Feeling Fringey – C&G’s Guide to Melbourne Fringe Festival
Melbourne Fringe Festival returns for another year, showcasing and celebrating all things art and culture in Melbourne. Marking the start of the warmer weather and the time when Melbourne comes to life, the fringe has an exciting program this year. Today, C&G suss out all the highlights, so you can start filling your schedule.
Now in it’s 33rd year, Melbourne Fringe Festival has grown rapidly. Celebrating a range of diverse arts, the festival facilitates participation from artists at all stages of their career. The fringe has built a vibrant community of artistic discovery over the years, and this year is set to be big, with tons of events across the city featuring over 6000 artists.
This year’s Fringe Hub, located in North Melbourne, is the epicentre of all things fringe. Over the two-week period, the hub showcases the best of the best independent artists, from comedy and theatre to contemporary dance and cabaret. Located at the Arts House, Lithuanian Club and Errol’s Café.
The Opening Ceremony at Arts House presents a huge night-long gala event, running until the early hours. Join the dedicated fringe fans for a party to kick the festival off!
Across the city, there’s always something going on for the Fringe. Free tours of Melbourne and the City of Stonnington uncover the city’s arts that you never knew existed, while Federation Square hosts Fringe Film. Short, bold, extraordinary film works open to all. The Simon Says interactive talent show sees some of the festival’s most talented performers take to The Courthouse stage and see how they fare in front of the judges, X Factor style!
This year’s festival isn’t just for adults. The kids program at the Fringe Hub runs daily, before the adult’s nightime events kick off. From physical comedy How to Be a Rockstar, to the Bollywood Express multicultural dance-off, it’s the perfect school holiday activity to keep them entertained.
To close to such a vibrant and eccentric fortnight of arts, the Awards Ceremony and Closing Party celebrates the weeks past, commends the best performances and invites fringers to dance the night away in true Melbourne style.