The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is the only five-star equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere and represents 1 of 7 events of its kind held globally including Badminton Horse Trials (UK), Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), Burghley Horse Trials (UK), Luhmühlen Horse Trials (GER), MARS Maryland (USA) and Les 5 étoiles de Pau (FRA).
Oceania Championships showdown
In a huge win for the State, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival was selected as the Oceania Championships host for 2026 and 2029. South Australia last hosted the event in 2009.
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 Under 25 division will be hosted at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival.
Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the 2026 Program is set to deliver what is undoubtably the most expansive offering to date as the Festival continues to up the stakes as Australia’s premium equine event.
“As the ‘Festival State’ South Australia continues to dial up the action year on year with access to the very best music, culture, food and sporting events. The Adelaide Equestrian Festival continues to provide an all-in, family friendly event that not only showcases the finest equestrian athletes but also blends hospitality, entertainment and education within the pristine surrounds of the Adelaide Park Lands.”
“You just don’t get this type of event anywhere in the world – and I can say that, because it’s true. Horses and riders performing dressage, cross country and show jumping in the heart of the Adelaide CBD… it is truly one of a kind,” Mr Rolton said.
World-class cross country course
The world-class CCI5*-L course, designed by renowned Mike Etherington-Smith, is expected to challenge more than 20 elite riders from across Australia and New Zealand while the Oceania Championship divisions will see Australians Clayton Fredericks take over the CCI4*-S course design and Mick Pineo the CCI3*-L.
The Festival is incredibly excited to welcome Golden Guitar–winning musician and horseman Tom Curtain, who will perform across three days. Showcasing his talents both on horseback and with a guitar in hand, Tom’s performances invite festivalgoers, young and old, to get involved and be part of the action.
On Saturday afternoon, following the thrill of RB Sellars Cross Country Day, spectators will be treated to a full performance of the award-winning Katherine Outback Experience, with special musical guests joining Tom Curtain in Victoria Park.
There is something for everyone at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival including family picnic hampers or the choice to pack your bag for the day, interactive free kid’s activities, informative education learning seminars, ticketed marquee passes for premium catered experiences, High Tea, live music and more.
Free entry for kids on RB Sellars Cross Country Day
Adelaide Equestrian Festival Director Kirsty Withers said the event was the perfect School Holiday outing.
“The Festival is truly accessible for everyone. Thursday 16 April presents a great opportunity for families with free General Admission, while children under five can attend free across all four days. We are incredibly proud to also offer free entry for kids under 12 on our benchmark RB Sellars Cross Country Day, Saturday 18 April — making it a truly budget-friendly option for families wanting to enjoy the outdoors and witness jaw-dropping equestrian action just metres away.”
“RB Sellars Cross Country Day on Saturday never disappoints. This wildly energetic day sees families and equine enthusiasts spread across the Adelaide Park Lands, enjoying great food and drink, browsing vibrant pop-up markets and soaking up the unforgettable sights and sounds of horses galloping past — a thrilling display of both grace and power – and this year a perfect end to the big day will be watching Tom Curtain perform.”
More than 30,000 spectators expected
More than 30,000 spectators are expected at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival with travellers from the Eastern Seaboard, New Zealand and across the State.
South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said: “South Australia continues to be recognised as the destination of choice when it comes to hosting elite sporting events, such as the Oceania Championships in 2026 and 2029.”
“The more than 30,000 spectators expected to attend the Adelaide Equestrian Festival 2026 will experience why South Australia is the nation’s official Best Event State. The program boasts the highest calibre of equine competition, while offering immersive experiences that showcase our premium produce and beauty of our green city. I encourage those travelling to our State to extend their stay and discover the simple pleasures our tourism regions have to offer, from our wine regions bursting with Australia’s best food and drink to our stunning coastlines.”
The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival timetable includes:
Thursday 16 April: FREE General Admission. Retail, food, drink, world-class eventing – it’s all happening for the first day of dressage. A great way to explore the event with family and friends if you’ve never been before – you’ll be sure to come back for more next year!
Friday 17 April: Spectators get a front row seat for the gentle, skilled and highly competitive display of dressage thanks to Pryde’s Easifeed. Soak in all the action from the iconic Victoria Grand Stand and enjoy the picturesque Park Lands.
Saturday 18 April: Cross Country Day sponsored by RB Sellars; this event is bound to have your heart racing! The sights and sounds are horses and their riders gallop across the Park Lands makes for a highly exhilarating day out! The atmosphere is abuzz with music, markets, hospitality, kids’ activities and more!
Sunday 19 April: This is the last discipline on display – who will take to the podium following the heart stopping ATCO Show Jumping Day?
The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival is supported by the South Australian Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Adelaide Equestrian Festival 2026 tickets can be purchased at www.adelaideequestrianfestival.com.au
Source: Adelaide Equestrian Festival press release, edited by Equestrian Life
