In 2025, Sydney Fringe Festival is presenting over 460 events and 2,900+ artists across four precincts and 10 vibrant hubs. From explosive world premieres to immersive adventures and bold new voices, Sydney Fringe Festival transforms the city into a cultural playground.
Kicking off with a free street party at The Rocks on 4 September, the festival launches into a month of unforgettable moments. SIDESHOW returns to the historic laneways every Tuesday to Sunday with interactive and pop-up performances. A standout highlight is When Night Comes by Broad Encounters, an intimate, multi-sensory theatre experience blending cocktails and storytelling in the Union Bond Store. And UK duo Wright & Grainger bring three acclaimed shows, Orpheus, Helios, and the family-friendly Grandpa Poseidon, to the festival, while SIDESHOW Wildcard offers surprise performances for free every Saturday at The Rocks Square.
Joining the lineup are a host of standout programs, including Made in Sydney, spotlighting the city’s most exciting independent theatre-makers, now expanded to include collaborations with Canberra Theatre Centre and Merrigong Theatre Company. The annual Touring Hub brings global hits to local stages, including UK cult favourites Sh!t Theatre with Or What’s Left Of Us, a powerful theatre piece exploring how we reconcile with grief, while comedian Jennifer Wong returns with her sell-out sensation FEAST and a fresh twist in the brand-new FEAST: Morning Tea Edition.
Darlinghurst’s iconic Eternity Playhouse reopens as the Off Broadway Hub, staging boundary-pushing work including Lewis Major’s contemporary dance triple bill Triptych, the high-octane Ghanaian circus The Ghana Road Show, and Kate Bush Unmoored by choral ensemble Eklektika.
The Queer Hub returns to Qtopia Sydney, celebrating LGBTQIA+ artists with a fabulous lineup including LA drag duo Lorelei and Annie Biotixx in Queen Out (Verb) and musical-comedy hit Let’s Unpack That featuring new music by Montaigne.
First Nations artistry takes centre stage at the Yagali First Nations Hub at PACT, with Adam Nobilia’s memoir reading Australia’s Least Wanted and the First Sounds Showcase featuring powerhouse Indigenous music talent.
Cabaret lovers can head to Marrickville Town Hall, home of the new Cabaret Hub, for everything from personal storytelling in Upside Down Fantasyland to cocktail alchemy in Dorothy In Oz, an immersive journey from the team behind The Alice and The Wizard’s Den.
At Bondi Pavilion, LIMITLESS highlights d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists with shows like The Crooners: Swinging & Spinning, Criptonite, and a performance by Elly-May Barnes. Meanwhile, the Dance Hub at Sydney Dance Company showcases award-winning contemporary works including Liv Tennet’s For You to Know and Me to Find Out.
Factory Theatre hosts a month-long comedy takeover, while the Emerging Artist Share House at Erskineville Town Hall supports rising stars. In Western Sydney, the festival partners with Riverside Theatres, PYT Fairfield, and launches Parramatta’s Lit! an open-access literature festival filled with readings, panels, and workshops. Sydney Fringe has also expanded out to Lane Cove this year with Lane Cove Festival @ Sydney Fringe.
Over at The Entertainment Quarter, Head First Acrobats presents Fool’s Paradise with explosive circus acts like Elixir Revived and Lash Out. The festival also hosts Fringe Kids presented by Ingenia Holiday Parks during the school holidays 28 Sep – 12 Oct, with circus shows, music by Lah-Lah and the Sydney Youth Orchestra, and more.
With a massive citywide footprint, major national and international collaborations, and unforgettable events around every corner, Sydney Fringe Festival 2025 invites you to participate in NSW’s largest independent arts festival. To explore the city like never before, it starts with a ticket.
Image credits:
Hero: Paul McMillan
Supplied images: When Night Comes, The Ghana Road Show, Elixir: Revived, Sh!t Theatre: Or What’s Left of Us
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