Major boost for Adelaide’s events and festivals: AEDA invests $5.4 million in sponsorship funding

The Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) is injecting more than $5.4 million into 20 vibrant events and festivals, empowering organisers to create unforgettable experiences that contribute to CBD tourism, visitation and the economy.

The Events and Festivals Sponsorship program, a City of Adelaide initiative administered through AEDA, provides funding to support medium and major events across the city.

The funding extends over the next three financial years, beginning in 2025/26, and is a long-term commitment to shaping Adelaide as a premier destination for culture, entertainment and community connection.

In Short:

• Twenty event organisers will receive a share of more than $5.4 million as part of the latest round of AEDA's Events and Festivals Sponsorship program.

• Successful applicants include Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Tasting Australia, Carols by Candlelight, Feast Festival, and the Nature Festival of South Australia.

• AEDA will also invest $100,000 in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in November 2025, which will be held in Oceania for the first time.

AEDA General Manager Greg Ratsch says investing in events and festivals cements the city's reputation as a top destination for entertainment, celebration, and fun.

“Events and festivals contribute to the heartbeat of the local economy by driving tourism, encouraging spending at small businesses, as well as creating jobs,” Mr Ratsch says.

“The program is guided by clear criteria and supports festivals that attract visitors, generate overnight stays, deliver economic benefits, and contribute to the vibrancy of the city.

“AEDA is proud to offer continued support to well-established and much-loved events and festivals, while also providing support to several emerging events that show strong potential for growth.”

Successful applicant Illuminate Adelaide has secured $540,000 in funding over three financial years to build on its ongoing program and event growth.

Illuminate Adelaide Co-Founder and Creative Director Rachael Azzopardi says extra funding will help position the city as a global leader in creating experiences that embrace the intersection of art, science, and technology.

"We are thrilled to receive this funding boost from AEDA, which will contribute to taking Illuminate Adelaide to the next level,” Ms Azzopardi says.

“It means more experiences and an even bigger spotlight on the city that thrives on events and festivals – it invites people to be a part of something truly special for the next three years.”

The Nature Festival of South Australia returns for its sixth iteration in 2025, with event registrations open until the end of the month.

The festival proudly celebrates South Australia’s love of nature and highlights the wellbeing benefits of reconnecting with the environment.

It will receive $180,000 in funding over the next three years to keep over 400 nature-inspired events blooming.

Festival Director Ryan Hubbard says the funding will help it invest in high-quality programming and attract visitors from interstate and overseas.

“Nature plays such an important role in the lives of all South Australians,” Mr Hubbard says.

“Whether we are strolling through the Park Lands, enjoying a seasonal meal full of local produce, or even just taking a moment to appreciate the beauty around us, the connection with nature is woven into our everyday lives.

“Additional funding will support and enhance our operations, allowing us to better protect, celebrate and promote the incredible natural spaces we’re so fortunate to enjoy.

“We want to show Adelaide off as the creative and environmental capital of Australia.”

The complete list of successful 2025/26 Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program recipients can be found here.

Captions:
Hero Image: Illuminate Adelaide
Image 1: A performer at the Adelaide Fringe
Image 2: Prehistoric Nights: The Next Era. Supplied Adelaide Zoo and Illuminate Adelaide
Image 3: The Nature Festival of South Australia