Melbourne Fringe is back this spring, taking over venues across the city from Tuesday 29 September to Sunday 18 October with a huge program built around one simple idea: don’t shy away from the unfamiliar.
The 2026 Curated Program brings together artists pushing the boundaries of their artforms, from experimental performances and international works to young audience programming and access-led productions from d/Deaf and Disabled artists.
A highlight of this year’s festival is the tenth anniversary of Deadly Fringe, celebrating First Nations artists with an ambitious program led by Joel Bray Dance’s Dhandha/Campfire at Fed Square. Running daily and free to attend, the large-scale installation transforms a sculptural fire pit into a meeting place for storytelling, ceremony and connection through light, sound and live performance.
Also part of Deadly Fringe is Na Djinang Circus’ Ocker, which will take a portable railway line through Fed Square, Williamstown, Yarraville and Ballarat, while Ngioka Bunda-Heath’s Estuary explores dual identity and connections to Country.
The Festival’s international Passport program will bring work from Canada, the UK, Ireland, the US and Taiwan to Melbourne, while Pulse returns for its fourth year with artists experimenting with structure and form.
Opening night will see Michelle Brasier host the Festival’s Opening Night Gala at the Capitol Theatre on 29 September, while free outdoor performances include CIRCUS FIRE Spectacular! at Prahran Square.
For the first time, Melbourne Fringe will also head beyond the city, with Fringe Encore: Ballarat running from 22 to 25 October.
With performances spread across Melbourne and plenty of free events to discover, there’s plenty to explore this year. See the full Melbourne Fringe 2026 program and book tickets
