With an extensive lineup of shows, installations, and experiences, it can be hard to know where to start. To help, we’ve selected five standout performances from the 2025 lineup—each offering something truly unique—from eerie tunnels to musical legends and even the hidden voices of plants.
1. Sleeps Hill Tunnel: A Journey into Darkness and History
VENUE: The Tunnels, Grandview Crescent, Panorama
Step into the mysterious world of Sleeps Hill Tunnel (pictured at top), a site steeped in history and shadowy intrigue. This immersive experience isn’t just a performance—it’s a sensory adventure. Guided through the atmospheric, dimly lit tunnels, audiences will uncover stories of Adelaide’s past, where echoes of long-forgotten whispers come to life. Expect chills, surprises, and perhaps a newfound appreciation for the ghosts of history lurking beneath our feet.
Why you should see it: It’s not every day you get to explore an abandoned railway tunnel under the glow of performance art. Prepare for a hauntingly beautiful experience.
2. Celestial Gardens: The Secret Sound of Plants
VENUE: Gardens at Carrick Hill, Carrick Hill, 46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield
Ever wondered what plants might sound like if they had a voice? Celestial Gardens: The Secret Sound of Plants is an otherworldly fusion of science, music, and art that brings nature’s hidden symphony to life. Using cutting-edge technology, the show transforms the electromagnetic signals from plants into ethereal music, creating a one-of-a-kind soundscape.
Why you should see it: It’s a rare chance to eavesdrop on the secret conversations of the natural world. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a meditative escape.
3. BITE: A Circus Experience with Edge
VENUE: The Vagabond at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
If you’re craving adrenaline-pumping action, BITE delivers it in droves. This daring circus act blends acrobatics, contemporary dance, and jaw-dropping stunts into a show that’s equal parts exhilarating and emotional. With high stakes and raw vulnerability, the performers push the limits of physical storytelling.
Why you should see it: Circus, but make it edgy. BITE isn’t just a spectacle—it’s an experience that bites into your soul.
4. The 27 Club: Rock ‘n’ Roll Immortals Reimagined
VENUE: The Fantail (open-air) at Gluttony, Rymill Park
Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain—the legends of The 27 Club have transcended time, leaving behind music that shaped generations. This powerhouse show celebrates these iconic artists with raw energy, soaring vocals, and a rocking live band. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, the nostalgia and passion will hit hard.
Why you should see it: It’s a tribute to music’s brightest stars who burned out too soon. Expect goosebumps and singalongs.
5. Shadows of Herself: A Dance Through Identity
VENUE: The Gallery at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum
Shadows of Herself is an intimate dance- theatre performance that dives deep into identity, memory, and self-reflection. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Migration Museum courtyard, this show blends movement, light, and shadow to explore the stories we tell ourselves and the ones we hide from others.
Why you should see it: It’s a deeply personal yet universally relatable experience that will linger in your thoughts long after the final bow.
