Above : Reuben Kaye Pic Claudia Raschella
Every winter, as the evenings are getting chilly in Adelaide, something wonderfully decadent takes over the riverbank as the Adelaide Cabaret Festival transforms the Festival Centre into a glittering playground of music, comedy, storytelling, and theatrical mischief.
Since 2001, the Cab Fest has earned its reputation as one of the world’s best celebrations of the cabaret art form, showcasing international stars alongside emerging local talent.
This year, the Festival begins an exciting new era with Artistic Director Reuben Kaye, one of Australia’s most celebrated – and outrageous – cabaret performers. Known for his dazzling stage presence, quick-fire wit, and fearless social commentary, Kayeis always glamorous, provocative, and from-the-heart.
Kaye has chosen ‘Delicious Revolution’ as the Cab Fest theme, inviting audiences to embrace joy, creativity, and connection at a time when the world ‘feels hopeless, desolate and irredeemable’. It’s a theme that celebrates the transformative power of live performance, where music, laughter and storytelling become acts of community and, in their own way, quiet rebellion. Expect bold ideas, unexpected collaborations and plenty of opportunities to be challenged, delighted, and inspired.
‘In the dark lies the greatest thing. An audience. Waiting.Hungry to listen, to watch. To breathe in songs, jokes, stories, and lives, and to leave changed,’ says Kaye in the program.
The Festival runs from 4 – 21 June, so if you’re visiting Adelaide you probably won’t get to see everything. Here is my guide to the show-stopping shows you have to see!
First up, you can’t really go past the 2026 Variety Gala, the opening-night spectacular on 4 June at the Festival Theatre. I’ve been going to the Gala forever, and it’s always an amazing evening. This one will be an absolute dazzler, a whirlwind of a curtain-raiser, hosted by Reuben Kaye (of course!) in a full-throttle celebration of talent, wit, and glamour.
Music lovers will be lining up to see world-renowned tenor Alfie Boe performing his greatest hits from classical music and musical theatre on 7 June with special guest Amy Manford. And on 11 June, you can see Lime Cordiale giving their special blend of indie pop an orchestral boost with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, in ‘a majestic, high-brow makeover’.
Sydney audiences know and love Paul Capsis. He’s in Adelaide with Adam Noviello for HOUSE OF ROT: Grey Gardens. This is a dark reimagining of the famous Grey Gardens story. Part cabaret, part gothic fever dream, this is an unmissable world premiere performance. There are two shows only on 13 and 14 June.
One of my personal ‘must see’ shows is Cohen Noir from Monsieur Camembert, celebrating the beauty, mystery, and romance of the late great Leonard Cohen. This will be an amazing immersive experience with vocalist Yaron Hallis, a 10-piece band, choir, guest vocalists, and rare audio of Chen himself. Two performances only on 19 and 20 June.
There are so many wonderful shows and incredible performers in this year’s packed and pumped Cabaret Festival that it can be hard to choose. Let Reuben Kaye do the work for you and book one of the curated premium packages with three shows, drink vouchers, and the best seats in the house.
Alongside the shows, there are talks and exhibitions, roving performers in the foyers, and a DJ and dancefloor to keep the party going until late.
Experience the 2026 Cabaret Festival and be part of the Delicious Revolution!
