1. You’re in need of a laugh

What: Kids Can Heckle!

When: Various dates between 25 February–18 March

Where: Legends Bar (21 Pulteney Street, Adelaide)

Laughter really is the best medicine, and Mad March has plenty of shows to make you (and the little ones) belly laugh. During this year’s Adelaide Fringe, UK stand-up comedian Ollie Horn will front the most honest critics – kids. This show encourages children to jump in and be as silly as possible during Horn’s hour-long, hilarious show. Kids say the darndest things, right? I’m curious and a bit scared to hear what will come out of my toddler’s mouth. Wish me luck.

2. You like to bust out a move

What: WOMADelaide

When: 10–13 March

Where: Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla

What’s the best way to enjoy Mad March? Bust out a move. Here at RAA, we don’t just keep you moving on the road, but on the dancefloor, too. Just for being an RAA member, you can score cheaper tickets to outdoor music festival WOMADelaide.

Let the music take over as you dance among Botanic Park’s Moreton Bay fig trees. With more than 100 performances across seven stages, there’s bound to be a genre that’ll be music to your ears. Don’t forget to check out the KidZone, art and cooking workshops and environmental talks to fully immerse yourself in this cultural event.

3. You’re after something different

What: Potters Wheel

When: Every Thursday during the Adelaide Fringe, 12pm–5.30pm

Where: Vitisculpture (470 Morphett Street, Adelaide)

If you’ve seen Patrick Swayze in that pottery scene in the romantic tear-jerker movie Ghost, you’ll be just as captivated at this new Adelaide Fringe event. This year, visual arts company Vintage Van Gogh is hosting Potters Wheel – a sculpt and sip experience where festivalgoers keen to slow the pace of Mad March can sit at a pottery wheel and produce clay creations. Anyone else have ‘Unchained Melody’ stuck in their head or is it just us? “Oh, my love, my darling. I’ve hungered for your touch…”

4. You play favourites

What: The Garden of Unearthly Delights

When: 16 February–19 March

Where: Rundle Park/Kadlitpina

While experiencing new Mad March events is encouraged, we can’t go past our favourite Adelaide Fringe hangout – a customary stroll through The Garden of Unearthly Delights. It lives up to its name every year and is an absolute delight for festivalgoers. With carnival rides, food stalls and quirky sideshow surprises, the Garden is the perfect stopover, before and/or after, a Fringe show. To witness pure magic, check out UK illusionist Kevin Quantum’s spellbinding show in The Garden, featuring nine flaming cannon balls to completely blow you away.

5. You’re a sports fanatic

What: Jack’s Ashes

When: Various shows between 3–18 March

Where: Ayers House (North Terrace)

Presented by Belinda Redman and performed by award-winning BBC TV star Tim Marriott during the Adelaide Fringe, Jack’s Ashes is a unique, must-see production based on one of the world’s most loved sports – cricket.

This one-man show follows former pro cricketer Jack’s journey as he grapples with the aftermath of devastating loss.

Supported by the Australian Cricketers’ Association, this production offers a humorous and captivating insight into the important topic of mental fitness.

6. You’re up for a freebie

What: Summer Garden Festival

When: 3–4 March

Where: Civic Park (995 North East Road, Modbury)

Mad March is one big party, and you’re invited. Head to Summer Garden Festival at Civic Park for an epic, free, two-day outdoor event. Part of the Adelaide Fringe, Summer Garden Festival is a way to celebrate South Australia’s festival season with local tunes, entertainment for the little ones, and food trucks full of gourmet delights. Best of all, RSVPs aren’t required for this party – just rock up and enjoy what’s left of summer and the festival season.

7. You’re a little mysterious

What: Watson: The Final Problem

When: Various shows from 17 February–11 March

Where: Ayers House (North Terrace) and Goodwood Theatre (Goodwood)

8. You’re a thinker

What: Jurrungu Ngan-ga (Straight Talk)

When: 10–12 March

Where: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

Jurrungu Ngan-ga, meaning ‘straight talk’, is a dance performance that depicts the survival, preservation and growth of First Nations people through dance and language. Set within “the prison of the mind of Australia”, talented dancers perform as figments of the Australian psyche in this confronting but eye-opening story. RAA members save 10% on tickets to Jurrungu Ngan-ga.

9. You’re a thrill-seeker

What: Air Play

When: 15–19 March

Where: Adelaide Festival Centre

Consider yourself a daredevil? Air Play will give you the rush you’re after. Held during Adelaide Festival, this breathtaking performance features flying umbrellas and performers clinging to fabrics as they soar over the audience. The playful display is the work of Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone – in collaboration with kinetic sculptor Daniel Wurtzel – who use movement, technology and ordinary objects to create a mid-air masterpiece. RAA members save 10% on tickets to Air Play.

10. You’re mad about motoring

What: Adelaide Motorsport Festival

When: 25–26 March

Where: Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi

You could say we’re mad about motoring all year round – not just during Mad March. However, it makes sense why South Australia has saved one of the best events this festival season for last.

Held on the last weekend of March, historic Formula 1 vehicles and fire-breathing street cars race to the finish line at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival.

Off-track, slow down a little with a picnic on the shady lawns, or browse market stalls and see the cars and motorcycles on display. If you’re keen for a glimpse into the future, head to the E-Motion Zone to check out electric vehicles, including the latest-model hybrids.

*Waves a black and white chequered flag* That’s the end of our Mad March guide for this year. This was just a snippet of the hundreds of awesome events South Australia has lined up for you over the next couple of months. Enjoy!