South Australia Police (SAPOL) has launched a high‑visibility operation for the 2026 Adelaide Fringe Festival to ensure festivalgoers can enjoy the month‑long celebration safely.
This year's festival runs from 20 February to 22 March, activating more than 500 venues across metropolitan Adelaide and drawing large crowds to major hubs including the Garden of Unearthly Delights in Rundle Park / Kadlitpina and Gluttony in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka.
Operation Adelaide Fringe Festival 2026 will see increased foot and bicycle patrols, along with mounted officers, police dogs and Public Transport Safety Section members. Police will focus on behaviour, liquor licensing compliance and overall public safety throughout the period.
More than 4.6 million people are expected to visit the CBD during the festival.
Event Police Commander, Superintendent Scott Denny, said SAPOL's priority is ensuring the Fringe remains a safe and enjoyable event for all.
"We want everyone to have an enjoyable, memorable, and safe festival and we are doing everything we can to be prepared and maintain Adelaide's status as a safe city to live, work and visit," he said.
"Although most attendees respect the rules, please be assured police will not tolerate unlawful behaviour.
"Police will have an unwavering focus on road safety, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence and will respond to any reports of crime."
The Adelaide Fringe Festival 2026 Declared Public Precinct (DPP) will operate nightly from 6pm to 2am throughout the festival, in addition to the existing city‑west DPP.
This provides police with additional authorities to protect public safety within and around the festival grounds, including conducting metal‑detector searches, and directing individuals to leave the area when required.
Free safety and assistance wristbands for children and vulnerable people are available at the Fringe Corner Box Office and Gluttony Box Office on the corner of Rundle Street and East Terrace.
"The festival is family-friendly in nature and people with children are reminded to have a plan in place should they be separated, including having a designated place to meet," Superintendent Denny said.
"Leave valuables at home or ensure they are secured and kept out of sight. Never leave personal items unattended.
"Plan your journey to and from in advance. If you're drinking, organise a designated driver, catch public transport or catch a rideshare or taxi."
Operation City Safe will continue every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm, focusing on the West End precinct.
Superintendent Denny urges festivalgoers to be mindful of their surroundings and the increased pedestrian activity.
"Take extra care if you're driving in the vicinity and take note of road closures," he said.
"If you see something suspicious, make sure to report it to police at the time. Look out for your friends and family, be vigilant and have fun!"
Road closures will affect traffic throughout the CBD during the festival, including extended closures at the Rundle Street and East Terrace intersection during peak periods. Additional restrictions will apply around Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga during East End Unleashed events.
For detailed road closure information, visit Traffic SA or the City of Adelaide website.
The Adelaide Fringe Festival 2026 Declared Public Precinct will be in place for an 8-hour period from 6pm to 2am every night during the Fringe period, in addition to the city-west DPP already in place.
Adelaide Fringe Festival media conference at Tandanya (Aboriginal Cultural Institute)
Photo: Enza Ferraro, BankSA; Superintendent Scott Denny, SAPOL representative; Tara MacLeod, Acting CEO, Adelaide Fringe; Brenz Saunders, CEO, Tandanya; Hugh Sheridan & Isaiah Firebrace, Fringe Artists, California Crooners Club.
