We’ve handpicked a few faves from this year’s jam-packed program, featuring more than 460 events
If there’s ever a time to unleash your weird and wacky side, it’s during the Sydney Fringe Festival. Bright pink banners start generating excitement mid-year for New South Wales’ largest independent arts fest, which takes over the city every September (with select events popping up in the lead-up).
The gloriously jam-packed 2025 program features more than 460 events and almost 3,000 across 80-plus venues. While most of the action is centred around the CBD and Inner West, the festival stretches far and wide – from Parramatta and Fairfield to Lane Cove and Bondi – with gigs, theatre and workshops popping up all over. It’s worth sifting through the full program, but in the meantime, here are our top picks for the best shows to see at Sydney Fringe 2025.
Fresh from a sold-out run in 2024, this part-cabaret, part-comedy show is sinfully hilarious. Comedian Claire Robin delivers a delightful unholy mash-up of sketch, clowning and live keyboard as she dives into themes of religion, the body and Barnaby Joyce. Nun Slut is just one of more than 40 shows popping up at The Emerging Artist Sharehouse – the perfect place to support Sydney’s next wave of stars.
Where: Erskineville Town Hall
When: September 2-6
Price: $22
Cirque du Soleil meets Magic Mike in this powerful, post-apocalyptic circus comedy from Head First Acrobatics. Elixir Revived has racked up countless five-star reviews for its mash-up of outrageous comedy with the world’s most dangerous circus stunts. It’s just one of the bold and brilliant acts popping up at the circus and burlesque hub at Fool’s Paradise in The Entertainment Quarter, with other must-sees including Lube Me Alone, Lash Out and Something Wicked.
Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
When: August 29 to October 12
Price: $49
One of the best things about Sydney Fringe is that it brings some of the world’s most awarded Fringe acts to Aussie shores. Anarchic Fringe icons and last year’s Best Theatre Award winners, Sh!t Theatre, re-emerge in 2025 with a bold new show exploring folk music and grief. Sh!t Theatre: Or What’s Left of Us earned a glowing five-star review from Time Out London at Edinburgh Fringe – and we think you should go see what all the fuss is about.
Where: New Theatre, Newtown
When: September 17-27
Price: $38
The world’s largest queer culture museum is set to host Sydney Fringe’s biggest Queer Hub to date! You can cackle, cry, connect and celebrate LGBTQIA+ artists during this month-long residency featuring 30 diverse performances. Highlights include the ghostly comedy Mummy, I’m Scared, the musical meltdown cabaret Train of Thought, the sharp-witted comedy concert Let’s Unpack That, and bold burlesque Confessions of a Drama Queen.
Where: Qtopia, Darlinghurst
When: September 1-30
Price: Varies per show
Dive headfirst into the dark, twisted world of TikTok in this unhinged one-woman show by award-winning artist Charlotte Otton. Nominated for Best in Theatre at Melbourne Fringe 2024 and the Overall Theatre and Performance award at Perth Fringe World 2025, Otton dissects the digital hellscape we find ourselves subscribed to. After this, you’ll never scroll the same way again.
Where: PACT Centre for Emerging Artists, Erskineville
When: September 3-13
Price: $35
Kicking off the Sydney Fringe Festival with heart and soul, the Yalgali opening weekend celebrations shine a light on the world’s oldest living culture through fresh, powerful performances. Highlights include the sacred Fire Lighting and Welcome Ceremony, special screening of In My Blood It Runs, an Open Mic Night spotlighting rising First Nations talent, Koori-oke session with DJ Shark, the First Sounds Showcase of emerging artists, and Australia’s Least Wanted – a haunting one-man show by prison teacher Adam Blacksmith.
Where: PACT Centre for Emerging Artists, Erskineville
When: August 28-30
Price: Free
If you go down to The Rocks this September, you’re in for a big surprise. Sydney Fringe is transforming the historic precinct into an after-dark playground with immersive performances, live storytelling and tantalising pop-ups. Roam the laneways to discover reimagined mythic tales (think Orpheus, Helios and Grandpa Poseidon), belt out tunes at Lola’s Piano Bar, and stumble upon a surprise full-length Fringe show at Sideshow Wildcard.
Where: Around The Rocks
When: From August 22
Price: Free
One of my personal Fringe favourites is the Cabaret Hub – and in 2025, it’s setting up shop in a new home at Marrickville Town Hall. Step into a world of wonder at Dorothy in Oz: The Immersive Cocktail Experience, where you’ll be swept into L. Frank Baum's beloved fantasy land through interactive storytelling and live performance. The cherry on top? You’ll get the chance to shake up your very own magical cocktail.
Where: Marrickville Town Hall
When: September 3-28
Price: $65
Set against the iconic backdrop of Bondi Beach, Fringe’s Limitless Hub returns with a jam-packed week of performances by d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists. Highlights include the Limitless Comedy Gala, a heartfelt musical theatre gig by Elly-May Barnes, and the glitter-drenched variety spectacular Criptonite.
Where: Bondi Pavilion
When: September 16-20
Price: Varies per show
Bring your friends and your appetite for a buzzing night of creativity and community at Fringeville. This free, one-night-only fiesta lights up the night with local artists, musicians and dancers in a series of electrifying performances under the stars. Groove along to the tunes, bring the kids for roving entertainment and feast on delicious street food from a variety of multicultural food stalls.
Where: Hurstville Plaza
When: September 12
Price: Free
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