Welcome to the 11th anniversary Newcastle Fringe Festival

Australia’s biggest little Fringe returns to Newcastle in 2026 for what will be another extraordinary celebration of creativity, diversity and artistic expression.

The 2026 Newcastle Fringe Festival will kick off with FRINGE FEAST on 14 March - a huge, free community street party turning Hamilton into a celebration of food, performance, and creative energy.

With support from City of Newcastle’s SBR funding, Hamilton will again be the beating heart of Fringe, hosting three weekends of shows across local venues from 14 - 29 March.

Expect over 250 performances, from comedy and cabaret to magic, music and digital arts.

The opening weekend alone features Jeff Green (UK), Jean Kittson, Saksham Magic, the story of Opera's Bad Girl by Sarahlouise Owens and Newcastle's own animation, VFX, and game art creators in the Newymation Short Film Extravaganza.

Now in its 11th year, Newcastle Fringe Festival remains proudly open-access, independent and unfiltered. With no curators or gatekeepers, the festival continues to champion the weird, the wonderful and the wildly original, creating space for emerging artists to share the stage with established names.

Following Fringe Feast, audiences can dive into three weekends of ticketed shows across festival hubs including Hamilton CBD, the Newcastle City Precinct, and Beach & ’Burbs, taking Fringe beyond the city centre and into surrounding suburbs such as Merewether and Lambton. 

International comedy powerhouse Kate Smurthwaite returns from the UK with three shows - from her much-loved kids’ favourite Evolution Revolution to sharp political comedy Severe Lacerations to Head and the deeply personal poetry show Slight. Fellow UK act The Giant Balloon Man brings joyful, absurd fun for audiences of all ages.

New to Newy Fringe are international debuts including Canada’s The Routine, USA’s song-and-dance legend Melvin Brown, and Germany’s cabaret sensation Stefanie Rummel. Homegrown and national highlights feature Sydney Fringe’s Nun Slut, Adelaide favourite Becoming Benno, and Newcastle’s own Dolly Diamond and Skank Sinatra - all delivering bold, brassy performances guaranteed to surprise and delight.

Australian favourites are back in force, including award-winning theatre star Rob Carlton with Virgin in a Knife Fight, last year’s Best Show winners Bubble Show Adults Only and Bubble Show in Space, cult comedy hit from Vanessa Larry Mitchell, the multi-award-winning and heart-stealing Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin, and kids’ hero Mr Snotbottom, who promises laughs for adults and children alike.

Closer to home, Newcastle’s own creative scene shines just as brightly. Local favourites The Pretty Amazing Show, Nerds & Music, Les Devine Folles à Newy, and Creative Creatures return to wow audiences once again, alongside a strong lineup of emerging local artists making the most of Fringe’s open-access platform. It’s a reminder that Newcastle’s creative community is as bold, playful and ambitious as anywhere in the country.

With three packed weekends, an open invitation to curious audiences, and a program that champions both established and emerging voices, Newcastle Fringe Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable month of art, ideas and unexpected moments - right in the heart of the city.

Newcastle Fringe Festival

When: 14 - 29 March 2026
Where: Various festival hubs across Newcastle
Tickets: $25 - $30

Early bird tickets are available until 14 February, with most shows offering 10% off - including plenty for the family, so the little ones can get in on the Fringe fun too.

For more information and for the full program of events visit Newcastle Fringe.