Three Weekends of Fringe Magic
- intouch Magazine
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Newcastle's boldest arts festival is back – and it's bigger, more daring and more brilliantly unfiltered than ever.
If you thought last year's 10th anniversary Newcastle Fringe Festival was something special, buckle up. The 2026 edition is serving triple helpings of creativity, mischief and pure theatrical magic across three jam-packed weekends from 14-29 March.
With 250 shows, 125 acts and more than 800 artists converging on our city, Newcastle Fringe has well and truly earned its title as Australia's Biggest Little Fringe. And the best part? There are no curators, no gatekeepers, no filters. If you've got a show, you're in. It's this open-access spirit that makes Fringe the perfect launching pad for emerging talent and the natural home for the weird, the wonderful and the wildly original.
The festival launches with Fringe Feast on Saturday 14 March – a free community street party transforming Hamilton into a hub of live music, performance, food and artistic tasters. Supported by City of Newcastle, this family friendly celebration sets the tone for what's to come.
From there, the action spreads across three festival hubs: Hamilton CBD, Newcastle City Precinct, and Beach & 'Burbs, encompassing everywhere from Merewether to Lambton. Expect comedy that'll have you crying with laughter, cabaret that dazzles, theatre that challenges, music that moves you, and kids' shows that spark imagination.
The lineup reads like a who's who of entertainment: YouTube sensation Saksham Magic, comedy legend Jean Kittson, UK favourite Kate Smurthwaite, cabaret royalty Dolly Diamond, and award-winning theatremaker Rob Carlton. Add local heroes like Les Devine Folles á Newy and Creative Creatures, plus exciting international debuts, and you've got a program bursting with unmissable moments.
The full program is available online now, with tickets on sale from 1 February. Most shows average just $25-$30, and here's the insider tip: snap up tickets between 1 and 14 February for 10% off most shows.
Follow @newcastlefringe on socials for all the insider news – because Fringe season is officially here!
