The Adelaide Cabaret Festival will return in 2026 with a star-driven program curated by incoming artistic director Reuben Kaye, who has promised audiences a “delicious revolution” across 12 nights of music, comedy and theatre.

Running from 4-21 June at the recently refurbished Adelaide Festival Centre, the festival will feature 79 performances by artists from Australia and abroad. Kaye will lead proceedings, hosting the annual Variety Gala at the Festival Theatre on 4 June.

Kaye said the 2026 program reflects his expansive vision for the artform. “It has edge, sex, comedy, fantastic music and hilarious, nail-biting comedy. From Aussie icons and international acts of immense fame to basement-dwelling unknowns… this is a festival of risks, of leaps of faith, huge laughs and bigger heart.”

Reuben Kaye. Photo © Claudio Raschella

Among headline events, Australian indie-pop outfit Lime Cordiale will collaborate with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for a symphonic reimagining of their chart-topping songs. A one-night-only event, What’s The Buzz, will reunite Australian performers from the Olivier Award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar, including Mahalia Barnes,...