Newcastle Fringe Festival is back for 2026, unveiling its biggest program yet with 250 shows, 125 acts and more than 800 artists set to take over the city across three weekends in March.
Celebrated as Australia’s Biggest Little Fringe, the festival once again promises bold ideas, boundary-pushing performances and a feast of unexpected delights.
Now in its second decade, Newcastle Fringe continues to champion its open-access ethos: no curators, no gatekeepers, just pure creative freedom.
Anyone with a show can take part, making it a magnet for the weird, the wonderful and the wildly original. It’s the unique DNA that has helped launch rising stars and nurture a thriving playground for independent artists.
The festivities kick off with Fringe Feast, a free community street party transforming Hamilton on Saturday, 14 March.
Supported by City of Newcastle Special Business Rate funding, the celebration will bring live music, roaming performances, food stalls and sneak-peek tasters from Fringe acts, all set against the backdrop of Hamilton’s vibrant hospitality scene.
Across the festival’s three weekends, audiences can explore an enormous mix of ticketed shows spread across three major hubs: Hamilton CBD, the Newcastle City Precinct, and Beach & ’Burbs venues in Merewether and Lambton.
Expect everything from comedy and cabaret to theatre, music, kids’ entertainment, digital arts, burlesque and surprises tucked into every pocket of the city.
This year’s lineup features a dynamic blend of major names and emerging talents, including YouTube magician Saksham Magic, comedy great Jean Kittson, UK favourite Kate Smurthwaite, cabaret star Dolly Diamond, acclaimed theatre maker Rob Carlton and children’s favourite Mr Snotbottom.
Local legends Les Devine Folles á Newy, Creative Creatures and Nerds & Music also return, joined by international debuts and award-winning newcomers ready to light up the program.
Tickets are on sale for Newcastle Fringe Festival from 1 February and most shows are priced between $25 and $30. Early birds score 10% off until 14 February. For updates and the full program, head to newcastlefringe.com.au.
