Get ready to dive into at Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square), one of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Fringe’s most vibrant and family-friendly hubs.
Created by circus superstars Cal Harris and Thomas Gorham from Head First Acrobats, Fool’s Paradise is an artist-led precinct bursting with circus, comedy, magic, music and physical theatre. Everything on site, from the shows to the food, is run by artists, creating a Fringe atmosphere that is playful, welcoming and a little bit ridiculous in the best way.
What’s new for 2026?
Fool’s Paradise is back bigger and bolder in 2026, with four exciting performance spaces: The Vault, The Lab, The Glasshouse Pavilion and the brand-new Bunker, bringing even more shows, variety and chances to catch something brilliant with the kids.
Expect a jam-packed program featuring circus favourites, interactive performances and family-loved Fringe hits, plus free activities throughout the precinct.
More than just shows
Fool’s Paradise is a destination in itself, offering:
- Flying trapeze classes
- Free mini golf
- DJs and live music
- Family-friendly food from local South Australian vendors
It is the perfect spot to arrive early, hang out between shows, or let the kids burn off some energy.
Food and drinks families will love
Food options include:
- Cosmo’s New York Pizza
- Burrito Boi’s gluten-free Mexican street food
- Burgers and fried halloumi
- Nepalese dumplings
- Coffee, hot donuts and sweet treats
Fool’s Paradise is easy to enjoy for everyone, with wheelchair accessible venues, single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms, and family-friendly facilities throughout the precinct. Getting there is simple, with the free City Connector bus, the Glenelg Tram, or nearby UPark parking, which can be pre-booked.
Check out the kids’ shows at Fool’s Paradise below and start planning your family-friendly Fringe adventure for 2026.
If you only see one show this fringe, make sure this is the one!
Graceful aerialists, amazing acrobats and hilarious slapstick comedy by a multi award winning artists.
Welcome to All Star Circus, a wonderful circus show for families of all ages, showcasing a variety of circus disciplines by Head First Acrobats.
Unbeleivable circus talent performing extraordinary feats before your very eyes! Backflips, one arm handstands, incredible human pyramids, spinning in giant wheels and more awesome feats by this award-winning cast of performers.
All Star Circus has something for everyone, with plenty of laughs for young and old and incredible physicality that can be appreciated by anyone!
Join best friends Ben and Fairy Melsa as they embark on an unforgettable journey filled with magical creatures and endless surprises. From dancing dinosaurs and glittering fairies to mischievous unicorns and spellbinding circus this fun-filled show is packed with laughter, music, and interactive storytelling that will spark the imagination of children aged 2–10 (and their grown-ups too!).
Whether it’s your first magical adventure or your hundredth, this heart warming tale of friendship, curiosity, and wonder promises a theatrical experience like no other. With vibrant costumes, engaging characters, and a touch of magic in every scene, Bens Magical Friends is an exciting, family-friendly event you won’t want to miss.
Get ready to glow with the all-new electrifying and interactive family extravaganza from 2025 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Fringe award-winning team The Glow Squad.
This high-energy, dance and fitness concert lights up the stage with glow sticks, DJ beats, Latin drums, bubbles, fire sparks, and a dazzling light show. Led by Nikki Visaj, Mael, Dagogo, and Demolition B-Girl, the dynamic cast flips, tricks, and grooves while kids get to join in the fun!
With songs to inspire confidence, joy, and connection for all ages—parents, grandparents, and children alike will be captivated by this feel-good celebration of music, movement, and imagination. Don’t miss this unforgettable, family-friendly experience where the whole crowd shines bright.
Get ready to boogie, bounce and sparkle at ‘Big Unicorn Dance Party.’
Hosted by professional children’s entertainer Hana Fiesta, this high-energy, interactive dance party is packed with well-known dance-along songs, exciting games and plenty of festival magic.
Little partygoers (and their grown-ups) will twirl through bubbles, don dress ups and strike a pose at the photo booth, then shimmer out of the eco-friendly glitter bar for the ultimate unicorn vibe.
Hana Fiesta aims to bring families together through dance to spread joy and increase connection in stressed and disconnected times. She does this through facilitated games, dances, unicorn magic and non-stop fun.
Ideal for unicorn fans aged 2-7 and their fun-loving adults. Come dressed in your sparkliest rainbow outfit and let’s boogie!
A musical, interactive theatre lab where kids mix potions and learn the magic of emotions!
A joyful, hands-on theatre experience for children aged three plus, where feelings are explored, friendships are celebrated, and happiness is brewed—literally!
This two-part program begins with a live musical performance inside a transformed theatre space: the Tiny Doctors Research Centre. Upon arrival, each child receives their very own lab coat and goggles, instantly becoming Tiny Doctors, ready to investigate what makes us feel good inside.
Tiny Doctors: Happy Labs is designed to promote emotional wellbeing, self-expression, and social connection in a way that’s fun, memorable, and accessible. Perfect for families, schools, and little scientists with big hearts.
Ahoy, landlubbers and seafaring scallywags alike! Prepare to set sail on a laugh-filled voyage of acrobatic amazement and rib-tickling fun. This isn’t your ordinary circus – it’s a pirate extravaganza where the seven seas meet side-splitting comedy and high-flying feats. Get ready for a treasure trove of fun that will have you and your family rolling in the aisles.
This heart-warming adventure will entertain and delight audiences of all ages. With interactive segments, the littlest pirates in the audience will get to participate, Whether it’s helping decipher a treasure map or looking for a key, there’s plenty of action to keep everyone laughing.
Nominated for best kids and family Melbourne Fringe 2024
This is what would happen if Mr. Bean was a Cirque Du soleil Acrobat
‘KAPUT,’ the multi-award winning family show has melted hearts of all ages around the world with its glorious brand of slapstick, acrobatics, and total silliness. Be swept up in the mayhem that is the larger-than-life ‘elegant buffoon’ Tom Flanagan, as one man’s life is flipped upside-down by the lonely, dust-covered world that surrounds him. This clumsy ‘Mr. Fixit’ takes one step forward and two-steps back in a highly skilled, hilariously funny, and beautifully poignant bit of madness.
Ched and Charles are the best of friends, but when Ched comes for a sleepover things don’t go to plan. From making sandwiches to planning big surprises, these fuddy-duddies turn everyday chores into silly adventures. They are always in the mood for cheese and crackers but they’d better watch out for that pesky rat!
Join Ched and Charles as these funny friends seize the day in this family friendly circus show filled with fun and mischief! Expect to see giant ladder balancing, wild plate spinning, hoop diving rats, high flying aerials and more! To be enjoyed by audiences young and old, this show will leave you embracing the fun in every day and the magic in every moment.
Tasmania’s own ROOKE brings us right to the edge of our seats. Nimble is a game of Jenga wrapped up in stacks and served in a glass case of emotion. Blocks, boxes, and acrobats will be stacked and balanced and everyone will walk the line between tension and joy, risk and release.
This is teetering, pocket-sized circus: hilarious, intimate, and fun for the whole family.
Magic, Mime & Freak show
Welcome to a mad carnival of magic and mayhem —
a show where laughter meets lunacy, and astonishment dances with absurdity!
This isn’t your usual magic show.
It’s a bizarre spectacle led by a delightfully deranged clown —
he’ll make you laugh, scream… and question your sanity.
🤡 He’ll greet you with a grin — and then…
swallow a string of real sewing needles,
and hammer a nail straight into his nose LIVE on stage!
You’ll laugh. You’ll gasp. You might want to look away —
but you won’t be able to.
This is a magic party for the brave at heart,
for those who crave black humor and love to flirt with the edge of the impossible.
World famous clown-duo known only in Estonia…
…performing for the first time in Australia at 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Fringe!
State awarded, loved by kids and adults, Piip and Tuut are heartwarming characters that you do not want to miss!
In the show two clowns go to a concert hall for a fun-filled night of slapsticks, songs, and acrobatic mischief. This world-class clown-duo appears in the lights and puts up a show unlike anything you’ve ever seen. A physical comedy full of unique clown tricks. And the laughter is contagious!
A visual feast of bubbles and flight — part gleeful chaos, part quiet meditation. Storytelling, sensory exploration, calming and delightful, this mesmerising show captivates all ages with wonder and joy.
Fresh from a sell-out year at all Fringe Festivals, The Flying Bubble Show arrives back in 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ with a spectacular fusion of bubble artistry, aerial movement, and immersive theatre.
Described by critics as “magical,†“mesmerising,†and “a visual feast,â€
Expect giant rainbow spheres, smoke-filled galaxies, and iridescent bubbles that feel alive, all set against dazzling lightscapes and soaring movement with a beautiful soundtrack. Joyful, calming, and unforgettable — this is bubble art as you’ve never seen it before.
Fun 80’s Disco Party.
All the Hits, dress-up wardrobe, and (at least) 99 Luftballoons.
Everyone is invited to laugh as much as they can, party, explore and dance at a “baby rave†for all generation.
Parents and kids party together, trying to be DJ’s, make announcements, jump around and encouraging self-exploring.
Choose the funniest outfit from the big dress-up wardrobe.
Everything is in play at this interactive kids disco.
Enjoy a playground, powered by the uniting forces of 80’s pop music and laugh as much as they can. And of course there are at least 99 balloons.
Hilarious family fun from an international super star!
Take everything you know about balloons, add an award-winning entertainer, an 80s soundtrack, and twist that into a hilarious show for the whole family. Expect feverous balloon sculptures, high-energy comic performance and, of course, the all-important giant balloon!
Winner: International Festival of Fools
Winner: Bussan International Comedy Festival (2024)
Nominee: Sydney Fringe Best Kid’s Award (2024)
Follow Clara, a curious child, as she discovers an enchanted book at the library and is whisked away into the land of fairytales. From tumbling down rabbit holes with eccentric friends to soaring on magic carpets and rescuing princesses from towering castles, each page brings a new adventure to life.
Bringing the wonder of storytelling together with the thrill of circus artistry, this is the perfect show for kids and families. Packed with circus, acrobatics, and awe-inspiring acts from young emerging and professional artists, you will be delighted by whimsical fun and adventure!
In this hilarious, hands-on performance where the whole family gets involved, kids dive into a shape-shifting house filled with pedal-powered toilets, a dancing vacuum cleaner, and a runaway massage bed! Together, families discover wild inventions and real eco-friendly designs dreamed up by children from around the world. Along the way, everyone learns simple acrobatics to build “living houses†using their own bodies and plenty of teamwork.
Viviane Builds a Lufthaus sparks creativity, builds confidence, and inspires young minds to become future problem-solvers and all while having a blast together.
Get ready to stomp, roar, and explore with Jurassic Down Under – the ultimate dinosaur adventure for all ages, brought to life by the creative team at Glitter Pickle Kids Entertainment!
Join Ben the Dino Ranger and his prehistoric pals on a thrilling journey to find the Lost Crystal, a powerful artifact hidden deep in the wild Jurassic. Along the way, kids will help Ben solve clues, face fun challenges, and learn about bravery, teamwork, and friendship. Packed with interactive storytelling, music, circus, and Dino-sized surprises, this exciting live show is perfect for adventurers of all ages.
The cute and clumsy Pa the Traveller Clown takes you on an interactive, fun and educational journey around the globe in search of the origins of one of the worlds favourite treats – chocolate. The show appeals all ages.
Pamela Pilawa is a Swiss clown who has lived and travelled across the globe (Chile, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and now Australia.) Her love for clowning and travel shines on stage, and her positive energy leave audiences smiling long after the show ends.
The Shake It Off Show is a high-energy, feel-good tribute celebrating the music and magic of Taylor Swift. Starring Perth country-pop artist Emily Joy, the show takes audiences on a glittering journey through Taylor’s greatest hits — from her country roots to her chart-topping pop anthems.
Following a five-star run at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre and a sold-out Fringe World season, the 2026 production returns bigger and brighter than ever, now featuring two dynamic dancers and dazzling live arrangements.
Combining Nashville-style musicianship with pop spectacle, The Shake It Off Show delivers an unforgettable night of sing-alongs, sparkle, and Swift-inspired joy — connecting fans of all ages through music, nostalgia, and pure energy.
A special visitor arrives with a suitcase full of old gifts – some mysterious jars from birthdays long past. Each jar contains a distinct smell and countless story possibilities. Children shape the narrative, bringing their far-fetched ideas to life, before embarking on a treasure hunt to find the most mysterious smell of all.
Imagination leads the way in this scented adventure.
Once Upon A Jar was originally created with the support of Patch Theatre.
Suitable for 5-8 year olds
Dr Hubble, Australia’s Favourite Bubbleman is back with more of his Brilliant Bubbles.
Dr Hubble manipulates simple soap bubbles to create miraculous moments of wonder.
You will see bubbles you have never seen before, the square bubble, the octagon bubble, the chimney and the explode-a-bubble.
This is a fun, funny and slightly educational show with a subtle message of sustainability woven through it. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
Saddle up for a wild ride! ‘Yeehaw’ is where country charm meets sky-high thrills, a high-flying celebration of grit, grace, and good old-fashioned fun. Featuring breath-taking aerial acrobatics, boot-stomping music, and the spirit of the wild frontier, this show will have you cheering, clapping, and hollering “Yeehaw!†all night long.
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