For the arts enthusiasts, audiences will discover some of the festival’s most exciting new voices and original Australian works, championing artists at every stage of their creative journey. Highlights include the sensual musical cabaret Black Widow: Sex, Bugs & A High Death Toll, presented at Qtopia Sydney; Zeibekiko, Theo Carroll’s powerful exploration of identity, gender and Greek heritage through music and movement at Erskineville Town Hall; Puss Puss, also at Erskineville Town Hall, a delightfully offbeat clown comedy following one cat’s hilariously chaotic quest to conquer her fears; and in partnership with PYT Fairfield, Stage Soldiers brings Kady Robinson’s semi-autobiographical journey of gender transition and self-discovery to PYT@Fringe, weaving military drill, bubbles, and a giant pig into a bold experimental solo play.
The program also features a diverse range of contemporary dance works, including the Sydney debut of rising Australian choreographer-director Tegan Jeffrey-Rushton’s award-winning immersive dance work OVERTURE, presented at Eternity Playhouse. Inviting audiences into the charged moments before the curtain rises, the work reveals the unseen choreography, anticipation and ritual that shape every live performance. Plus, Phaedra Brown’s FLOP at New Theatre, a heartfelt and humorous love letter to the “flop era” that celebrates the joy, heartbreak and resilience.
Now in its second year, Sydney Fringe’s partnership with UNSW’s School of Arts & Media sees TheLab@UNSW once again become a platform for bold, experimental performance. Plus, Sydney Fringe’s partnership with The Old Fitz Theatre continues in 2026 featuring Hannah Raven’s Late Night Revue, a riotous evening of burlesque, cabaret, comedy and circus led by one of Sydney’s most celebrated performers; and Sophie Davis’ moving new play Forget Me, Please, a tender story of love, memory and human connection, starring Kala Gare (My Brilliant Career). Made in Sydney returns for another year at PACT, including the return of legendary sketch group Frumpus with their show Landed, featuring three shifty women and their fanged sock puppets embodying an unabashed lineup of characters. Made in Wollongong and Made in Canberra also return this year in partnership with Merrigong Theatre Company’s MerrigongX Artist Program and Canberra Theatre Centre.
These highlights join a packed program which includes the annual month-long Sydney Fringe Comedy at the Factory Theatre featuring an incredible lineup of both emerging and established comedians. Plus, the Boomalli: On the Fringes exhibition as part of Fringe on The Rocks showcasing works by artists from across NSW Aboriginal Language Groups; In the Key of G at George Place celebrating new music and improvisation; the return of LIMITLESS championing the work of d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists across multiple venues; Fringe Kids presented by Ingenia Holiday Parks, a dedicated school holiday program bringing the best in children’s theatre, circus and family entertainment to audiences throughout the October holidays; and Lane Cove Festival @ Sydney Fringe returns with a vibrant launch event on 4 September – a free, family-friendly evening of live music, bold cabaret, and dynamic dance under the stars at The Canopy Stage.
CEO Patrick Kennedy said: “Following our most successful festival yet in 2025, this year’s program continues to build on Sydney Fringe’s ambition, bringing together hundreds of artists across more than 350 events at 64 venues, while introducing new initiatives designed to strengthen the future of Australia’s independent arts sector. Sydney Fringe has always been about saying yes – yes to bold ideas, independent artists and the kind of work that doesn’t fit anywhere else.
Every show on our program exists because an artist backed themselves and made something new, and we’re proud to provide the platform where those ideas can find an audience. Whether you’re stepping into a theatre, a warehouse, a heritage house or discovering a performance in an unexpected corner of the city, we invite everyone to take a chance on something they’ve never seen before.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “The Minns Labor Government is proud to support Sydney Fringe Festival, and this year’s stellar program will deliver a diverse range of wonderful and unexpected experiences for visitors and locals alike. Sydney Fringe activates every corner of our city in a way few other events can, positioning Sydney as a global cultural hub while giving the community a significant social and economic boost.”
Tickets are now on sale for all Sydney Fringe Festival events at https://www.sydneyfringe.com/
The Sydney Fringe opening event Fringe Ignite! is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program. For more information about the Open Streets Program please visit: Open Streets Program | Transport for NSW
