What if going to a festival could be more than great tickets? What if you could discover what’s behind a performance, meet the artists, and wander into conversations you wouldn’t otherwise have? That’s the idea behind Arts on Tour Travel.

ADELAIDE: InTO THE Festival, 2-8 March 2027

For travellers who want more than great seats.

For our first adventure, we’re heading to Adelaide, a city that comes alive every Autumn. Writers, musicians, artists and audiences gather in cafés, galleries and laneways. World premieres sit alongside fearless independent work, and every conversation seems to lead to another discovery.

Hosted by theatre/opera director and playwright Kate Gaul, this intimate small-group experience invites guests to immerse themselves in the rhythm of festival life. Alongside a carefully curated selection of Adelaide Festival and Adelaide Fringe performances, there is time to explore Writers' Week, wander galleries, and simply enjoy being in Adelaide when the whole city is buzzing with art. Starting the day with breakfast and a coffee, the pace is relaxed and conversational. By the end of the week, you won't simply remember what you saw. You'll have a deeper sense of the artists, ideas and conversations that made the festival come alive.

This isn't about rushing from venue to venue.

It's about slowing down.

Looking deeper.

Asking questions.

Making new friends.

Discovering the stories behind the performances.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This trip is for you if you:

• Love live performance, ideas and conversation
• Want to be hosted, not herded: you want the company of a small group without the regimentation of a guided tour
• Appreciate having a host in-the-know to make decisions about what to see and do
• Are curious about artists and how work is made
• Enjoy sharing experiences with others and talking about what you’ve seen
• Enjoy moments of unscripted spontaneity to take advantage of opportunities as they arise
• Enjoy contributing to positive group dynamics, including being respectful and caring of others, and tolerant and curious of differing views and beliefs.

We want to create an inclusive, supportive and friendly experience where all guests are treated equally. If you feel you may need additional levels of personal support, please let us know in the Enquiry Form and we'll contact you to discuss.

TOUR ITINERARY

Scripted Activities
Your trip includes scripted and unscripted activities. Scripted activities we’ll enjoy as a group, and are included in the Tour Price. This includes shows, outings, pre and post-show get togethers, breakfast, and three dinners across the week. 

• Breakfast: a chance to talk about the day and make arrangements
• Curtain Raisers: hosted talks thirty minutes before major performances where Kate introduces the artists, creative process and ideas behind the work
• Performances: a curated selection of five performances across Adelaide Festival (reserved premium seats) and five Adelaide Fringe Festival performances
• After the Applause: continue the conversation with a drink after the show. Compare reactions, ask questions and discover just how many ways a single performance can be experienced
• Behind-the-scenes: throughout the week we'll be orchestrating opportunities for you to go back stage and meet the artists behind the shows
• Long Table Dinner: Inspired by the idea that some of the best conversations happen around a shared meal. Whenever possible, artists, curators, producers or writers will join the table. Hosted at a carefully selected Adelaide restaurant, designed for conversation and exceptional food.

Unscripted Activities
These are activities that you can do at your own leisure and in your own time and are not included in the Tour Price. We’ll offer lots of suggestions in the Tourbook. This also includes meals not listed above.

• Before the Tour: If you're interested in extending your trip to take in more AF shows, we have accommodation and tickets held for Sun 28 February and Monday 1 March.  
• Want to see more? If there’s a performance or Writer’s Week session you simply can’t resist, we’ll help you find a way to fit it in.
• Unscripted sojourns: Take time out to browse Imprints Books, sit in a café watching festival life unfold, or simply follow your curiosity. Every experience of Adelaide Festival season is different, and that's exactly the point.
• Private Winery Tour with Bus and Barrel: If taking in some wineries while you’re in South Australia is a must, we have organised an optional private tour to the Wine Region at the end of the trip. Taking in 2-3 wineries, Bus and Barrel’s friendly driver will pick you up from the Hotel at 9.15am and drop you at the airport at 4pm.  Included in the tour is tasting fees and platters to share for lunch. Depending on numbers, the price will be approximately $200-$250.

TOURBOOK
Every guest receives a Tourbook designed exclusively for the journey. More than an itinerary, it becomes a companion throughout the week. It includes:

• Daily schedules
• Production notes for performances
• Artist profiles
• Kate's recommendations
• Gallery, café and bookshop suggestions
• Reading and listening lists
• Space for personal reflections.

A keepsake to revisit long after the final curtain.

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WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
Having spent more than 35 years perfecting the touring experience for artists, we're excited to be applying this expertise to audiences. We know what makes travelling exciting, and not exhausting. We know it’s the small things that can make a big difference, and what makes a trip truly memorable.

Arts on Tour is a not-for-profit organisation, recognised in 2026 for its leadership and contributions to the performing arts with PAC Australia's prestigious Wendy Blacklock Industry Legend Award. If you take a trip with us, you can also feel good that you’re helping us on our core mission: of ensuring communities across Australia have access to a diversity of live performance, and that artists have access to touring their work. Touring is a significant contributor to the career sustainability of performers, creatives and crew. 

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HOW TO BOOK 

Booking is a two-step process. First we ask you to take 5 minutes to fill in the online Enquiry Form. This gives you the opportunity to ask us any questions about the trip and allows us to make sure the pace, format and spirit of the trip are what you’re looking for. Once we’ve received your Enquiry Form, and you’re happy to go ahead, we’ll send you an email with a booking form and an invoice for the deposit, to confirm your place on the Tour. Please also read our Terms and Conditions before you book.

We look forward to travelling with you!