Garden Of Unearthly Delights

This is definitely the place to be with so much to feast the eyes upon. Event tents are spread out all around the venue and there are many eating and drinking spots with such a wide range of food. There many different seating arrangements — even swings at tables. Come on down and join the throngs — you won’t be disappointed.

Fun venue and always interesting little bars. One of the hearts of Adelaide Fringe! It’s always got a wide range of shows, sideshow and fun late shows.
The last few years unfortunately some of the lacklustre techies and the silly weekend crowds coming just to drink or going on rides-​Fringe is all about the artists and their shows!

Saw two shows last night at the garden. Was disappointed with one as they didn’t have enough seating for everyone. Our group of 4 got split up and couldn’t sit together. it was a bit of a mess really with people sitting in exit aisles after being told it was a fire hazard.
Ladies toilets = OMG! Queuing up to use toilets that didn’t flush, half the toilets were out of order and later during the night they had no loo paper. Hopefully they can sort this out.
The garden always has a good vibe to it. lots of things to do and see, eat and drink. Love all the pretty lights as well.
Don’t line up for a taxi when you’re ready to leave, use über and its discounted when you use your code on the back of your ticket! I will never use a taxi again! ;-)

I love coming here in February for the fringe because I get to see a lot of unique people. I don’t really go to see any of the big shows simply because they’re over priced. However, there’s shows that are $ 5 which are pretty good. I suggest seeing the magician over the comedian.
There’s plenty of food stalls at throughout the garden. I tried coconut water (NEVER AGAIN) I thought it’s be really nice tasting because a lot of people drink it but I was so wrong. Next time I’ll be ordering a water! But hey, don’t let this put you off because I saw a lot of hippies who really loved it. There’s also rides there and whenever I go I always get fan girly over the carnies. The garden is really pretty and there’s lots of light throughout. I wish it was always lit up and pretty because then I’d probably sleep there and become a possum. That reminds me. last year there was a possum up in the tree which was pretty cute. There’s also a lot of good looking men that seem to appear when it comes time for the fringe. Note: If you’re single come here! You could bag a man!
There’s second hand clothes which look very cute. I like the little hippie head bands they have. Also, I saw a ‘freak show’ there once and I was expecting to see a variety of unique people but all they showed was a strong midget which, if I was 5 I might’ve been excited about seeing. but as I see midget’s on a daily basis I wasn’t too impressed.
If you’re on a budget, bring a rug and sit down and take in the atmosphere as it’s pretty wonderful. If you have kids then they’ll enjoy the rides however if you’re on a budget it may be best to bypass the rides.
All in all, this place is pretty cool

ALWAYS AN AMAZING TIME!!!
One of my favourite places in Adelaide! I can never get enough of the Garden when the Fringe is in town. From the food, to the little stalls, all the rides and games, the gorgeous henna, music and performances this is just one of my favourite places in all of Australia.
Adelaide is a lovely sleepy City all year, but come February it awakens and the Fringe/​Garden certainly plays a huge part in that. Whether you are looking for somewhere to take a date, a night out with your homies or to kill a few hours in the City, The Garden really is perfect.
There are loads of $ 5 shows you can purchase tickets to on the night (even as you pass by the venue) and of course the many venues sell tickets on site also. Between 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock daily tickets are available at half price, and Tuesday is always cheap show night.
This year is saw TOM GLEESON (), THE BEST OF UK (), JIMMY MCGHIE (), WIL ANDERSON () and the FLEA CIRCUS (). I had a henna design put on my hand which I loved. The lady was so sweet and now I’m hooked!
I could not recommend The Garden of Unearthly Delights or the Fringe Festival enough. It is one of my faves.

What a magical place that comes alive each year for Adelaide Fringe. Full of amazing food and drink choices that are a little on the ‘festival’ pricey side. I have been to Adelaide five times for Fringe as an audience member and artist and each time I have always put visiting ‘The Garden’ as a high priority,
The best time to go is at night when the multi-​coloured party lights are twinkling giving the park a traditional carnival feel.
It’s a great central spot to see a plethora of Fringe shows, grabbing a bite or a drink in between shoes.

This is such a great showcase for adelaide. This is what the world needs! Free entry into a wonderful crazy garden of world food, comedy and arts shows, and people having a great time!

It’s that time of the year again in Adelaide. Fringe Festival is here.
Glutony is one of the many venues for the Adelaide Fringe Festival. There is food, drink and plenty of entertainement

Oh my GOUD! (heh heh) I love this time of year. When the GOUD erupts in all of its carnival glory from the otherwise subdued Rymill Park.
There is something magical about this place. Everybody must visit it at least a few times every March.

The Garden of Unearthly Delights is an outdoor carnival of performing artists, food stalls, bars and rides that joins Adelaide Fringe each summer. It grew from a single tent in 2000 to a sprawl of tents and seating.
The greenery of Rundle Park gave the illusion of the Garden being even larger than it was, leading us on paths around trees and disorienting us with the pretty lights between the leaves. It was an intriguing atmosphere in which to wander.
We saw Naked Girls Reading. I’d been following the original Chicago branch in the hopes that a show would reach Australia and was excited to discover that a show coincided with our holiday. It was organised by Melbournians Frankie Valentine and Vesper White.
On the night we went Frankie was joined by Willow J Conway, Luna Eclipse and Clara Cupcakes. Each reading had us laughing with my highlight being Willow J’s evocative reading of Frankenstein. The night ended with Frankie re-​enacting Basic Instinct’s most famous scene.

I walked through the garden Sat night just gone. I’ll be short…
The east end of the garden felt like the Royal Adelaide show. The rest felt crammed, tacky and lacked atmosphere.
It felt like a sideshow, a novelty… A plastic gold, glittery shiny thing that once might have been charming, eclectic, fun.
The wines and food available weren’t showcasing Adelaide’s best, not even close. What was on offer and the associated lines were comparable to what I’ve seen at Wayville for the show or a Big Day Out, etc.
I left without spending a cent in here. Thoroughly Disappointing.

I really wanted to like the Garden, and it’s attracted a great line-​up of performers. But over all the venue just didn’t feel that welcoming.
And while everyone else in the city seems to want to go there on a Saturday night, I’m not sure I could recommend it with the long lines and crowds.
As a visiting artist, I also wasn’t impressed with their blanket ‘no artist passes’ to see shows policy.(Regardless of how many empty seats there were during a performance.)
I was happy to have Gluttony and the Fringe Hub (Artist Bar) just across the street as an alternative.

I used to be a massive fan of The Garden of Unearthly Delights, and whilst I still am a fan — it depends on the day of the week — literally…
I am one of the old school fans of the garden — from back in the days before it got «cool» I know that makes me sound like an old sour puss — but I love the garden on nights like last night — when the weather is perfect, and the crowd levels in the garden are not too high. As a result I avoid the garden on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night — and dont go anywhere near it on Opening or Closing night of the Fringe. I cant handle the crowds when the garden is packed.
However, with all of that said — I would have to say — that I do much prefer the layout this year, from last. Last year I felt like the «rides» area, took over too much of the garden — is started to feel like a mini amusement park, rather than a Fringe venue — however, this year — I dont know if it is the change in he layout — or if there are less rides here this year — but the atmosphere is MUCH nicer.
I went in with a couple of friends last night to see two shows — one in The Vagebond and one in Paridiso Spiegeltent. In between the shows — we spent a lovely couple of hours, eating, drinking and just hanging out. It was great :)
I will certainly be frequenting The Garden of Unearthly Delights again, and again this year :) (but will probably still steer clear of Friday and Saturday nights)

Looking forward to pottering around the Garden again this year. I love feeling like I’m a kid again and the stall food is amazing. I think it’s the fairy lights I like the most — it’s magical.

There seems to be a bit of confusion about the Garden. It isn’t the fringe, merely a part of it. Sadly, this is often forgotten.
The Garden picks many of of the biggest Fringe acts each year to fill the many tents. Inevitably these often include the most spectacular, famous and advertised acts of the Fringe, but they are also generally much more expensive than shows at the other venues around, and not always the most interesting. It should also be noted that the tents tend to be a bit uncomfortable, particularly if you are sitting sideways in a booth.
If you want to browse through, you might get stuck in a line outside for some time, although those with a ticket to a show can jump the line. Once you are inside you will be treated to a wide range of pricey drinks and food, and a bit of a fight for seating.
The possums from the park don’t seem too impressed with the whole thing either, although by the third week of the festival they know if they play cute they can steal some food. Just remember they don’t climb with suction cups.

Am I the only adealideian who thinks that this interstate import is just a little overrated?
*ducks*
When I’ve come though early to grab a bite to eat before a show, or stayed on after for a drink or two, then yeah this glorified foyer space is a bit of fun. So much to pick from, and the queue that’s so long, and the seats that are all full and then the dust storm picks up and I’m out…
Maybe I’ve been spoilt from the fringe club over yonder, but hanging in the garden just isn’t for me.

The Garden of Unearthly delights is all kinds of fun. It’s the one place in the myriad of Fringe venues where everyone from the most bogan Adelaidians to those new to Adelaide come together to pass judgement on all kinds of performing art from all over the country and the world.
For one month of the year, The Garden replaces the Mall’s Balls as my preferred meeting place. It’s free (like the balls) but there’s also loads of food, drink and entertainment options! (unlike the balls, but you really can’t compare The Garden to balls). The staff, though often exhausted are generally friendly and are often foreigners (which adds to the cool cultured vibe).
Food is the one area where I often feel ripped off. After a few drinks (which are reasonably priced considering you’re at an event), I go in search of food. I know you rarely get good value from food trucks, but considering they’re in the one place for a month, I’d have thought they’d make enough money. All that said, the food is generally of outstanding quality.
All up, The Garden is great but keep in mind, if you want to go on a Friday or Saturday night, get in early or of course buy a ticket for a show!

What’s not to love about the Garden? There’s enough reviews on here to tell you what it’s like and how awesome it is, so here’s a list of my fav parts.
— Awesome security and lots of it! Not in an intimidating way, in a «I feel totes safe here» way.
— The Box Office at the entrance — this is always my first stop. I ask the staff for show recommendations, they dispense my tickets to 1 or 2 shows and I plan my night around the show times. This way, I’m not tempted by all the shiny people with flyers to amazing gigs.
— This year (2013) there’s a stall being run by a dude who sells wooden stuff like iPad and iPhone cases. Wooden sunnies, pictures and lights also feature.
— Veggie Gallie. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, this little caravan is your one stop shop of deliciousness.
There’s so much more to love but this is my tip 4 list. Happy Fringing!

A summertime must for every Adelaidean!
Every year the Fringe Festival swings into town like an oversized carnival, bringing with it sideshows and pop-​up spaces that light up the city centre. The Garden of Unearthly Delights is one such pop-​up that runs pretty much concurrently with the Fest — turning Rundle Park into an outdoor festival space, with sideshows, performances, a silent disco, food, drink, carnis and general merriment.
‘Merriment’ does include the occasional underage drinker with suspicious Gatorade bottle, but the Garden (for me at least) has remained pretty much lout-​free, with family shows during the day and a pretty chilled crowd at night. At times (especially opening night of the Fringe) the line up is simply ridiculous — my advice is to wait for a quieter weeknight when you can cruise straight in, grab a table, beers and an organic corn-​on-​the-​cob, and let the night ensue in relative calm.
The spruikers for various shows will come up and do the hard sell, mostly it’s just entertaining rather than annoying, and it can be fun to just try out a show without knowing anything whatsoever about it. It may be weird or just plain terrible, but it may also be awesome, and it’s a good way to get into the spontaneity of the festival.
The Garden is also a great place to run into Fringe performers — we met David O’Doherty (you know, that Irish guy with the Casio keyboard) and Sam Simmons (that TripleJ guy) to name a few.
It’s not as niche as other pop-​ups spaces like Tuxedo Cat or even Gluttony, but it’s definitely a great way to spend a night or two during Fringe time.

I’ve been to the garden ever since it first started quite a few years ago. Whilst it is part of the whole Adelaide Fringe experience, it opens before the Fringe begins. Each year it gets bigger and bigger. What was once a dirt fenceless patch of Rundle Park with a bar area, is now a collection of amusements, performance tents, a series of bars (one in a double-​decker bus) and eateries, freakshows, sideshows, buskers, spruikers and stalls. As someone said, it’s basically an adult carnival.
Amusements tend to change it up each year, but in previous years there’s been a silent disco, water zorbing, merry-​go-​round, ferris wheel, dodgem cars and trampolining. There are a lot of performance spaces in the garden, a lot. Some of the more well known ones are the famous Spiegeltent, Umbrella Revolution, and the Bosco Theatre.
Umbrella Revolution is the one that runs latest into the night, and it also always seems to run late. I’ve been queuing to see something at 11.30pm and walked into the tent at 1am on more than one occasion. During Fringe that is beyond annoying as there would’ve been a million other shows I could’ve gone and seen instead, I could’ve even gone and seen whole other shows in the time it took to wait.
The other epicly annoying part of the garden is the queue to get in to it. There is only one entrance point for the whole of Adelaide and more often than not queues go all the way up along North Terrace to get in. If you’re patient enough to wait, when you get in, more often than not there is acres of room inside. There is a back entrance but it is for artists/​media only and very small, I think the place needs more entry/​exit points, or more bouncers/​bag checkers because there has been about the same amount for years whilst the garden has grown.
If you’ve the courage or impatience to saunter through the «I am media/​have a ticket to a show» line, give it a crack, I often do and have never been busted. It is just as easy (and less worrisome) to buy a ticket to a Fringe show in the garden from one of the spruikers or the box office located just outside the gates, in order to get in quicker. I think this may be one reason why the garden makes it so very inconvenient to get in, but that’s silly because tickets to shows at peak times sell out anyway. Whatever show you plan to see, get in earlier because you will still have to queue up in order to get good seats to your show.
Certain parts of the garden over time have been gated off, and where there was once room to spread out along the grass to watch the buskers there no longer is. This is partly where the International Buskers Festival is held and it’s ridiculous that the spectating area of world class street performers has been diminished.
There are many amazing things about the garden which I pretty much make my home during Fringe time, but the thing I hang out for all year round is the cone chips. The chips in a cone chip shop comes around but once a year, to the garden. They’re awesome. But don’t expect to pay for them with credit card (or anywhere else in the garden for that matter).
Make sure you head to an ATM before you go into the park as there is definitely not one in there and those directly nearby run out of cash fast. Entrance to the garden is free, but there is no stamp-​out type policy so if you leave you’ll have to queue up all over again.