OzAsia Festival 2026

OzAsia Festival 2026 returns to Adelaide from 9 October to 1 November 2026, bringing a diverse program of Asian and Asian Australian arts, culture, performance, music, food, visual art and community experiences to the city. The festival is presented as part of the program at Adelaide Festival Centre, South Australia’s principal performing arts venue.

A Celebration of Asian and Asian Australian Culture

OzAsia Festival is dedicated to creating opportunities for audiences to experience contemporary Asian and Asian Australian creativity. Over the years, the festival has presented theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, comedy and other cultural experiences, providing a platform for artists and communities connected with Asia and Australia. Adelaide Festival Centre describes OzAsia as a festival focused on cultural engagement between Asia and Australia.

The 2026 edition continues this cultural focus through a program that brings together artists, performers, creators and audiences in Adelaide. Festival events can take place across the Adelaide Festival Centre precinct and nearby public spaces, creating opportunities to experience performances and installations both indoors and outdoors.

Festival Performances and Entertainment

Music is an important part of OzAsia Festival. The 2026 program includes performances at the OzAsia Festival Stage at Lucky Dumpling Market. For example, Australian band Regurgitator is scheduled to perform on 16 October 2026 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, with free admission. The performance is officially listed as part of OzAsia Festival.

The festival environment also allows visitors to discover performances while exploring Adelaide’s Riverbank precinct. Depending on the individual event, visitors may encounter live music, contemporary performance, cultural presentations and other artistic experiences.

Hong Kong Dragon

One of the major public installations associated with OzAsia Festival 2026 is the Hong Kong Dragon, which will be displayed at the Riverbank Footbridge from 9 October to 1 November 2026. The spectacular lantern is approximately 40 metres long and was created by Hong Kong artist Vivian Ho.

The artwork draws inspiration from everyday Hong Kong scenes and the history of Kowloon Walled City. Its position above the River Torrens creates a distinctive public artwork that can be experienced by people moving through the Riverbank precinct. The installation is listed as free and suitable for visitors of all ages.

Lucky Dumpling Market

Lucky Dumpling Market forms an important part of the OzAsia Festival experience, combining food, entertainment and cultural activity. The market is held in Elder Park and includes the OzAsia Festival Stage. Adelaide Festival Centre states that the market is operated in collaboration with OzAsia Festival and the team behind Gluttony.

Visitors can enjoy Asian-inspired food and drinks while experiencing live entertainment. The market provides an informal setting for visitors to gather, explore different flavours and enjoy festival performances.

A Festival Across Adelaide

While Adelaide Festival Centre is central to OzAsia Festival, the program extends into the surrounding Riverbank area. Adelaide Festival Centre includes several major performance spaces, including Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre, all located on King William Road.

The wider precinct includes Elder Park, the Riverbank Footbridge and areas beside the River Torrens. This combination of theatres, galleries, outdoor areas and public spaces gives the festival a varied setting for cultural experiences.

Family and Community Experiences

OzAsia Festival provides opportunities for different audiences, including families and visitors looking for free public activities. The Hong Kong Dragon, for example, is officially described as a kids and families community event and is accessible to visitors throughout its exhibition period.

Accessibility is also considered across Adelaide Festival Centre venues. The centre states that its venues are wheelchair accessible and assistance animal friendly, while individual festival activities may have their own accessibility arrangements.

Discover Art Food Music and Ideas

A visit to OzAsia Festival can combine several different cultural experiences in one trip. Visitors can attend a performance, explore public art, enjoy food at the Lucky Dumpling Market or spend time around the Riverbank precinct.

The festival also provides a setting for audiences to encounter contemporary perspectives from Asian and Asian Australian artists. Its programming reflects the cultural connections between Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region, while giving Adelaide audiences opportunities to experience artists and works from different backgrounds.

Visiting OzAsia Festival 2026

The main festival period runs from Friday 9 October through Sunday 1 November 2026. Because OzAsia Festival consists of multiple events and activities, individual performances can have different dates, times, venues, ticket arrangements and age suitability. The official Adelaide Festival Centre program should therefore be checked for details of a particular performance or activity.

Adelaide Festival Centre is located on King William Road in Adelaide and is close to Adelaide Railway Station, the River Torrens, Elder Park and other central Adelaide attractions.

OzAsia Festival 2026 offers an opportunity to experience contemporary Asian and Asian Australian arts and culture through performances, music, public art, food and community events. With activities spread across Adelaide’s central arts and Riverbank precincts, the festival provides a substantial cultural program for local audiences and visitors during October and early November.