Every year, the Melbourne Fringe Festival makes jaws drop and eyes widen across the city with its unconventional line-up of independent theatre, comedy, drag, art, music and events. This year marks the 41st iteration of the festival, which is known for championing big, radical ideas and being an all out celebration of Melbourne at its weirdest.
The theme of the 2023 festival is playfulness and childlike joy, and with more than 450 events taking place across the heart of Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs, the city is set to become your playground from October 3-22. Not every show or installation will take the theme literally, however there will be towering eight-metre tall swings taking pride of place outside the State Library of Victoria and Footscray Station.
As always, this year’s festival will feature a mix of independent and emerging artists alongside well known local names. Comedian turned ABC presenter Sammy J will jump back onstage for the fourth instalment of The 50 Year Show, the ambitious project he started back in 2008 that laughs in the face of ‘Father Time’. Drag performers Kween Kong, Spankie Jackzon and Karen from Finance will all be gracing the Fringe stage, as will comedians Anna Piper Scott, Michelle Brasier, Tom Ballard and Scout Boxall.
Not sure where to start? Head to the Festival Hub at Trades Hall which will host more than 20 shows playing each night, roaming acts and pop-up nightclub. Prefer an open-air option? Festival Park will bring a Fringe-ified wonderland complete with circus acts, comedy, food and drinks to Queen Victoria Market . Head to the Melbourne Fringe Festival website to see the full program and how to get tickets.
