For two decades, OzAsia Festival has transformed Adelaide’s riverbank into a celebration of Asian arts, culture and cuisine. This October, the festival returns for its 20th and final edition, promising a fitting farewell to one of South Australia’s most vibrant cultural events.
Running from 9 October to 1 November 2026, the festival will bring together much-loved traditions and new discoveries across three weeks of free entertainment, immersive installations and that unmistakable atmosphere of balmy spring evenings under glowing lanterns.
Lucky Dumpling Market returns to Elder Park
The beating heart of OzAsia Festival has always been the Lucky Dumpling Market, and this year’s edition promises to be the most memorable yet. Adelaide’s favourite outdoor food market will once again set up along the riverbank at Elder Park, filling the air with the scent of sizzling dumplings, fragrant curries and char-grilled skewers.
Beyond the food stalls, the market delivers a full sensory experience. Expect free entertainment throughout the festival’s run, from live performances to cultural demonstrations that capture the energy of a bustling Asian night market. It’s the kind of atmosphere that rewards a leisurely evening: grab a bite, find a spot by the water, and let the festival unfold around you.
Moon Lanterns and the Hong Kong Dragon
OzAsia’s iconic Moon Lanterns return to illuminate the market precinct, with more than a dozen giant installations bringing colour and spectacle to Elder Park. Beautiful by day and genuinely spectacular after dark, these sculptural lanterns have become synonymous with the festival itself.
Among the standout installations, the Hong Kong Dragon makes its return above the Riverbank Footbridge. This striking piece has become one of OzAsia’s most recognisable icons, its vibrant form glowing against the evening sky. Whether you’re crossing the bridge or admiring it from the riverbank below, it provides a memorable backdrop to any festival visit.
Regurgitator takes the stage
In a festival first, Australian alt-rock stalwarts Regurgitator will perform at the Lucky Dumpling Market on 16 October. With more than 30 years and 10 albums behind them, core members Quan Yeomans and Ben Ely have always been drawn to the unconventional. Joined by Sarah Lim, they bring their unpredictable energy to the OzAsia stage for what promises to be one of the festival’s headline moments.
Fire Horse: a community art installation
Artist Jake Yang’s Fire Horse offers something different: a chance to participate in the festival’s creative legacy. More than 600 handmade ceramic tiles will form an evolving installation across the festival grounds, inspired by the bold energy of the Year of the Fire Horse.
A series of artist-led workshops running from 9 October through to 29 November invites visitors to contribute to the work, making this a piece that grows with its audience. It’s a fitting concept for a festival that has always championed community engagement alongside artistic excellence.
Weekend of Words
For those who prefer their culture in conversation, OzAsia’s Weekend of Words on 24 October gathers some of the sharpest Asian and Asian Australian writers and thinkers for a day of panels, discussions and interactive workshops. A dedicated festival bookshop rounds out the offering, stocked with stories and ideas to take home long after the lanterns come down.
After 20 years of bringing Asian arts and culture to Adelaide’s doorstep, OzAsia Festival has earned its place in the city’s cultural calendar. This final edition is a chance to celebrate what the festival has given us and to experience it one last time. Elder Park in spring, lanterns overhead, the river reflecting light and sound: it’s distinctly Adelaide, and it’s worth marking the occasion.
OzAsia Festival runs from 9 October to 1 November 2026. Entry to the Lucky Dumpling Market and many events is free. For the full program and ticketed events, visit the Adelaide Festival Centre website.
oasis.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
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