Police hit Fringe Festival beat

Kicking off today, this year’s festival will be held over four weeks – 21 February to 23 March – across more than 500 South Australian venues.

Operation Adelaide Fringe Festival 2025 will see the deployment of foot and bicycle patrols, along with police horses, dogs and Public Transport Safety Branch members to focus on behaviour, liquor licensing compliance, and public safety.

Around 4.6 million people are expected to attend Adelaide’s CBD during the event, particularly at the Garden of Unearthly Delights in Rundle Park / Kadlitpina and Gluttony in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka.

Event Police Commander Superintendent Scott Denny encouraged festivalgoers to enjoy the event, but not at the expense of others’ safety.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable, memorable, and safe festival and we are doing everything we can to be prepared and maintain Adelaide’s status as a safe city to live, work and visit,” he said.

“Although most attendees respect the rules, please be assured police will not tolerate unlawful behaviour.

“Police will have an unwavering focus on road safety, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence and will respond to any reports of crime.”

The ‘Adelaide Fringe Festival 2025’ Declared Public Precinct (DPP) will be in place for a 12-hour period from 6pm to 6am every night during the Fringe period, in addition to the city-west DPP already in place.

This will provide police additional authorities to further protect public safety within the Fringe grounds and surrounding area, including the ability to conduct metal detector searches, drug searches and ordering people to leave the vicinity.

Free safety and assistance wristbands for children and vulnerable people are available at the Fringe Corner Box Office or Gluttony Box Office, located on the corner Rundle Street and East Terrace.

“The festival is family-friendly in nature and people with children are reminded to have a plan in place should they be separated, including having a designated place to meet,” Superintendent Denny said.

“Leave valuables at home, or ensure they are secured and kept out of sight. Never leave personal items unattended.

“Also plan your journey to and from in advance. If you’re drinking, organise a designated driver, catch public transport or catch a rideshare or taxi.”

Operation City Safe will also be running concurrently every Friday and Saturday night, commencing at 7pm and focusing on the West End Precinct.

Superintendent Denny urged festival attendees to be aware of their surroundings and to expect significant crowds and unpredictable pedestrians.

“Take extra care if you’re driving in the vicinity and take note of road closures,” he added.

“If you see something suspicious, make sure to report it to police at the time.

“Look out for your friends and family, be vigilant and have fun!”

Road closures will affect traffic throughout the city during the festival, including extended closures of the Rundle Street and East Terrace intersection during peak periods. Rundle Street will also be closed during the East End Unleashed event, along with road restrictions around Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga.

For more information on road closures visit Traffic SA or the City of Adelaide council website.

The ‘Adelaide Fringe Festival 2025’ Declared Public Precinct (DPP) will be in place for a 12-hour period from 6pm to 6am every night during the Fringe period, in addition to the city-west DPP already in place.

Superintendent Scott Denny pictured with Arts Minister Andrea Michaels MP and Fringe director and CEO Heather Croall.

Arrrghhh you ready for Fringe? Sergeant Peter Williams hanging out with some pirate performers.

Superintendent Scott Denny with Fringe performers at the official Festival opening on Friday 21 February.