The key theme for the 2006 Adelaide Fringe was "re-generation" and was held 24 February - 19 March.

While it still maintained a strong base in Adelaide's East End and parklands, in 2006 the Fringe moved back to its spiritual home at the Fowler's Live in Adelaide's West End.

Karen Hatfield, as Director, used her extensive knowledge and skills to create a fantastic 2006 Fringe. Gail Carnes was the new General Manager and Judy Potter became Chairperson of the Fringe in October 2004.

The 2006 Fringe saw a record 3000 artists put on more than 2000 shows. There were a total of 465 registered events across the art forms which included 355 performing arts events and 110 visual arts exhibitions.

Key 2006 Adelaide Fringe Highlights:

In 2005 Bank SA was announced as the Principal Partner for the Adelaide Fringe 2006 - 2010.

It was also announced that the Adelaide Fringe would  become an annual event. This was made possible through increased support by the South Australian Government and Bank SA.

The Fringe Club was at Higher Ground - a venue by day and evening, a club from 10pm.
 
2006 also saw the development of Fringe Benefits, which had evolved from State Theatre Company's Club 26 program. Fringe Benefits continues as a year round live arts initiative dedicated to promoting arts events to 18-30 year olds through discounted tickets.
 
In addition to the registered events, there were 18 Special Events produced by the Adelaide Fringe including:
• Opening Parade
• Opening Night Party
• FEZ
• Shoot the Fringe (Screenings and Awards)
• Fringe Family Day
• Our Music, Our Way
• 2006 Adelaide Fringe Awards
• Fresh Bait
• Dreamcatcher
• Zine Fair
• Gala 4 Kids
• Laugh Yourself Blak in the City/ Laugh Yourself Blak in the Port
• Attack of the 50 Foot Reels
• Fuse on Stage
• FUSE National Music Business Conference
• Super 8 Workshop 
 
A  survey of Adelaide Fringe patrons reported audiences exceeding a conservative estimate of 907 732 attendances at both ticketed and free shows and events. The survey concluded that the economic impact was between $24.7 million and $39.4 million.
 
Sources:
2006 Visitor and Economic Impact Study – Conducted by A/Prof Jane James BSc Hons, PhD and Claire Zerna BCulT – Flinders University
Executive Summary – Adelaide Fringe 2006