It has been held in June each year since 2001, with the exception of 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, when an online event was presented on Facebook.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival emerged during a period of change and uncertainty.
During the late 1990s, the number of big stage musicals was in decline across the country.
[citation needed] The first festival took place in May 2001 and featured Australian jazz musician James Morrison, musical satirist Phil Scott, and Australian musical theatre star Caroline O’Connor (a late replacement for Nina Simone).
The festival proved successful, both critically and commercially, and the state government committed to a further three years of funding.