Coonawarra Fringe – February 2026
Coonawarra Fringe is back for 2026
Coonawarra Fringe is back for 2026 – and after two fantastic years, we’re doubling the fun with two weekends of laughs, long lunches and lush pours across our beautiful south-east wine region. Mark your calendars for 14–15 February and 20–21 February 2026 as venues across Coonawarra come alive with comedy, music and family-friendly wonder.
We’re excited to share the first shows in this year’s line-up:
C’est Si Bon – Lou Blackwell & the French Set at Zema Estate
Adelaide’s premier French musical act Lou Blackwell and the French Set are bringing their wonderful variety show ‘C’est Si Bon’ to Zema Estate for the 2026 Coonawarra Fringe. Lou once lived and sang in the Paris jazz scene and has since formed a band that pays homage to the artists of the Great French Songbook. The repertoire is sublime and she is so beautifully accompanied by some of Adelaide’s finest jazz players, Mark Simeon Ferguson on keys, Tom Pulford on saxophone and clarinet, John Aué on double bass and Zed Crawford on drums. An evening that promises romance and ‘nostalgie’ with some swinging jazz numbers to add to the magic.
★★★★★ ‘Paris is out of reach but don’t worry. Adelaide is the other City of Light, and Louise Blackwell is the ideal guide.’ Ewart Shaw, The Advertiser
Date: Saturday 21 February, 7.30pm
Location: Zema Estate, Coonawarra
Tickets: $36 to $49
Ministry of Laughs – Adelaide Fringe Roadshow
A “Best of the Festival” comedy showcase featuring a handpicked crew of top comedians from stages around the country.
★★★★★ An unforgettable night.
Date: Saturday 14 February,6.30pm
Location: Raidis Estate, Penola
Tickets: $28 to $35
Bubble Laboratory – The Bubble Show in Space
Thanks to support from the Adelaide Fringe Foundation Fund, the award-winning Bubble Laboratory is heading to Coonawarra! This mind-blowing spectacle will delight kids and adults alike with its whimsical, wonderful, wow-factor bubble magic.
- 2024 Winner Best Kids Show Sydney Fringe
- 2024 Perth Fringe World Childrens Weekly Award
- 2024 Adelaide Fringe Best Childrens Event Weekly Award
- ★★★★★ SeeDoEat Review
Date: Sunday 15 February, 11am
Location: Penola Primary School
Tickets: $20 to $30
Serious Wines with Laughter
For one day only, the historic Redman Cellar Door invites you to a truly unique Coonawarra Fringe experience. Join the Redman family winemakers on an intimate journey through acclaimed current releases and rare back vintages, each telling the story of Coonawarra’s famed terra rossa soils.
Adding a playful twist, comedian Damian Callinan steps in as guest taster, bantering with winemakers and guests to blend expert insights with plenty of laughter.
Paired with a selection of beautiful cheeses, this VIP tasting is as indulgent as it is entertaining. With limited places, it’s a rare chance to savour Coonawarra’s finest wines in an unforgettable setting.
Date: Friday 20 February, 5pm
Location: Redman Wines, Coonawarra
Tickets: $100
Dave O’Neil in Don’t call me boomer!
Dave O’Neil as seen on ‘Spicks and Specks’ (69 appearances!) and ‘Fisk’ returns with a brand new stand up show. He’s sick of being called a Boomer when he’s in fact Gen X. Ok, sure, he’s 60 now and yes his life involves colonoscopies, podiatrist appointments, and soft food, but hey, he gets to sit on the special seat on the bus. A cackfest of the highest proportions!
‘O’Neil is a comedy juggernaut, a never ceasing volley of rapid wit.’ ★★★★★ Theatre Matters
Date: Friday 20 February, 5pm
Location: DiGiorgio Family Wines, Coonawarra
Tickets: $20 to $45
THE FEAST – Decanted Delights and Fermented Fun
Dine amongst the world-famous Coonawarra vines at a long lunch bursting with flavour, laughter, and charm.
Local chefs present a decadent feast paired with pours from Coonawarra winemakers, who share the stories behind their wines.
Guiding the afternoon is none other than Damian Callinan, one of Australia’s finest comedic talents—bringing his razor-sharp wit, warmth, and hilarity to the table.
Expect brilliant storytelling, playful banter, and comic surprises that turn a wine lunch into a truly unforgettable comedy event. With exceptional food, celebrated wines, and a host who guarantees fun from first sip to last laugh, this Coonawarra Fringe highlight is not to be missed.
Seats are strictly limited, book early.
Date: Saturday 21 February, 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Location: Coonawarra Hall at Coonawarra Community Club
Tickets: $135 to $140
