Newcastle Fringe Festival is set to return in 2026 with an expanded program, offering three weekends of performances across the city. Organisers describe the event as open-access, independent and unfiltered, with no curators or gatekeepers.
The festival will launch with Fringe Feast, a free community street party on Saturday, March 14, in Hamilton. The event, supported by the City of Newcastle Special Business Rate funding and Hello Hamilton, will feature music, colour and performance, including taster acts from Fringe artists.
Following the launch, ticketed shows will run across three hubs: Hamilton CBD, Newcastle Precinct, and Beach 'Burbs (Merewether, Lambton). More than 250 performances are scheduled, featuring international, national and local talent.
International highlights include UK comedian Kate Smurthwaite with three shows, and The Giant Balloon Man. From Canada, The Routine will make its debut, alongside US performer Melvin Brown and Germany's Stefanie Rummel. Australian favourites returning include Rob Carlton, Vanessa Larry Mitchell and Mr Snotbottom, while local gems such as The Pretty Amazing Show, Nerds Music and Les Devine Folles Newy are also back.
New acts include Sydney Fringe Best Comedy winner Nun Slut, Adelaide Fringe favourite Becoming Benno, and the Hot Potato Band. The festival also introduces a True Crime Comedy Walking Tour with veteran comedian Shayne Hunter, along with increased comedy, kids' shows, musical madness, poetry, cabaret, theatre, burlesque and more.
Newcastle Fringe Festival is supported by partners including City of Newcastle, Destination NSW, Port Waratah Coal Services, AGL, Hello Hamilton, and others.
