining experience, Champagne Island for throwing back oysters with a glass (or two) of bubbles, and plenty of bars for wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic options, or just a refreshing sip between shows.
You’re welcome to bring your own water bottle (there are free refill stations throughout Gluttony), and there’s seating tucked between the trees if you want to simply sit and soak up the atmosphere rather than eat on the go. See the Food & Drink page on the Gluttony website for more info.
What the atmosphere feels like
So, this is where the magic really is, and why people return to Gluttony year after year.
As the sun dips and the festoon lights switch on (along with the glow from Chandelier Avenue), Gluttony becomes a soft hum of energy – with lively music, laughter and conversation, enticing food smells, and people weaving between venues.
There are both quiet corners and more vibrant stretches, shady spots and picnic patches. You can make it a weekend family day, a date night, a solo wander, or a post-work meet-up with mates. No two experiences feel the same, and you don’t have to stay all day or all evening (Gluttony’s open six nights a week plus weekend days). Pop by for a feed, linger for a show or two, head home whenever you like.
And, most importantly, entry is FREE. You can come to Gluttony and immerse yourself in the atmosphere, and if you decide to see a show last minute, you can grab tickets from the Adelaide Fringe Box Offices located outside the Fringe Corner Gate or inside Gluttony at Gluttony Town Centre.
If you're bringing the kids (or the four-legged kind)
Gluttony is genuinely easy to visit and navigate with kids, with plenty of daytime shows, weekend activities, and spaces to pause, play, or reset between performances. Besides all the ticketed family-friendly entertainment on offer – think circus, kids’ theatre, movement, science, magic, and more – there’s lots of fun to be had with the Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace and Dart Blaster Arena (for a small fee), both open during the day, and weekends often bring face-painting stalls and other hands-on activities for young festival-goers to enjoy.
If you need a quiet space to attend to feeds and changes, a parenting room is located in the City Side Zone, complete with a change table, tap and basin, and a comfy chair for feeding.
And for those well-socialised “kids” who have wagging tails instead, dogs are welcome at Gluttony too, just not permitted inside performance spaces (with the exception of assistance animals). If you’re visiting with a four-legged friend, we recommend sticking to the earlier part of the evening (before 7pm) when the festival energy is calmer, keeping them on a lead, and every water station throughout Gluttony will also have refillable dog bowls to keep your pooch happy and hydrated.
If you have accessibility needs
Each year, the Gluttony team refines how the site serves patrons’ mobility, sensory, communication, or other access needs. Across the park, you’ll find flat, clear pathways and signage that make moving between venues simple, accessible toilets in multiple zones, and bars with lower counters for easier service.
Gluttony also has the SACARE Carers' Lounge located just outside the western perimeter of Gluttony, with a changing and sensory pod, and a Sensory Break Tent – for neurodivergent kids and other guests who may need a little break from the crowds – providing a variety of resources and tools to help reset overwhelmed brains and regulate between shows.
A number of shows at Gluttony also offer Auslan-interpreted, relaxed, or tactile sessions, giving audiences different ways to engage with performances. See the Accessibility page on the Gluttony website for more info.
Finding your way (without the stress)
Gluttony might look big from the outside, but it’s surprisingly straightforward once you’re in, as it’s split into four easy-to-navigate sections (City Side Zone, Kent Town Zone, Bartels Zone, Lakeside Zone), each with its own entry/exit gate.
If you’re attending a show, your ticket will always direct you to the nearest entrance, and site maps are dotted around the park and available online — helping you find toilets, the Info Booth, or your favourite foodie spot. If directions aren’t your strength, don't worry… Gluttony staff and Adelaide Fringe volunteers are everywhere and happy to guide you if you’re unsure where to go.
It’s all designed to be simple, even if you’re arriving for the first time. When in doubt, follow the lights, the music, or the scent of steaming hot doughnuts — sometimes half the fun is just seeing where the buzz of Gluttony takes you.
If you tend to avoid big crowds
If large crowds aren’t your thing, you’ll be pleased to know there are calmer moments and spots at Gluttony, allowing you to still enjoy the Fringe atmosphere.
Arriving earlier in the evening (around 4:45-6pm) or visiting midweek makes for a slightly slower experience with more room to wander and settle in at your own pace. You’ll find quieter areas by the lake, grassy patches, and plenty of shaded corners where you can step back from the hustle and take a breather, instead of being among the crowd.
In short, everyone's welcome here
There’s no denying that Gluttony is big, colourful, and humming with energy – but it’s not exclusive, intimidating, or only “for certain types of people.” Gluttony thrives on diversity – of people, shows, tastes, and curiosities – and you don’t need to arrive with a plan or be the loudest one in the crowd. You just need to be open to experiencing some pretty special festival magic.
Come explore, taste, listen, roam, and discover the bits of Gluttony that feel like yours. And, if you’re joining us for the first time in 2026, welcome – we can’t wait to show you around.