Newcastle Fringe Festival 2026 draws record 18,134 attendees across city

Newy 87.8 FM – The Newcastle Fringe Festival 2026 has wrapped after three weekends, with a record 18,134 people attending, up from 14,170 in 2025.

The total included 6,000 attendees at Fringe FEAST and 12,134 across ticketed events. This year's festival featured 254 shows presented by 112 acts and 806 artists across 15 venues throughout the city, supported by 110 volunteers.

Performers earned more than $243,000, a substantial increase from $188,000 in 2025.

The festival culminated in the annual Fringe Awards, hosted by MC Dan Beazley. Local favourite The Pretty Amazing Show took out Best Show, while international production The Routine was awarded Artistic Merit.

The Legend Award was presented to festival founder Phil Aughey by Clark Gormley, recognising his outstanding contribution to the festival and the arts community.

Festival Chairperson Brooke Twyford said the 2026 program highlighted the power of open-access arts. "From bold new voices to returning favourites, this year's festival celebrated everything Fringe stands for – creativity, accessibility and the freedom to take risks," she said.

Fringe FEAST launched the festival in Hamilton with a free, family-friendly celebration of food, music and performance. The festival also held its first activation in Port Stephens with a performance by The Pretty Amazing Show, and pop-up performances featured on Darby Street.

Newcastle Next winners Stomp received $1,000, with runner-up Laila Michelini taking home $500. Newymation's audience favourite was Bird Drone by Radheya Jegatheva and Jay Jay Jegathesan.

The 2027 festival is set for 6 to 21 March. Join the discussion on Facebook.