Events & Festivals Funding Opportunities
Through the Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program, the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) invests in an annual calendar of events and festivals, on behalf of the City of Adelaide (CoA), to drive visitation, spend and support for local businesses as well as increase the profile of the city and North Adelaide as a tourist destination. The calendar features a diverse mix of arts, culture, music, sport, and food and wine events throughout the year.
Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program
Applications for the 2026/27 Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program are now closed.
The program provides financial support to eligible not-for-profit organisations to deliver medium and major events or festivals that contribute to a vibrant and dynamic city experience, while supporting the outcomes and goals of the CoA Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and the AEDA Strategic Plan FY 2024/25 - 2028/29.
Please see the list of 2025/26 successful applicants here.
2026 Important Dates
| 5 March | Sponsorship applications open (one round only). |
| 12 April | Sponsorship applications close 11pm ACST. |
| April | Applications assessed by AEDA/CoA staff and a panel consisting of subject matter experts. |
| May | Funding recommendations presented to AEDA Board for consideration and approval. Applicants notified of funding request outcome (in principle). |
| June | City of Adelaide Business Plan and Budget adopted. |
| Late June | Applicants notified of funding request outcome. |
Note: AEDA Staff and SmartyGrants will be unavailable to take enquiries on Monday 9 March, Friday 3 April, Monday 6 April 2026 and after 4pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
Need more information?
For more information and to discuss your request, please contact:
Paula Stankiewicz
Event Sponsorship and Attraction Advisor
[email protected]
(08) 8203 7318
OR
James Landseer
Sponsorship and Partnership Coordinator
[email protected]
(08) 8203 7802
Commercial Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program 2025
The purpose of the program is to provide financial support to eligible for-profit organisations to assist in the staging of events and festivals that create a vibrant and dynamic city experience and support the outcomes of the City of Adelaide (CoA) Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and the AEDA Strategic Plan FY 2024/25 - 2028/29.
This program is currently closed and will not continue in 2026.
Please see the list of the 2025 successful applicants here.
