Sydney Fringe Festival 2025: What’s On in September

Sydney Fringe Festival is back, sprawling across 70+ venues with over 450 events that flip the city into one big stage. Think circus colliding with cabaret, immersive underworlds, late-night comedy, and even wellness resets. And yes—this year the kids get their own spotlight, with Fringe Kids dropping bubbles, magic, and ABC-famous sing-alongs into the school holidays.

Pro tip: download the Sydney Fringe app for tickets, schedules, secret pop-ups—and to keep track of the pint-sized chaos at Fringe Kids.

Location

Across Greater Sydney – multiple precincts
Key hubs include: The Rocks, Marrickville Town Hall, Bondi Pavilion, Newtown’s New Theatre, Qtopia Sydney, Eternity Playhouse Darlinghurst.

Dates

Next Event: 1–30 September 2025
Frequency: Annual
Duration: 1 month
Website: sydneyfringe.com
App: Download here

Price

Tickets start from $15 – $65 depending on the show.
Availability: Booking essential, popular shows sell fast.

The BioHax Take

September isn’t just spring—it’s Sydney at its most alive. The Fringe Festival takes theatres, pubs, warehouses, and beaches and turns them inside out. You’ll stumble across circus abs at Fool’s Paradise, mythology with a soundtrack in Orpheus, sensory comedy feasts in Hurstville, and sound-healing style stillness at Bondi Pavilion. For the minis, Fringe Kids keeps them buzzing with giant balloons, slime-covered game shows, and Lah-Lah teaming up with the Sydney Youth Orchestra. It’s not polished, it’s not predictable—it’s Sydney’s independent heartbeat, unleashed.

Who It’s For

Culture junkies hunting for the next big thing
Night owls who like their cabaret with chaos
Wellness seekers needing a reset between shows
Queer, inclusive, community-minded audiences
Families chasing kid-friendly circus, bubbles, and magic
Anyone who hates boring weekends

What’s On Offer

Immersive theatre (When Night Comes, Dorothy in Oz)
Circus + cabaret (Elixir Revived, Fool’s Paradise)
Global acts (Japan, UK, Denmark, Singapore, Melbourne)
Wellness + accessibility (Limitless @ Bondi Pavilion, Pilates, Reset Sessions)
Comedy feasts (Jennifer Wong’s FEAST)
Queer storytelling (Qtopia Sydney)
Emerging artists (Erskineville Town Hall Share House)

Top 10 Picks

Here are the unmissable highlights of this year’s Fringe:

When Night Comes – immersive dreamscape at Sideshow @ The Rocks.
Orpheus & Helios – myth and music collide with Fringe royalty Wright & Grainger.
Elixir Revived – circus meets Magic Mike at Fool’s Paradise.
Sh!t Theatre’s Or What’s Left of Us – Edinburgh Fringe five-star hit at Newtown’s Touring Hub.
Off-Broadway @ Eternity Playhouse – slick new dance and musical theatre in Darlinghurst.
Queer Hub @ Qtopia Sydney – LGBTQIA+ storytelling with Queen Out direct from LA.
Limitless @ Bondi Pavilion – accessible theatre + Elly-May Barnes live for one night only.
FEAST with Jennifer Wong – comedy + Korean food at Hurstville Entertainment Centre.
Emerging Artist Share House – 50 artists, one big raw Erskineville sharehouse.
Dorothy in Oz – immersive reimagining of The Wizard of Oz at Marrickville Town Hall.

Fringe Kids Program

School holidays sorted. From bubbles to magic to ABC Kids favourites, Fringe Kids runs all month with a turbo-charged two-week spotlight (27 Sept – 12 Oct).

Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall – toddlers, parents, and prams welcome on the dance floor
The Flying Bubble Show – airborne magic with bubbles everywhere
The Giant Balloon Show – one man, one giant balloon, endless laughs
Snail and Rocks – quirky theatre with critters and charm
Grandpa Poseidon – a watery tale of sea gods and silliness
A One Man Circus – slapstick, tricks, and all the circus chaos in one body
All Star Circus – the big-top energy kids crave
Gone Buggo – insect antics for curious little minds
Swashbuckling Circus – pirates, flips, and plenty of “ahoy!”
Lah-Lah Meets Sydney Youth Orchestra – ABC Kids royalty meets full symphony magic
Academy of Magic – illusions, sleight of hand, and jaw-dropping tricks
Kaboom – explosive fun without the cleanup
Bubble Show in Space – bubbles go intergalactic
The Greatest Magic Show – award-winning tricks with a twist
The Magical World of Crazy Science – experiments that fizz, pop, and wow
Circus: The Show – full-scale spectacle under the Fringe lights
Journal of the Forest – storytelling meets fantasy adventure
Camp Culture – laughs, silliness, and camp chaos
Bubba Licious – baby-friendly comedy joy
Grossed Out Game Show – slime, mess, and squeals guaranteed
A Bee Story – buzzing theatre for the eco-curious
The Gagliardies – Italian clowning, loud and loveable
Mr. Snotbottom – the gross-out comedy king

Photo Credit: Sydney Fringe - Lah-Lah and her band performing live at Sydney Fringe Kids 2025 — a high-energy family show with music, dance, and colourful instruments.

Sustainability Snapshot

Pop-up hubs like Marrickville Town Hall and Bondi Pavilion are re-using community spaces, reducing waste, and embedding accessibility as part of the programming.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Sydney Fringe Festival 2025?
The festival runs from 1–30 September 2025, with events happening across Greater Sydney every day and night of the month.

Where does Sydney Fringe Festival take place?
Events are spread across more than 70 venues and precincts including The Rocks, Newtown, Marrickville, Darlinghurst, Bondi Pavilion, and beyond.

How many shows are in the program?
The 2025 program features over 450 events spanning circus, cabaret, theatre, comedy, dance, wellness, music, and immersive performance.

Is there a kids program?
Yes — Fringe Kids has its own line-up of family shows through September, and a jam-packed two-week school holiday program from 27 Sept to 12 Oct. Think circus, bubbles, storytelling, ABC favourites, and plenty for little imaginations to run wild.

How do I buy tickets for Sydney Fringe?
Tickets can be purchased online via sydneyfringe.com or directly in the Sydney Fringe app, available for download on their website.

Is there a discount if I book multiple shows?
Yes. The 3 Event Ticket Offer lets you save when booking three or more shows at participating Fringe Hubs.

Is Sydney Fringe Festival family-friendly?
Yes. Many shows are suitable for families and children, but always check the event listing. Some hubs also feature specific programs for younger audiences.

Is the festival accessible?
Yes. The Fringe program includes the Limitless Hub at Bondi Pavilion, plus detailed accessibility information for each venue listed online.

Do I need to download the Sydney Fringe app?
It’s highly recommended. The app makes it easy to browse shows, buy tickets, check schedules, and discover hidden pop-ups.

Can I buy tickets at the door?
Tickets can sometimes be purchased at the door if not sold out, but online booking via the app or website is the safest option.

Are concession tickets available?
Yes. Concession pricing is offered for students, pensioners, seniors, Health Care Card holders, and MEAA members.