This year’s OzAsia Festival is the longest one ever – spanning four weekends this Spring. What would you recommend to people who are coming to OzAsia Festival for the first time?
Kick off your OzAsia Festival experience with a free concert by Filipinx/Wiradyuri and ARIA-nominated artist Mo’Ju performing new music on the OzAsia Festival Stage at Lucky Dumpling Market. Take in the magic of our giant lanterns at Tarntanya Wama as you explore Moon Lantern Trail. Grab a ticket (or two!) to a show or wander through an exhibition taking place in venues across the CBD and beyond. Wrap up your festival experience with a good book and your new favourite authors at OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words.
This is your second year as Festival Director of OzAsia – what was most important to you while putting together this year’s program? Did any specific themes come together in this program?
For me, OzAsia Festival is about bringing people together. So, this year I wanted to explore where togetherness happens and the places we love. It’s a chance to discover somewhere new or see a familiar place with fresh eyes. Whether we’re gathering in a theatre, gallery, riverbank, park or city street, every place becomes a chance to celebrate together.
What are some highlights of the ticketed program this year?
I am excited that GRAMMY-winning pianist Hiromi will be bringing her virtuosic performance to OzAsia Festival this year. She’ll be joined by the brilliant PUBLIQuartet at Adelaide Town Hall for The Piano Quintet, a genre-defying concert that blurs the lines between classical and jazz.
Also at Adelaide Town Hall, we pay tribute to Australian icon William Yang in his new show, Milestone. It will be an epic slideshow with storytelling, set to an exquisite score composed and performed by Elena Kats-Chernin with South Australia’s Ensemble Lumen.
If you’re after a laugh, don’t miss The Special Comedy Comedy Special: Greatest Debate over at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Hosted by our very own Jason Chong, this hilarious showdown sees Australian stand-up comedians go head-to-head on the topic: the new Australian dream is never moving out.
What free events can audiences look forward to?
OzAsia Festival’s visual arts program offers plenty of exhibitions and artists to discover. A highlight is The Female Pope, a powerful durational performance by artist, Rakini Devi at the Art Gallery of South Australia. You are invited to offer a personal petition or take part in a quiet, contemplative exchange.
Head over to the OzAsia Festival Stage at Lucky Dumpling Market for Sunset Sounds, our free outdoor music program. This year’s stellar line-up includes international acts, Chi Xê and Changg (Vietnam), Riau Rhythm (Indonesia) and FORD TRIO (Thailand), alongside incredible artists from Adelaide and Australia.
During the day, bring the kids or grandkids to Moon Lantern Trail and explore the Moon Garden and Little Lanterns Workshop program led by local artists and community groups. Relax on the lawn and enjoy a bite to eat in this perfect spot to unwind between adventures.
What are your top tips for a night out at the festival?
Start your evening with a late afternoon gallery visit. Explore The Lanterns Glow by Jake Yang in the Adelaide Railway Station Phone Booths. Or head to Nexus Arts for UNITY, an interactive exhibition and window installation by OzAsia Festival’s commissioned artist Victoria Garcia.
Whether you’re heading out to a show or grabbing a drink afterwards, swing by the Lucky Dumpling Market for some delicious Asian cuisine, then take a walk over to the Riverbank Footbridge to see the spectacular Hong Kong Dragon lantern.
Adelaide Festival Centre presents OzAsia Festival from 17 October to 9 November 2025. View the full program at ozasia.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
