Get ready, Newcastle – the city’s most colourful celebration of creativity is back! The artist applications are in, the program is in design, and the fringe team are gearing up for another cracking year!
Newcastle Fringe Festival returns 14–29 March 2026, kicking off with a massive free community street party – Fringe Feast – on Saturday 14 March in the heart of Hamilton.
Building on last year’s success, Fringe Feast will fill Hamilton’s streets with live music, colour, food and performance. It’s a free, family-friendly celebration of local culture, complete with taster performances from Fringe artists, delicious eats, and that unmistakable Fringe energy.
The City of Newcastle has thrown its support behind Newcastle Fringe Festival 2026, with Special Business Rate (SBR) funding helping to position the Hamilton precinct as the beating heart of the city’s edgiest and most diverse performing arts event.
City of Newcastle Councillor Declan Clausen, Chair of the Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee said,
“The Special Business Rate Program is designed to activate our business precincts and support initiatives that drive visitation and strengthen the local economy. Newcastle Fringe Festival is a standout example, and we’re proud to support its expansion in 2026. Fringe Feast will not only showcase Hamilton’s diverse food and entertainment culture but also provide opportunities for local businesses to thrive during the festival period.”
This lively launch event marks the start of three spectacular weekends of Fringe shows across three geographic hubs – Hamilton Hub with its most iconic venues, including The Exchange, The Barracks, Young People’s Theatre, The Kent, Hamilton Uniting Church and new for this year, The Polish Club; City Hub includes fringe favourite the REX, The Grand and Bernies and The Beach & Burbs Hub includes Souths Merewether, The Dungeon and Flamingos Live.
Following Fringe Feast, audiences can dive into an incredible opening weekend lineup featuring international and homegrown talent including:
- Jeff Green (UK) – the beloved British comedy legend makes his Newcastle Fringe debut with his razor-sharp wit and award-winning storytelling.
- Saksham Magic – the 23-year-old YouTube sensation and star of Ice Road Vengeance (Amazon Prime) brings his hit show Magical Madness to Fringe in a thrilling fusion of illusion and storytelling.
- Kate Wilkins & Nick Harriott: Let’s Unpack That – fresh from Melbourne Fringe, this comedy-concert duo brings songs, laughs and moving moments, produced by Grammy nominee Montaigne.
- Opera’s Bad Girl: Before Melba… There Was Anna Bishop – acclaimed soprano Sarahlouise Owens brings to life the untold story of opera’s original rebel in a spellbinding theatrical experience.
- Jean Kittson Returns – the beloved Australian comedian, writer and TV personality returns to Newcastle Fringe with her signature wit and insight.
- Newymation Extravaganza – celebrating Newcastle’s thriving digital arts scene with animation, VFX, and game art from creators of all levels.
The full 2026 program drops in January, with tickets on sale from 1 February at an average price of just $25–$30. Until then, follow @newcastlefringe on Facebook and Instagram for sneak peeks, early reveals and behind-the-scenes buzz – because the countdown to Fringe has officially begun.
