The city’s East End experienced its biggest weekend since the COVID-19 pandemic, with new Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) data revealing approximately 249,700 visitors to the precinct between 7-10 March 2025.
The data highlights a significant surge in foot traffic, with this year’s numbers showing a 52 per cent increase in comparison to the same weekend in 2024.
The spike in visitors coincided with major events and activations including the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, East End Unleashed and the Ebenezer Night Markets, all of which contributed to the East End’s dynamic atmosphere.
AEDA Chair Steve Maras says visitor numbers reinforce the precinct’s position as a top destination for both locals and tourists.
“The influx of visitors, fuelled by major events and other activations, proves the East End is a cultural heartbeat of Adelaide where people come to experience the city's creativity, energy, and unique atmosphere,” Mr Maras says.
“With a blend of high-end hospitality, retail, and entertainment all within a single precinct, it is unsurprising that visitors are drawn to the East End to experience a diverse range of offerings.
“We look forward to an exciting end to the festival season.”
According to the data there were 239,262 visitors to the precinct on the weekend starting 28 February 2025, and 198,694 the weekend prior.
These numbers come as the Adelaide Fringe moves into its fourth weekend, with 782,000 show tickets sold as on Monday, 10 March 2025.
Adelaide Fringe performer and city resident Issac Humphries (pictured above) is dribbling into his latest show, with the 36ers basketballer presenting his new show More of Me at the Garden of Unearthly Delights.
It puts 27-year-old Humphries’ vulnerable side centre stage, with the performer set to show audiences that he is more than just an athlete with his tenor notes and beautiful piano melodies.
Humphries believes arts festivals are a key highlight in the city’s event calendar, drawing a diverse range of visitors and adding to the vibrant energy of Adelaide.
“Adelaide has such a thriving arts community and to have artist and attendees travel around the world to come and support us is amazing,” Humphries says.
“It boosts the vibes of the city and we can all agree that Fringe time around Adelaide is a buzzing and magical time of year.”
AEDA is a proud sponsor of the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide and Adelaide Motorsport Festival.
More of Me is on until Saturday, 15 March 2025. Details: adelaidefringe.com.au