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[title]The state’s largest independent arts festival, Sydney Fringe Festival, is back for 2026 – with more than 350 events hitting our stages for one very entertaining month. Taking over the city throughout September, the dynamic program spans boundary-pushing theatre to wildly impressive circus acts, conversation-shaping comedy and full-throttle parties – and it's going to be ace.
To mark its return, we’re giving away a $500 Sydney Fringe Festival voucher to one lucky winner to help curate their dream itinerary. Check out our top picks below to get you started, then enter in the draw below before midnight, August 24.
Fringe Ignite!
It all kicks off with a street party in Darlinghurst where everyone is invited. Fringe Ignite! is completely free and you'll get a front row seat to roving performances from acrobats, dancers, circus troupes and more, plus a main stage giving snippets of the festival's spotlight shows.
Stanley Street, Darlinghurst
Aug 29
Copa on The Rocks
For a spectacular evening of singing, cabaret and surprises, pull up a chair at Copa on The Rocks and settle in for a night to remember with your irrepressible host, Andrew Bukenya.
6-8 Atherton St, The Rocks
Sep 2 - Oct 11
Return of The Godz
The Greek Gods are back and raising hell in this production of acrobatics, comedy and muscles, fresh off a sell-out season in London’s West End.
Fool’s Paradise @ The Entertainment Quarter
Aug 26 - Oct 11
Cold War 2.0
Described as a phantasmagoric punk show featuring cheap illusions, frenetic dialogue and snow cones (yes, you read that right). If you like your theatre bold, unpredictable and completely unhinged, strap in.
6-8 Atherton St, The Rocks
Sep 9-20
Claire Robin – Nun Slut
After picking up the Best Comedy win at Sydney Fringe 2025, this absurd and silly show is back for round two. Expect sketch, comedy and a mash-up of clowns in this joyous production of critically acclaimed chaos.
6-8 Atherton St, The Rocks
Sep 23 - Oct 4
In These Shoes
Fashion writer and jazz singer Glynis Traill-Nash combines her two talents in this joyous cabaret romp, which has tantalised audiences around Australia and the Edinburgh Fringe.
6-8 Atherton St, The Rocks
Sep 2-6
Feast: Chaat Show Edition
Enjoy chai and chaat as four guests including MasterChef Australia's Depinder Chhibber, Flyover Fritterie founder Gunjan Aylawadi and comedians Suraj Kolarkar and Jennifer Wong get together to swap stories about Indian home cooking.
Hurstville Entertainment Centre
Sep 12
Queer Hub
Queer Hub is back with a month-long celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community featuring shows like the French clown school-trained Caitlin Duff’s underground hit Freidah Will See You Now; the camp satire, Nepoberry; and a sensual and salacious musical cabaret with Queen Cannibal, Black Widow.
QTOPIA Sydney
Sep 1-27
Emerging Artist Share House
New talent takes centre stage at the Emerging Artist Share House where more than 40 shows will take over four buzzing spaces. Our pick? Catch The Last Single Girl in Sydney for a razor-sharp one-woman-show that captures the minefield of modern dating.
Erskineville Town Hall
Sep 1-27
Yalgali
The festival's dedicated First Nations program, Yalgali, returns with a powerful line-up of events, comedy, dance and interactive shows. Don’t miss Inheritance by Toni Janke and the contemporary dance production Sitting Ganaay.
Various venues
Sep 1-27
Fringe Kids
With whacky and whimsical shows all month long – plus a bumper two-week program during the October school holidays – little fringers will be spoilt for choice.
Fool’s Paradise @ The Entertainment Quarter
Sep 26 - Oct 11
Find the full program here and enter below to go in the draw to win a $500 Sydney Fringe Festival voucher.