Adelaide Equestrian Festival trots into town

Tens of thousands of spectators are set to head for the city’s east parklands this weekend, when the Adelaide Equestrian Festival returns from Thursday for four days of action.

An Olympic level event, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival is the only 5-star equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere and the only one of its kind worldwide held in the heart of a city.

Further boosting the event’s pedigree, the 2026 and 2029 Adelaide Equestrian Festivals will also play host to the Oceania Championships – marking that event’s return to South Australia for the first time in more than 15 years.

The Oceania Championships will be contested across two divisions: the CCI3*-L for Under 25 competitors and the CCI4*-S for Senior competitors. This will be the first time the Young Rider division will be hosted at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival and marks the return of the Senior teams competition to South Australia for the first time since 2009, when an all-female Australian team won the Championship honours.

Adding to the festivities, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival continues to offer a full program of family-friendly hospitality and entertainment alongside elite level equestrian. This includes live music, family picnics, free interactive kids' activities, informative seminars, ticketed marquees for premium catered experiences, high tea, and more.

Offering hip-pocket-friendly family fun during the school holidays, Thursday is free general admission.

More than 30,000 spectators are expected at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival with travellers from across the state, nation, and from overseas. 

The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival is supported by the South Australian Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission.  

Minister for Tourism, Emily Bourke said more than 30,000 visitors are set to flock to our city and experience some of the world’s best equestrian athletes, helping to support local businesses across the city. 

“We saw a surge in tourism activity and a bigger economic return from the 2025 event and want to see that growth continue this year,” she said. 

“This is a great way to discover Olympic-level sport and get kids off screens these school holidays, especially with free general admission to kick off the festival on Thursday."

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Director Kirsty Withers said Adelaide is extremely fortunate to host this premium equine event in the heart of the CBD.

"There is no other event like this in the world. It’s a privilege to be able to witness world-class Equestrian Eventing at an Olympic level right here in our own backyard," she said.

"Spectators can expect to experience a top-tier, all-in family-friendly sporting event that also delivers live entertainment, hospitality, education and a full sensory action-packed atmosphere." 

"What makes this event so fantastic for the State is that spectators travelling to South Australia can take a front row seat to Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping in the pristine Adelaide Park Lands and then go and explore what Adelaide has to offer after dark – you get the best of both worlds."

"Demand for premium tickets has been unmatched, with many of our venues at capacity. With the support of our partners and sponsors, the organising committee looks forward to delivering a world-class experience for competitors, spectators, and stakeholders alike."