WOMADelaide Festival 2025 in South Australia

WOMADelaide, short for the World of Music, Arts, and Dance, is one of South Australia’s most iconic festivals. Held annually in Adelaide’s Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla, the festival celebrates cultural diversity through music, art, and ideas from around the globe. Scheduled for March 7-10, 2025, this four-day event promises an immersive experience that highlights the beauty of global creativity and community.

Activities and Highlights

As the organizers describe it, WOMADelaide is a unique blend of music, arts, dance, and cultural exchange. Over 300 artists from more than 30 countries are expected to perform across seven stages, offering an eclectic mix of genres. Past lineups have included renowned acts such as Peter Gabriel, Kimbra, and The Cat Empire, alongside emerging talent from diverse cultural backgrounds.

In addition to music, attendees can explore the Global Village, a marketplace featuring food, crafts, and cultural demonstrations from around the world. The popular KidZone offers family-friendly activities such as nature play, storytelling, and interactive workshops. For food enthusiasts, the “Taste the World” program invites festival artists to share stories and cook traditional dishes from their homelands. Another standout is “The Planet Talks,” a forum where scientists, activists, and thought leaders discuss pressing global issues.

Concerts

The lineup for WOMADelaide 2025 promises an eclectic mix of artists and performances. Friday will feature acts like Ana Carla Maza, PJ Harvey, and Bangarra Dance Theatre. Saturday brings 47SOUL, Goran Bregovic & His Wedding & Funeral Band, and Mariza. Sunday offers performances by DJ Paulette, Nils Frahm, and the Sun Ra Arkestra. The festival concludes on Monday with artists such as Khruangbin, Digable Planets, and Elsy Wameyo.

Schedule

WOMADelaide spans four vibrant days, starting on Friday evening, March 7, and concluding on Monday night, March 10. On Friday, gates open at 4 pm, and the festivities continue until midnight. For the rest of the weekend, including Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, gates open earlier at 11 am and the celebrations last until midnight each day.

Tickets

Tickets for WOMADelaide 2025 are available as single-day or multi-day passes. Prices vary by release stage and ticket type. Single-day tickets start at $180 for adults (final release) and $126 for youth aged 13-17. Children under 12 can attend for free. Four-day tickets cost $465 for adults (final release) and $325 for youth. Tickets can be purchased online, with early bird rates offering significant savings.

Location and Infrastructure

The festival is held in the picturesque Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla, an 84-acre (34-hectare) green space situated between the Adelaide Zoo and the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The venue is within walking distance of Adelaide’s city center, making it easily accessible by public transport or on foot. Parking is limited, and organizers recommend using public transit to reduce environmental impact.

Adelaide itself is a vibrant cultural hub, designated as Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music. Visitors can explore nearby attractions, such as the Adelaide Zoo, North Terrace’s museums and galleries, or the scenic Adelaide Hills.

History

WOMADelaide, held on the traditional lands of the Kaurna People, debuted in 1992 as part of the Adelaide Festival of Arts. Celebrating cultural discovery in Adelaide’s beautiful Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla, the festival took on an independent life in 1993. Co-founded by Grammy-winning musician Peter Gabriel, who famously stated, "Music is a universal language... it draws people together and proves, as well as anything, the stupidity of racism,"

WOMADelaide has since gained international acclaim. Initially staged biennially, the festival moved to an annual cycle in 2004, encouraging the Adelaide Fringe and Adelaide Festival to become annual events as well.