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I’ve never met a dumpling I didn’t like – nor have I met a person who doesn’t like dumplings. From soupy xiao long bao and crispy gyozas to boiled pierogis and golden samosas, these bite-sized parcels bring people together across the globe. Adelaide’s Lucky Dumpling Market has been doing exactly that too since it launched ten years ago, focusing on the best of Asian street food. If you’re keen to join this year's dumpling party, the wait is almost over.
Returning to Elder Park from October 9 to November 1, this sizzling food festival is bringing a fresh line-up of stalls selling everything from bao, curries and satay to sweet treats and bubble tea – plus, of course, more dumplings than your belly can handle. In previous years, more than 150,000 people flocked to the riverbank to taste the city’s best Asian fare – and in 2026, it’s only set to expand, with extended opening hours, live music, vibrant bars and a new karaoke container.
This year’s line-up welcomes six exciting new vendors, alongside 21 returning favourites. Shobosho x ShoSho will join forces to create signature fire- and steam-kissed eats, like Wagyu potsticker dumplings, chicken katsu sandos, cheese tarts and onigiri; Thirsty Tiger will add Asian-inspired tacos to the mix; and Toriok will bring cult-following-worthy ramen and traditional Japanese snacks.
Lucky Dumpling Festival is brought to us by the team behind Gluttony – the Adelaide Fringe’s largest venue – so expect to see some familiar festival favourites. Travel to Vietnam with Xeo Xeo's sizzling pancakes or Toly’s bahn mi skewers, then head to the Philippines for Hoy Pinoy’s charcoal meat skewers. Save space for Phat Head Dumpling’s best-selling noodles, dumplings and milk tea. Then end on a sweet note with mochi doughnuts from Shmochi by Shibui, dessert dumplings from Chocolate & Co, or rainbow bao from Son in Law.
If you’re in the mood for a tipple, head to the Sake Bar for top-tier Japanese spirits, including sake and whisky flights. You can also sip on boozy Vietnamese iced coffees, Yuzu Spritzes and classic Japanese beers. Then let loose in Pitch Karaoke – a pop-up karaoke container that you can privately book.
Lucky Dumpling Market is held in collaboration with OzAsia Festival – Australia’s leading international arts festival celebrating Asia, which marks its final year in 2026 – so the riverside will be buzzing with a diverse line-up of performances every Thursday to Sunday. Looking for a more relaxed night out? We recommend popping by for dinner on Tuesday or Wednesday, or during the new Friday lunchtime slot, when the queues are bound to be shorter. You can check out the entertainment program and opening hours here.